Ethiopia: Part 1

Ethiopia is a vibrant land, so full of life that it is hard to describe. The best way for me to pass on my experiences is to show you some snapshots. This post will cover the more religious aspect of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is comprised of Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.

I went and toured the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and stumbled upon these pious church members. The spirituality in Ethiopia is so strong; I spent the majority of my time there with Protestant leaders in Lutheran Hour Ministries. The Spirit is moving through these Protestants, and God's grace is being revealed to many Ethiopians.

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of!

For my first visit to NYC, I decided to take a tour of Greenwich Village. Three hours of history, culture, and sight-seeing were just what the doctor ordered! Hansel, our guide, was quite knowledgeable about the area. He showed us the Washington Mews, a row of carriage houses that have been turned into apartments and lofts for "trust fund babies," as Hansel puts it. Oh Hansel.



The streets of the Village are so unique. You feel as though you are in a quaint town instead of a metropolitan city.


The details were what made the Village unique. The various colored doors, wrought iron designs, and bohemian heritage are only a few reasons why this area so attractive!

One section of a fenced-in park was covered with tiles supporting our troops. It was so moving to see these sentiments displayed in such a common area.


Washington Square Park. It was so fresh, so relaxed. I know that if I lived near the Village, I would frequent this park often. Maybe it was the man who wheeled a piano to the fountain, or the two boys who jukebox karaoke'd for money; whatever the reason, the Park felt alive!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

A Taste of the Jersey Coast

World War II meets the Jersey Shore.

Some beaches have shells, others have jellyfish and unknown sea creatures.
These items do not encourage any sort of frolicking in the sand.

It was surreal seeing dolphins come so close to shore. Absolutely gorgeous!

Fishing on the beach. Not the safest for swimmers. Or the jellyfish.

Cape May was a "tourist" town with a relaxed feel. At the southernmost tip of NJ, it's separated from the party life of Atlantic City, and lends itself more towards the family. All in all, a relaxing vacation.

Gettysburg Take 3

This is the third time I have visited Gettysburg: once when I was 12, again when I was 14, and now again at 24.

I feel as though every time I visit, I capture more of the essence, struggle, and strife of the three days' battle.

The scenery is so peaceful and calm that it is difficult to imagine the malice and collision that took place.

This memorial is built from materials originating from Maine and Alabama. The natural gas flame on top is supposed to symbolize the eternal peace of these grounds.
A plaque near the memorial related the events of a "reunion" of Civil War soldiers in the 1930's. FDR spoke from this memorial to thousands of veterans, most in their 90's and one as old as 110. A picture on the plaque depicted a soldier from the North and a soldier from the South shaking hands. How powerful to see brotherly love transcend decades after such a bitter war!

Road Rules #4

When you're stuck on the highway, make some friends. Share the info you get and walk around.

A Well-Rounded Meal

What fulfilling meal would be complete without a touch of sugary sweetness? That's why a trip to the Original Cupcake Factory in Mackinaw City is a must. The pasties are all well and good, but I had to sample some of these sinful inspirations. I adored the Red Corvette, a petite red velvet cupcake. The sugary sweetness was complemented with the decor; think pink!