Thursday, February 28, 2013

Travel Itinerary

In case you were interested in our activities throughout the next 9-10 days, here is the itinerary:

Thursday, February 28
2:30 p.m. Meet at TIU (Madsen Lot) to load up and head to O’Hare
3:30 p.m. Arrive at O’Hare and check in
6:15 p.m. Flight UA 942 departs for Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Friday, March 1
9:40 a.m. Flight UA 942 arrives in Paris
10:30 a.m. Travel via Paris Metro to St. Christopher’s Inn
11:00 a.m. Arrive at St. Christopher’s Inn... drop off bags and freshen up
11:30 a.m. Eat lunch near the hostel
12:15 a.m. Visit the D’Orsay ($10)/Louvre ($20) and Notre Dame
6:00 p.m. Eat dinner near Notre Dame
8:30 p.m. Return to hostel

Saturday, March 2
7:30 a.m. Breakfast at St. Christopher’s Inn
8:15 a.m. Check out of hostel, store our bags and head to Montmartre and Sacre Couer
12:00 p.m. Lunch in Montmartre
3:15 p.m. Return to St. Christopher’s Inn to collect bags
3:45 p.m. Collect bags and then depart for Gare de Lyon via Metro
4:45 p.m. Arrive Gare de Lyon
5:19 p.m. Depart Gare de Lyon for Macon-Loché via TGV 6195
6:53 p.m. Arrive at the Macon-Loché station
7:09 p.m. Depart from Macon-Loché station to Taizé via Buscéphale
7:41 p.m. Arrive in Taizé... welcome at La Morada
7:45 p.m. Dinner in Taizé

Sunday, March 3 - Friday, March 8
We will enter into the schedule of the Taizé community.

Friday, March 8
1:24 p.m. Depart from Taizé to Macon-Loché station
2:03 p.m. Arrive at Macon-Loché station... grab a snack
2:34 p.m. Depart from Macon-Loché station to Paris via TGV 6972
4:11 p.m. Arrive at Gare de Lyon in Paris
4:30 p.m. Travel to St. Christopher’s Inn via Paris Metro
5:00 p.m. Check in to hostel
5:15 p.m. Head out for dinner and late-night sightseeing at Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysee

Saturday, March 9
8:30 a.m. Breakfast at hostel
9:00 a.m. Check out of hostel
9:15 a.m. Depart for Paris-Charles de Gaulle via Paris Metro
10:15 a.m. Arrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle... check in for flight
12:15 p.m. Lunch in airport terminal
12:40 p.m. Flight UA 943 departs for Chicago O’Hare
3:00 p.m. Flight arrives in Chicago
4:30 p.m. Return to TIU

Bon Voyage

During my freshman year at Trinity International University, I had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Taizé, France. It was truly a life-changing experience for me as I got to participate in Christian community, engage other cultures, and experience personal growth. While considering my options for junior year, I felt a tugging on my heart to return once again to the Taizé community. After a lot of prayerful consideration I applied for the trip and was accepted.

For the next week and a half (February 28 - March 9, 2013) I will be joining a team of students and staff from Trinity to take part in this short-term journey. My time in France will be spent in two places: Paris and Taizé. For the first day and a half and the last day of this trip I will be in Paris. The Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower: I love it all.

france collage2

The majority of this trip, however, takes place in the Taizé community. While there, I will eat, sleep, pray, and study the Bible with other young adults from around the world. My day will consist of three prayer services; small jobs around the grounds; afternoon Bible studies; and a lot of time for personal reflection, walking through the countryside, and/or hanging out with all of the visitors.

france collage3

I am absolutely overjoyed to be returning to this place that holds such significance in my heart. And I would love for you to keep me and those who travel with me in your prayers this week. More specifically, I could use prayers for my health (I have had a cold for the last six days). My team and I also ask that you prayer for safe travels, safety while overseas, and for hearts and minds that are open to whatever the Lord has for us in this season. Thank you all so much!

Friday, February 22, 2013

How He Loves

DSCN3098_edit2

You see this guy? I love him.

This week, when life got busy and I was overwhelmed, he poured out his love. He was not scared away when I cried on the couch, venting my frustrations. He was gracious and understanding when I fell asleep several nights in a row in the middle of our conversations. When I seemed to be near my breaking point, he reminded me of the things that calm me down. He suggested tea, hot showers, books, journaling, and prayer.

I am not used to being known and provided for with that kind of depth and care. The beautiful thing is that is who Adam is. It isn’t an act he puts on, or something he does in special circumstances. He is a loving caregiver to the very core.

I am truly blessed to receive that kind of love every day.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

My Cheesy Valentine

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!

I feel like most people fall into one of two categories when it comes to Valentine’s Day: people who love it and people who hate it. Of course, there are people in the middle and people who change their opinions from year to year depending on situations, but I think the majority of people will align themselves with one of these mentalities. Personally, I love all things Valentine’s (except conversation hearts, because…just, yuck).

**If you don’t like Valentine’s Day, please feel free to ignore this post. It’s full of some lovey dovey cute things and I wouldn’t want you to vomit.

Seriously though, I love giving and receiving cute little cards, eating ALL THE THINGS covered in chocolate, seeing people get flowers and fun care packages. I love the red and pink and hearts everywhere. I think it’s a great reminder to let people know you love them, and I mean all the important people in your life, not just a significant other. And it’s also a good excuse to go out and do something fun and/or fancy.

I appreciate Valentine’s Day even more this year because I have someone absolutely wonderful with which to share it. And as my head was filled with all things lovey dovey in the last two weeks (yes, I was totally in V-Day mode two weeks ago already) I couldn’t help but think of some fun ways to make this holiday a special one. Although we aren’t able to spend the day together (he works, I babysit) we still got to see each other yesterday. So I asked him to officially be my Valentine by giving him a bag of Cheetos with this note:

cheesy valentine

Of course, he said yes. :)

We will also be making dinner together tomorrow, then attending a banquet/fundraiser for the ministries we are both involved in, and then ending the night with some ice skating. So fun!

Question(s) of the Week: How will you be spending your Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite kind of chocolate (since that’s what this holiday is really about, am I right)?

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Dear Friend

What is it that keeps you at a distance? Why the miles and months of separation?

Perhaps it is a lover who has stolen your attention. A golden-haired boy worthy of your affection. A God-fearing man who makes you forget the playmates of your youth. Perhaps your letters to me have been exchanged for poems to him.

Maybe it is a secret that keeps you in hiding. A sin that causes you to turn your face. A story you are not yet ready to tell. Maybe you forgot about your old secret-keeper, your ever-attentive audience.

It matters not what keeps you away, dear friend. I only wish you would find your way back.