Is this real life?

Having no sleep the night prior to my flight to Atlantis, caffeine became my constant companion. On the flight to the Bahamas (first class!), the flight attendant comes over, asking what I would like to drink. "I would really love a cup of coffee," I say.

Her jaw dropped. "Your mother lets you drink coffee?!"

I laughed, holding my hands up defensively, "No, no, it's OK, I'm 22." Twas at that precise moment when the mother of the family I was traveling with turned around in her seat and exclaimed, "Is my 16 year old daughter trying to tell you she's 22 again?" So, in answer to the question of male suitors down south, the answer is simply; there was none. Everyone thought I was 12.

Basically, I vacationed for a week. I rode every water-slide at Atlantis, snorkeled with and fed wild sharks and sting rays, snorkeled with 10 feet manta rays, went to a private island, and oh yeah, got lost on a bus. You see, we were trying to get back to the hotel after the private island. Instead, we managed to take an hour bus ride to downtown Nassau. The driver was less than pleased.

Fun in Airports

Starting with my adventure in the Denver International Airport, running like a crazy person to catch my flight (I got on board at 6:58am but was not the last person to board! However, because of our lateness, we delayed the flight another twenty minutes while they loaded our bags), I have been spending a lot of time in airports. I got a marvelous privilege to spend a week with a family at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. More to come on that note.

Taking one look at the DFW airport, I cannot stop myself from thinking how ghetto it is. Surrounding it is a booming metroplex, large population, multi-national headquarters, and yet, ghetto DFW. There is one exception: terminal D, the international terminal. I flew into the international terminal to meet up with the family on the way to the Bahamas (we all know Oklahoma is it's own country), and what's the first thing I see? A castle.

"Well, that's cool!" I'm thinking to myself. "I've got time to kill, I'll go get my coffee, and chill out in the castle." I start walking in the direction of Starbucks, when I am bombarded by cafés galore, advertisements the sizes of buildings, and my personal favorite; vending machines. I know you've seen 'em, the Best Buy and Apple vending machines, but I start giggling at the sight of this one:

Proactiv. I get it, you're on your way to a big business meeting, you're stressed out beyond belief, and so is your face. No worries, just pop in your credit card, and away you go. Oh, what I would have given to see someone purchase that!

Colorado

Upon what Base was fixed the Lath wherein

He turned this Globe, and riggalled it so trim?
Who Laced and Filleted the earth so fine,
With Rivers like green Ribbons Smaragdine?
Who th' Curtain rods made for this Tapestry?
Who hung the twinkling Lanthorns in the Sky?
Who? who did this? or who is He? Why, know
It's Only Might Almighty this did do.
His hand hath made this noble work which Stands
His Glorious Handiwork not made by hands.
~Edward Taylor From God's Determinations: The Preface

I'm pretty sure Edward Taylor was inspired by the mountains of Colorado when writing this. I got to spend a weekend in the mountains of Colorado for one of my childhood friend's wedding. The problem in catching up with old friends, especially during a big event when time is limited means that sleep becomes trivial. A problem indeed, as my brain does not function when sleep is depleted. As they drove me back to the airport (super late I might add: I checked my bags at 6:45am when my flight was at 7am), her husband turned around stating, "This is the quietest I have ever heard you. You must be tired!'"

Since time was short, I was unable to accomplish a few of my goals such as:
1. Visit King Soopers (a grocery-store chain in Colorado)
2. Visit my childhood home
3. Go four-wheeling
4. Go snowboarding

I guess this means I require a second trip.

Middle Eastern Coffee

My sister has a job at Starbucks. This means free coffee, discounted drinks, and a gateway into a coffee-loving atmosphere; however, this does not mean that she makes the morning coffee. Every person that has made me regular at-home coffee that works/worked for Starbucks seems to make VERY STRONG coffee. Don't know why, they just do, and it's hard to compete with a professional when all I want is normal coffee with room for half & half. Thus, when my sister makes it, I have to add water, then half & half. Overall, it's a good thing I make it, even if not to her specifications.

For the past couple of weeks, I just could not get the coffee to taste right. I could not understand why. I mean, 3 Starbucks spoonfuls of coffee (with the Starbucks measuring cup-yeah, that's why only 3), 6 cups of water, and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Admit it, the most amazing coffee recipe period. So what was going wrong?! One morning my sister was in the kitchen during the process: "Did you just add turmeric to the coffee?!" After getting over the initial shock that she could verbally communicate this early, I looked at her disdainfully replying, "No, it's cinnamo-". I glanced down. "oh...", I replied mentally and verbally, "whoops, haha, um, it is turmeric."

In conclusion: I now know how to make "Middle Eastern Coffee". 3 Starbucks spoonfuls of coffee, 6 cups of water, and a sprinkle of turmeric on top. As stated it makes 6 cups of coffee, which we find perfect for two people.

God is on the move!

The community here is phenomenal. No, seriously, it's stinkin' awesome! As unemployment is my new social status, the Body of Christ here has just come along side of me and given me little odd jobs to do that pay the bills. I am finding so much joy and satisfaction in the works of my hands. Antioch is one the first churches I've been a part of that really focus on God the Trinity, and the first I've seen in pursuit of the Acts 2:42-47 church. So many I've been to have focused solely on Jesus and completely cut out the Holy Spirit, and we all know those that only focus on the Holy Spirit...they scare me.

It's impossible to talk about community without writing about the community groups. Last week our young adult group spent our time together in worship and prayer for OU, unity among the churches, the city of Norman, Iran, etc. God met us there in powerful ways: One girl was unable to raise her arm up due to an injured shoulder, so some gathered around to pray for her and Jesus completely healed it! And this is only one such healing! There were breakthroughs in peoples lives and someone even made a decision to follow Christ! God is on the move!

P.S. Kim Walker may just be my new favorite artist. You should totally check her out.

Learning about myself

Aside from learning that I can sleep through a tornado, living with my sister has taught me much about myself. For example, I am unable to start a conversation without an introduction such as, "Hey Rachel" or "So...". Without fail, every conversation is started that way even though we are currently the only two people in the house.

I've also learned of the many traits that I've inherited from my parents, rightly so as I have lived with them the longest. From my dad I've inherited a nitpicking attitude surrounding the appearance of our house and lawn. Although I can remember crying out in my youth, "There are child labor laws, Dad!", I am now so thankful that I know how to mow the lawn, check my tire pressure, and, oh yeah, paint the flippin' walls! The former tenants left many holes in the walls, covered over by a VERY POOR plaster job, covered over again by mismatching paint. What this means: smoothing out the plaster job, spackling up the holes, and repainting our ENTIRE living room and hall. Starting tomorrow that is. And this is only one such repair. No seriously, click on the picture below, this is what EVERY wall looks like.

From my mother, I've picked up many unique phrases like when an ornery child is around, he is "being a Crabby Appleton". I also have to have my hands talking with me at all times, which is especially fun as I often forget the word I am trying to say and thus must act it out. Some common words are "bowl", "lawnmower", and my personal favorite, "coffee grinder". It's especially entertaining when this happens during a phone call leaving awkward silences in the midst of me acting out the word...like they can actually see it.

What an adventure so far!

"Close your eyes and open your mouth". Under normal circumstances, these words pertain to some type of delicious food item. When used by the ingenious pre-planning mindset of a 4 year old boy, the result is a slimy worm in your mouth. That is exactly what Terrance got. Myself and 3 others spent the past weekend watching the kiddos at a leadership retreat for Antioch Community Church Norman. Our weekend was filled with many similar stories, like in the picture above (Terrance, myself, and half the kids) riding Shamu the Whale minutes before it tipped over throwing the kids screaming and crying hysterically in the water. Someone really should have explained to them beforehand that you let go of the whale when it's tipping over....

Having moved to Norman the day before the retreat, and constantly cleaning our house and applying for jobs after returning, I can honestly say that I hit the ground running. However, from the moment I arrived, I've been surrounded by members of Antioch, and consequently, a deep peace has surrounded my heart. There is an overwhelming sense of community, happiness, and passion for Jesus that cannot help but be poured out on others. I truly feel at home here and blessed to be a part of the Bride of Christ.