The week marches on

Obviously my lack of blogging routine has carried over into this trip…

Thursday we hung out here in the morning, waking up slightly later than I wanted to due to problems getting to sleep. In the afternoon Lisa and I took off on a massive Costco/Winco shopping run… this was my first trip to Costco and I must offer the Costco salute to all members of Dorm1 and our chart! (if you don’t understand, you never will, let’s move on.) All I can say is that it’s big. Like supersized American big. It makes bulk shopping in New Zealand look pitiful. Also got my hair done… highlighted and all… typical girliness…

Friday was the day that Dylan pronounced me “almost an advanced” on the quad bikes… I attempted the ‘biggest hill’ and the creek trail down the hill – and didn’t fall off! In the morning Lisa and I drove some groceries out to Molalla where we have someone helping us by doing some cooking for the NZ team. In the afternoon, we went to a homeschooler gathering where we taught about New Zealand. Getting the kids to try Marmite was hilarious! I think there was only one of them that liked it… but the timtams and chocolate fish were favourites.

Saturday was a day of first encounters again… we made biscuits and gravy which I’d never tried before… we then headed out to Multnomah Falls and climbed right to the top… then Lisa and I visited the outlet mall. I didn’t get any further than GAP and Adidas. Although I found some really good stuff…

I’m still really enjoying being here: this place feels like home, and I really really like the Erickson family (who I’m staying with.) Mum and Dad arrive tomorrow… and I’m excited for the 31 degree weather here in Oregon! We head to Vancouver on Tuesday.

Day 2 and 3 of the American Sojourn

It’s good to know people; it’s even better to connect with them. I’ve had some really good conversations today with Lisa, the lady that is our American co-ordinator for the conferences that we are running.

Yesterday was a sleep-in, and in the evening we headed out to Salem to check out the local YWAM activity, because they have a Tuesday night gathering called “The Rising.” A really good message was preached by a local pastor who does lecturing, about the need for us to engage with each others journeys and stories – that rather than the gospel simply being “Go and tell” there also needs to be an included dynamic of “Go and listen.”

On the way home we tried to find a Starbucks… but Starbucks was closed, so we went to Target instead. I heart Target… it is one of the worlds best stores alongside Walmart (for that kind of price bracket at least.) I also really like Starbucks bottled Frappuchinos… can’t get them in New Zealand, and they are AMAZING.

Today I spent the morning working on the Approaching Thunder website which we hope to get launched soon… then we headed out to meet a local pastor and to visit Payless Shoes and the local Christian store… back at the house doing more conference stuff then off to the shops tonight I think…

You bet I need sleep

Following Jenn’s inspiration, I give to you the last forty hours in list format.

* I gave in. I have two suitcases and so will probably end up paying far too much on all my US domestic legs. It wouldn’t fit in one!

* Down to four pairs of shoes. It’s good to simplify.

* My cunning master plan to awaken at 5.30 yesterday so I was tired and would sleep last work didn’t succeed… I got up at 5.30am, and I’m still awake. It’s now 5.30pm the day after and I’ve been awake for 36 hours.

* Evil 12 hour plane ride. It’s IMPOSSIBLE to sleep in an aisle seat. Oh well, Prince Caspian, Kungfu Panda and Secondhand Wedding are off the to-see list… pretty expensive movies at an average of 350 each.

* I’m in Oregon. It’s 10pm. Night.

How I love planes…

I’m off to America today… which I am exceptionally excited about. This trip has been unique in that I haven’t hit my ‘why the heck am I doing this’ moments which usually come about a week or so before I go.  I’ve been very nicely organised, and have suceeded in my plans for world domination, beginning with my house. The entire house except for the other bedroom has been covered with neat little piles of belongings, some of which are now making it into the (bright pink) suitcase, others got moved into boxes and sent to storage, and the last are the unwanted, the clothes that I would take, but plan to shop to replace.

I finished working at Starbucks on Thursday night and at the Safe Medication programme on Friday… so Saturday was full of packing, Sunday was full of church and meetings for Oregon team, and today I plan to finish putting things in the suitcase, go to the gym, and generally wear myself out so I sleep on the plane tonight.

I’m excited about this trip… it’s ministry but there’s also a nice big holiday. I’m heading into Oregon and will be there for a week before I head to Vancouver, BC for a week with my parents… then its back to Oregon for the arrival of the rest of the New Zealand team.

More updates… and a blog redesign… to come