Camping at Chilhowee

Last Saturday I went camping with some friends (Emily, Kristin, Elisheba, etc etc). We drove up to Chilhowee in hopes of seeing the sunset from the top of the mountain; our plans were dashed, however, by a female police officer who pulled us over for speeding. Thankfully she let us off with a warning. We still missed the sunset though. :( After stopping for a few photos, we found everyone's parked cars, then gathered our gear and walked through the woods to a clearing.

We sat around the campfire, made some s'mores, and discussed Russian politics. Okay, the last one was a lie, but it would've been a fascinating conversation considering the death of Lech Kaczynski.

There were 25 people camping out -- a decent-sized crowd. As the early hours of the morning set in, we "made our beds" under the stars... Yep, no tent. It was really cold -- especially after the dew fell -- but looking up at the stars was well worth it. Here's a photo we took on our trek down the mountain, where we met some sweet ladies from the Wildflower Society.

Move for Uganda

Hey, if you're looking for something to do this weekend, come out to Chattanooga for a RUN to raise money for UGANDA. :) Nothing better than getting some good exercise and helping to raise funds for building schools and educating kids. Hosted by Invisible Children. See the website for more details.

Fish Massage, anyone?

As seen in Siem Reap, Cambodia, at the night market. A "surprise better performance for the people!" Haha.

He is Risen!

Back in the USSR

Actually, I'm back in Atlanta. And it's definitely not as hot as Cambodge, which means I don't have to sweat through my t-shirt before 10am. ;) Happy Easter everyone.

Project 7

Cambodia Collage of Fun

Layovers and Airports and Plane Food, oh my!

Atlanta, USA to Seoul, Korea   --- 3 hour layover ---
Seoul, Korea to Bangkok, Thailand   --- 9 hour layover ---
Bangkok, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia   JET LAG.

Some highlights from our flights and layovers include:

• Eating Seaweed-flavoured Pringles in the Bangkok airport
• Watching Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (a German movie) - I definitely recommend this movie
• Spending the night on a bench in the Bangkok airport
• Eating "Bibimbap" (a Korean dish) and needing a pamphlet on how to assemble it
• Flying over Alaska and Russia... seeing the breathtaking snow-covered mountain ranges
• Free wi-fi in the Incheon (Korean) airport   :)

Leaving for Cambodia...

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving for Cambodia with Katie and Jacob. We're flying to Seoul, South Korea, and then spending the night in Bangkok, Thailand. The next morning we'll fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. I'm really excited! Please pray for safe travels for us! =)

Nyepi -- Balinese New Year

Today is Nyepi – the Balinese equivalent to our New Years Eve, except with fasting, meditation, and silence. Celebrated from 6am today (Tues) until 6am tomorrow (Wed), this national day of silence is taken very seriously by the locals. The Hindus abide by rituals such as "no working, no self-entertainment, no traveling, no eating, and no fire/light" – all for the purpose of self-reflection. All airports, stores, beaches, and streets are closed to both locals and visitors. 
Nyepi traditionally falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, opening a new year of the Saka Hindu era which began in 78 A.D.

The day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, is when social activity picks up again quickly. Families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together. Parades are held in the streets. =)

Hello, Spring Break

Yum, yum yum.

There's just something so refreshing about spending a Friday night with Kristin Mueller, eating sushi (which I have just recently started doing), sipping a margarita, and watching a movie. Spring Break, here we come! Even though I have to work 40 hours in the next few days at Merck (for POM) and CAPS, I will have fun. Dang it, I will have LOTS of fun.

In other news, I have a strong desire to drop out of school and travel the world. Call it a case of the infamous "senioritis", this feeling of restlessness is probably due to my new all-time low of 3hrs sleep a night.Thank you, business classes. The good news is that my amazing new boss, Darla, gave me one of her coffee makers, so I can finally brew some blessed café every morning when I get up at 5.

If you're in the mood for an interesting video, click here. It's less than 2 mins and is really interesting. =)

Makes Me Smile...

Just as I was losing all faith in humanity, I witnessed an act of kindness that left me smiling long after the encounter ended. After hearing that a Lee student had worked over 52 hours in one week -- in addition to school -- a middle-aged man handed the student $40 with the instruction: "Go do something fun".  

It's the little things we do for each other that make the most impact. 

{Even on bystanders.}

Crosby...

An Olympic Gold medal represents an incredible team effort... I am so proud of our Men's Olympic Hockey Team. Way to press on and show us what real determination is. Like one of my American friends said, the Canadians really had to earn this gold (after losing to the US the first time it was hard to imagine making the finals!). That being said, I want to reaffirm my admiration for Sidney Crosby. He scored the game-winning goal on Sunday afternoon and saved us from the horror of being beaten by the Americans at our national sport. In Alyssa Shumaker's words, "Hallelu!" (I guess this will be my formal shout-out to Alyssa, who is spending the semester studying in Cambridge, UK. We miss you!!)

Gold Medal in Women's Hockey

On Thursday night (Feb. 25, 2010), the Canadian Women's Hockey Team defeated the USA 2-0 and won the Gold. Amazing job, ladies! :)  Just one request: next time could you keep the cigars and alcohol off the ice? Try to remember that you are role models for kids and that you represent our country to the world. Thanks a mil.

Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday

 

Looks strangely like campus this morning, no?

Insanity

Ever feel like life moves so fast that it's hard to keep up? 

I get this feeling every day. Sometimes I wake up with enough energy and motivation to face the day, and other times I find myself hitting the snooze button for an hour straight. If I even make it to bed. On some nights, like last night, I have the joy of trading in sleep for hours in front of my laptop. In a few years I might look back and say "Wow, that was worth it!" and proudly point to a degree hanging on my wall. Hopefully. Keep your fingers crossed.

In other news, Nelson Mandela was released from prison exactly 20 years ago (on February 11, 1990). He had spent 27 years in a prison on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, and was sworn into presidency only 4 years later. To read an article on how South Africa is doing now, click HERE. It's pretty interesting -- the article is written by a man who was deported from SA in the 1970s.

Thanks to Cary Edmonson from California for the first picture.

Cambodia

The spring semester has begun! Over two weeks have passed since I willingly dragged myself back to the classroom... and I am beginning to regret my decision. I think I'm just tired, though, so maybe some sleep will help me regain clarity. Or at least help me stay awake during class. Sorry Dr. Wilson.

In other news, I am working with a small group of students on a project aimed at economic development in Cambodia. Under the supervision of Dr. Dewayne Thompson and Mr. Guy DeLoach, we are creating business plans that we hope to implement in the village of Takum, Cambodia. With so many children sold into slavery (mainly sex trafficking), we hope that these businesses will enable locals to provide for their families. Of course, we are emphasizing sustainability, feasibility, and cultural sensitivity in our brainstorming sessions. I am very excited about what will be accomplished at the end of the semester. I pray that God uses our efforts and guides us in our planning. It's all for His glory.

If you're familiar with Cambodia, you might recognise "Tonlé Sap" (Great Lake), which is a combined lake and river system of huge importance to Cambodia. It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.

Click here to see pictures of Cambodia. In spite of the extreme poverty here, the people are absolutely wonderful (I used to work with many Cambodians in a Newmarket factory) and the landscapes are beautiful.

Sua s'dei!

Passion 2010

 
So I just attended a 4-day conference in Atlanta called Passion 2010. It was from Jan. 2-5 and I went with some friends from Ontario (we drove down). In attendance were around 21,000 university students from all around the world, and it was cool to worship with such a large group of 18-25 year olds. David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Hillsong United were some of the worship leaders during the conference. My favourite part of these few days was exploring the "Do It Now" area, which was meant to raise awareness for ten different causes around the world. In total, 21,000 "ramen-eating university students" raised well over $660,000 for these causes, and an adult couple decided to match our entire donation. It was incredible. If you're interested in any of these causes, continue reading below and check out their websites. 

1. BLOOD:WATER MISSION: Clean water for African villages. 2 billion people throughout the world still do not have access to clean water.
2. Watoto: Hope and homes for former child soldiers in Gulu (northern Uganda). Because many of these children have no family to return to, Watoto is working to provide permanent housing and restoration for 40 of these children.
3. Not For Sale: Around the world, 27 million people are enslaved today. Join the movement of modern-day abolitionists who are working to stop women and children from being sold into sex trafficking and other forms of slavery. Together, we can end slavery in our lifetime.
4. Africa Renewal: as a result of Africa's longest-running war, thousands of people in northern Uganda have been living in IDP (refugee/displacement) camps -- where the conditions are deplorable. This organisation is working to build villages to resettle as many Ugandans as possible.
5. Make Trade Fair: Millions of people in poor countries are losing out because the rules controlling trade heavily favour the rich nations that set the rules. Oxfam International works to raise awareness about "fair trade" and help consumers make informed decisions. Let's work to help -- not hurt -- our neighbours overseas.
6. World Vision: A Christian humanitarian aid organisation. Sponsor a child or learn about their work in disaster response (think about the recent earthquake in Haiti!), economic development, agriculture, education and literacy.
7. Gobena Coffee: Love coffee? Buy high-quality, fair trade coffee from around the world. The best thing about it? 100% of the profits are being reinvested in the lives of orphan children through charity programs. 
8. The Seed Company: Over 2,000 people groups do not have the Bible in their native language. Help fund the multi-year process of translating the New Testament for people groups worldwide. 

If you're interested in learning about modern-day slavery, there are two quick (<2 mins) videos you can watch: First Video. Second Video.

Olympic Fever!

I just got to watch the official Olympic Torch-bearer run by me in Alliston, ON. It was really neat, waiting with hundreds of other freezing Canadians. In hindsight, I should definitely have put a pair of long-johns on. But I had all my new Canadian Olympic gear on, so at least I looked festive. My toes are still frozen, though. Here are some pictures. I love Sidney Crosby. :)

Costa Rica Pics

Here are a few photos from my recent trip down to Central America. :) Enjoy!

 

Holidays in Canada

I'm blessed to spend the Christmas holidays in the most beautiful country on earth. (And that would be Canada for those of you who were unaware, lol.) Anyways, I'm enjoying spending time with family members and friends, and can't believe how fast time is flying! We spent tonight with the Dewoldes, and watched the Leafs dominate the Pens (sorry Dad!) and then played a long game of Scene It (which Cameron and I lost, but only because our questions were the hardest; "Arsenic and Old Lace" from 1944, who the crap has heard of that?). New Years will be here before we know it, and then I'll be heading back down to the States with some friends from U of Guelph for the Passion conference in Atlanta. Oh, and I finally get to see the Olympic torch processional in Alliston on Dec. 30th, which I am über excited about. I'm about to go bankrupt buying Olympic merch from the Hudson's Bay Company... :)

Pura Vida - Costa Rica!!!

I am on the most amazing trip EVER.... in Costa Rica, Central America. It´s been a wonderful, adventure-filled 15 days and there are so many stories to tell, pictures to show, and memories to look back on. I will definitely be uploading some pictures from my trip when I return tomorrow, Dec. 21, on my birthday. I´ll be in two countries on my birthday - a first for me. I haven´t ever had a birthday outside of Canada (or in an airport). Anyways, we´re about to head to dinner for our last night in Tamarindo, CR. We went on a catamaran today, which included snorkeling and watching the beautiful sunset from the ocean. We´ve surfed a lot these past few days, too, which has been awesome. Hasta luego!

Kairos Recruitment Committee

I just wanted to post a pic of my awesome Recruitment crew... I love you guys (and the rest who couldn't come that day). I couldn't have gotten through the semester without you. :)

Projects Galore...

The semester is wrapping up and I am officially burnt out. Just a few more sleepless nights and my final projects/presentations should be finished... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Anyway, the official word is out: 9 days of class left.
Which means my chances of survival at this point are very high.

Speed of Sound

Wow...another semester has come and gone. I can't believe it! With two exams left, I am not only feeling the crunch but am wondering where the time went. Anyways, all successful students take study breaks, so I thought I'd spend mine giving an update on two trips I took this semester. =)

New York City

Model United Nations Conference

I went with a prof and 18 other students for NMUN (National Model U.N.). We stayed at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square for 10 days -- well, I guess 9 days since our flight was delayed almost 24 hours. That's another story in itself....which involved staying at the Westin Atlanta during a band conference. lol. Let's just say I never want to wake up to a trombone ever again. Anyways, the conference was a great experience. Our university represented Costa Rica, and we spent the entire semester preparing for the conference. I worked with Taylor on General Assembly 2nd Committee: Economic and Financial. During the delegations we got to work with students from all over the world. It opened my eyes to what real U.N. delegates do on a daily basis. We had some free time in the city, so we did lots of exploring. Favourite sights: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, seeing the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park, Fifth Ave. Kimberly and I went into Tiffany & Co. to "browse". We also had dessert at The Serendipity, which was made famous by the movie of the same title (with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, 2001).

As a class, we had the opportunity to attend a Ghanean church in the Bronx. What vibrant worship! We also did some street ministry with them. Seeing Columbia University was another highlight...although it was short-lived since Jeremy and I hopped on three wrong subways. Let's just say running through NYC in heels trying to make it to a 7:30 dinner reservation is not pleasant. Memorable, but painful. Walking through the different districts in Manhattan was like re-living every movie ever filmed in NYC. I wanted to run in circles thru a revolving door just like Will Farrel did in "Elf" (and then hurl in the nearest garbage can), but I thought I'd probably tick the New Yorkers off. lol. We returned to the good ol' South on Easter Sunday, exhausted as can be. I mean, who wants to sleep when you're in the middle of New York? =)

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2 university students + 1 Honda Pilot + 10 days = 2 countries, 19 states, 2 provinces, 2 national capitals and loooooooads of adventures..................

Spring Break Road Trip

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. ~Ray Bradbury

Almost everyone gets tired of school... and everyone gets tired of Clevegas.
What better thing to do than hit the road? ... Kristin and I packed up the car and left a few days before school actually let out b/c we figured a head start would be useful...considering how much driving we were about to do. =)

I have never driven so much in my entire life. We covered a lot of ground, visiting Charlotte NC, Washington DC, Boston MA, Montreal QC, Ottawa ON, Toronto ON, and back to Atlanta GA. We stayed for several days in both Boston and Montreal.

Our way up the east coast was long, but an absolute blast. I got to see D.C. for the first time...and the president, too, for that matter. Both Obama and Biden were within 6 feet of me as their limos drove past us on the street, accompanied by lots of police cars, motorbikes, and a helicopter. By the look on Obama's face, it seemed he might've been bored/tired of the whole shpeel. Bodyguards, how tiring.

If I could pick one word to be the theme of this trip it would be "adventure". Or "lost". We got lost every day. We learned the value of GOOD maps. *ie - they should be used. I concluded that Googlemaps is a technological manifestation of the devil himself, and therefore should not be used. Starbucks coffee saved my life on multiple occasions (Kristin, what would I do without your employee discount?). I think I set a world record for chugging an XL black coffee.

Highlights include: Trekking up Mont Réal/Royal (which was a sheet of ice going up!!), Kristin getting attacked by a squirrel, soaking up the academia on Harvard's campus (and chilling with the Law students!!), staying at a hostel with people from France and Belgium (they are so fun!), being saved by an angel named Marvin, driving on the 401 from Ottawa to Toronto and watching the sun set, breaking the law in D.C. (don't ask), seeing Obama and Biden, singing "Just Around the Riverbend!" with Kristin as we looped around the same highways trying to find out hotel at 5:30am (after driving for over 16 hours), "Toronto in an hour", getting to see my Mom's parents in Barrie, taking a detour to see Rockport and Maine, seeing the Niagara Falls at night, etc......

Kristin's CD collection helped us pass time in the car, as did sleeping (most often it was only the passenger doing this), talking to "The Brain" on the dashboard, and having fascinating conversations. At one point we played an entire Céline Dion CD and sang at the top of our lungs. Words can't describe how talented we are. lol.

Traveling with Kristin was a blast, and we had so much fun. I thoroughly enjoy experiencing new places, people, things -- it's so crucial to being able to understand other people. Mark Twain once said,

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,

and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.

Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired

by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime"