New Orleans

Day 3-780 miles
Day 4-650 miles
Day 5- not sure yet but somewhere around 250
My car has been a champ!
Went to the River Walk and the biggest Starbucks I have/will ever see(n). Two stories with coffee baristas on both and music all around. You can sit there and make a cd of all your favorite songs. Man, they are coming up with brilliant ideas to get us in there to spend $4 on a beverage!
We also saw the Alamo and then headed on to far eastern TX almost to the border.
New Orleans
We arrived here this afternoon. You can see a few traces of the hurricane damage, but mostly in the lack of people on the streets. If you have been here prior, you might notice more of the damage. We got a great deal and are spending the night in the French Quarter (Place de Armes)...they are trying to pull tourists back in to the city so hotels are fairly inexpensive. The drive has continued to go smoothly though I feel like I have been spinning continuosly on the drive...condo arrangements, traveling, calling the movers constantly to get my belongings moved, trying to see as much of the country as possible, but keep moving forward...I will be glad to get there and be back in a rhythm. We are planning to arrive late tomorrow evening and I should be able to move in on Friday.

Well, we are headed out to sit on the balcony in the humidity and people watch. Thanks for checking in and for your prayers and support.

P.S. Had gumbo and crawfish for dinner followed by coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde. Experiencing all that we can.

The Stars are Bright and Big Tonight

We just crossed over into Texas and the rest area has free wireless internet!!! Way to go TX!
It is warm here and we are hoping to go a few more hours, not quite to San Antonio but closer so we can go to the RiverWalk tomorrow. We had lunch in Sante Fe today...a cute place and wish we would have had more time. We must hit the road again. More Later. On to New Orleans day after tomorrow...anyone have any info on post Katrina places to see/stay/pass over.?

I Am In Awe

Day Two

Day One=930 miles
Day Two=545 miles

Leah and I are now in New Mexico, just over the border in Gallup. We passed through Zion today which was not a part of the 1st route plan, but after seeing Lindy's pictures from their trip I was convinced we needed to go through southern Utah. I have been through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, the Grand Canyon, but I just don't think you can see this stuff enough! It was amazing and beautiful...Leah drove and I had my head out the window through much of drive today. Thanks Leah!

Well, we got started a day late. The movers were initially supposed to come Thursday morning, then it was changed to Thursday night, then Friday morning and that was the last I heard from them. They didn't show up and I have been calling them without a successful return call (from the driver). I spoke with dispatch and they couldn't locate him either and now they have been closed all weekend. I know my belongings will make it to me in Florida...just frustrating being the one to have to call every few hours in hopes of finding out what is going on, but without success. Friday afternoon/evening turned into a relaxing night enjoying one last time with my neighbors. They shooed us on our way Saturday morning and have stepped in to take care of my belongings until a solution arises. I am so grateful for such great neighbors. They rallied and stepped in so we could get on our way to Florida...thanks y'all!

4th of July

We had a big gathering at home over the 4th of July and I got to see family and friends! Powers becomes a new "city" over the weekend with lots and lots of campers. The fireworks were great as always...the echo off of the mountains next to the park and pond make it an pretty incredible, though this year was a bit frigid!

The Men in My Life!!! ;)

One Way or Round Trip?

Good morning. These past few days have handed me minimal sleep and lots of visiting! I am still sitting in my apartment this morning and expected to be on the road by 5AM today, but I've learned to just go with the flow through the process. The movers were scheduled for yesterday morning, then it was moved to last night because the truck had a flat tire (!!!), now they are to arrive sometime this afternoon...hopefully. No problem. I know eventually I will arrive and assume my belongings will soon to follow.

I can already see the bright blue sky and I think I will walk over to get some breakfast somewhere...the cupboards are absolutely bare.

It was great to see so many of you gals at the jewelry party last night. Thanks for coming and seeing me off. And LG and Julie for the yummy goodies.

Today I hold a one way ticket, but have no way of predicting the return side. I can't lose sight of the reasons I have prayed for an opportunity like this to come along. I have been so enveloped in the moving process and visiting that I have to remember why I am moving!

I'm off to load my car...hoping all I have set aside will fit in there or Leah may become a hood ornament!

Home Sweet Home!

Day Before Departure

Sitting in the coffee shop, tapping away on my dell, sipping on my favorite drink feeling almost oblivious of the fact that tomorrow morning, very early, I am MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. The grace in all of this has been a protective shield around my tender heart binding me up and holding me together as I say "see you later" and "see you soon" (NO, not good-bye) to my dear family and friends. I know you all know this, but I will confirm it in writing...I hold you so close in my heart, I don't think I could hold you closer. I have been thinking, and often think, what a charmed life I have lived. My home town, there is something very storybook and almost whimsical of Powers and the people. I can't imagine a better place to have grown up and gotten my start. On my 27th birthday I had another real insight, yes life may not have handed me the usual course in the order I had expected it, but my life has been decorated with beautiful relationships and for that I have so much to say thank you for.

I have some great photos I will put up tonight and I am going to try and write as we cross the country! (My neighbor Leah and I) Road trip of a life time(???), I have a feeling I will ship my car with my stuff next time I do this!:)

A little update, I have already rented a condo and am glad to have a place to fall into as I get my feet on the ground and bearings in Orlando. Please pray for safety for our travels and that my stuff would show up soon after I do. (They say it could be 7-21 days!)

Come visit me in Orlando, you know you will need a break from the NW gray rainy days!

Time With Friends

LG and Bill
Summer has arrived and the community meals at Colonial Park Apts. are in full swing! Gonna miss this!
Tuesday Night Ladies...You have blessed my life, more than you'll ever know!
Celebrating Jen's B-day out in P-town.
Miss Lauren, Tennessee bound.

The Heat Is Just Preparing Me For Florida

Kind of a selfish outlook on the weather we had earlier this week, but I keep thinking, "Maybe this is how hot it will be." Unfortunately, humidity is a whole added factor. Fortunately, I am under the impression A/C exsists everywhere! I finally started packing Saturday. What a mess to live surrounded by boxes and now this will be my lifestyle for the next few months. I'm adjusting and learning to just go with it. Pura Vida. Esta Bien. Relax and just keep living.

I am still in unbelief at actually making this move. Yes, all the preparations are being made and here I go, but I'm confused by my feelings. Sometimes, I can't believe it. Other times, I am perplexed at the fact that this opportunity is in Florida (of all places, can I get any further away in the US? I think Hawaii might even be closer to home;)! ) Sometimes, I feel sad. But in all, I come back to how the Lord knew just how these circumstances would have to fall into place to move me along. How Cuba turned me to Costa Rica which is now taking me to Florida. And it has all worked itself out so nicely. I am heading out of Vancouver with a great sense of expectancy. I did, however, already warn Leah that she will have to drive the first leg as I have a feeling I may be in a big slump in the passenger seat shedding a few tears of sadness, joy, and thankfulness. There is a sense of peace brought on by the awareness of "He's thinking of me."
I'll be keeping you posted. Happy 4th of July to all of you.

I'm Going to Miss This!

Faith In the Unseen

Another picture from Costa Rica...an evident implication of faith. We were on a canopy tour in the cloud forest outside of Monteverde. You can see the cable heading into the clouds and the aparatus for strapping on, but the rest was unknown!

Florida Countdown

Ok, so I've never made a move quite like this and figuring it out is really not that fun. It's like buying a car...you hope it's a good deal and that in the end you'll have found the right fit for all your needs. (P.S. when I signed the papers to buy my car I told my mom I needed to go to the bathroom and throw up...she laughed, I survived!) I've been simplifying my belongings...will I really need a ski jacket in FL, do I need to take a bazillion boxes of Christmas decorations, and all those old college books!?!?! I was a pack-rat back in the day, then I began to move from dormroom to apt. to house to apt. etc and realized it is better for me to be clutter free! These days it is more of a minimalist mentality-clean, neat, orderly...your laughing if you know me and you are laughing even harder if you've lived with me!!!

The days have been full of visits and I expect they will be up to day of departure. My neighbor Leah (who visited me in Costa Rica) will be driving across the country with me. We have been mapping out our route through the southern states and hoping to stop in Santa Fe, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and then on to Orlando. If you've traveled this way and have some suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Leah K. and Jen (neighbors) at Urban Fondue! A Portland favorite.

Hey Family and Friends,
I'm sorry if I haven't been able to personally talk with you to share the news, but want to let all of you know I was offered and I have accepted the position in Orlando beginning July 15th! (You can start making your reservations now for coming to see me and 'Mickey'!) If your asking, "what are you talking about?" (sorry this is the first you have heard) at the end of my time in Costa Rica I had the opportunity to play tour guide for one of the speakers of the convention being held in San Jose. He, Greg Wiens, is the State Pastor for the Church of God in Florida and he invited me to fly down to meet his staff and explore the idea of going to work there. I spent the Memorial day weekend in Orlando with Greg and his family meeting the staff, talking about the position, and seeing the city. Since my return from Costa Rica in late March, I have been processing through all that this could potentially be so it was an easier decision once I was finally there and had more of the details. The specifics: I will be working in the Resource Center, administrative/personnel sorts of things as well as directing the missions aspect of the state...leading experiences (yes, my trips to Cuba and other places will be part of my job!!!!!!!) organizing and coordinating with other churches, and many other things that fall in between. It really feels like such a great opportunity, but of course it has it difficulties in being on the other side of the country. After such a great weekend, I was at the airport waiting at my gate and I am sure everyone there thought I had been to or was going to a funeral. Every new chapter means there is another closing and moving away from family and friends is not on my list of "Top 10 things to do before you die!" Yet, I keep hearing, "this is the time to do it" and as my friend Elmo told me after sharing the news with him, "I say go for it!" So, here I am...going for it!

Hello from Orlando. Just wanted to put up a quick post as it is late here and I am tired. Things are going well and I have met most of the staff, had some good conversations with Greg, and am actually doing well at processing through all the information. (Sometimes I tend to process slowly, but then I have had the past two months to think on this!!! :) ) I have had my big questions, up to this point, answered without having to ask them and that has been a positive. Tomorrow, we will continue to talk details and I will have the opportunity to see more of Orlando...keep praying. Sending my love from FL.
P.S. It rained here today...I'm sure I brought some of that with me from the NW!
Steph ;)

The adventure continues...and I am being diligent and faithful to walk through doors that open before me. I don't believe in coincidence, but I am also a "calculated" risk taker. (Which may mean I'm not even much of a risk taker!!:) ) It has been such a great encouragement, for me personally, to have an opportunity like Florida come along and to process with each of you through what that might mean.

I told my friend Sara, over Chez Jose enchiladas before I left for Costa Rica, I feel like I'm falling in love. Don't get any ideas...there isn't anyone in particular, just this wonderful feeling of freedom from striving to make life work. Sitting back and watching it unfold, as well as pressing-in in confidence of what God can do on my (our) behalf, it is just great freedom! I am living in that love and confidence.

A little story/life lesson...
I have a plant that sits in my window. It was given to me by friends who moved to Florida 3 years ago as they didn't want to pack it along and I had a new apartment that desperately needed some greenery. I don't have a green thumb, but was especially determined to make this plant live after someone accused me of killing my plants. (SARA!) This poor plant has been through the ringer...I had to cut it back to just a few stems and start to water it more regularly. I did this for two and a half years as it gradually grew more and more. At one point, it was knocked over and basically uprooted, but I put it back in it's pot and kept nuturing it. Back in October, after emerging from a walk through the valley and beginning to really make plans for time in another culture, I noticed a new little sprout. This one looked different and I kept my eye on it. It was the flower! Hadn't blossomed in all the time I had been caring for it, but in time it appeared. I was killing it off in order to bring it back. What a great insight into life. How God arranges life's circumstances, painful, hard, cutting off, uprooting in order to grow and bring about the beauty inside that only He is often aware of.

So, I am off to Orlando tomorrow and am looking forward to the experience whatever happens in the end. I love you all and am so very blessed. Blessed in order to bless...keep passing it along. I will try to post Friday or Saturday if I can get a computer and internet. Thanks for following!
Much love,
Steph

Hey Hey! Well, today I spent a bit of time at Barnes and Noble trying to find something to supplement the Spanish that I did learn in CR. I love going to that place...I lose track of all time wandering through there looking at all the books. "Spanish for Gringos" is the workbook I ended up with.! :) I was excited as I looked through it and realized I did learn something in CR! The past month has been so full of activities and people. What a joy to see so many friends and family...Stanford's with the girlfriends, lots of coffee dates with hearts like mine, Powers, Easter with my family who I deeply love! I have told many of you about the opportunity that "popped up" at the close of my time in San Jose. For those that I have not yet shared with...I am flying to Florida over Memorial Day weekend for an interview!!!!!! GASP, I KNOW, FLORIDA!?!?! During my last week in San Jose, I spent a day playing tour guide for one of the speakers of the convention, at the end of which he said he'd like to explore the idea of creating a place for me on his staff. What timeliness on the Lord's part as I was (and am) processing through what the future might hold. I don't have details as to the job description, but that will be a significant part of my time/interview in May. The photo I am posting was taken that same day and I can still feel the refreshed excitement of possibility and a heart turned full toward Heaven's great purpose.

Let me start with sharing a quirk. It has "bugged" my type A since the beginning of this blog. "What's that," you ask. The blog doesn't allow me to (or I haven't figured out how to) seperate my paragraphs!!! All my thoughts seem to run on and I'll change from light-hearted to serious without a break in pace. Ms. Fronk (high school English teacher) would be so upset! Anyway, no use trying to start another paragraph so here goes... I am home and physically settled back into the life I left, apartment & neighbors, meetings, work, traffic. I haven't sat too long to reflect on the trip much, but it has been coming in bits and pieces. This last week I washed my flip-flops of the last grains of sand reminding me of those beautiful sunrises and peace in the morning. The rose my mom gave me at the airport is still in the beautiful vase, though it is not looking so good. I am unconsiously (now consiously) refusing to throw it away for then it means I am really home and my trip is over. The trip I dreamed and planned and worried over for the last year, year and a half. Saddens me, but I keep reminding myself of the gift that it was and that wonderful things are still in the future, not just in the memories of the past. In His faithfulness, the Lord has opened doors and I am allowing those to simmer as I sift through them. I was flipping through Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest" this evening and "happend" across January 2. Please, this is so good, take just a moment to read. This explains why I went to Costa Rica and why I don't know what He has in the future...there is no logical answer! (Smiling!!!) All I know is that God knows. The link http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=01&day=02Thanks again for following along and praying for me. Your prayers were heard and answered! "May the Lord continually bless you with Heaven's blessings as well as with human joys." -Psalm 128:5 My love to you all!