“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” -Job 12:7-10
To what can I compare the breathtaking beauty of the wild African savannah?
With family visiting me in Kenya earlier this month, a 3-day Masai Mara safari was a must!
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Of the Big Five we saw four: lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. The rhino’s evaded us, but the wildebeest migration, hordes of adorable donkeys in pajamas (zebras;)), giraffes, ostrich, hyena, hippos, and crocodiles made up for it! The leopard is one of the rarest to see, and it happened to be enjoying its dinner in a tree when we were able to spot a glimpse! (pun intended).
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The four of us will always remember this adventure fondly. Sopa Lodge is a stunning location to relax after each long day, and I can speak very highly for Classic Journeys, our tour guide company!
If you haven’t added African safari to your bucket list yet, be sure to change that! It’s impossible to walk away unmoved, uninspired by the wild beauty around you!
I am on the receiving end of short-term mission trips. Now, I am the host for these energetic teenagers seeing the other side of the world for the first time in a 2-week intensive experience. And wow, what a joy they are!!
I’ve heard all the arguments about the danger of short-term mission trips and I’ve even felt the guilt about going on them myself. I wondered if I was just taking work away from the locals or imposing on their system that works quicker without my interruption. I wondered if the money I was raising to go would be better used if I just wrote them a check. But now that I am on the side of the host country with mission teams visiting “my people” and these kiddo’s, I can honestly say they are so needed for our health and vitality as individuals and as an organization. It’s not always about the money or “getting the job done”; we live for relationship, and the ones we make with our visiting friends breathe new life into our spirits.
For me, the first week and a half of life in Nairobi were full of change, questions responded to with ambiguous answers leading to even more doubt, and numbness. I hoped it would improve with time since I am committed to a year, but God wanted to show up quickly so He could show off!
Cue the arrival of 10 hyper high schoolers and their 3 amazing chaperones, as well as the sweet Simply2Love team of 4 ladies! Over 11 days, we all became close friends, and I’m so happy to have 17 new friends praying and supporting CCP from California. It makes a HUGE difference to see the faces in our context who have said they support us. Their actions speak loud; they stepped out in faith to raise support and leave their families and friends for 2 weeks to do life with us in Nairobi! We laughed and cried and sang and danced together! We kissed giraffes, bounced along a 6-hour bus detour (a trip that should have been just 2 hours) through the African bush, were cornered by stampedes of orphan elephants, prayed over the sweet kiddo’s of CCP and their families, and ate A LOT of chapati!
Christ heard me in my loneliness, and He sent 17 reflections of Himself to refresh my heart and soul! I have no doubt in my mind now for the need of short-term mission teams. As long as the visitors are seeking God’s will and supporting the host organization with excited and humbled spirits, they are absolutely a help to us. Let this be encouragement to you as you consider going on a mission trip yourself or supporting someone else who is going!
I wonder at our connotation behind ‘calling’. I wonder at the calling on my life and the universal calling on all believers in Christ. To go to all the nations and proclaim the Good News were the parting words of the Son of God (Matt 28:18). When I felt called to be a missionary my junior year of high school, I fought with the still, small voice for over 6 years. I didn’t know how to start and go about it, I was searching for the confidence to attempt such a risk in my own strength, and I surely didn’t want to be endlessly asking family, friends, or strangers for my financial support (all this can be summarized to read “fear”).
So I lived a self-serving Christianity. I wasted precious time spreading my attention thin on other interests or talents in case they could be “the purpose” God had put me on earth. Oh, the ever elusive purpose, “the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). Long conversations, that were more like long-winded monologues demanding that God reveal my life step-by-step so I could prepare, were had in prayer and oftentimes in tears after a frustrating bout of chasing what the world told me would fulfill. Sheepishly I always returned to God, asking for clarity once again since my seeking led to another dead end.
Isaiah 58:11 reads, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” If we believe God is all-loving and all-knowing, would it not add up that if He leads you to something (a career, a school, a relationship, a new situation), He will also provide what you need in and through the season of it?
I do not feel qualified in the least in my knowledge or experience to spread the Gospel. What a precious responsibility I should not be trusted with in my frail humanity. Paul’s sold out faith convicts me in Acts though that all He needs is a willing heart. “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there…However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:22-24), “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21: 13), “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31). Wherever He guides me, I choose to trust and believe He will also provide the strength I need.
with love from my current home in Harare, Zimbabwe,
the tall girl
African sunset on the Zambezi River…oh, how His works declare His glory!!
I barely finished reading the subject line on the email before I was dancing around the kitchen like a maniac. The term ‘dancing’ is used loosely, for it would be better described as a combination of jumping, thrashing, and knocking everything over in a 5-foot radius of my flailing arms. The first innocent bystander to see me in that state was my mom. I pulled her into my crazy dance, then looked her in the eyes.
Tears welled up as I told her, “I’m the top blogger for the month of January on StudentUniverse!” I had the shakes, and I hardly managed to read every word of that email by the StudentUniverse blog manager, describing how my blog posts reached over 10,000 views in the respective 9 and 6 days that the 2 were on the site.
There was even triple the average amount of time engaging with the content than with any other blog content in January.
My dream for the last 2 years has been simple: be a travel writer. Breaking that down, this means being paid to write on my travel experiences. (FYI, the top blogger per month on StudentUniverse is paid a nominal amount as a token of gratitude for sharing their travel smarts!) I’m still in absolute shock that this happened, and my praise immediately went to the Lord for orchestrating this and to my support system of friends, family, and wordpress followers (LOVE YOU ALL), who made this happen! Thanks for clicking on that link, reading through those posts, and sharing with your fellow adventurers!
I can’t thank you all enough for reading, enjoying, and spreading the word. There’s someone out there with wanderlust hidden deep down, needing a little encouragement to go out there and see this beautiful world!
Ask anyone who’s seen my room decor, my notebooks, my cell phone cases, my Pinteresttravel board, or my display of (excessive, it’s really way too much) jewelry, and they’ll name a common theme if they have eyes: Paris. I had an obsession with the Eiffel Tower long before I saw it in person; and standing under that magnificent iron lattice only served to multiply my adoration of the structure.
Leen & Judith, my favorite adventure buddies.
Any reports you’ve heard about the City of Love are more than likely based on truth: it’s covered in tourists, you’ll be greeted by “rude” French people when you speak English, and you’ll need to pull out a new loan to pay for each meal.
But the vibe of the city makes any hassle you’ll deal with more than worth it. The reasons are endless for Audrey Hepburn’s infamous quote, “Paris is always a good idea,” but no one would have the time to read such a long blog post. So I included my top 9 reasons for why Paris, truly, is always a good idea.
9) There is always something noteworthy going on in Paris.
No matter when you travel to Paris, there will always be a celebration or event (maybe even Paris Fashion Week!) you won’t want to miss. Even if the hype is greater than the attraction itself, as was the case for me this past time, it’s still worth it to be a part of a local event you didn’t plan for.
The first weekend of October happens to be the annual event called “Nuit Blanche” which translates in English to White Night (but really the French meaning is Sleepless Night). Millions of people from all over the world attend, and what I found most interesting is that you have to find out through friends, media, or Google where the event is actually being held. The committee that puts it on chooses new and unexpected neighborhoods all over the city each year, so it’s never known until a few days in advance where you’ll actually be enjoying the “show”. As for the event itself, the music, lights, and colored fog show were a bit exaggerated, and we left shortly after arriving. The red, white, blue, and yellow icicles in a second location were cool for a few pictures, but then we were off into the night once again, wondering what to do next. Thankfully, we were in Paris, which brings me to my next point.
Dramatized colored fog show for Nuit Blanche.Icicles to last only through Sleepless Night.
8) Paris at Night.
When a city comes alive and even more active at night than it is during the day, you know it’s a place you want to be.
New York, Tel Aviv, Athens, Rome, Madrid, and of course Paris are just a few of the ones I’ve been to which can boast such a nightlife. Us 3 girls had no problem enjoying the Parisian sights illuminated in white-gold beams of spotlight and observing colorful characters having a photo shoot in the middle of the road, along with many other antics that only the bravery of night can bring out of people.
Glorious Paris
7) You Won’t Go Wrong With Any Season of the Year
Fall Any time of the year in Paris will have its own ethereal sense, so you can truly book a flight for the time that’s best for you and enjoy it!
However, I have to say that Paris in the fall felt like I’d stepped into a vivid dream: leaves on the trees were changing color to vibrant orange, red, and yellow; the crisp autumn air made breathing city air actually pleasant; and bundling up to walk around, dally through an open air market, and then enjoy a caffe latte and croissant to warm up…could anything be more perfect?
Summer This is of course the most common time to travel and visit Paris, and I certainly enjoyed it two years ago in July. I happened to visit during France’s Independence Day, so the city was buzzing with even more life than usual. Of course it will be hotter and more crowded with tourists, so keep all of that in mind as you pack and book your trip.
6) Street Performers
Sometimes these guys get a bad rap, but how boring would city streets be without a dance crew tearing it up, a musician playing his heart out on the violin, or an artist telling each passerby they could be the next masterpiece on her canvas? Paris is brimming with talented street performers, so take a moment out of the hustle to stop and enjoy a show! (But don’t stop for the “luck”, three cups, or gambling games. Those are rigged tourist traps, and there are often pickpockets in the crowd.)
These guys were hilarious and obviously grew quite the crowd on the steps in front of the Eiffel Tower.
5) Open Air Markets
If you want to feel like a local, hear a lot of French being spoken, and maybe pick up a delicious lunch to take to a nearby park for a picnic, don’t miss an open air market in Paris.
They’re all over the city, and don’t worry about missing it one day…there will be 5 more open the next day. Here’s a list of Parisian street markets by day of the week, but you can always google and find them listed by what they sell, their location, etc.
La Marché Grenelle, right by the metro stop La Motte-Piquet Grenelle and walking distance to the Eiffel Tower.
4) Being the Typical Tourist is SO Fun
When I travel, my goal is to look and act so much like a native that I’m spoken to in the local language or to have a tourist ask me a directional question, thinking that I’m a local. I’ve been fairly successful so far, but when I’m in Paris, I’m so enraptured by the architecture, the fashion, the overall city vibe that I look like a tourist through and through. It’s also the only place I don’t really mind fitting that profile! I take the jumping picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, middle of the road Champs des Élyseès and Arc de Triomphe in the background snapshot, and of course I can never miss the Love Lock Bridge along the Seine River.
Although the city has now removed all the locks and covered the original Love Lock Bridge railing because it was bending over from the weight of all the locks, this hasn’t stopped lovers visiting the city to place a lock on any bridge they find and to throw the key in the river with positive wishes for their future together.
3) Walks along the Seine.
This will always be a highlight of Paris for any tourist. The city never fails to entertain with life size tic tac toe, mazes and a world map painted on the concrete, chalkboard walls to leave a note on, mini botanical gardens, or tempting hammocks swaying on the dock for weary passersby to take a break from the heat. You may just stumble upon a photography exhibit free to the public from a nearby museum. This was actually a perfect find for me, as I didn’t have time (or funds, really) to see any museums while I was there. Strolling through and appreciating photos of the year for an hour was just the art exposure that I needed!
Flashback Photo! 2 years ago I made my mark on the chalkboard wall: “Kelli was here”.
Outside wall of the open art exhibit.
2) Green Seine Shops.
These unobtrusive green metal boxes attached to the fence may look boxy and pointless when closed and locked up in the evening. When tourists are out and about, you better believe these shop owners are open for business with their vintage books, magazines, and souvenirs. There may be an official name, but I just call them the “Green Seine’s”, and plenty of my business has gone to reprint paintings and postcards at these shops close to Notre Dame.
1) Paris is PRIME for people-watching!
You’ll never find such mixed diversity in the world, as there are people from everywhere imaginable here. It also might just happen to be Fashion Week in Paris, as it was for me, and observing the bold (to crazy and ridiculous!) fashion on the streets was enough to entertain for hours.
Also, you’re more than likely to make new friends. As Judith, Leen, and I were taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, we met the nicest Koreans traveling around Europe. So of course we proceeded to take pictures together as a group!
Leave it to the classiest lady ever, Audrey Hepburn, to know where you’ll always find rich culture and make memories to last a lifetime.
When we walk into a new place, meet a new person, or encounter a new situation, we go in with preconceptions. Upon arriving, we make snap judgments to gain a sense of control and organization of the world in our mind.
I can’t explain in words what my preconception of Italy was before traveling there, I only know now that my senses were shocked in the best way by how wrong I was compared to the beautiful place, rich culture, and incredible people I encountered there. Continue reading “Top 10 Takeaways of My Time in Italy”→
The guidebooks were correct on one thing: Florence is overflowing with tourists. I heard more English or German being spoken than I did Italian in this city of over 360,000 locals.
If tourists are swarming, it must be for good reason. I almost didn’t go because of low expectations and a lingering tiredness from the week prior, hopping quickly from Athens to Santorini to Rome to Pisa. Well, those low expectations led to a dropped jaw and wide-eyed stares at the beauty surrounding me. Continue reading “Discovering Tuscany: Florence Edition”→
Getting lost in these streets is easy. You can explore the wonders down a side street, have a 5th cone of gelato because nothing beats that sweet substance to cool off on a 90 degree Italian day, or lay out on the lawn of Piazza dei Miracoli, mesmerized by the leaning tower. Continue reading “Discovering Tuscany: Pisa Edition”→
“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”~C.S. Lewis
How can you know there’s a real person behind the words on an impersonal screen?
You can’t see me, you aren’t in my presence, you don’t know who’s really behind the blog, telling of her experiences.
Many times when I see a blog post or any social media publication, there’s a hint of doubt about its origin and the author’s intent. It often seems detached and soulless, like a news story to be read and tossed away. That being said, I wanted to share my travel confessions so you know I’m a real, living and breathing human, and not a robot pumping out lifeless posts. Continue reading “The Soul Behind ‘the tall girl’”→
