Well Folks, unsurprisingly I am already behind, but I have a good excuse, and 2 pictures to make up for it.  Marc and I traveled to far North Queensland last week, where we had a fabulous time.  I was able to spend some out of the office time focusing on work.  I got lots of reading done, and am quite inspired to get back into the grind of the school year. The two pictures bellow are two of my favorites from the trip.

This photo is of Marc and I in our stinger suits.  In North Queensland they have the sort of jellyfish that will kill you, so if you aren't on an netted beach (in this case an island we kayaked to), you have to wear the suits.  While they may not be stylish, they do make you feel like a ninja!

This second photo was taken in the rainforest off of the Kuranda rail.  The falls bellow I found to be so unique because they fall both out and then straight down in parts. It is a beautiful area, and makes me miss mountains!

Hello Cyber World!  I have decided a. that I am terrible at sitting sitting still long enough to write an actual post, and b. that I love photos.  So this year I have decided to tell my story by posting at least one photo a week, and saying a little something about it.

For my first photo, I chose a picture of my family taken over Christmas  (with Marc, not sure if he counts as family yet)  It was such a blessing and was so refreshing to have my family not only together, but here for Christmas. It was great for Marc to meet them, and scarily enough, fit in with them.  It was also so wonderful to have my friends here wanting tospend time with not only me, but also my family this season. It made me realize how many wonderful people are in my life.  It also made me realize I need to spend some more time catching up with those far away whom I miss dearly.

Ruby Shoes and Where They Take You

There's no place like home....There's no place like home.

Words I think perhaps everyone in western culture knows. We say words like these all the time.  I'll be home for Christmas, Home is Where the Heart is, etc.  Everyone has a home, and that home helps us to stay grounded as we spread our wings and explore the world, whatever that path might look like.

Growing up in Spokane, many of my friends couldn't wait to get to the next step, away from Spokane, away from home. I was never one of those kids.  I was happy with Spokane, I love my friends, family and just about everything about it.

Aparently God had other plans for me.  First to Indiana for Valpo.  I recieved a wonderful education, despite my typo filled blog.  I met some amazing people, who I am thrilled to have in my life, and have so many memories I will cherish forever.  Throw in some summers at camp, full of friends family and unbelievable growth in my own personal faith.

Then, it was off to Tacoma. Tacoma was a hard place for me. On paper my job was perfect, and my congregation was full of wonderful and supportive people who I miss dearly some days. Despite this, I think that the first couple of years in ministry are difficult. Everything in Tacoma seemed like a battle.  Yet, I learned so much about myself, and I grew up a lot.  I made some great friends, had many important professional and personal milestones, and gained confidence that I could do what I put my mind to.

One day out of the blue, I applied for a job in Australia, one thing lead to another and now I am here. I have found so many adventures, friends who I feel like I have known forever, and a very special someone, who makes everything seem easier.  Everything isn't a battle here, and I feel a bit like I know what I am doing most days.  Here it's the small things that throw me off, the littlest thing might seem impossible, but it always gets done.

 As I dropped my Mom off at the airport the other day, I was sad to see her go, yet as I drove back to Bundy it felt like I was coming home.  I have had many homes over the years, and for me I think that at the end of the day, the people in your life make your home.  They don't have to be in the same house, they can be continents away, but they help you to stay grounded even as you fly, and the ruby slippers may just be a fabulous fashion statement.