Crazy Adventures in the Life of a Redhead

I wanted to share a few pictures I took of the rainstorm that passed through our little slice of paradise this afternoon. The Philippines has two seasons: rainy and dry. Technically, we are in the dry season, which generally means the dust has begun to blow and the vegetation has begun to dry up. But this year, Baguio has been blessed with a little more rain. I say blessed because water can become pretty scarce in this part of the world when the rain’s torrential presence recedes at the beginning of October. Last year, we had water through January, only to commence rationing in February. Hopefully, this extra bit of rain will help Baguio maintain a good water level for a bit longer this year.

Back in Baguio After only nine months away, I have returned to one of my favorite places on earth. People always ask me what place I love the best, and Baguio never crosses my mind, but if someone would ask which place has made the greatest impression on me, I would certainly highlight Baguio. How can a place have such emotional significance without the tourist appeal? Very easily: relationships. While volunteering here in Baguio, I formed some strong relationships that affected me on almost every level (spiritual, emotional, and cognitive). I am back in the presence of people I know to be some of the most loving and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of encountering. So, for the next month, let me regal you with some stories and observations from the Philippines, Korea (I plan to go there for one week from February 1-8), and Happy Family Overseas Ministry. The Baguio Market One should not miss the Baguio market experience if travel plans lead you to Baguio. It is an impressi...

The Bible says in the “Christmas story” found in Luke that “…Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I was inspired by her insight into the fact that the events that were happening at that moment were more profound than she could even imagine and that she must tuck them away for current and future contemplation. I know that the holiday season that just passed like a whirlwind in my life will remain in my memory for a long time, so on my way to the Philippines, I hope to be able to share some of the things that really impressed me about this season of thanks, love, and renewal (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years respectively). Thanksgiving: A season of Thanks In the shadow of Christmas and New Years, this holiday seems to be lost for many people, but for me, it is one of my favorites; however, because of school and travel, it is one holiday that I have not celebrated with my family for the past two years. The ability to cook and give thanks in the midst o...

This is my year of travel. I work long hours and whenever I can in order to have enough money to visit friends and travel the globe. So, when last year, I promised myself that I would try to visit all my friends who live outside the Chicago/WI area at least once in 2010, I have been making every effort to achieve this resolution. (Every year I have a list of at least 10 things I want to accomplish during the year. I have a 75 percent success rate!) These are three friends from high school—Lisa, Kara, and Rebecca—and two friends from college—Morgan and Ariel—who live in Sacramento, Denver, Austin, DC, and Bridgeport, CN, respectively. Fortunately, I was able to make it all happen, so this is our story. Washington, D.C. (Late July) I planned the end of my around-the-world trip to include a visit with my littler sister, Whitney, and a visit with my friend, Morgan, who lives and works in D.C. I flew into NYC and spent four days with my sisters and Mom in upstate NY in the Fingerlakes regio...

The border crossing Sarah and I stayed in the border town of Przmysl because we planned to cross the border on foot. Neither one of us had ever crossed a border on foot, so it promised to be quite the adventure. The only information we had on crossing the Polish/Ukrainian border was to take the local bus to Medyka. Dubiously, we showed the name of the town written on a piece of paper to the ticket window, where the employee understood enough English to communicate the line in which we needed to stand. One of the worst feelings when you are traveling is the thought that you are not where you are supposed to be. I was comforted by the high schoolers congregating around us who I hoped were also going in our direction. The bus was miniscule and happened to be the one that everyone and his friend planned to use, so we barely pushed our way in (I obtrusively hit almost every teenager on that bus who returned the favor with some quizzical looks of offence) and paid the driver. Since we were n...