Woah. Just...woah. I'm sorry I haven't been posting. This first week has been really hectic, what with all the homeworks I have this semester that I didn't have last semester. BUT! I am sooooo happy with all my classes. I'm taking French, Italian, the Social Psychology of Stereotyping, Public Diplomacy, and East African Popular Culture. But I might drop the East African one. Because the professor's voice puts me to sleep, and I don't feel like putting in all that effort to stay awake. Plus, it cuts my lunchtime down to zero.
FYI, having a French class and an Italian class back to back is really confusing. If you're going to take two languages, make sure they're not both romance languages. You end up speaking Frenchtalian, or Spançais, or Latspagnol....it's all very confusing. But, in my French class we're reading an Asterix and Obelix book, which makes the class all the more awesome. I'm also enrolled in a lifeguard training class, which means I could get a lifeguarding job this summer. Woot for monies. Point being, that this semester is going awesomely!
Let me just take a minute to give a shout out to my otter Daniel, who just got his first college acceptance!!! POP CHAMPAGNE! Ah, the days of being a high school senior. I think the first college acceptance is the best. Then comes your first choice. Lucky for Daniel, it seems that it was both!
Anyways, the winter in Massachusetts has been great. No, I'm serious. We have no snow right now. It's amazing, I love it, thank the Lord. It rained today, but it wasn't too bad. I mean, compared to Kinshasa, it was drizzling, but people still carried umbrellas. I chilled and did homework most of the day, while jammin' to my girl Alicia Keys. And some Motown thrown in there too. What can I say? I was in a jazzy mood.
In a few weeks, my mom will be coming up to Boston for the recruiting fair, and so will my godmother, and a good friend of ours. My godbrother might also be coming up to visit. It's going to be a big ol' reunion! After which, I will visit Oberlin College, and submit my application. Pray for me, guys. I really want to get into this school.
Well, I have more homework to do, so I will blog later. Deuces!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
*title goes here*
Today was an interesting day. I woke up earlier than I normally would (around 0800) so I could ideally go to a state park with a buddy of mine named Nathan. All was fine and dandy until we actually started trying to do things that were on our list. First, I was to meet him in one of our admin buildings so he could register for squatter's rights on a suite next year for me, him and one of his buddies (I've yet to find a roomate). Turns out, he can't do this until the 16th of February... It's a first come, first served madhouse idea and he has a class until 0830... That's 30 min after registration starts... Frustrating. Secondly, the idea was to go to the park. That would have worked but the battery in Nathan's car was dead. So we pulled out his handy-dandy trickle charger and set it up on the car for an hour or so trying at various times to start the car. None of them worked so we began to spam all our car owning friends with messages and calls to try and get someone to jump his car. This whole time it's rather brisk outside. Finally Nathan get a hold of one of his friends and she agrees to come jump the car. But it's parked in a spot with no access points. So what is there to do but back it out? Right? Right. As previously mentioned, the car will not start so we have to push. Not a big deal right? We're both rugby players, it's in our job description. Did I mention Nathan has a post-op surgical boot on one of his feet so he can't push? No? ok. Well it's true. So I have to push his Subaru out of the parking spot and a bit through the parking lot. Only, to prevent blocking traffic we (I) had to move it forwards so we (he) could straighten it out. This required pushing his car up a hill... 30 feet later he says stop and sets the brake. Five minutes later his friend shows up and we get a jump. We go to park and all is well, then we go through the Wendy's drive-through on the way back and also stop at Hasting's Movie store. Cool place, lots of movies. Upon re-entering the car, I attempt to start it, nothing. Nathan and I looked at each other with a mild sense of disbelief and a strong urge to murder a small mammal. I tried the key again and it worked. I looked back at Nathan and said simply: "I think God wants me to go to class today". So I did, it was boring, and now I must study. But I thought you all might like to hear that little tale. And remember kids: God wants YOU to go to class.
Also, I'm blogging in the time I would normally be in my fitness class. The teacher didn't show so I got free, free time!!! Yay!
Also, I'm blogging in the time I would normally be in my fitness class. The teacher didn't show so I got free, free time!!! Yay!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
It hath been posted.
So. Right now I'm doing a health class online. it's a good thing I can type and listen at the same time. Not that reducing the risk of colon cancer through regular exercise isn't the most interesting thing in the world... But in the mean time I'll tell you about my weekend and other things happening.
The idea was to go to a mixer on Saturday night after I saw a play. It was a very funny play and I commend those who I know worked on it. They put it together in less than 24 hours! That's dedication. Then, on to the mixer right? Wrong. Turns out, the Sorority we were going to "mix" (?) with also invited the football team... They didn't know we (the rugby team) were coming and they weren't all that nice about it. So we couldn't get in... I'm not convinced I missed anything worth while but it was a surprise. So my buddy Nathan and I went to McDonalds and hung out for a good while in his suite.
And that's all I really have to say at this point. Kind of updating for updating's sake. And remember kids: Zombie Rule #9 Batter Up. "Zombie down. Keep a large, blunt object nearby and ready to swing at all times. A bat, crowbar, or sturdy tree limb usually works nicely"
The idea was to go to a mixer on Saturday night after I saw a play. It was a very funny play and I commend those who I know worked on it. They put it together in less than 24 hours! That's dedication. Then, on to the mixer right? Wrong. Turns out, the Sorority we were going to "mix" (?) with also invited the football team... They didn't know we (the rugby team) were coming and they weren't all that nice about it. So we couldn't get in... I'm not convinced I missed anything worth while but it was a surprise. So my buddy Nathan and I went to McDonalds and hung out for a good while in his suite.
And that's all I really have to say at this point. Kind of updating for updating's sake. And remember kids: Zombie Rule #9 Batter Up. "Zombie down. Keep a large, blunt object nearby and ready to swing at all times. A bat, crowbar, or sturdy tree limb usually works nicely"
Thursday, January 19, 2012
I had Christmas down in Africa!
I suppose it's time that I blog about my experience back home. Let me just say- it was amazing. I loved being home, seeing my family, seeing my boyfriend, but I think one of the things I really loved, was being back in the country of the DRC. (No, that's not the Dominican Republic. I get that a lot.) It never dropped below, let's say, 76 or 80 while I was there. It was sunny most of the time. I could wear shorts, and my two-piece in the middle of December. Anyways, what I'm trying to get at is that I loved being back.
So! Let me think. Oh yes. The day I left. Just so you all know, I am a horrible packer. I always pack too much, or my suitcase is too heavy. So this time, I was determined to make it under 50 lbs. And I did! I got to the airport early, I was bouncing with happiness! And then when I got to the counter, the clerk checked in my one bag, gave me my ticket, and just as I was walking away, said, "I think your carry-on is too heavy". My immediate reaction was "LOL no it's not. I weighed it, 'foo." Buuuuut then she said that my carry on and my personal item were only allowed to weigh 12 pounds. Together. O_O So yeah. I think, as an international traveler, the most humiliating thing you can be made to do is unpack your entire suitcase at the check-in counter. Just sayin'. But I was determined not to let anything ruin my mood. I was going home!! I unpacked, re-packed, packed-in, packed-up....and ended up just checking my carry on anyways. I had my shoulder bag, and that's what I needed. I met up with an old friend in the airport, got my last Starbucks before getting on the plane, and despite all the caffeine in my system, the minute the wheels were up, I was out. I slept for most of the plane ride (I always do, it's a skill.) and then I watched a movie, and went back to sleep.
We touched down in Paris at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m. when none of the shops are open. Let me explain something for those of you who have never traveled to Africa. In each airport that is in Europe, there is what we TCK's endearingly call 'The Africa Terminal'. This terminal is the crappiest in the whole airport. They kind of stick you in there, with a very limited amount of things to do, and an even more limited amount of space to roam. But, you get used to it and it really isn't so bad. I plugged in my computer and alternated between sleep and facebook until it was time for my flight to Congo, by which time I couldn't stop smiling. People must have thought I was crazy. This flight, I slept most of the way again, but when they told us 5 minutes to touchdown I was WIDE awake. And grinning. Again.
We touched down and I immediately texted my mom and my boyfriend (who had come to pick me up at the airport), forgetting that the president had banned texting in a preemptive effort to stop election violence. The minute I stepped off the plane, I knew I was home, because...the heat...the sweat....holy crap. Massachusetts winter ≠ Congo summer. But I was wearing light clothes, so it wasn't too bad. I flew through customs, got my own bags (protocol didn't show), and ran outside to where my mom and my boyfriend's dad were waiting. After hugging them both and heading over to the car, I saw my - you know what, I'm tired of typing 'boyfriend'. His name is Daniel, not to be confused with Josh's Daniel who is much too young for me. Anyways, Daniel and his sister were waiting for me by the car, and after huge hugs from the both of them, we were headed home. They both slept over on campus that night, one at my house one at my brother's house. I must say, it was an awesome homecoming indeed.
The rest of break was great, as well. I had a reunion lunch with a bunch of people from my senior class that was nice, we all missed each other, I think. Christmas morning I woke up super early, but I knew something was wrong with my mom because it was 10 a.m. and she still wasn't out of bed. She was sick, but she got out of bed to open her presents anyways, which was nice of her. I think she loved them. I had Christmas dinner at Daniel's house, which was interesting. Diplomats and army guys...anyways, I dressed up - I love to dress up. Giving him his Christmas presents was also pretty cool. Then my brother (Alykhan) and I hosted a New Year's party, with half of the festivities being at his house, but the countdown and (fake) champagne poppage at the pool. The girls (my brother's girlfriend Jennifer and our friend Clarissa) spent the night at my house, while the boys (that Josh mentioned) spent the night at my brother's house. We were up until a good 4:30 in the morning. It was a hectic few days, but it was all pretty awesome. My other brother (Nat) came home a couple days after New Years (he had been evacuated because of elections). It was nice to see him. A week later, school started for my high-school buddies, and a week after that, it was time for me to head back to Amherst.
The Friday before I left, Me, two of my three brothers, Daniel's sister Kaity, and I went out for dinner at a shmancy restau' called Limoncello, with an evening at a lounge called Spice afterwards. It was all pretty nice, we had a good time, laughing and talking the entire time. Then on Sunday, I went to Daniel's house and said my goodbyes, sobbed a bit because I was (and still am) confused about my life, and headed to the airport both Daniel and my mom. Right as they called me for boarding, I burst into tears again, but once I got on the plane I was okay. I remember what Daniel said to me: "Keep your chin up." and I've been trying to do just that.
Being back isn't so bad. It snowed the night I got in, but it melted the next day. I'm still counting down the weeks until I can go home again, but hey, it works for me.
A little note about going home after you've been at college for a bit: I think you tend to appreciate everything more. Especially your family. It was nice being able to see my mom, get home cooked meals (NOT Sodexo!) and even arguing with her all felt so familiar. It was nice to see my little array of people I call my family: my brothers, Alykhan, Nat, and Josh, my sister Kaity, and my boyfriend Daniel...the people that matter to you...maybe it's just me, but I guess you really realize how good something was when it's gone, and it makes you appreciate it so much more when you get it back. Even my dog and cat seemed nicer to me, haha.
Anyways, last semester was sort of disastrous, but...it's 2012!! and I am determined to look at this year with a positive note. It's going to be hard, but I'm going to put in all that I can to make it work. My schedule is hectic with several back to back schedules, but I'm sure that I can manage it. Daniel encourages me: "If anyone can make it through, it's you." So...I'm remaining positive.
I know it's been a long post, but let me just end with a quote I came up with a while back, that I still like to remember from time to time: "Carpe Diem. No time for regrets."
So! Let me think. Oh yes. The day I left. Just so you all know, I am a horrible packer. I always pack too much, or my suitcase is too heavy. So this time, I was determined to make it under 50 lbs. And I did! I got to the airport early, I was bouncing with happiness! And then when I got to the counter, the clerk checked in my one bag, gave me my ticket, and just as I was walking away, said, "I think your carry-on is too heavy". My immediate reaction was "LOL no it's not. I weighed it, 'foo." Buuuuut then she said that my carry on and my personal item were only allowed to weigh 12 pounds. Together. O_O So yeah. I think, as an international traveler, the most humiliating thing you can be made to do is unpack your entire suitcase at the check-in counter. Just sayin'. But I was determined not to let anything ruin my mood. I was going home!! I unpacked, re-packed, packed-in, packed-up....and ended up just checking my carry on anyways. I had my shoulder bag, and that's what I needed. I met up with an old friend in the airport, got my last Starbucks before getting on the plane, and despite all the caffeine in my system, the minute the wheels were up, I was out. I slept for most of the plane ride (I always do, it's a skill.) and then I watched a movie, and went back to sleep.
We touched down in Paris at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m. when none of the shops are open. Let me explain something for those of you who have never traveled to Africa. In each airport that is in Europe, there is what we TCK's endearingly call 'The Africa Terminal'. This terminal is the crappiest in the whole airport. They kind of stick you in there, with a very limited amount of things to do, and an even more limited amount of space to roam. But, you get used to it and it really isn't so bad. I plugged in my computer and alternated between sleep and facebook until it was time for my flight to Congo, by which time I couldn't stop smiling. People must have thought I was crazy. This flight, I slept most of the way again, but when they told us 5 minutes to touchdown I was WIDE awake. And grinning. Again.
We touched down and I immediately texted my mom and my boyfriend (who had come to pick me up at the airport), forgetting that the president had banned texting in a preemptive effort to stop election violence. The minute I stepped off the plane, I knew I was home, because...the heat...the sweat....holy crap. Massachusetts winter ≠ Congo summer. But I was wearing light clothes, so it wasn't too bad. I flew through customs, got my own bags (protocol didn't show), and ran outside to where my mom and my boyfriend's dad were waiting. After hugging them both and heading over to the car, I saw my - you know what, I'm tired of typing 'boyfriend'. His name is Daniel, not to be confused with Josh's Daniel who is much too young for me. Anyways, Daniel and his sister were waiting for me by the car, and after huge hugs from the both of them, we were headed home. They both slept over on campus that night, one at my house one at my brother's house. I must say, it was an awesome homecoming indeed.
The rest of break was great, as well. I had a reunion lunch with a bunch of people from my senior class that was nice, we all missed each other, I think. Christmas morning I woke up super early, but I knew something was wrong with my mom because it was 10 a.m. and she still wasn't out of bed. She was sick, but she got out of bed to open her presents anyways, which was nice of her. I think she loved them. I had Christmas dinner at Daniel's house, which was interesting. Diplomats and army guys...anyways, I dressed up - I love to dress up. Giving him his Christmas presents was also pretty cool. Then my brother (Alykhan) and I hosted a New Year's party, with half of the festivities being at his house, but the countdown and (fake) champagne poppage at the pool. The girls (my brother's girlfriend Jennifer and our friend Clarissa) spent the night at my house, while the boys (that Josh mentioned) spent the night at my brother's house. We were up until a good 4:30 in the morning. It was a hectic few days, but it was all pretty awesome. My other brother (Nat) came home a couple days after New Years (he had been evacuated because of elections). It was nice to see him. A week later, school started for my high-school buddies, and a week after that, it was time for me to head back to Amherst.
The Friday before I left, Me, two of my three brothers, Daniel's sister Kaity, and I went out for dinner at a shmancy restau' called Limoncello, with an evening at a lounge called Spice afterwards. It was all pretty nice, we had a good time, laughing and talking the entire time. Then on Sunday, I went to Daniel's house and said my goodbyes, sobbed a bit because I was (and still am) confused about my life, and headed to the airport both Daniel and my mom. Right as they called me for boarding, I burst into tears again, but once I got on the plane I was okay. I remember what Daniel said to me: "Keep your chin up." and I've been trying to do just that.
Being back isn't so bad. It snowed the night I got in, but it melted the next day. I'm still counting down the weeks until I can go home again, but hey, it works for me.
A little note about going home after you've been at college for a bit: I think you tend to appreciate everything more. Especially your family. It was nice being able to see my mom, get home cooked meals (NOT Sodexo!) and even arguing with her all felt so familiar. It was nice to see my little array of people I call my family: my brothers, Alykhan, Nat, and Josh, my sister Kaity, and my boyfriend Daniel...the people that matter to you...maybe it's just me, but I guess you really realize how good something was when it's gone, and it makes you appreciate it so much more when you get it back. Even my dog and cat seemed nicer to me, haha.
Anyways, last semester was sort of disastrous, but...it's 2012!! and I am determined to look at this year with a positive note. It's going to be hard, but I'm going to put in all that I can to make it work. My schedule is hectic with several back to back schedules, but I'm sure that I can manage it. Daniel encourages me: "If anyone can make it through, it's you." So...I'm remaining positive.
I know it's been a long post, but let me just end with a quote I came up with a while back, that I still like to remember from time to time: "Carpe Diem. No time for regrets."
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Congressionaly non-censored post
Boy is it cold. I believe the high today is 33* Fahrenheit or 273.70556 Kelvin or 0.55556 Celsius for you European types. Either way, that's cold. And the only way I'll tolerate cold is if I can play ice hockey. They don't have that here. They don't even have a rink. The coldest city in Missouri and we don't even have an ice rink... This is just wrong. Can one of you Canadian types please ship me an ice rink? I'd love to have one. Please and thank you.
But in the mean time, I think I may have found a possible summer job working at a Christian youth camp in TX. Not bad eh? The only problem is that I"d like to goo back to Kinshasa sometime between now and August but this camp is all summer and I don't know if they'd let me back on if I left. So I'll have to do a bit more research into it and hope things work out. I thinkit would be awesome if I got a job there because then I'd be able to serve God AND make some summer money AND have fun. Anything wrong with that? Didn't think so.
Also, Rugby practice has begun again. We've got a lot of new guys coming out and it looks to be a good season. Problem is, practice is on Tuesday and Thursday after my high intensity interval training class for health... I'm in a bit of pain today. Everything from my knees down is either on fire or numb. The price I pay for some things makes me wonder why I do them... But then I remember "Akia-Kaha" Forever Strong. Gotta work hard to get anywhere. Bring it on!
And on a final note. Maybe some of you heard about my little brother Daniel already but if not here's what happened. He dropped a glass coke bottle on the floor at our home in Kinshasa and a piece of it sliced his leg quite deeply and he had to be rushed to the hospital through terrible traffic and was treated at a sketchy clinic. All is well and God provided perfectly for the needs that needed met. Thanks for your prayers guys!
But in the mean time, I think I may have found a possible summer job working at a Christian youth camp in TX. Not bad eh? The only problem is that I"d like to goo back to Kinshasa sometime between now and August but this camp is all summer and I don't know if they'd let me back on if I left. So I'll have to do a bit more research into it and hope things work out. I thinkit would be awesome if I got a job there because then I'd be able to serve God AND make some summer money AND have fun. Anything wrong with that? Didn't think so.
Also, Rugby practice has begun again. We've got a lot of new guys coming out and it looks to be a good season. Problem is, practice is on Tuesday and Thursday after my high intensity interval training class for health... I'm in a bit of pain today. Everything from my knees down is either on fire or numb. The price I pay for some things makes me wonder why I do them... But then I remember "Akia-Kaha" Forever Strong. Gotta work hard to get anywhere. Bring it on!
And on a final note. Maybe some of you heard about my little brother Daniel already but if not here's what happened. He dropped a glass coke bottle on the floor at our home in Kinshasa and a piece of it sliced his leg quite deeply and he had to be rushed to the hospital through terrible traffic and was treated at a sketchy clinic. All is well and God provided perfectly for the needs that needed met. Thanks for your prayers guys!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Diamonds and Stones
Hey all!
So the last time I posted was around Christmas time, so here’s my new post of 2012! I am now back at Colby College doing something we call “JanPlan” which is where you take one class for a month. It has been an absolutely fantastic couple of weeks because I love my course and my state, Maine, has finally got some snow!!! Hello skiing, sledding, and skating! I am very happy with life right now. =] However, I decided I might do a little rant about something I’ve noticed in this term. JanPlan is well known for being the party month, the restful month, and the month to make as many friends as possible, as well as work on those relationships you may have neglected in the stress of first semester. I have been eating meals and spending time with old and new friends, and I’m having an absolute blast doing it! The drawback, however, is when I step back and wonder what will happen when I stop having as much free time as I do now. It seems inevitable that some of my newly made friendships are going to suffer, and it’s up to me to determine which ones are worth holding on to. I certainly will keep in touch with most people that I have met, having lunch with them from time to time, and perhaps even sitting with them in class, but I feel pressured to devote my time to a dozen or so meaningful relationships than spread myself thin over 50 surface friends. I absolutely love meeting new people, but I don’t want to be the girl that sacrifices her true friendships in the process of boosting my number of Facebook friends. I found a quote online that warns us not to lose our diamonds while we’re looking for stones which makes me worry that maybe I have been sacrificing too much by fluttering around. I spend most of my spare time trying to memorize names or adding new numbers in my phone instead of hanging out and keeping in touch with some of my greatest friends. I’m not talking about just college. All of my life I have enjoyed just putting myself out there, but sometimes I think I let some real treasures escape in the process. I’ll never know how many. The real friends I value from my past are those that stayed with me, and I realize that several of them felt my cold shoulder every now and then while I was too busy making new friends to spend time with them. I’d like to think it’s something about me that I can’t help, but the truth is that we’re all social butterflies. We all love to jump around from friend to friend, meeting new people, and having new conversations; but we can't forget the true gems that we have waiting for us. The whole quote says, "Never take someone for granted. Hold every person close to your heart because you might wake up one day and realize that you've lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones." And for me? Some of the diamonds I’ve found are worth all of the stones in the world, and I pray to God that I never lose them.
So the last time I posted was around Christmas time, so here’s my new post of 2012! I am now back at Colby College doing something we call “JanPlan” which is where you take one class for a month. It has been an absolutely fantastic couple of weeks because I love my course and my state, Maine, has finally got some snow!!! Hello skiing, sledding, and skating! I am very happy with life right now. =] However, I decided I might do a little rant about something I’ve noticed in this term. JanPlan is well known for being the party month, the restful month, and the month to make as many friends as possible, as well as work on those relationships you may have neglected in the stress of first semester. I have been eating meals and spending time with old and new friends, and I’m having an absolute blast doing it! The drawback, however, is when I step back and wonder what will happen when I stop having as much free time as I do now. It seems inevitable that some of my newly made friendships are going to suffer, and it’s up to me to determine which ones are worth holding on to. I certainly will keep in touch with most people that I have met, having lunch with them from time to time, and perhaps even sitting with them in class, but I feel pressured to devote my time to a dozen or so meaningful relationships than spread myself thin over 50 surface friends. I absolutely love meeting new people, but I don’t want to be the girl that sacrifices her true friendships in the process of boosting my number of Facebook friends. I found a quote online that warns us not to lose our diamonds while we’re looking for stones which makes me worry that maybe I have been sacrificing too much by fluttering around. I spend most of my spare time trying to memorize names or adding new numbers in my phone instead of hanging out and keeping in touch with some of my greatest friends. I’m not talking about just college. All of my life I have enjoyed just putting myself out there, but sometimes I think I let some real treasures escape in the process. I’ll never know how many. The real friends I value from my past are those that stayed with me, and I realize that several of them felt my cold shoulder every now and then while I was too busy making new friends to spend time with them. I’d like to think it’s something about me that I can’t help, but the truth is that we’re all social butterflies. We all love to jump around from friend to friend, meeting new people, and having new conversations; but we can't forget the true gems that we have waiting for us. The whole quote says, "Never take someone for granted. Hold every person close to your heart because you might wake up one day and realize that you've lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones." And for me? Some of the diamonds I’ve found are worth all of the stones in the world, and I pray to God that I never lose them.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
A new end, a new beginning.
Wow! My weekend was amazing!! I thought it would be nice to kick this year off right and on Friday I went to a B.S.U men's retreat for 3 days. What a blast. Guns, meat, brothers, mice, bugs and Sasquatch (maybe?). But I think the highlight of it was the time I was able to spend with God and my brothers in Christ. It's an indescribable experience really. It was a great time for me to focus on God and know what he wants for me now and I'm sure the guys would agree. But now I'm back and I feel that I'm ready to face the world out there because God's with me and I'm nothing without him. I really can't explain this guys. It's incredible!
And on a side note: I just ate an entire medium pizza from Dominoes. I'm not sure why other than I was missing almost 12 hours of food and I was incredibly hungry. Now I'm full and incredibly thirsty. I need some water or something. No soda during season.... That is all. Good night and enjoy MLK day!!!!
And on a side note: I just ate an entire medium pizza from Dominoes. I'm not sure why other than I was missing almost 12 hours of food and I was incredibly hungry. Now I'm full and incredibly thirsty. I need some water or something. No soda during season.... That is all. Good night and enjoy MLK day!!!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Home is where I want to be.
"Well, I'm home." - Sam Wise Gamgee. Couldn't have said it better myself. I don't know what it is about this semester but I feel great about it! I think I can largely attribute it to the emotional, physical and spiritual re-charge I got over Christmas break. So good! I got to see almost all of my old friends and we hung out at our old stomping grounds, but what I think really did it for me, was the time I spent with my family. My Mom and I still talk and such like good friends, Emily is the best little sister ever and I'm glad that we've stopped fighting so much, Daniel, man, well, he's a red-headed son of a missions wife so he's going to be special in all sorts of awesome ways. And then there's my dad. I think I went through a period of time when I didn't really appreciate what he did for us and the effort it took and I'm not proud of it, but in recent months I feel like I've come to understand who he is and just how much he has helped me and worked hard so that I can goo to this school and type these things and do what I want to do to become who I want to be. He's an amazing man and father. My family is one of a kind and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Where ever they are I think will always be home for me. But I also live here in the U.S of A. and this is my home as well. They say that home is where the hear is and I would agree. The thing is, I've had the luxury of living many different places and I love almost every single one of them. If I could live everywhere, I would. But I also could be happy living in one place. Such is the life of a TCK.
And now here is a little something I wrote in Kinshasa with te intention of posting, but I forgot with all that was going on. I'll let you know when I'm typing in the present again.
"My trip over here was eventful to put it mildly. It all started when I woke up on Saturday morning thinking my plane left St. Louis U.S.A at 3:00pm. Something prompted me to re-check my schedule and I found the my plane did not leave at that time, but it left at 12:00pm. At this point, I look at the clock and note that it is 10:45am. And using the fastest times I've ever had I get 30 min to pack two bags, 20 min to the airport, 10 min to check in, 10 min walking through the airport, 20-40 min for security and then maybe I'll get there on time. Do the math and that's nearly two hours... and 10:45am plus two hours is much later than 12:00pm. So due to my inability to control the space time continuum in a manner that would not effect everyone adversely I missed my flight to Washington D.C. Fortunately, that's a popular location and there was another flight out there soon enough for me to make it on and also make my connection in D.C to Brussels. After paying $70 to the nice man at the kiosk and booking it to my gate I assumed I was out of the weather. Come to find out, I was only going to have around 15 min in the D.C airport to get to my gate. I don't know how many readers out there have been in this particular airport but it's MASSIVE with a capital big." (back to 2012) so yeah. Big airport, no time, running like a scared tourist with a illegal souvenir. Fortunately for me, I don't panic easily so I made it there quickly and on time. the rest of the flight went smoothly and I arrived in Kinshasa unscathed and sleep deprived. That's when I learned they had lost my luggage... Three days later, I got it and all was well.
During the trip I had to many adventures to count so I'll talk about one of the biggest: The New Years Eve Party. Oh man do we know how to party. Passion fruits, dancing the can-can, fooze-ball, pool, swimming, countdowns, movies, food and more food. It was insane! I have my good buddy Alykhan to thank for it. Along with Daniel, Michael, J.D, Momo, and, to a lesser exstent Amilio and Arman. Thanks guys! I didn't mention the girls because I'll leave that to Shanti. Can't let me have all the fun.
The flight home was ok I guess. Boring and long. I got the St. Louis and guess what?! My luggage was missing!!! Yes. I lost my luggage both ways... I don't know what it is about my bag in particular but they like to not put them on the plane. Perhaps to look through my things and take the cool stuff. I lost an electric razor and two sets of headphones on the way there... Not cool. And I know it's an American worker who did it because they got past my TSA locks... Just goes to show that it's not the location that makes people corrupt. It's the person.
On a lighter note. I'm done with homework for the night and tomorrow is looking good so I'll sign off with this: Home is where the heart is, but my heart is where I want to be.
And now here is a little something I wrote in Kinshasa with te intention of posting, but I forgot with all that was going on. I'll let you know when I'm typing in the present again.
"My trip over here was eventful to put it mildly. It all started when I woke up on Saturday morning thinking my plane left St. Louis U.S.A at 3:00pm. Something prompted me to re-check my schedule and I found the my plane did not leave at that time, but it left at 12:00pm. At this point, I look at the clock and note that it is 10:45am. And using the fastest times I've ever had I get 30 min to pack two bags, 20 min to the airport, 10 min to check in, 10 min walking through the airport, 20-40 min for security and then maybe I'll get there on time. Do the math and that's nearly two hours... and 10:45am plus two hours is much later than 12:00pm. So due to my inability to control the space time continuum in a manner that would not effect everyone adversely I missed my flight to Washington D.C. Fortunately, that's a popular location and there was another flight out there soon enough for me to make it on and also make my connection in D.C to Brussels. After paying $70 to the nice man at the kiosk and booking it to my gate I assumed I was out of the weather. Come to find out, I was only going to have around 15 min in the D.C airport to get to my gate. I don't know how many readers out there have been in this particular airport but it's MASSIVE with a capital big." (back to 2012) so yeah. Big airport, no time, running like a scared tourist with a illegal souvenir. Fortunately for me, I don't panic easily so I made it there quickly and on time. the rest of the flight went smoothly and I arrived in Kinshasa unscathed and sleep deprived. That's when I learned they had lost my luggage... Three days later, I got it and all was well.
During the trip I had to many adventures to count so I'll talk about one of the biggest: The New Years Eve Party. Oh man do we know how to party. Passion fruits, dancing the can-can, fooze-ball, pool, swimming, countdowns, movies, food and more food. It was insane! I have my good buddy Alykhan to thank for it. Along with Daniel, Michael, J.D, Momo, and, to a lesser exstent Amilio and Arman. Thanks guys! I didn't mention the girls because I'll leave that to Shanti. Can't let me have all the fun.
The flight home was ok I guess. Boring and long. I got the St. Louis and guess what?! My luggage was missing!!! Yes. I lost my luggage both ways... I don't know what it is about my bag in particular but they like to not put them on the plane. Perhaps to look through my things and take the cool stuff. I lost an electric razor and two sets of headphones on the way there... Not cool. And I know it's an American worker who did it because they got past my TSA locks... Just goes to show that it's not the location that makes people corrupt. It's the person.
On a lighter note. I'm done with homework for the night and tomorrow is looking good so I'll sign off with this: Home is where the heart is, but my heart is where I want to be.
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