Well, as you may have seen on facebook Robert and I have successfully completed our 19th week of this deployment. Woo Hoo! 35 weeks to go, but 2 of those weeks Robert will be on R&R.
There are a few key ingredients to a successful deployment and I thought I'd share a few.
1. A relationship with God.
Duh right?! Well it goes without saying that all my strength comes from the Lord. (Philippians 4:13) I have produced a deeper faith and a closer relationship with Christ through this deployment, not to mention a very active prayer life. However, I am human with a sinful nature and I can get derailed at times. When that happens...
2. A community.
Once again God has blessed me with numerous women who support, encourage and love me. Without them, many of whom are also missing their other half, I'd probably sit inside all day. Thank you ladies, I truly love you.
3. Healthy distractions.
Fruit and Settlers. I know it's an odd combination, but it's true. I've developed a minor addiction to both since Robert has left.
4. A theme song.
That's right, a theme song. No it doesn't blare from speakers when I enter the room, but it is always in my head and the song that can pull me out of any bad mood. I become thuroughly excited when it comes on the radio and belt it out as if no one is watching... even if they are. Stronger, by Mandisa.
so like I said, onward and upward.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The vacation of ALL vacations
So a lot of you may have known that I just got back to Hawaii from a lengthy vacation. I was away from the island for about 18 days which is the longest vacation I've ever taken in my life. I had an amazing time, got to see a lot of family, eat food we don't have in HI, and shop shops we don't have in HI but it's nice to be back home.
So my adventure started with me arriving in KC on my birthday so that evening family came over for cake and ribs and all that good stuff. The next morning mom, dad and I took off towards Michigan. Yes, I can still sleep from our driveway until we reach Chicago, and I did. We were in Michigan for about 9 days and in that time I got to see some family, went to Mackinac Island, and spent a ton of time with Michelle. It was abnormally hot but other than that the stay was good and like any other year it was hard to leave.
On our way home from Michigan we stopped in Illinois to drop in on Jeremy and Elisha. I had never seen their new house, which was beautiful and perfect for them. Sadly we didn't stay long, we left the next morning to return home.
One back in Kansas my main focus was to get my fill of shopping and food that I don't have access to in Hawaii. Mostly food though, I made sure to hit up Luigi's, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Stix and other chinese restaurants. It was so delicious but I think I've gained some pounds.
Three days later, my friend Rachel and I were jet setting off to sunny LA for the CrossFit Games. For those of you who don't know, CrossFit is the workout program Robert and I do and the CF Games are basically the olympics for the sport. Even though I wasn't competing it was amazing and inspiring to watch. I can't wait to go back next year.
Now I'm back in Hawaii enjoying the gym, the neutral weather, my family of believers. These women are truly a blessing to me and I am certain God sent me to Hawaii to grow for Him.
So my adventure started with me arriving in KC on my birthday so that evening family came over for cake and ribs and all that good stuff. The next morning mom, dad and I took off towards Michigan. Yes, I can still sleep from our driveway until we reach Chicago, and I did. We were in Michigan for about 9 days and in that time I got to see some family, went to Mackinac Island, and spent a ton of time with Michelle. It was abnormally hot but other than that the stay was good and like any other year it was hard to leave.
On our way home from Michigan we stopped in Illinois to drop in on Jeremy and Elisha. I had never seen their new house, which was beautiful and perfect for them. Sadly we didn't stay long, we left the next morning to return home.
One back in Kansas my main focus was to get my fill of shopping and food that I don't have access to in Hawaii. Mostly food though, I made sure to hit up Luigi's, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Stix and other chinese restaurants. It was so delicious but I think I've gained some pounds.
Three days later, my friend Rachel and I were jet setting off to sunny LA for the CrossFit Games. For those of you who don't know, CrossFit is the workout program Robert and I do and the CF Games are basically the olympics for the sport. Even though I wasn't competing it was amazing and inspiring to watch. I can't wait to go back next year.
Now I'm back in Hawaii enjoying the gym, the neutral weather, my family of believers. These women are truly a blessing to me and I am certain God sent me to Hawaii to grow for Him.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
busy, busy, busy
Hey all,
It's been a while since I last updated. It's been pretty crazy out here, somehow I've become pretty busy without even trying. Alright I admit that a lot of it is social and fun things but that's a good thing.
Monday through Friday I have the amazing privilege to train about 10 women in CrossFit, all of the women are spouses of soldiers just like me. We come from different backgrounds and different fitness levels and it is so rewarding to see the strength God has blessed these women with, physically and emotionally.
Every Tuesday night I go to a bible study group, we are known as The Navigators. The sole mission is to know Christ and to make him known. I am currently leading a small group, three other ladies, where we get to share God, our faith, our struggles, prayer, and learning and loving Christ. Wednesday mornings are always good mornings after a renewal of heart and mind.
On Wednesdays I meet with the Navigator ladies for lunch in which we do more of the same. Praising God, sharing all the ways we witness him working throughout our days. It's just another good renewal and truly refreshing to be surrounded by such amazing women.
Thursdays we have "Oahu Beach Tour 2011" where we go to different beaches around the island. It's really fun and a good way to make sure I'm experiencing the whole island rather than my immediate surroundings.
The weekends are pretty mellow but lately we've had a lot of gatherings, and more this weekend for 4th of July! On post they have live music and a festival the whole day. In the morning I'm doing a 5k run but then I'm going to enjoy some watermelon, hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, all the good stuff that just says America. After the gluttony has passed we'll enjoy a great firework display... all for free, without the hassle of parking, and security is tight so it's generally a safe holiday here.
Have a great holiday weekend and may you see God working in your lives.
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
~Philippians 2:13
It's been a while since I last updated. It's been pretty crazy out here, somehow I've become pretty busy without even trying. Alright I admit that a lot of it is social and fun things but that's a good thing.
Monday through Friday I have the amazing privilege to train about 10 women in CrossFit, all of the women are spouses of soldiers just like me. We come from different backgrounds and different fitness levels and it is so rewarding to see the strength God has blessed these women with, physically and emotionally.
Every Tuesday night I go to a bible study group, we are known as The Navigators. The sole mission is to know Christ and to make him known. I am currently leading a small group, three other ladies, where we get to share God, our faith, our struggles, prayer, and learning and loving Christ. Wednesday mornings are always good mornings after a renewal of heart and mind.
On Wednesdays I meet with the Navigator ladies for lunch in which we do more of the same. Praising God, sharing all the ways we witness him working throughout our days. It's just another good renewal and truly refreshing to be surrounded by such amazing women.
Thursdays we have "Oahu Beach Tour 2011" where we go to different beaches around the island. It's really fun and a good way to make sure I'm experiencing the whole island rather than my immediate surroundings.
The weekends are pretty mellow but lately we've had a lot of gatherings, and more this weekend for 4th of July! On post they have live music and a festival the whole day. In the morning I'm doing a 5k run but then I'm going to enjoy some watermelon, hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, all the good stuff that just says America. After the gluttony has passed we'll enjoy a great firework display... all for free, without the hassle of parking, and security is tight so it's generally a safe holiday here.
Have a great holiday weekend and may you see God working in your lives.
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
~Philippians 2:13
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Big Island
Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend, I went to the Big Island for my vacation.
Some close friends of Robert and I, Jason and Megan, invited me to spend four days on Hawaii with them, we left Sunday morning from Oahu and arrived on Hawaii 40 minutes later. That first day we mostly drove south to Kona to sample from numerous coffee farms. Our favorite was Greenwell Farms. I highly recommend it. Went to the hotel and went to bed.
Day two we woke up and decided to do a north to east driving tour. We drove out to Waipi'o Valley where there is an awesome black sand beach. The thing is that the beach is in the valley, so we decided to take the one mile hike to the beach. It would have been easy except that in the one mile there was a 1,000 foot elevation change. The hike to the beach was all downhill and super easy, not so much on the way up. But I got my black sand souvenir and I was happy. Next we headed to Hilo side, we stopped at Akaka Falls Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; however, Akaka falls was very impressive and the best waterfall I've ever seen. After that we ate sinner then went back to the hotel to make sure the hot tub was in working order.
Day three was a lazy morning, we went down to the "adult pool" but had to arrange the heavy furniture. Thanks to CrossFit we had no troubles with it : ) Later in the day we packed up all our cold weather attire and headed towards Mauna Kea, it was quite the drive with Jason at the wheel, but we made it. We stopped at the visitor center at around 9,000 ft. for about half an hour debating if we should continue up the mountain without a 4WD vehicle. We went ahead with it and I'm glad we did. The temperature at the top was about 32 degrees... I did not pack enough cold weather gear. We experienced the sunset above the clouds which was breathtaking, as well as took handstand pictures (silly CrossFitters). After the sun was below the clouds we headed back down the mountain for a star gazing tour. Equally awesome but I believe I was too cold to fully appreciate it.
Day four was my last day on the island and it was my favorite! We woke up and decided to visit Captain Cook's monument. The monument is fixed in a bay where you either have to hike down 45 minutes, then back up (no thank you) or rent a kayak for a 30 minute jaunt across the bay. Team NachoWey (Nachowicz and Van Wey unite) opted for the kayaks. The water in this bay was the most incredible shade of blue I have ever seen, no words can describe how beautiful it was. Also on our trek across the bay we were accompanied by multiple spinner dolphins. They were so close and it was an amazing sight. So once at the monument Team NachoWey dove in the brisk bay to experience Hawaii's number one snorkeling location. I am fully confident in this location receiving the top spot. The water was clear, the fish were colorful and plentiful, not to mention you could watch and hear those afore mentioned dolphins playing under the surface. Best day ever!
Big thanks to Jason and Megan who have become great friends and whom without I never would have left Oahu.
Some close friends of Robert and I, Jason and Megan, invited me to spend four days on Hawaii with them, we left Sunday morning from Oahu and arrived on Hawaii 40 minutes later. That first day we mostly drove south to Kona to sample from numerous coffee farms. Our favorite was Greenwell Farms. I highly recommend it. Went to the hotel and went to bed.
Day two we woke up and decided to do a north to east driving tour. We drove out to Waipi'o Valley where there is an awesome black sand beach. The thing is that the beach is in the valley, so we decided to take the one mile hike to the beach. It would have been easy except that in the one mile there was a 1,000 foot elevation change. The hike to the beach was all downhill and super easy, not so much on the way up. But I got my black sand souvenir and I was happy. Next we headed to Hilo side, we stopped at Akaka Falls Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots; however, Akaka falls was very impressive and the best waterfall I've ever seen. After that we ate sinner then went back to the hotel to make sure the hot tub was in working order.
Day three was a lazy morning, we went down to the "adult pool" but had to arrange the heavy furniture. Thanks to CrossFit we had no troubles with it : ) Later in the day we packed up all our cold weather attire and headed towards Mauna Kea, it was quite the drive with Jason at the wheel, but we made it. We stopped at the visitor center at around 9,000 ft. for about half an hour debating if we should continue up the mountain without a 4WD vehicle. We went ahead with it and I'm glad we did. The temperature at the top was about 32 degrees... I did not pack enough cold weather gear. We experienced the sunset above the clouds which was breathtaking, as well as took handstand pictures (silly CrossFitters). After the sun was below the clouds we headed back down the mountain for a star gazing tour. Equally awesome but I believe I was too cold to fully appreciate it.
Day four was my last day on the island and it was my favorite! We woke up and decided to visit Captain Cook's monument. The monument is fixed in a bay where you either have to hike down 45 minutes, then back up (no thank you) or rent a kayak for a 30 minute jaunt across the bay. Team NachoWey (Nachowicz and Van Wey unite) opted for the kayaks. The water in this bay was the most incredible shade of blue I have ever seen, no words can describe how beautiful it was. Also on our trek across the bay we were accompanied by multiple spinner dolphins. They were so close and it was an amazing sight. So once at the monument Team NachoWey dove in the brisk bay to experience Hawaii's number one snorkeling location. I am fully confident in this location receiving the top spot. The water was clear, the fish were colorful and plentiful, not to mention you could watch and hear those afore mentioned dolphins playing under the surface. Best day ever!
Big thanks to Jason and Megan who have become great friends and whom without I never would have left Oahu.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Hawaii Top 5
Okay so a lot of people ask me what my favoritee part of living here is... well you know what, I'll give you five reasons!
5. Smoothie Bowls
a smoothie bowl is a delicious concoction of Acai fruit smoothie in a bowl the size of my face, covered with banana slices, honey, granola, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, and coconut shavings. There are a few places to get this slice of heaven although my favorite is in a little shop just off Shark's Cove, North Shore. Amazing! Please notice this particular smoothie bowl had no chance of survival.
4. Playing tour guide
I haven't gotten many chances yet, hint hint. However, Nick came out in October for his pre-deployment leave and I'm pretty sure he had an awesome time. I'm already thinking of more things for him to do while he's here for post-deployment leave. My parents also came to the island for a week just after Christmas and while Robert and I busied them from place to place they still barely saw the island. Come out to visit me, I'm a great guide and I run WAY cheaper than the competition.
3. Surfing/Beaches
I'm not so amazing as say, Kelly Slater or Bethany Hamilton, but I do like to dabble in their leftovers. Robert and I both have boards and go out a fair amount, although I tend to get tired a little faster than Robert. I'm sure I don't have to tell you but the beaches here are picture perfect, white sand clear waters and amazing weather daily. A few of the women I work out with have started an Oahu Beach Tour 2011 in which every Thursday after our 9am workout we spend the day at a different beach on the island, no two are the same. We surf, we wade, we splash, we laugh, and enjoy our clearly blessed lives.
5. Smoothie Bowls
4. Playing tour guide
I haven't gotten many chances yet, hint hint. However, Nick came out in October for his pre-deployment leave and I'm pretty sure he had an awesome time. I'm already thinking of more things for him to do while he's here for post-deployment leave. My parents also came to the island for a week just after Christmas and while Robert and I busied them from place to place they still barely saw the island. Come out to visit me, I'm a great guide and I run WAY cheaper than the competition.
3. Surfing/Beaches
 |
| Surf's up at White Plains |
2. Amazing views
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| Waimea Sunrise |
Not only are our beaches picture perfect our views are too. Most of my favorite views are simply found by driving around the island, my personal fav is on the way to North Shore, at the crest of the last hill you can see everything. From Kaena Point to Waimea Bay you can see the green trees, the bright blue water, whites from the crashing waves and the colors brought to their truest in a cloudless sky. Freaking awesome! I guess I'll let them speak for themselves, more to come on those though.
annnnnnnnddddddd the number one reason why I love Hawaii is!
the community of women God has surrounded me with
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| left to right: Nicole, Allison, Tracy, Jill, Megan and me |
as a lot of you may know Robert and I have discovered our relationships with God since coming to Hawaii, and we were blessed enough to get plugged in with a great ministry. The people are truely amazing and I can without a doubt say that the fellowship they have provided is what has gotten me to where I am today, well that and God's love of course. I am leading a bible study for a small group of women on Tuesday nights and on Wednesday I currently host a ladies lunch where we get together for lunch to further focus on what God is doing in our lives, to encourage one another, and to find out how God challenges us. I am so thankful to Him for bringing these women in my life!
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