Barcelona: Pat

Pat and I met almost exactly one year ago in Beijing. We were on a team to work and serve at a Foster Home for two weeks. I think it was pretty instant that we became friends. Especially in light of a mutual addiction to Diet Coke (which crazily enough I have since broken!).

My favorite memory of Pat is from the day we walked into the Village together. I, armed with my camera to document every last detail and moment across the planet, and she with her heart wide open to share real and deep hard things. I talked a lot about relationships, and processed through the perspective I was gaining while being so far from home. She listened, encouraged, and promised to pray for and with me. She became a beloved and special friend. And I often think about the places I would love to travel with her! We share a common heart for missions, and international adventures. I can't imagine having gone to China the way I was feeling, only to return as centered and focused I was if not for Pat's contribution to my story.

Pat- thanks so much for thinking of me! My time in Santorini was two years ago and it was an incredibly special time wrapping up five weeks solo in Europe just pausing before myself, the Lord, and taking pictures along the way. Miss it there. And next time- I AM GOING WITH YOU! Well... at least until then we must plan a get together!

May 19, 2011

Kari,

Just completed a Med Cruise that I have been on since May 7. It was wonderful! If you have not visited Santorini, its a photographer's paradise! The cruise stopped at Athens- Ephesus, both of which we aren extra thrill to me due to this Mar's Hill Sermon on Acts 19 & 20. I once acted out a play the riot in Ephesus, never dreaming I would make it to the place where it broke out! The travel bug still bites. If you get wonder lust, call me. I am always a week away from anything interesting!

Love, Pat Todd

Lesson Learned: Italian Reflection

Self.

2 years ago I boarded a plan for Italy. Somewhere and somehow in the journey back I lost some hard earned and worthy lessons of wisdom. Thankful to have found them again this past year. Favorite thing remembered: God's plans are bigger and better than anything I can plan on my own. And giving my control up to the embrace all that He is, and Has for me will completely take my breath away. Each and every time. I become my most honest, beautiful, and authentic when I am able to stop. Pause. And allow myself to be captured by the majesty and power of His grace, love, mercy, and purpose.

-k

wisdom: may 25

"The situations don't

Define you

or Require you...

Turn your hands

UPSIDE

down

and STOP

carrying them!"

best.hardest.piece of wisdom. thanks ;)

Girls Day: May 20

girls day.

1) skinny @ post office: 'these wooden postcards are genius!'

2) mani/pedi's: my new BFF and laughing hysterically during the foot exfoliation.

3) "are they too orange?"

4) lunch banter.

5) Chad. unexpected visit.

6) Bridesmaids.

7) Ichi with JJ. being open and sharing.

8) Next Day: Happy Hour and taking Kait to BM. A little too Happy from the car. but so much fun. These girls. Heart them.

San Francisco: August 2010

It's Sunday. Time for a sentimental offering. Haven't done this in awhile.

I walked past my fridge and saw this one. It was glaring at me.

Recently, I have been craving the Sister experience of last summer, both Vegas and the CA road trip with Krystal. I have been mostly craving San Francisco. Four years ago I spent the end of a 5 week adventure in the Bay Area and hadn't been back until last summer. I felt at home. I felt different. There are only a handful of cities in the United States that I can feel as close to myself while being so removed from everything I love at home.

I think in my core I'm a West Coast girl. I tend to fight it, but its true. Something happens to me in the presence of the Pacific Ocean and 3 hour time difference, and I'm at ease. It's kind of bizarre to explain, but if you've been with me through CA or the Pacific NW you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

So here is a post card from August 2010.

That trip, finished off an incredible summer.

Probably the most intimate and triumphant of my entire life.

As I look forward to this summer and all that it will bring, there is a growing part of me that hopes, prays, and petitions for it to include another time spent with the Sisters together as a whole.

Self.

1. Wicked "For Good".

Defying Gravity.

2. Gold Gate Bridge.

The view thru fog.

3. Mel's Diner.

4. Getting door closed in parking garage.

5. Sausalito.

6. Bart... getting off bus. 'oops I crap pants scare'

7. Hot Dogs: yummy

8. Fisherman's Warf.

Sea Lions.

9. Cooler temps: freezing

10. peaceful heart. even so close.

<3 me

Joshua Tree: Andrew Baumann

This postcard came in from Andrew a few weeks ago. I had a broken scanner and I placed it in a secret, 'I won't forget' place. I forgot. Just found it though. Winner.

Andrew and I met summer of 2004. He was in the Snack Bar on Summer Staff. The story goes, that we weren't instant friends. That came much later. But we were in touch through the years, and saw each other from time to time. Last February we actually missed each other in Seattle by a matter of days. However, he quickly after accepted a position at Rockbridge to work in Guest Services. We thought our time in Lexington was going to be short, there were other plans. Well, plans changed and since then we've shared several house dinners, Phase 10 competitions, Margarita nights, and Fooventures. He is a beloved friend, and I appreciate that we both grew up in ways that we would and could become friends... who would have thought after that month we met? Seriously.

I love that this is to the point. Ryan and I had dropped him off at the airport and encouraged him on his journey West. I had prayed for his time to be restful, restorative, and revealing. I think and hope it was all of those things and more.

Hey!

So lost my postcard from Yosemite But I got from from JTree.

I had lots of fun rock climbing and hiking. -Drew

Smile: April 11

Today was the only scheduled day off this week. I slept in late. Did my work out. Paid some bills. Procrastinated. Thankfully Ryan called and said 2:30pm instead of 2:00pm. Seth called and Africa felt so close. Spent the greater portion of that conversation sitting outside in the sun. Marvelous!!! Went to C'ville. Dropped Drew off at the airport- cheering him on his way. Dinner. Conversation. Talked about struggling through anger. Finding joy. Passion Play on Ryan's shuffle. Smiled at all the playlists in Foreign countries that song has been included. Warm summer night in April. Talked to Mandy. Sat outside in the dark- watched stars. Up! On TV. Great singular day off.

-Baskins Closed? What?

-Momma Piper's good news!

-Mandy/Rockbridge?

-Gracie chasing flies.

-House fan! Windows Open!

-Being picked up. Treated to Dinner. ;)

love.love: graduation

graduation. indiana.

1) Skinny Girl Margarita's with Emily. Laughing and talking up so late. Jude's goodnight prayers and Carly's midnight arrival. To bed so late but so happy and felt so loved.

2) Shopping. New Shoes---> thanks Em for enabling that. Talking about changes and milestones. Cinco de Mayo lunch!

3) Pinning Ceremony. Matty: "quitters". Laughter. The Call. One song CAN bring back an entire European Adventure in 3 minutes. Just.Thought.A Lot. Then Prayed.

4) Emily and Scene It. Hanging out.

5) Friday w/Boys. The iPad. Cheesecake Factory. Same but different. Was at ease.

6) Grammy and Pappy Piper. Hysterical to listen too.

7) 2am-6:30am. birds chirping. just.was.authentic.

8) Coffee Conversations and random musical outbursts.

9) "Why wouldn't you get everyone to pray?"

10) She did it! Graduation Done!

11) Sort of yelling on the way to dinner- but really was just being honest. "you were right" -- never gets old.

12) Not clubbing, Talking instead

13) Mother's Day. Lots of laughter and love.

14) Mario. Downtime. Content. Peaceful.

15) Leaving. Unsure and a little terrified. The time machine was trippy and leaving it was tricky. Decided to believe and trust... anyway. Felt like family. Truly fun & a whirl. Yay!

Love.Love.

Kar

Family: May 10

Family. I love mine. We are a crazy hot mess. But then there is also my family of friends. Ok. Yes. We are a crazy hot mess. This weekend I spent time celebrating a beloved Sister. In so many ways the Piper family is home to me. I know so many of the stories. Our traditions are so much the same. Momma Piper has acted like a mother figure to me in such a tender way this past year. I can't imagine life without her love and support. Kristyn is a sister. In laughter and emotional bonds. Bill Piper is a new dining BFF. And the grandparents are their own variety show. Hysterical. And then there's Andrew. Our friendship has def. weathered some storms the past 4 years. But I am so humbled by our ability to laugh and share. And celebrate the importance of pinkie promises kept. This morning I woke up grateful for sleep. But missed the Starbucks coffee conversations and the banter of being with people who know and love you without ceasing. -k

Chivalry and Chad: May 2nd

Today Chad gave me a ride to ROA. I needed assistance with my car situation and he rearranged his day to help. He held doors- pulled my chair out at lunch- treated me, even thought it was me who had him drive. Opened up my side of the car door. He was challenging and thoughtful. Assertive and warm. He was kind and loving. I left the time we shared so grateful for how after so much push and pull over the years that I felt so much admiration and respect for the friend and man he is. It was a bright reminder that I can and will be honored and respected- and that I am worth the chivalry and care. It was amazing to sense in tangible ways how the Lord is reminding me of how much He loves me. Thankful for such a great friend.

Death of a Scanner

I have not abandoned postcards.

But my scanner did.

I had to order a new one.

Postcards wait to find their way "home" here...

Stay tuned.