A million miles in a thousand years

Right before I started my sabbatical, I read a great book called A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The premise of the book is that the author, Donald Miller, has been approached by movie producers to write a screenplay based on his book Blue like Jazz. In the process of writing the script, Donald realizes that he isn't living a "great life story" and that if he were to die he wouldn't leave any sort of legacy or be remembered for doing anything that great. Driven by his faith in God and a desire to make a difference in the world, he sets out on his second chance at life the first time around by doing things like riding his bike across country for a charity as well as starting his own nonprofit organization.

Needless to say, I found the book inspiring. I also thought it was perfect timing that I read this right before I started out on my own journey at living a better more exciting life. I only went 30,000 miles in 6 months, but I like to think it was a start. I set out on my travels because I thought it was going to be a cool way to learn more about myself, which it definitely was, but more importantly I realized that all of this isn't about me at all. It's about God. And all of these experiences he has given me these past months were to help me grow in love and faith and learn better how to serve Him. I am set to start nursing school in a few short weeks, and while I know it won't be easy I feel like this is the purpose He has had for me and maybe it will be my start to begin living a great life story and making some sort of difference.

Hopefully I will be able to continue to travel along the way, but I don't know if I will ever be able to top these past 6 months. While I have gone to beautiful places and done all sorts of exciting things, it has been spending time with my friends that has been the best part. Thanks to Kels, Jess, Adrienne, Blake, Lauren, Scott, Matt, Caroline, Ashley, and Bennett for making the time truly enjoyable. Its been a great adventure and hopefully there will continue to be more to come. Because the "great story" of life, after all, is all about the journey and what you choose to do with it.

J Hole... I hope this is what heaven looks like

My sabbatical is quickly winding down, so I decided what better place to end it then in Jackson, Wyoming. I have visited lots of places the past couple of years, but I have to say that Jackson Hole is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. For those of you who have never been, I will let the pictures speak for themselves....

Tetons

Jenny Lake

Tetons again (pretty sure that's God peeking through the clouds)

We also ventured to Yellowstone where we saw some great wildlife, Old Faithful, and tons of old people.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

bison

While the views were gorgeous, the wildlife was cool, and my friends were hilarious the highlight of the trip was finding a guy who hooked me up with these blasts from the past...

Who knew they still made Blu Blockers?!

The only word to describe these is bitchin

Nashville Flood

I am sure everyone has heard by now that the state of TN has endured massive amounts of rain which has resulted in destructive flooding and caused Nashville and surrounding areas to be declared disaster areas. Those of us who are here are glad that the national news and federal government finally decided to report on everything that has been going on... 3 days late. At first we figured that the oil spill in the Gulf and the attempted bombing in New York were more important stories, but then after talking about it we realized that it must be because President Obama doesn't care about white people. Those people who thought Kanye's comments about President Bush during Katrina were ridiculous can sense my sarcasm.

All kidding aside, this is by far the worst natural disaster to happen in the state of TN. The Cumberland river is still cresting, Broadway and most parts of downtown are still submerged in water, and thousands of people have lost their homes and personal belongings. I am so thankful that everyone I know is safe and that we can all say that we have survived the TN flood of 2k10. We ventured downtown yesterday and I am posting some pictures below, but they don't even begin to show the devastation.

Titans Stadium

2nd Avenue

I really do love this city and it has been great to see the whole community come together to help everyone that is in need. I know without a doubt that Nashville will restore itself back to the great city it is and the community will be stronger because of this. If anyone is interested in volunteering here is a link to Hands on Nashville http://www.hon.org or to donate http://www.nashvilleredcross.org