Give Me a Medal

I once read somewhere that "anyone who uses a stick of chapstick until the very end should be given a medal."

Let's face it. Chapstick is very lose-able. "If I had a dime for every chapstick I've called my own..." It falls out of your pocket, gets washed with your jeans, loses itself in the bottom of your purse, or often just mysteriously disappears. Chapstick is so elusive.

I spent much of high school as a Burt's Bees gal. I carried my Burt's Bees with me so much that I actually wore a hole in my pocket from carrying it around. Yet another way to lose your chapstick. Maybe I should switch up my jeans more often. In recent years, I'm more of a Whatever I Can Find gal.

Well, readers. Today I made it to the end of my current stick of chapstick. And unlike most chapsticks, this one has memories. You see, on June 11, 2010, I was on my way to Houston to celebrate the marriage of the Paynes. Not only did I forget my iPod for the long plane ride, but I also forgot my chapstick - which I think concerned me more. I needed my lips to look and feel good! And there's nothing that will make your lips dry out faster than being conscious of the fact that you have nothing with which to remoisturize them. So, I bit the bullet and purchased a stick of chapstick at Midway Airport for $5 (exaggeration...hah). It was a generic flavor, but you know how that generic flavor is so recognizable? It's that "red chapstick flavor." Not Burt's Bees. Not the tasteless white kind.

This chapstick was there for a weekend of wedding festivities and friendreunions. I used it on my way down to surprise friends in Nashville later that summer. It kept my lips moisturized through the chilly fall and start of winter. It travelled all the way to Namibia and back again. And today, it shall be tossed in the trash because I simply can't push my lips any farther down into it to get those last bits of moisture.

Alas, Trusty Generic Chapstick. You've been good to me. Here's to hoping I cherish every moment with my future chapsticks - from taking off their finicky plastic wrappings, to digging the last little bit of moisture out.

TIA Tuesday

I would like to refer you all to the growing First World Problems trend. Which is really just a rip off my TIA (This Is America) posts. Hah. But really, these things are all at once hilarious and sadly telling of the weird things we feel we struggle with every day. Reality check. Check out the many Twitter feeds of First World Problems. And if "TIA Tuesday" weren't so catchy and African, perhaps we'd call this FWP.

Being completely overwhelmed by my HUGE closets. Clearly, not a problem. But they're just so big...and in Namibia, my clothes and things had to live in piles on my bedroom floor. How do I fill two huge closets? Do I still need to buy other furniture? TIA.

Spending two days trying to get new plates and ID. Which seems absurd. Three and a half hours at the DMV?! But let's face it: trying to do that in Namibia would probably take weeks. TIA.

Being overwhelmed at the wide selection of products at the grocery store. This is still a problem? TIA.

Seeing jorts everywhere. Especially at the DMV. Where are all the normal people at the DMV? TIA.

Drinking tea with friends. TIA. I guess TIA(frica), too, depending what part of the continent you're in. Not as much in Namibia.

Idyll

According to the Oxford American Dictionary, an idyll is "an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one."

Close your eyes. Or wait...don't. On second thought, wait until the end to close your eyes. Unless, of course, someone is reading this post aloud to you.

You're sitting in the hallowed pews of the Ryman Auditorium. Historically Cool Since 1892. The Mother Church of Country Music. Elbow to elbow with 2362 of your closest friends. Enter: Alison Krauss & Union Station. Wait...let me say that again while you soak it in. Alison Krauss. Union Station. The Ryman Auditorium. Cue bluegrass jams, classic A. Krauss tunes, a nearly 15-minute dobro-only performance by Jerry Douglas, quips about electric toothbrushes and burping during songs, boots stomping on the wooden floors, whoopin' & hollerin', soul-wrenching harmonies, a weeping-worthy performance of "Your Long Journey," and an all-acoustic encore including "Down to the River"...a capella...in the Ryman...whoa.

Now close your eyes and repeat that all in your head. And try to keep yourself from falling out of your chair.

Idyllic, right? Welcome to Nashville.

Nashville Nugget No. 12 - Grimey's

Okay, okay, Nashville readers. I know what you're thinking. "Grimey's is NOT a restaurant!" You're right. It's not. But when Grimey's gives you free beer and a good time, it qualifies as a Nashville Nugget.

As an after work treat on Wednesday, I headed out with friends Fuchs and Paige to Grimey's for Gabe Dixon's CD release show. I first fell in love with Gabe Dixon's smooth vocals and enchanting piano riffs back in high school...back in the day when you could still download all his music for free from his website.

Glory be, you can still listen to this new album for free (for now) right here. And you should. Because my ears haven't stopped smiling since Tuesday.

But despite my appreciation for Gabe's music, I have never seen him perform live! Thank goodness times are a-changing, because I saw him this week and will get to see him again when he performs with Ten out of Tenn at Live on the Green in October.

What you need to know about Grimey's is this: it's a Nashville institution that sells new & preloved music. It's is located in a big ol' house on 8th Avenue and has bare brick walls and thousands of CDs, vinyls, DVDs, and more crammed into all its rooms. It's a bit overwhelming and overjoyful when you walk in, since there's so much to look at and listen to. Plus, they host in-store music events all the time, including gems like Gabe. This is a music-lover's heaven.

This being my first time ever to Grimey's, I perused the stacks while waiting for friends to arrive. I found a lot of intriguing CDs and was tempted to buy all the Patty Griffin records I could find. Thank goodness for not having much money, or I wouldn't have been able to resist.

About five minutes before The Man came on "stage" (aka in the small space that was cleared of stacks so he could play), the Grimey's staff announced that they had free beer for everyone. What?! After a long day at work, nothing could be more satisfying.

Gabe Dixon was phenom. It was so exciting to hear this voice I've listened to for almost 8 years finally come to life and be performing right in front of me. And to watch him play piano reinvigorated my love of playing and made me want a piano back in my life right now. However, we were a bit disappointed when Fuchs' friend Alison Krauss didn't join him on stage for their duet to "Even the Rain."

Grimey's is great. Gabe Dixon is great. Go enjoy both right now.

Grimey's is located on 8th north of Wedgewood at 1604 8th Ave South.

Nashville Nugget No. 11 - The Smiling Elephant

Y'all. College is back in session. What a joyful imposition it is. Joyful, because what's better than hoards of new freshmen from all of our colleges and universities falling in love with Nashville? Imposition because there are a lot of them going to our favorite places, eating our favorite foods, and using our favorite things.

Which has made me a little more angsty than usual. For example, finding a place to eat last weekend was unthinkable. Every place we tried to go, the lines were out the door or the wait was too long. We didn't even consider going to Burger Up after seeing upwards of 50 people outside their door on Friday. Needless to say, by the end of our search we were at our wits' ends and in desperate need of a meal.

That's when friends Jon & Shannon recommended a place called the Smiling Elephant. "It's Thai food!" they exclaimed. Thai food? Is that spicy? Do I like it? Have I had it before?

(I know I'm on a new "I'll try everything put in front of me" kick this year. I know I ate caterpillars, for Pete's sake. But when you combine late hours and a hungry belly, I'm a lot less enthusiastic about new things. I don't want to risk hating it and still being hungry.)

But to the Smiling Elephant we went. Along the way, they tried to pump me up by reminding me that Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban just ate there. I've been trying for FIVE YEARS to see them, but to no avail (yet). This was a good tactic for getting me excited.

As soon as we pulled into their parking lot and spied their quaint establishment, I had a feeling it'd be a good meal. They've converted an older house into a Thailand-inspired abode (not that I've been to Thailand nor eaten Thai food...not that I'm qualified at all to comment on this). We waited for one of their few (by few, I mean maybe eight) tables to open up while chuckling with the host and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the entrees on display.

I had no idea what to order. No idea. I know that I don't love love curry, despite them being known for it. So I ordered the Gai Jee, which was grilled marinated chicken with veggies and rice, while Shannon ordere the Pad Thai and Jon ordered the special curry dish.

I don't know if it was the late hour (they're open til 10!) and my hungry tummy, or the genuine goodness of this food, but it was delicious!!! We all cleaned our plates and bore smiles on our faces the entire meal. Plus, it was the perfect portion size - filling, but not too much to need a doggy bag - they kept the cold ice water coming all meal long, which are all great things in my book.

It is necessary to mention our hilarious waitress who, despite English not being her first language, was able to make us laugh like crazy with her sarcasm and humor. Perfect addition to a great meal.

They do take-out as well, for you home-loving foodies out there.

So go try it! Especially when you're looking for a place that none of the tourists or college kids will know about.

The Smiling Elephant is located off 8th Avenue nearish to Wedgewood at 2213 8th Ave South.

TIA Tuesday - Update from Namibia

Remember when I wrote about Amy's new classroom a few weeks ago? Well, things are continuing to move along and I've been itching all day to post an update!

Today, after the typical delays and frustrations in Rundu, Amy and the Ministry of Education delivered all the supplies for construction to the school! I am so encouraged and surprised by how quickly things are moving along and am thrilled to be writing this post! However, as I keenly know and am reminded of when I talk to Amy, it's not easy to do something this big in Namibia. So here are some ways you can be praying specifically for it:

- Bricks are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning - pray that they make it in a complete and timely manner and that the sand that is needed for construction arrives in the next few weeks
- Many community members need to be mobilized to actually make this building a reality. This includes colleagues at school, kids, parents in the community, and the Ministry. Pray that everyone works together and senses the urgency of this need.
- This is a huge and really exciting project because this school so desperately needs a classroom for these kids so they can actually learn well and safely. However, most people have had lukewarm reactions and aren't as excited as Amy hoped for. It's challenging to work as an American in Namibia because your above-and-beyond efforts are often taken for granted and certainly aren't acknowledged with the gusto of people in America. We're so used to being constantly encouraged, thanked, and recognized in America that it's hard to keep up the faith when you have none of that reinforcement. So this is a two-part prayer: pray that the Lord would stir the souls of everyone in the community to be pumped about this project, and pray that Amy continues to find support and joy in what she's doing.
- Pray for safety in construction, efficiency in work, and joy in the doing.

Once the building gets underway, it will take an estimated 20 days to be completed. I'll keep you posted as I hear more from across the pond, but in the meantime, please join me in praying for my dear friend, her school, her learners, and the community.

Needing the body of believers to surround you & encourage you even more when you're thousands of miles away. TIA.

If you ever want to send a note to Amy, send it my way and I'll pass it along. Remember that as my supporters, you're supporting her just as much as it is your provisions that are making this building a reality! Thanks for all you do.

Nashville Nugget No. 10 - Fox's Donut Den

Back story: I enjoy a good donut. I’m by no means a connoisseur. I do not frequent Dunkin’ Donuts every week. I’ve never bought a box of donuts at the grocery store. But truth be told, I did have weekly coffee dates at Krispy Kreme last fall (close proximity to work, not a love for K^2). And I did spend my entire first spring break of college gallivanting around NYC in search of the elusive Chocolate Cream Dunkin’ Donut.

So, when faithful blog reader Jon suggested a late, late night trip to Nashville’s Donut Den, I couldn’t resist. After all, we share an intense love for the aforementioned Chocolate Cream Donut. He wove tales about this particular Donut Den donut that was an unimaginable combination of donuts and cinnamon rolls and chocolate with butterflies on top.

Butterflies? What about unicorns? I questioned his sanity, too.

But Praise the Sweet Lord who knows donuts are best enjoyed at obscure hours of the night with good friends. Just before midnight, we ventured to Green Hills for my first ever Donut Den experience.

Spirits were high as we waltzed in announcing that it was my first time at the Donut Den. The guy at the counter may have been taken aback by this crazy girl bursting into his establishment late at night, but he stood his ground as I ooh-ed and ahh-ed at what donuts were remaining at the end of the day. Suddenly, I heard a gasp from Jon and friend Niki at the other end of the counter as they spotted one remaining Butterflies & Unicorns Cinnamon Rolls Chocolate Donut Creation (not its actual name, obviously…or maybe it is?). Only one, but thankfully it’s huge and Jon was feeling generous enough to share.

This donut was amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like it, and frankly I don’t even know how to describe it, nor do I know its name, although I think the guys working there recognize it if you ask for the Butterfly Donut. There wasn't even a butterfly on it...but maybe there normally is? We also had a maple donut, classic glazed, a delicious chocolate glazed cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, and a few others that went into our bellies too quickly to remember. Y’all, their chocolate frosting can’t be beat.

Eight donuts and three full bellies later, we waddled out of the Donut Den. I don’t know about the other two, but after placing my precious remaining donuts in the fridge for breakfast later that week, I plopped into bed and slept happily.

Full bellies. Happy hearts. Nothing better.

Fox's Donut Den is located near Green Hills at 3900 Hillsboro Road and is open from 5 or 6 in the morning until midnight every day!

TIA Tuesday

Can I be lazy this week, please?

Instead of writing my own TIAs, I wanted to refer you to two friends' posts that are so Africa. So enjoy this post from Tanya about rural village fashion in Namibia and this post from Amy about the insanity of visiting the capitol city after living in the bush. Love these fellow WTers dearly and hope you find humor in their posts...and join me in praying for them, too!

Being "too busy" in America to write TIA Tuesday. TIA.

Because He So Loves Us

Today, I almost fell out of my chair upon reading some scripture with which I thought I was so familiar. Y'all, the Gospel is so alive and continues to speak new truth into our lives every day. Whoa.

It's the story of Lazarus in John 11 - you know, the one where Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead? One of the most comforting verses over the last few years has been verse 35: "Jesus wept." The greatness of Jesus' love for Lazarus and the depth of His emotion is moving. So often we make Jesus untouchable; He seems to perfect to be true or relatable. But He is real and felt the gamut of human emotion - even the painful stuff.

Verse 35 is great, but have you read earlier in that chapter? After Martha told Jesus that Lazarus was sick, the scripture says: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days."

He knew there was pain. He knew Lazarus was dying. He knew this hurt Mary & Martha's hearts. He waited two days to do anything about it.

My morning devotional comments on this by saying:

It is as if God were teaching us that at the very heart and foundation of all His dealings with us, no matter how dark and mysterious they may be, we must dare to believe in and affirm His infinite, unmerited, and unchanging love.

I feel jarred by this. If Jesus so loved Lazarus, why didn't he run to save him as soon as he heard about his impending death? My human instinct tells me to dash immediately to those I love when they are sick or in pain. I wouldn't hesitate for a second! Why does Jesus?

It goes on to say:

Anything less than infinite love would have rushed instantly to the relief of those beloved and troubled hearts...Only the power of divine love could have held back the spontaneity of the Savior's tenderheartedness until the angel of pain had finished his work.

How human is my love. My mortal soul still cringes at the truth that the Lord allows pain to work in our lives; that choosing to love Jesus inevitably means pain and challenges and obstacles. I want the One who loves us most to prevent pain. Doesn't that seem much more reasonable? How can I comprehend His infinite love when it's so different from mine?

One of my favorite Andrew Peterson lyrics is, "it's the fear that His love is no better than mine." How often I think that Jesus' love is the same as mine - and how wrong I am.

I'm comforted to read that Jesus patiently waited for the right time to heal Lazarus - the one He so loved - even if it's two uncomfortable days longer than I would have asked for.

I don't understand it - this great love that He has that allows for great pain - but faith doesn't mean understanding everything. Today, it means trusting Jesus' sovereignty and resting in His infinite love, knowing that it is greater than anything we can comprehend. His love for me is the foundation of how He deals with me, after all. There can't be anything better.

My Best Friend's Wedding

Mandy Muehlbauer & Greg Friend got MARRIED exactly eight days ago! It's shameful that it's taken me eight days to write this post, but where do I even begin?

Mandy is my longest & closest friend. Not many people can say they've known anyone other than their parents their whole life, but I can. We have been friends since Day 1...well, my Day 34, when she was born. Strangely enough, there are no photos of us as friends when we were little, but we're told this is the truth. We were the last ones to be potty trained out of our playgroup and all the other moms thought we were going to be stupid, but we sure showed them by going to Northwestern and Vanderbilt - hah! You don't need to be diaper-less to be smart.

Mandy, her sister Carrie, and her mom Edie are the closest thing to me besides my own family. They practically are my family, and I certainly consider Mandy and Carrie my sisters.

Mandy, Edie, and Carrie - all dolled up for the Big Day

They know my heart & soul deeply, know how to comfort me, and most of all know how to make me laugh, which we do frequently. Edie recently told me that whenever I used to go out with friends, my mom would worry - except when I was with Mandy. She always knew I was safe & in good hands. What a high compliment to give. Despite living in different parts of the country (and world!) for the last five years, we have remained steadfast friends even when we fail to keep in touch for months at a time. She is my confidant, she is my sister, she is my friend.

And now she's a married woman! Whoa! Greg sure is one lucky guy and we're all grateful he's in Mandy's life. They've been dating for nearly seven years - since junior year of high school. He is such a deep part of Mandy's soul and such a great person to have in our lives, even if he's a little competitive at our annual gingerbread house competition.

I was so fortunate to be able to go home to Chicago for nearly a week to celebrate their wedding. (Side Note: had I still lived in Namibia, it would have taken me three days of hitchhiking & plane-riding to make it to this wedding. And I would have been dealing with some pretty harsh culture shock and jetlag. Let's all pause for a minute and say "hallelujah" for me being in the States for this!)

If you asked Mandy on Friday morning to express how excited she was, she would have looked like this:

This girl was PUMPED about marriage and could not stop talking. Literally. You couldn't get a word in edgewise.

Their wedding & reception took place at beautiful Independence Grove located north of Chicago. We had a hot, hot, hot rehearsal on Friday evening, but were all amazed at the beauty of this location.

The bridesmaids with bouquets made from all the bows & ribbons from the shower gifts

We even found a place to take their photo by a rock. Greg proposed to Mandy by THE Rock at Northwestern, which is why this was significant.

The Proposal Rock

The Rehearsal Rock

We had the rehearsal dinner at Mandy's aunt's house where the bridesmaids were given beautiful jewelry for the Big Day and the groomsmen were given these neat custom-made shoes for the reception - soooo Greg.

The Big Day was Saturday, August 6, 2011. It involved a day of getting ready, giggling about marriage, the Big Event itself, and a reception and epic dance party that lasted well past midnight.

There's a wedding dress in the Matrix!

The Hair

The Bridesmaids (sister, sister-in-law, childhood friends, rugby/college friends)

BFF

The Dress

The Bridesmaids' Shoes & Flowers

The Wedding

Mr. & Mrs. Friend!!!

Love them.

The First Dance

Check out their kicks!

So congrats to my bestie! I am so excited for the years and adventures to come for the Friends!

PS - an update, since I know you must be asking yourself, " what about the shoes?!" They turned out to be fine for walking...but awful for standing in during the ceremony! Oh well. The price women pay for cute feet, I guess.

Why My 'Hood is Better Than Yours

In one week, we finally move into our cute house in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville. Sorry I'm not sorry about bragging, but it's arguably one of the best neighborhoods in Nashville. With a long stretch of shops & eateries along 12 Ave South itself and many winding neighborhoods streets lined with cute houses & porches, this neighborhood has a lot to boast about. Check out some of the great things that will be within walking distance:

Eateries:
- Burger Up
- Las Paletas
- The Blind Pig
- Frothy Monkey
- Mafiaoza's
- Portland Brew
- Rumours
- Viena Wine & Spirits
- 12 South Taproom
- Corrieri's Formaggeria

Shops, etc:
- Blackbird Tattoo Gallery (if I were ever to get a tattoo - which I never will - I'd want to do it here because they have a front porch)
- Corner Music
- Fork's Drum Closet
- Clean Plate Club
- Granny's Flower Shop
- Green Pea Salon
- Hope Center
- Imogene & Willie Jeans Shop
- Katy K's Ranch Dressing
- Minor Jewelry
- MODA Boutique
- Serendipity
- Suite One Salon
- Summer Classics Outdoor Furniture
- 12 South Yoga
- 21st Century Christian Bookstore
- Halcyon Bike Shop

Outdoors:
- Sevier Park
- 12 South Farmers Market
- 12 South Concert Series
- 12 South Winter Warmer

If this isn't the best place to live, then please tell me what is. Come visit us!

Nashville Nugget No. 9 - Burger Up

The American eatery I dreamed about most while I was in Namibia was, hands down, Burger Up. You see, they have this unbelievable burger there...bacon, white cheddar, maple ketchup, sweet potato fries. If your mouth isn't watering right now, we can't be friends.

I resisted the urge to drive my car straight there when I first returned to Nashville because the best part of Burger Up, like most eateries, is enjoying it with friends. Burger Up is located in a storefront shop on 12 South and is cozy and intimate. It has tables lining the outside of the room with a continual bench for seats and several long tables in the center where you are seated among other diners. It's almost like a fancy schmancy outdoor picnic, just inside and the cooking & cleanup is done for you. Perfect!

So what do these friends...

...and these friends...

...have in common? They all love our friend Michelle, who - if you remember - returned to Nashville briefly a couple weeks ago in between her stints serving in Senegal. Michelle has actually bookended her time in Senegal by having a frienddinner at Burger Up before she left in 2010, and having another one again this summer before returning for 2011. Not only do we love her, but we also love her taste for good Nashville restaurants.

The great thing about Burger Up - aside from it's mouth-watering menu and trendy atmosphere - is that it sources as many of its products as possible from local farms that use sustainable practices and treat their animals well. Even the wood used in its tables and chairs is from a local lumber store. So that delicious burger (called the "Woodstock," for future ordering reference), is made with Benton bacon, white cheddar from Tennessee Sweet Water Valley, and barbecue sauce from Tennessee's very own Jack Daniel's.

Honesty box: I've never had anything but the Woodstock burger. It's too good to resist it whenever I go. But the rest of their menu is phenomenal. Let's not even talk about the desserts - Olive & Sinclair dark chocolate brownie a la mode? Whoa, baby.

Word of caution: this place is so popular that you'll be in for a loooooong wait if you go during peak dinner hours or weekends. They don't take reservations or call-aheads either. Thankfully, if the weather is nice, you can stroll along 12 South, sit outside, or get a Paleta in the meantime.

Burger Up is located on the corner of 12 South & Paris next door to Las Paletas at 2901 12 Ave South.

Nashville Nugget No. 8 - Dose

Many moons ago, a friend told me of this mysterious off-the-beaten-path coffeeshop called Dose. She boasted of a warm & inviting space and some of the best hot chocolate. As a hot chocolate connoisseur, I had the best of intentions to go right away.

However, two years later, here we are. Only just now setting foot in this rumored establishment.

Another friend, who recently tried Dose for the first time, summed it up best when he said, "six tables, six bar seats, three booths, and two retro chairs fill a wood-clad room with a simple coffee bar...My favorite part about this place is how much wood is around the shop...It makes you feel at home, yet also fuels you to work" (He should be the one writing these, not me, right?).

I love this place! In fact, I'm writing the blog post from Dose right now. The atmosphere is so great - warm, welcoming, cozy. Kind of like Crema (my favorite Nashville coffeeshop) but twice as big. The music is upbeat but not too loud. It's definitely quiet here and great for working, but I wouldn't hesitate to schedule a chatty coffeeshop date here.

And guess what? The hot chocolate sure is GREAT! When it's presented like this, who can resist?

I also have heard that Dose has one of the best mochas in town. I have no interest in trying anything with the slightest hint of coffee or caffeine, so I'll have to take their word for it.

Most of the coffee is roasted right here in Nashville by Humphrey's Street Coffee Co., which is part of Harvest Hands in South Nashville, so you're supporting local organizations while enjoying you drink!

Dose is located on Murphy Road just off West End near the I-440 exit at 3431A Murphey Road. Let's go have a coffee date!

TIA Tuesday: Update from Amy in Namibia

Hey all. Remember when I left Namibia, I said that good friend and fellow WorldTeacher Amy would be overseeing my extra funds and using them at her rural school in Bunya? Well guess what? After months of harassing the Ministry and barely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, she finally got approval for a huge building project!!! I've been itching to share this news with you, so please welcome guest blogger Amy Rossi!

Now that I have gotten official Ministry of Education approval!!!! I have some big/exciting/overwhelming news!

I am building a classroom.

My friend Karen made the difficult decision to leave Namibia earlier this year, and she graciously left behind a very generous amount of extra fundraised money for me to use at my school. Thanks to some additional funding from family and friends I have enough to build a classroom.

I have been in a constant struggle over if this is the right thing to do. The government has the money; however, because of a variety of political factors and my school being a primary school, the government is not going to build a classroom anywhere in the foreseeable future. It is very similar to the discrepancies remaining in our country. Ever watch the Corridor of Shame or seen some of the schools in Appalachia?

The reality is the kids are the ones suffering.

When I arrived at my school, I was shocked at the conditions of the buildings, even more shocked when I was led to the hut that is the grade 4 classroom. When I say hut I mean hut. It is not the rock, mud/cement huts that people live in, it is literally some sticks with gaping holes in the "walls" and roof.

Grade 4 Classroom

After a few months here you become hardened. Life is hard for these kids, they come to school hungry, when it gets cold they are freezing, they deal with death often, 20% of them have lost one or both parents, and life is just hard. It's actually terrifying how "okay" I have become to seeing this state of poverty.

It's their reality, it always has been and more than likely always will be. It's what they know. They are resilient and show more courage than I can possibly fathom.

When I first arrived I was thinking "I have to build a classroom." A few months in I was thinking "whatever the kids are fine." Term 2 came along and the grade 4 teacher left on maternity leave. Due to some ministry paper work delay concerning pay they were without a teacher for a few weeks. During this time the upper primary teachers and myself went and taught them during our free periods.

That was the first time I had ever spent time in the hut. It was miserable! Namibia is cold right now and that hut was about 100 times colder than being outside. I was bundled up, gloves, hats, scarf, fleece jacket, and I was freezing. Now imagine scrawny little children with short sleeves and no shoes. I was unmotivated to teach anything. It would have actually been more effective to just teach outside.

Even in the afternoon when it was warmer, the conditions were horrendous. The roof was caving in, there were huge holes in the wall, I kept hitting my head on the low ceiling, and there was almost no light. It just wasn't right. I wasn't motivated to teach, and I can imagine those kids weren't motivated to learn. I can't even comprehend how terrible it would be during the 5 month rainy season.

This leads me to "out of sight out of mind." I had "seen" this hut for 5 months and thought it wasn't "that bad." That was until I was forced to teach in it for one or two periods a day.

It's not going to drastically improve the quality of their education, it's not the library my blind optimistic self dreamed of creating pre-departure, it's going to cause me huge headaches, someone will probably rip me off at some point, something will most definitely go wrong, BUT at least I know it will be used.

I am using a local contractor, and we are trying to get community member involvement to do the manual labor. Hopefully, the community will respond and this will be something they can take pride in completing.

These kids may never leave the village but they deserve to feel like they are worth an actual school building and not a makeshift hut. Because they are worth it.

Prayers are most definitely appreciated and needed as I embark further along this endeavor. This is Africa and I'm attempting to build a building?

Please join me in praying for Amy, Sivara (her school), Dudu village (where her school is located), and the Ministry as they all work together to make this vision a reality. Pray for wisdom as they make decisions, expedited processes, honesty in their work, and an unrelenting excitement for this new space. You can follow Amy's blog and her progress here!

Workout Weekdays - Bought to You By the Letter S

Workout Weekdays have been temporarily postponed because...well...I kind of forgot how much it aches to get back into running. I kind of have a major wedding to prepare for this weekend and sore shins are not part of the equation.

So this week, I've been working out by walking around in these bad boys:

S is for Shoe [photo cred]

They're cute, right? But you see, I have a vendetta against heels of any kind. In fact, the highest pair of heels I own are a mere 1/4 inch (mayyyyyybe half inch, if we're feeling tall that day). Clearly a result of my intense height self-consciousness growing up. Which is no longer a problem since they grow men so tall in the South.

Anyways.

I've recently taking to wearing these babies around the house whenever I think of it. Which means I wear them when I'm cooking, when I'm in my PJs, when I'm doing laundry...I've become a good ol' Stepford Wife.

Thankfully, I no longer walk around like I just finished bareback horse riding and I don't take 20 minutes to walk down the stairs. We're getting there!

Cross your fingers, say a little prayer, and hold your breath that I can successfully walk down the aisle on Saturday...which is cobblestone, by the way. Voted "Most Likely to Wipeout in a Wedding"? I think so.

Pros to my upcoming footwear:
1) the Chaco tan looks especially noticeable in fancy shoes
2) heels make your legs look soooooooo good

Don't worry. My wedding footwear will be strictly comfortable shoes or bare feet. No heels allowed!

Baseball: America's Pastime

On Monday night, these kids and I had the chance to attend a Nashville Sounds game (fo' free, thanks to Steph and Skanska).

Not only was the warm summer evening quite enjoyable, but it was also $1 hotdog night. Free game and cheap food? Yesss.

I was greatly reminded of my love for America, being outside, relaxing with friends, and cheering for the home team, even if they lost to Round Rock (where is Round Rock, anyways?).

Go Nashville.

TIA Tuesday - Glenview, Illinois Edition

I feel a little badly. I tend to love on Tennessee much more than I love on Illinois. But as I was driving through cornfield after cornfield today, I was reminded of where my heart comes from and how deeply I love the great Midwest. Here are a few reasons why I love Glenview, IL and the rest of this great state: the Center of America.

Deep dish pizza. Delicious, fresh ingredients. Thick, chewy crust. Lots and lots and lots of cheese. TIA.

A warm summer breeze blowing through lush fields of soybeans. I never even noticed the soybean fields before! Beautiful beautiful beautiful. TIA.

Fresh sweet corn on the side of the road. TIA.

Walking to the Dairy Bar at night and always ordering chocolate dipped in milk chocolate in a cone. TIA.

Looking down a long, straight, un-rolling road, bordered by farms, as far as the eyes can see. TIA.

Lake Michigan. And going to the beach. And it feeling like the ocean, minus the salt water and dangerous animals. TIA.

Cicadas. Nashville, you ain't got nothing to complain about. We get the same ones you do, plus swarms of regular ones every year. TIA.

The Glen. And the fact that such quintessential suburbia exists at all, just a walk away. "1200 Acres of Perfect Planning." We love it, we hate it. But it's ours. And it's so America. TIA.

Bike riding! TIA.

The close proximity of family. TIA.

But until sweet tea, mason jars, and southern accents make it to the Great Wide North, you can find me in the greater state of Tennessee.