Me-MOORE-ial Day Weekend

I would argue that certain life experiences affect you more than others; sometimes they are planned and sometimes they are unexpected but either way, they leave you changed (hopefully for the better).  I like to call these "defining moments."

Let's just say that Memorial Day Weekend '13 = one long defining moment.

This past weekend, a couple friends and I drove the 2.5 hours north to Moore, OK, to pitch in with the tornado clean-up.  There are no words to describe the destruction-- you can really only try to understand if you see it.  Even then it's hard to comprehend.  There will be much work in the months to come as a result of this terrible situation, but I'm grateful I had the opportunity to help for just a couple days.  The experience brought a much needed reminder on many things.  To name a few:

• There are still good people in the world-- many more good people than bad.  With all the terrible things happening around the world, it is easy to focus on the negative, but there are still individuals who are selfless, just wanting to make a small difference in the world around them. 

• Physical possessions can be taken away in an instant.  It is far more important to invest in relationships and things of eternal worth.  The most important things in life are not things.

• A group of individuals working towards a common goal has an incredible amount of power to do good.

If you are in the Moore, OK area, there is much to do, and will be for a long time.  If you are able, sacrifice a day to pitch in.  You won't regret it.  

 

summer '13

well folks, it happened. i bought a ticket to europe from june 10-july 18--almost 6 weeks of european adventure.  planned visits include the following: an excursion to the lake district of england (a la elizabeth bennett), a return to paris after an almost 4 year absence, a pilgrimage to the siebach origins in annaberg-buchholz, germany, a visit to cesky krumlov, czech republic, which, according to a very trusted source, is an absolute gem of a city, a twirling in alpine meadows in austria (think Sound of Music, without the habit), and an extended hang out with cows in the swiss mountains.

contrary to some opinions, there are definitely benefits to being 25 and single.  (more on that later).

care to come along?

church, swiss alps