Wednesday, January 17, 2007

icy roads, tsunami warnings & snow days

The best word to describe the last several days: "eventful."

My Honda and I do not enjoy driving on ice! On my way to the beach this weekend, my car and I ended up in a ditch. (We also took out a reflecter post; I braced myself for impact, but it fell over as though it were a toothpick.) Thankfully, only my feet suffered from the accident, because I stood in the snow waiting an hour and a half for the tow truck.

I didn't sleep well that night because I was replaying the ice incident in my head and trying to sort out the commotion I was hearing in the hallway:
"We have to evacuate Cannon Beach."
"A Tsunami is coming. The wave could be anywhere from 3 inches to 300 feet high."
"Pack up your things and leave while you can."
And my personal favorite: "A 600 foot wave is going to wipe out Portland."
In reality, there was no Tsunami warning. There were lots of rumors flying.

My iPod was being fussy over the weekend.

A pair of pants at REI that would be AMAZING for my journey cost way too much $$$. (I quickly put them back on the rack)
My carefully constructed snowman was decapitated by a "snow grinch."
Now, I'm sick with a cold.

When I think about all the things I have to accomplish in just 29 days, in combination with these inconveniences, it's easy to feel discouraged. But, when I think about how much Satan doesn't want me to be effective in ministry, I quickly remember the battle I face everyday: spiritual warfare. Satan does not want me to be in Bolivia because he knows I represent The Light. His throne is darkness, in the heart of the red light district of El Alto where women prostitute.

The lamp unto my feet continues to glow, illuminating my path to Bolivia. I will not let these discouragements get the best of me. This is a battle which grows more intense the closer I get to my departure date. I musn't forget to secure my helmet, shield, shoes, sword, or belt.
Will you help me remember to wear my armor? I'm bound to forget it at times, or let it get rusty...

Things aren't all discouraging. I am in awe of how big God is through even more "random" connections. I am humbled by my friends' hospitality. I am challenged by books like "Velvet Elvis." I'm back at home, being taken care of by my incredible parents while I lay on the couch using up a box of ultra soft Kleenex. I am still basking in the luxury of heat, warm showers, my hair dryer, and encouraging conversations with good friends.


Even with all that's on my mind, the snow (not the ice!) makes me smile.

Me, Breanne, Trisha, Alyssa

1 comment:

ryan said...

Lol. this picture makes me smile... and almost shed a tear... but Rambo doesn't ever cry (well, almost never... okay... sometimes never). My first thought when i saw the picture was... "look at those hot ladies playing in the cold snow... i know those people... how cool is that".
i miss you all. it's comforting to know that no matter what, we'll all for certain be together someday... whether here... there... or in the air.