Breathtaking

Entering UT didn't look that promising, but I was totally wrong.  CO was gorgeous, but UT took my breath away.

I stayed in a youth hostel in my homeland.  My name's Ruth (a Moabite) for all you Bible reading types. :)  One of my dearest friends was driving through the opposite way on the same day so we shared a room and had an adventure.

I found my God to be an magnificent artist, a generous provider, a gracious protector, a merciful Savior, a loving Father, and an everpresent Spirit.

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,

and I am saved from my enemies."

Psalm 18:1-3     

Most Beautiful State

Then I entered the state that wins the gold metal for the all around most beautiful state...CO.  I saw friends in Colorado Springs and stayed with other friends in Manitou Springs.  The hills were an adventure for Linus (my car), but we both survived and had an outrageously good time.  I stayed in an ancient hotel used for a camp, and my friend took me to a local Mate place where everything is organic and the cups are compostable.

I had to see this on my way to the showers.  Above my shower was a sign that said something like this:  "Hey there tiger, tuck in the curtain unless you want the people below you to enjoy your shower too.  There could be consequences like ideas."

I saw many construction cones, mountains, lakes, interesting places, and beautiful things.  My car thanks whoever thought of using tunnels instead of making the road go over some of those hills.

I want to thank all the states that don't use tolls and the people who changed my oil.  Let me just tell you.  It doesn't matter what kind of oil change job a girl gets... If someone vacuums her car and gives her a flower, she'll think it's the best.

Seein' the Scenes

After a few weeks through MN, ND, WI, IL, and IA, I began my road trip across the country going west.  I started in MN and stopped in SD for a couple nights.  I shared in a church and visited some dear friends.  The farmland was incredible, the air was clear, and the people were kind.  Beanbag tossing is fun.

I hugged  IA a bit on my way to NE and had the privilege of using Ethanol in my gas tank for the first time ever.

News for the Day

1.  I chopped off and donated 13+ inches of my hair.

2.  My room is full of boxes and junk because my brother wanted to trade rooms since I'm leaving.

3.  I haven't started packing for my 3 month long road trip and I'm leaving on Saturday.  AHH!

4.  I've installed several of my linguistic/translation programs, and I feel like playing with all the new keyboards and dictionary making programs... sigh.

5.  I've been listening to some serious pounding on our roof all day.  They're re-roofing/siding our entire apartment complex because of hail damage.  Gotta love the Midwest!

6.  I'm having a slumber party tonight with my little cousins (9, 12, 14).

7.  My brother-in-law wins the greatest brother-in-law award!  (see http://dapelofamily.blogspot.com/)

8.  Chacos are the best sandals ever made.

9.  I love salad.

10.  I only have 5 months before I pack my bags for Nigeria!

Things to do when you're 22

What are you "supposed" to do when you're 22?  I just had my birthday.  I don't like birthdays.  I know it's crazy, but they make me cry most of the time.  I think something like this:  "Oh no!  Another year has gone by.  What have I done?"  So I decided to go through a couple of old journals from the past year and share a few things I learned from JUST the first month of being 21.

August 6, 2007 -- My 21st Birthday

August 7 --- I took a phonology test that morning, and I learned that linguistics can be unbelievably difficult.  I actually wrote out the prayer, "I am yours, save me!"  If you have seen the movie Luther, you'll understand the desperation and desire one can have to surrender everything to the Lord... including abilities or lack of... to give Him all the glory.

August 8 --- I wrote out Ecclesiastes 7:23-25.

August 12 --- I heard a friend who was on furlough speak about Christ's example of humility from Ph. 2:1-11.  "The #1 killer of unity is pride!"

August 15 --- Don't compromise, but be willing to.  Learn the value of enjoying life.  I wrote out Eccl. 8:15-17; 11:5.

August 19 --- "Trust & Obey" is a song that went through my head nearly every day that summer.

August 24 --- Someone said this on the radio while I was driving:

"What we know not, teach us.  What we have not, grant us.  What we are not, make us."

August 30 ---  "Lord, help me to keep my eyes focused on you and my motivation Jesus.  I am struggling with various emotions and desires.  I am so uncertain about Africa...probably because I have never been there.  I don't know what to think.  I am so often motivated by love and it's so hard to love something that I don't know anything about.  Sure I'm motivated enough by people... God loves them.  I can very easily love them.  They need Jesus... O Lord, it's yours.  All of it!  Where should I go?  To whom shall I go?  Why should I go?  What should I do?"

September 1 --- "Blessed is the man whom God correct; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

"The only way your powers can become great is by exerting them outside the circle of your own narrow, special, selfish interests.  And that is the reason of Christianity.  Christ came into the world to save others, not to save himself; and no man is a true Christian who does not think constantly of how he can lift his brother, how he can assist his friend, how he can enlighten mankind, how he can make virtue the rule of conduct in the circle in which he live."  --President W. Wilson (1914)

The Kiddos

In the midst of my crazy travels, I was able to get a day in with my sister, bro (in-law), and the kids.  We had a picnic at the park!

   

Pictures taken by and borrowed from Mary Dapelo 

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