Atlantic to the Nolichucky

Sunday, June 21, 2009

In the past week, I took a couple of mini vacations.

From Sunday, June 14 – Tuesday, June 16, I did absolutely nothing (except get a sunburn and play with some cute kids) on Edisto Island. Every summer, my aunt rents a house where the backyard is the beach. It takes about 10 seconds for me to get from the house to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the loveliest.

Edisto Beach, SC

From Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, I explored the mountains, creeks and waterfalls around Erwin, Tennessee where my brother lives. Made a trip to the hippie-filled Boone, NC and dangerously rainy top of Roan Mountain.

Erwin, Tennesse

My question is….which do you prefer: beach or mountains? If you could only chose one, which would it be?

To the DC!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I spent a couple of days in our nation's capitol with some fantastic people. Here's a fun shot of me at the Capitol Building.

DC is an interesting place. I didn't get the feeling there that I got in NYC or London or Florence (however, I did love the metro, but that may be my general love of public transit), but I still loved seeing all the wonderful sites that call DC their home. Gallery after gallery (most in which I got lost in) provided endless amounts of artwork to gaze at. Memorials provided a few moments to remember our country's past and those who've fought for it.

Overall, DC is a unique place. As it should be. Although it may not be my favorite, I still appreciate everything that it holds. Even that kid protesting, or reading from a sheet of preselected statements, outside the White House.

Although, it was a little bit eerie hearing this happened just a few days after we were in the city.

Next time I'm visiting the Washington Post despite the bored sighs of those who may be traveling with me!

No Place Like Home

Sunday, May 17, 2009

I grew up in one of the, if not the, prettiest places on the planet. Don’t believe me?




Yeah, I thought so.

I took it for granted while I was there. Sure I shopped downtown, layed out at Hunting Island, golfed at every possible course, found sharks teeth at the sands, went to church in a 200-year old building (yey BCOB!), ate countless shrimp burgers, had coffee at the waterfront park, wore Sperrys…on a boat, and looked at the gorgeous view from the downtown bridge while waiting in traffic because it was open. I did all of those things.

But once I went to college, I started missing it. I even began to miss that weird marsh smell. Who would have thought? When I came back home to visit I found myself rolling down the windows at the first sight of marsh.

This is my first summer away from beautiful Beaufort. I’ll miss being there over the summer, a really fun time. But I’ll be staying in Rock Hill and working in Charlotte at Charlotte Magazine as the marketing intern. I’ve already had several people at work ask me where I’m from and as soon as I tell them, their replies are all the same:

Oh! It’s beautiful down there!

And that's usually followed by:

Do you think you will move back there?

And my reply is usually:

No.

Ok, so I just went on talking about how wonderful Beaufort is and now I’m saying I don’t want to move back? Crazy girl. There are a few reasons why my answer is so quick and sure. One is that Beaufort doesn’t really have the job opportunities I’ll be seeking when I graduate. And two is that I love traveling to new places and seeing new things.

I’m really thankful of where I grew up. I loved it. I met some amazing, incredible people who have become my friends that I will never forget. It is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind place. I hope that in my future, I can discover what other unique places exist around the world!

This seems like a pointless post after re-reading it. Going on and on about how I love and miss Beaufort and then just said I probably won’t move back. Oh, well. It’ll always be home.

How could you be so heartless?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I’ve discovered something that irks me.

Here are some (not all, I admit I chose some of these just to prove my point) of the top headlines from CNN.com in America:

‘Idol’ blog: Kris Allen need not ‘Apologize’
Miss California USA to keep title
‘It was like the sky fell down,’ mom cries
Missing teen’s cell phone gives cops clue
How it feels to be judged on looks
Ranking the best, worst owners in sports

Really? Believe me, I completely understand addressing your audience, but what in the world kind of audience is regularly visiting the site if that’s the case. I am a little embarrassed because I do regularly visit the site, but find myself digging for what I want to read.

The reason this irritates me is for the simple fact that there are way more important issues happening around the world, but instead the decision on letting Miss California keep her crown is deemed more important. Ridiculous.

I feel a bit manipulated (and I began to feel like that in my media and politics class), because I find myself discovering news about my own country from friends who live in other countries. That’s sad. They have to tell me what is going with my president or my economy. They also inform me of information about their own countries that don’t seem to make it past the never-ending run of ‘missing teens’ stories.

For some reason I’ve always been obsessed and a little fascinated with the media and how it works. I am still obsessed, fascinated, intrigued and now just a little motivated to do something about all of this.

I know that CNN and all other media is a business, and a professor once drilled into my head that they only exist to make money. I just wish they would make money better.

Funday Sunday

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Jennifer and I decided that Sunday was our favorite day in England. It consisted of actually getting into London, me seeing Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye for the first time, Hyde Park with Speakers Corner, Trafalgar Square, Hillsong Church, and Piccadilly Square. It was a jammed-packed day and soooo much fun.

The more I think about it, the crazier I think it is that we experienced Speaker’s Corner and Hillsong in the same day, actually within hours.

So Speaker’s Corner is an area in Hyde Park in London where public speaking is allowed. Basically, it’s just a bunch of people standing on ladders yelling and screaming their opinions on topics like religion, language, politics, or even how everyone (including men) should wear stilettos. The fun, or intense, thing is that the crowd interacts with the speakers: argue, yell at, cheer, debate, etc.

We heard all kinds of new ideas like one lady who said,

America is made of all the losers of the other countries.

We were not a fan of her. One speaker demanded from one member of the crowd (they actually seemed to know each other well) to try and name the

features of the creatures

that proved evolution.

Although the several hours we spent there was entertaining and interesting, we left feeling sad and had to leave because we really just couldn’t take listening to it anymore. I think it was the crowds arguing with the Christian speakers, where we spent most of our time, that made us feel this way. I don't really have another word to describe how we felt, just sad. Often crowd members would look at us and ask what we thought of the Christian speakers and we responded in some positive way and they would look at us like we were absolutely out of our minds.

So we left Speaker's Corner and soon entered Dominion Theatre in London where the mega-church Hillsong meets. I’ve always loved the worship music they release and right when the worship began, an awesome and exciting atmosphere was created. Every single person in the crowd was worshipping individually and freely. It was encouraging to be there and to see others (especially neat since they were from a different country) worshipping the same powerful God I do.

I think I find it funny that we did both things on the same day because they represent two extremes. I don’t know. I think it’s hard for me to grasp the idea that they both exist so closely to one another. And I know for sure that London is not the only place where this happens. I’ve just yet to encounter it in America.

New Sights of Old Things

Thursday, March 26, 2009

So it's been awhile and I’ve been asked a few times when I’ll start blogging about my trip to London, or at least post some excerpts from the journal I kept while I was traveling. So I guess I’ll start now.

It’s difficult for me to pick what I want to write about first. I experienced/saw/met so many things and people that had some sort of impact on a thought I had before going to London or gave me insight into a new one.

So let’s see….I’ll start with our day at Windsor. A little excerpt from the journal:

We came out of the train station looking at Windsor Castle in the distance. The flag was up which apparently meant the Queen was there. Jennifer and I tried to pick what room she might be in – Possibly just 25 feet away.

It was fun walking around Windsor and then we decided to explore new territory with our wonderful host/tour-guide/guy that always kept us laughing, Neil. So over the bridge we went and soon after found Eton College, an all-boys school famous for those who come through and then onto Oxford. They’ve also had several Prime Ministers go there.

Now this may sound terribly silly and perhaps dumb, but this is the thought that sunk into my head when walking back to Windsor from Eton:

Everything is so old here.

Now, I meant this in all seriousness and was just comparing my surroundings in that moment to what I am normally surrounded by back in South Carolina or in Charlotte. Now don’t get me wrong, if you know me, you know I’ve always had a fascination and love for skyscrapers and all types of modern architecture. But there was something different about these buildings and landmarks. And even my hometown Beaufort, which has quite an historical background, is like a baby when compared to landmarks in England.

Listen up, after a little research, I found that Eton College was founded in 1440 and Windsor Castle is like 900 years old.

I love the fact that I had the opportunity to be around something so old and historical. Thinking about what people were like when the building was new and how many different types of people have passed through and seen this same building is something that definitely keeps me thinking.

And I think I’ve decided why this is so interesting to me: Because seeing these landmarks is so new to me, yet they have been there for so long. It was like I was discovering something for the first time that’s been there for several centuries. That’s something that makes me smile- discovering something new. I’ve always had this mindset within music, now it’s just in a 900-year-old building too.

So what do you think? Do you prefer to be in a modern city like Charlotte that has history to make now? Or somewhere like Windsor where you are surrounded by history? Maybe a mix?

I thought I had this figured out prior to London, but now I’m not sure. I might just have to move every few months to satisfy this little “I need to see something new” bug I’ve gained from London.

I'll post some pictures of that day soon!

Olympics Bring Picture of Hope

Monday, August 11, 2008

Russia and Georgia’s recent confrontation has been a scary headline in recent news stories. Russian troops have occupied and taken control of their neighboring country, Georgia. Warnings of more attacks (which could lead to a war between the two countries), have been issued from Russia.

In the midst of all the craziness and violence, the Olympics (of which I am a HUGE fan of) provide a sense of hope for Russia and Georgia and any other countries that could be affected, for this battle to stop short.

In the women’s 10-meter air pistol competition, Russia’s Natalia Paderina took the silver and Georgia’s Nino Salukvadze took bronze. They stood on the medal podium, arms around each other, smiling, and waving to the crowds.

They also kissed each other on the cheeks.

They put their nation’s differences aside, embraced each other, and ultimately showed that they cared for one another in true Olympic spirit.

I think this is such an incredible picture. A picture of hope. A picture of peace. A picture of beauty. A picture of what could hopefully happen.

I think this is what the Olympics is all about (besides the USA kicking France’s butt in the men’s swimming relay after nasty remarks by the French, haha, but that’s another blog entry).

I’m really hoping these two countries can come to some agreement and this picture is giving me that hope.

Enjoy and savor this picture:

NYC Art

Friday, July 25, 2008

While in New York City in May with my brother, we visited, and spent much time in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). It was packed with some crazy sculptures, furniture, photographs, and artwork. All of which, I loved. I was looking back on some pictures and one piece of art stood out to me more than before. Here it is from a small distance:



You can kind of tell that the entire photograph is made of hundreds of tiny little pictures and symbols. Here are a few parts where I zoomed in a bit so you could see the symbols:




When I first saw it, I remember thinking, wow, that’s pretty cool; I can’t imagine how they did it. But now, I see something else.

Each one of these tiny, seemingly random symbols bands together with the rest to create this giant piece of art. I kind of translated that into our lives.

Sometimes I feel like I’m making no difference in this crazy world we live in (although I have much life left to live). This art allows me to remember that God is looking from a much bigger scale. I may not feel like I’m having any impact, but with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, we most certainly are making something beautiful for God to smile upon. After all, it’s not even about me.

When going on mission trips, I’ve always heard, “we’re just planting the seed. Someone else will water, give it sunshine, etc.” So even though you don’t see the final product, just know someone else is probably working at it too.

Start working with those other “symbols” around you (even though you might not be aware of who they actually are) and make some art.

Downtown, things will be great when you're Downtown

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

So on with New Orleans stories…I promise I’ll bring back Tune Tuesday next week. Don’t fret.

Downtown New Orleans was probably the “Frenchest” town within the United States. Needless to say, I loved it. It reminded me of the narrow streets I discovered in Verona or the colorful buildings of Monaco. The buildings were colorful and each one had a unique balcony. One restaurant even had a balcony with tables where people were eating! Fun! The lovely architecture of each building created such a rare atmosphere in this lovely city.

And of course on each street corner, there was some type of musician. So any where that you walked, there was some type of music playing. It was magnificent. You know I loved that.

The famous Café Du Monde...how can I describe this…maybe God’s little piece of Heaven on Earth. It’s the original French market coffee stand in New Orleans. Basically it’s a large patio with maybe 50-100 tables with chairs. All you do is sit down, wait for a waitress, and chose something from the menu that only includes about 4 things. There coffee is called café au lait which is half hot coffee and half hot milk. You can get this iced, hot, or frozen (which was my favorite). And then…the famous beignets. A square piece of dough, fried, and covered with powder sugar. Need I say more? We had many many powdered sugar fights. Check out their site (linked where I first mentioned it) for ordering instructions and even how to make beignets!!

We also saw a crazy break-dancing show right in the middle of the French Quarter next to Café Du Monde. That was fun.

A group of us did go down Bourbon Street…but I would rather not describe it. It was interesting and somewhere I probably don’t need to see again. But, check it off the list of places to see.

A few pretty buildings: Eating on the balcony: Street musician: Cafe Du Monde:

New Orleans Style Church

Sunday, April 6, 2008

It’s been a while. I apologize; I had an incredibly busy week.

On with New Orleans stories.

Carver Desire Street Baptist Church. What an absolutely encouraging, exciting, fun place. My mission group of 15 headed out to our church. We were in a neighborhood that looked completely deserted, yet on one street corner was a small pink building that was pumping with life.

We walked in, the only white people in the entire church, and I just had a feeling it was going to be awesome. I wanted to put on one of the beautiful hats all the ladies had on! Everyone was chatting, laughing, and smiling with one another.

It was a packed house, probably around 150 people there. I was so curious to where all these people lived and how far they traveled to get to this church.

Then the service started. Song after song after song filled the room. There was a young man on the drums, an older gentleman with snakeskin boots on the bass, and a man on an electric keyboard. The men’s choir was singing today. It consisted of about 12 men and one boy about 7 years old.

So at one point one speaker, I’m not sure if he was the preacher or deacon or what, he said he asked the keyboardist about 10 minutes before the service to play just any song for the service today. The keyboardist announced he hadn’t ever played or sang this song, but felt like God was urging him to sing it…and let me tell you…it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. I got chill pumps on the first note that came out of his mouth. He really relied on God and God fully prepared him.

Then finally the sermon started. I honestly don’t remember what passage he preached on, all I know is in the span of about 2 minutes, the preacher went from speaking to dancing, praising God, lifting his hands, and speaking with God.

It was awesome. It was so exciting to see the excitement he had for the word of God. One quote we just loved from the sermon:

“He might not come when you want him, but God is always on time!”

At the very end of the service they had an altar call for anyone to make decisions or take prayer requests. Well, the little boy who sang in the men’s choir decided to accept Jesus. The preacher asked him several questions in front of the congregation and that little boy was sharp!

Then the prayer requests started. There were about 4 individuals with requests. It was so heart-warming to see the family and community of Christians who were there for each other and accountable to one another. The young drummer said he was getting into trouble with his parents. Now the preacher didn’t sugarcoat anything, he was honest and told the boy that it was up to him to make the right decisions. Love it. A woman announced she just had cancer. Our favorite quote, possibly of the entire trip, came out of this…

“If you can have it, God can heal it!”

That’s how the service ended, the bishop yelling this out after his prayer and the congregation went crazy! It was so fun.

But the moment of the service that really impacted me was the last prayer request/praise. The man described his previous situation: he was rebuilding his home after Katrina a year or so ago. Two men were helping him in the rebuilding, but they actually took his money and left during the middle of the job leaving the man with no money and half a home. Several months later another man offered to help the man for a very generous price. Somehow the homeowner was able to gradually pay this man with money he didn’t know where was coming from and he invited him to church. They are now friends. So, several years later his house is finally being completed.

This man was so thankful for this second man that came by to help with his home. Honestly, if it was me, I would be so frustrated, mad, angry, and sad at this situation. Losing my home twice and losing money, but this man was giving praise because he felt so blessed. He said he was blessed. Wow. Really?

How dare I ever forget how blessed I am. I often find myself trying to feel sorry for myself because I don’t have certain things. How dare I. It was encouraging to hear this man’s story of how God has used his brokenness to ultimately bless him and others, including me with this story.

The service ended, about 2 and a half hours later (although I didn’t look at my watch once) and I could have stayed there for another if my stomach was roaring with hunger.

Here is the church:

Here is our group after the service:

Here is one example of what houses looked like around the church:

Brokenness

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Our first trip into the 9th ward was indescribable. We rode around different neighborhoods because we were early for our church service on Sunday (I’ll blog about that later!).

All 15 of us in our van were completely silent. I mean dead silence. We didn’t have anything to say. We were overwhelmed with what we were seeing.

Every house was empty; we could literally see through all the houses because they were all gutted and empty inside. However, the yards and porches were filled with left over belongings like teddy bears, lawn furniture, clothing etc.

It literally just looked like it happened two weeks ago. That’s unacceptable. I felt as if the hurricane just came through, tossed everything around, and the families weren’t back yet. I was hoping everyone was going to come back next week and clean up their homes, but then I remembered this happened almost three years ago and that probably wasn’t going to happen, ever.

There were large X’s on all the houses (pictured below) with numbers all around it. We later learned what they all meant. The date was on the top and the bottom number was the number of dead bodes found inside the home. It was very eerie when we passed one home that had a six on the bottom.

I didn’t cry while passing through the neighborhood because I think I was still processing everything (however, I did later in the week, which I’ll write about later).

We thought the area was deserted until we pulled up to Carver Desire Street Baptist, which believe me was full of life. I titled this entry brokenness because that’s exactly what I saw and that’s what the speaker of our nightly worship services spoke on…more on that later too. This isn't even the worst part, we did visit that area and that will come later.

Here are some pictures that we experienced:

Leaving on a Jet Plane...Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again

Monday, March 24, 2008

So I promised some good stuff from New Orleans…I journaled a little bit while I was there, just listing some things I saw around me. So I guess I’ll just go in order of some things I listed.

I never thought I would be like this, but I absolutely love to travel and discover new places. When I was a child and growing up I always loved being at home, just hanging with my family. I remember several times calling my parents while at a friend’s house for a sleepover claiming I was “sick.” When I entered the youth group at my church I started going on mission trips and traveling a little bit, but I was always really nervous when I stepped onto the van or plane.

This past summer I had an amazing opportunity to travel around Europe. Even as I entered the airport and kissed my parents goodbye, I remember thinking to myself, “why am I doing this? What was I thinking?” But then on my last night, I found myself wanting to stay because there was soooo much more I wanted to see.

Entering into New Orleans was amazing. As everyone else on our van talked with each other, I found myself glaring out the window trying to take a mental picture of every tree and every building that was different than what I’m used to.

I wanted to jump out of the van and run down every street (including Bourbon street, which I did, on St. Patrick’s Day—wow), try every restaurant, and go in every single shop.

I love unique places, which explains my love of historic downtowns; New Orleans; Florence, Italy; Amsterdam and even Beaufort. I love discovering and exploring these places. I hope I can continue to do so and stop being so nervous about taking that first step.

Now I know that once I do take that first audacious, courageous step, it’ll totally be worth it. But sometimes it’s hard, stressful, and nerve-racking…but I know the end prize is amazing and wonderful and I'll continue to chase after that.

**Pictured above is a blurry picture of the extremely long bridge ride into New Orleans**