The 'itch'

So its here again... the itch to keep moving on. 'on the road again.....' Only this time I dont have a place to go yet!!! Im still praying about moving either to Chicago or Colorado Springs but as of yet do not have a confirmation on a place to live.... But having been home one month now it's time to start working. Its a weird position to feel like I have numerous options available to me but without money it's not easy to just jump into one (always good to be wise). The only place I REALLY want to be is back in the islands but that will have to wait!

I was able to present a brief overview of my time in Samoa last Sunday during my church's Sunday School hour. Showed some pictures, how to tie a lavalava, answered questions about the lizards.... It was really good. I wish there more time because there's so much to say about a six month experience but hopefully they've been able to check out the blog every once in a while too. Its nice to have this record cause Im not very good at taking the time to journal.

Ive always wondered.... "Love covers a multitude of sins". Does that refer just to my sins being covered? Or does that also mean that MY love has the power to cover someone elses' sins? Ultimatly Im sure it refers to Christ's love and sacrifice for us and the freedom found in that but it makes me curious as to if we are missing out on something BIG in our communities (families, churches etc) by not grabbing hold to that concept enough- and extending our grace onto each other.

My other topic for today: gossip. Its so deadly. Its like poison- it may stay under wraps for a moment but pretty soon the effects are felt all over the BODY. And in the case Im speaking of the body is actually the Body of Christ. Taming the tongue truly is one of the most difficult things for most of us and Im not surprised the Bible talks about it often, refering to it as a double edged sword. Having felt the negative effects of gossip it makes me sit back and watch my own tongue. If its not edifying or truly out of a genuine concern than there is no need to be talking about others. I pray I can find that balance in my life too. And forgive those who are on the same journey!! (love covers a multitude of sins right?)

Hopefully next time I blog Ill have GOOD NEWS about where I am heading.....

spending a few days with sister Meg and brother in law Matt! Right now hanging at the PD (police department). Enjoying time resting and catching up , some more, with them! And of course continuing to send out resumes!

Since I missed Matt and Meg's anniversary (ONE YEAR WOOHOO)- here is a shout out! and a big congrats!

Friday Oct 19

Just a quick update: I MISS THE ISLANDS!! Its absolutly wonderful having visited all my family. I spent a few days with the Kennedys and the highlight was helping grandpa pick pears off his pear tree. I will get to see a high school friend tonite and it will be good to catch up. Otherwise I feel a bit caught in a dilema. Do I return to what I know, who I was by returning to Chicago (despite not having housing). Or do I start over? And if I start over do I do it close to relatives, or start again in a new state? Obviously prayers would be helpful so God can open some doors for me. Any suggestions on cheap phone minutes to call Samoa would also be helpful! :)

Time in Iowa

A few shots of Iowa landscape:

The past few days Ive felt blessed to be able to serve. I enjoyed babysitting for a couple boys that I used to while I was in high school, so seeing them be 'young men' now was so much fun. Boys are terribly energetic but also lots of laughs. Ive been down visiting grandparents the past day and we've enjoyed catching up. Today I helped out at a clothes pantry (organizing, setting up, sorting) with grandma (she volunteers) and mom. Above are some pictures of setting up the clothes we sorted. We should be returning to Belmond tomorrow after visiting my uncle. Also picked up the classifieds from Des Moines to look at when I get home ! Yikes....

Recent

Matt (brother-in-law) with dad getting ready for the gun education outreach the next day. The guns were 'big', like I've only seen on TV. They had a good turnout!




Reuniting with my 'pawppy' Ricky.











Megan in the 'lavalava' I gave her

Friday

Well I still have jet lag and my body hasn't quite figured out how to get its usual sleep and stay on schedule. Im still working on trying to upload pictures and figure out the cheapest way to make copies. Yesterday a couple from church invited mom and I to go out to eat (dad had a meeting) and what a blessing it was to have steak and potatoes! Good ol' american food! I drank too much pop last night though and couldn't sleep, my body is not used to so much caffeine and sugar (mom had to make chocolate chip cookies for my return!). Last night I almost got up to open a window cause Im used to sleeping with fresh air and the coolness of night (my guess is it would have been too cool!!). Mom comments on my tan which is funny because I always felt so WHITE compared to the islanders! Ill probably update the blog again after this weekend and Matt's gun seminar (we girls have going to have 'girl' time). ~alissa

Im back in America!

Being back in America means culture shock, the other way! My flights were good except i did not sleep, even on the NINE hour one (nine some hours to Los Angeles and then another three some to Minneapolis)! So once I got home I slept at least ten hours.... Went up to the base to say my goodbyes on Monday before flying out. The new DTS has started with at least ten or twelve students. Lots of changes still going on with staff changes etc... It was hard to say goodbyes. I will miss the island culture. Once I stepped off the plane in Minneapolis I realized I was back to the coolness of the midwest. My parents were there to great me and I had to remind myself i didn't have to share ALL my stories with them in one night! Ive been sharing some of my island music, some pictures, stories to my parents while doing laundry. Already talk of me going to a job fair next week. I get to see my sister and brother in law, Matt and Meg this weekend as Matt is coming up to do a gun education thing at my church (outreach).