Zion and Bryce were so awe-inspiring. They truly captivate so much of God's unique craftsmanship of the earth. I guess I feel kind of guilty for polluting this earth I am supposed to be taking care of (after all, there is our stewardship of the earth to consider). But I also think about how God calls us to be in community and learn and develop and seek his face. I truly feel that we have already done so much of that in the past two days. Still, maybe next time I will bike across the country (haha).
It has been one of the most beautiful, peaceful days. And I have decided before we get home in a couple weeks to stop at a lake or river and swim in it. Like a random lake or river. Today was our first opportunity.
We approached this reservoir lake thing this afternoon a little ways after we left Bryce Canyon and thought that we should go check it out. Poor Hansel. He didn't even know what we were going to get him into. So we headed down to the lake, wondering if we could even swim in it (which it turns out that we could even though we never did). Anyway, we got Hansel closer to the beach to check it out, trekking over some sand, not too concerned because we saw other vehicles close to the water as well.
We decided that the water was too cold and looked kind of gross and slimy. So we got back into the car to leave. Obviously, the sand had other ideas. We reach this soft sand area and sink right in. I thought we might be able to power through it so I told Malka to rev it up and I would push (like I could be strong enough to actually help). Obviously, we aren't so experienced with car troubles. The car just sunk deeper and deeper. There wasn't really much else to do but get out. And take pictures, of course.
Well then we saw these two girls somewhat younger than us walking towards us from a couple of trucks along the beach near to us. We head over to them hoping to get some answers or help out of our predicament. They too us to their families (who were so sweet). The mothers (and baby) stood with us as we were stranded, and the fathers came out of the water to help us out of our rut (pun very much so intended).
After many exclamations of "Wow," and "He's really in deep," they helped us out of the sand, first trying to hook it to the front of Hansel and then going to the back. They attached it to their truck and pulled us right out of there. Oh my goodness. What a blessing those people were to us. It was so sweet of them to look out for us--to go out of their way to do so. God, please bring many blessings to their lives.
If these were just the first couple days, I can't wait for what is in store to come.
God, may your peace reign in our hearts. Help us to be patient and loving. Keep us calm and hoping in you. May our comfort be challenged (as it already has), and keep us forever seeking your face. You know our stresses and concerns--we give them to you and your all-encompassing love. Keep our bodies safe, yet I pray that we learn to question concepts and ideas that we once thought we were secure in. In all things make us more like you.
And so it is.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Noon time in the Desert
Sitting in a quaint diner in Utah. Jamie is sitting in front of me, sipping coffee, being beautiful.
Jamie said last night was rough. It was awful. And hilarious. I definitely got less than four hours of sleep, between the mormon crickets and the midnight workers in the Walmart parking lot (who knew?) it wasn't what I expected. I broke rule number one (if you recall, no expectations).
There were some really emotional moments yesterday, mostly reactions to songs which have distinct (sometimes beautiful, sometimes painful) memories tied with them. But being enveloped in the majesty of the desert was so okay. It is so okay.
Being reminded that I am really nothing, in the most healthy way of course. I am the small being that Gd named and loves. And I am part of a bigger picture, of longer conversations, landscape photos, and of a new Heaven on earth.
I am convinced that nothing can divide me from the love of Gd found through the incarnation of Himself as Yeshua to teach through life and death and resurrection of how to love.
Isn't that radical? As well as prayer and convicting times, Jamie and I have had some really funny haha moments: (fyi: Jamie is one of my favorite people to laugh with)
*A sign said, "Get your kicks by eating at Dick's" and I thought it read, "bring your kids to eat at Dick's"...
*I put a song by The New Pornographers and because of their name's negative conotation, I call them The New P's. Jamie definitely thought I said the Black Eyed Peas. They sound NOTHING alike and when we finally realized our miscommunication, we were in hysterics...
*There was a huge ant [enter my extreme phobia of ants, the insect (I just asked Jamie what ants were, reptiles? and she said, "no, Malka!" shaking her head)] Anyway, there was this ant, with wings!!! A flying ant! I jumped out of the car like I've never jumped out of a car...
*at the Walmart where spent the night, we walked inside to use the bathroom (don't worry, we didn't buy anything!) and we were standing outside the bathroom door discussing how this should work. Should Jamie go in and brush her teeth, while I wait outside. I thought it would be fine to use the same room- to toilet use and to brush teeth. She was kind of grossed out by that idea, and as it turns out the bathroom had stalls and separate sinks, so Jamie was comfortable and I was chill as well.
*One more Walmart story- at 1am everyone from the town was shopping!? We felt like we were on crazy pills. There was a 12 year old kid who was holding a bottle of wine, as well as a couple trying on shoes. What the heck!?
So as Jamie and I continue on our journey of adventures in a part of America we've never seen, as we heal from this last years circumstances, and as we sit in the presence of a solid friendship and a solid Gd, we are seeking peace and wisdom. We are seeking rest.
And we send a shout out to our friends and families: know that we are thinking of you and praying for sweetness in your lives. Much love.
And so it is...
-Malka
Jamie said last night was rough. It was awful. And hilarious. I definitely got less than four hours of sleep, between the mormon crickets and the midnight workers in the Walmart parking lot (who knew?) it wasn't what I expected. I broke rule number one (if you recall, no expectations).
There were some really emotional moments yesterday, mostly reactions to songs which have distinct (sometimes beautiful, sometimes painful) memories tied with them. But being enveloped in the majesty of the desert was so okay. It is so okay.
Being reminded that I am really nothing, in the most healthy way of course. I am the small being that Gd named and loves. And I am part of a bigger picture, of longer conversations, landscape photos, and of a new Heaven on earth.
I am convinced that nothing can divide me from the love of Gd found through the incarnation of Himself as Yeshua to teach through life and death and resurrection of how to love.
Isn't that radical? As well as prayer and convicting times, Jamie and I have had some really funny haha moments: (fyi: Jamie is one of my favorite people to laugh with)
*A sign said, "Get your kicks by eating at Dick's" and I thought it read, "bring your kids to eat at Dick's"...
*I put a song by The New Pornographers and because of their name's negative conotation, I call them The New P's. Jamie definitely thought I said the Black Eyed Peas. They sound NOTHING alike and when we finally realized our miscommunication, we were in hysterics...
*There was a huge ant [enter my extreme phobia of ants, the insect (I just asked Jamie what ants were, reptiles? and she said, "no, Malka!" shaking her head)] Anyway, there was this ant, with wings!!! A flying ant! I jumped out of the car like I've never jumped out of a car...
*at the Walmart where spent the night, we walked inside to use the bathroom (don't worry, we didn't buy anything!) and we were standing outside the bathroom door discussing how this should work. Should Jamie go in and brush her teeth, while I wait outside. I thought it would be fine to use the same room- to toilet use and to brush teeth. She was kind of grossed out by that idea, and as it turns out the bathroom had stalls and separate sinks, so Jamie was comfortable and I was chill as well.
*One more Walmart story- at 1am everyone from the town was shopping!? We felt like we were on crazy pills. There was a 12 year old kid who was holding a bottle of wine, as well as a couple trying on shoes. What the heck!?
So as Jamie and I continue on our journey of adventures in a part of America we've never seen, as we heal from this last years circumstances, and as we sit in the presence of a solid friendship and a solid Gd, we are seeking peace and wisdom. We are seeking rest.
And we send a shout out to our friends and families: know that we are thinking of you and praying for sweetness in your lives. Much love.
And so it is...
-Malka
In the Beginning
Some amazing things have happened.
My car has now been named Hansel (he's so hot right now). Mostly because he was overheating for reals. I really hope he makes it across the country and back. Nevada was tough for the guy today. It was so hot...
It was so good to see Grandma, though. I'm really glad that we made the decision to visit her. I didn't really even think about it before we got there (because we changed our whole route of travel yesterday). But I am so happy that we decided to. I love Grandma.
I am really trying hard not to have any expectations—just take it one step at a time. It was a good first day—God let us have amazing days to come.
There was so much beauty in the desert today. I love all landscapes, and the desert is one that is near and dear to my heart. The different shapes of the dunes and the many cacti, the myriad of colors. Just space and shapes and distortion of time and heat. And yet somehow life. I love it.
The night in the car was rough, but I love it as part of the experience. Running on little to no sleep I seem to appreciate so much of who God is and the power he has.
Zion was so beautiful. Talking with Malka about creation and the comfort of knowing that our God is the God who made all these beautiful things. It's just so amazing. And now that we are past Nevada somewhat, it isn't so hot. The smell here reminds me of the all church retreat, and brings back some great memories while I make new ones. Sufjan Stevens will forever be linked with beautiful country.
And Charlotte and Kim, I can't wait to start those books! I just don't want to miss anything on the road, so I have hit a major dilemma--when will I have the time to read them? I promise to start them both, though. They seem life changing.
Thanks God for all your wonderful works. We are truly blessed by you. Keep us in your presence and under your wing. Open our eyes to your influence and majesty. In all ways may we bless your holy name. And so it is.
My car has now been named Hansel (he's so hot right now). Mostly because he was overheating for reals. I really hope he makes it across the country and back. Nevada was tough for the guy today. It was so hot...
It was so good to see Grandma, though. I'm really glad that we made the decision to visit her. I didn't really even think about it before we got there (because we changed our whole route of travel yesterday). But I am so happy that we decided to. I love Grandma.
I am really trying hard not to have any expectations—just take it one step at a time. It was a good first day—God let us have amazing days to come.
There was so much beauty in the desert today. I love all landscapes, and the desert is one that is near and dear to my heart. The different shapes of the dunes and the many cacti, the myriad of colors. Just space and shapes and distortion of time and heat. And yet somehow life. I love it.
The night in the car was rough, but I love it as part of the experience. Running on little to no sleep I seem to appreciate so much of who God is and the power he has.
Zion was so beautiful. Talking with Malka about creation and the comfort of knowing that our God is the God who made all these beautiful things. It's just so amazing. And now that we are past Nevada somewhat, it isn't so hot. The smell here reminds me of the all church retreat, and brings back some great memories while I make new ones. Sufjan Stevens will forever be linked with beautiful country.
And Charlotte and Kim, I can't wait to start those books! I just don't want to miss anything on the road, so I have hit a major dilemma--when will I have the time to read them? I promise to start them both, though. They seem life changing.
Thanks God for all your wonderful works. We are truly blessed by you. Keep us in your presence and under your wing. Open our eyes to your influence and majesty. In all ways may we bless your holy name. And so it is.
Friday, July 17, 2009
the night before the adventure begins...
Away We Go.
That is an excellent movie by the way. But, no. I am not pregnant, (movie spoiler ahead!) nor am I traveling to places like Canada with my boyfriend reminiscing over my dead parents.
Instead, Jamie and I are taking her white sedan, packing it with goldfish, clothes, toothbrushes, water and good music and hitting the road to Chicago. We have some family, but mostly friends. And we have very little money. A lot of heart. There are some nat'l monuments along the way...did I mention we have time? We have time to do whatever we want (just as long as we're back in SD for VBS...)
Jamie and I have had rough years each, and this summer- to experience America in different light. And to be alone, with each other, we can laugh and we can pray.
I have two motto's for traveling and they are:
never have expectations for the journey ahead.
always pack a dress, underwear and a hammer.
I hope we're going to take tons of pictures and try an keep in touch (depending on how many Starbucks there are along the way, for internet and coffee...oh corporations, oh compromise).
But for now it is sleep and excitement...
-Malka
That is an excellent movie by the way. But, no. I am not pregnant, (movie spoiler ahead!) nor am I traveling to places like Canada with my boyfriend reminiscing over my dead parents.
Instead, Jamie and I are taking her white sedan, packing it with goldfish, clothes, toothbrushes, water and good music and hitting the road to Chicago. We have some family, but mostly friends. And we have very little money. A lot of heart. There are some nat'l monuments along the way...did I mention we have time? We have time to do whatever we want (just as long as we're back in SD for VBS...)
Jamie and I have had rough years each, and this summer- to experience America in different light. And to be alone, with each other, we can laugh and we can pray.
I have two motto's for traveling and they are:
never have expectations for the journey ahead.
always pack a dress, underwear and a hammer.
I hope we're going to take tons of pictures and try an keep in touch (depending on how many Starbucks there are along the way, for internet and coffee...oh corporations, oh compromise).
But for now it is sleep and excitement...
-Malka
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