Apparently I need these items.

And I'm doing everything I can to put off packing. Because I HATE packing. Of course I am so thankful every time I have the opportunity to travel, but I hate packing as much as I hate unpacking. 

With the purchase of the following items, I am now ready to stuff everything into the pack:

Trendy shoes so I don't look completely like a tourist in my white tennies

New Rainbows, because mine were jacked at camp last week. Can't live without them!

Chewy bars in convenient packaging

Journal-- Must-have for traveling, and life in general. 

and earplugs.

Can't put it off any longer; the backpack beckons...

my brain is going to explode.

Bloodshot eyeballs + a numb butt + exploding brain = attempt at planning a Europe trip in 3 days.

But that's how I roll; nice and last-minute.

It literally took me six hours today to determine the best way to get from Paris to rome in a reasonable amount of time, for a reasonable amount of money. First, I had to figure out if we wanted a Eurail pass; decided it wasn't worth it, since I'd have to overnight it, buy it for 5 countries in order to get to the countries we're visiting.

Then I pursued traveling on an overnight train from Paris to Rome; tried to buy the tickets in French, texted Kristin to translate for me, then nixed it because there were only tiny 6 person couchettes available. Andddd for a little extra to fly, not really worth losing a night's worth of sleep.

Soooo then I decided on finding a cheap flight, but what was one 17 euro turned into a ridiculous amount. By now I'm practically in tears from frustration. I called my mom for guidance-- no answer. I emailed Amy-- no answer. I called my father-in-law, and he was able to help ("You'll probably never go to Europe again-- who cares about a hundred bucks??")

So flight it was. BUT when I tried to book it, I went through the whole process--- the website 'locked me out.' Which ended up being a God-thing because I then noticed that the airport I was choosing to fly out of was an hour out of Paris, by bus.

Finally ended up with a reasonable flight out of Paris-Orly that puts us in Rome at 11:30am, giving us more time there.

If you happen to be reading this and have been to Rome, Venice, or anywhere in Germany, or you've just backpacked Europe in general, PLEASE give me suggestions/helpful hints/ favorite places! I could totally use all the help I can get!

This is what my brain feels like by now.

I've taken over the kitchen table... and broken into the "Fat Tire" that was brought back from Asheville. 

i heart camp.

Being at camp for a week made me feel like a counselor again at Confrontation Point in Crossville, Tennessee. I made multiple anklets and felt... I dunno... like I was back in college! It made me realize that I can still be like this, even if I'm a 'grown-up.'

It was an AWESOME week; one of our girls made a commitment to Christ and I had the opportunity to pray with her for that. I was honestly terrified because I've never done it, but God totally gave me the words to say and gave me the strength to make it through the week. Even when our bus showed up on the last day 4 hours late.

Spending the week at Southwind also made me realize that this is where my heart is most full-- when I'm hanging out and lovin' on middle schoolers who need to know how precious they are. I was constantly reminded of how I had incredible adults in my life who helped me make it through and pointed me towards Christ. I'm so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to pay it forward!

On a side note, Mike & I decided to go visit Amy in Italy and found fantastic tickets.... for this Thursday...  not sure how to plan a trip of this caliber in 3 days... any suggestions?

4th of July

I've failed a bit at the whole "updating every day" goal--- I've apparently been busy. This weekend was exactly how a 4th of July celebratory weekend should be. Being that this holiday happens to be my favorite, it must be the best weekend ever, every summer. I'll never let Mike forget the summer that I went to visit him in Gainesville when we just graduated high school; he convinced me to stay for the 4th and promised a fantastic day-- you can imagine the tears when we found out... on the 4th... and Gainesville celebrates on the 3rd with fireworks. 

Anyways,  we 'wigged out' for Heather's birthday, and because I didn't want to pay for a new wig, I used the only one I owned... a fro, complete with rattails and cornrows. 

The 4th was perfect: beach, barbecue, fireworks at the fort. Life couldn't get much better :) 

Heading to camp with the Wyldlifers-- be back in a week!

Chile Bound

My sister, Annie, is leaving for Chile today with a good friend of hers to teach English. A tiny part of me wishes I was going, too, but I suppose I'll have to live vicariously through her. Kristin and I were talking the other day bout how hard it would be to just leave and travel to another country at this point in our lives... but really, what is it that holds us back? As a nation, why are we consumed with doing things the 'right way...' going to college, getting a job, starting a family, making money...

Sometimes I just want to start over and move to another country with Mike. Maybe we could learn to be sheep farmers in New Zealand (I just finished reading "Skinny Dip" by Carl Hiaasen,) or start a coffee shop in Peru, or teach in Costa Rica. At the very least, get out of Florida ASAP.

So anyways here's to Annie--- pray for her safety, and that God would use her to serve and love her students unconditionally. And who knows-- maybe He'll challenge her to become a teacher here in the States?

and if anyone wants to do something a little crazy and go hiking with her in Patagonia in December, let me know. We can make it happen...