Loch Lomond: Matty Hypes

For those of you who will not understand part of Matt's closing remarks, stay tuned. I plan to explain- once I am able to unpack and find the postcard he is referring to from an antique mall find!

Kari,

My trip is coming to a close. Hopefully I won't be swallowed up by Nessy tomorrow! I have seen so many things, drank quite a few beers and fallen smitten with Europe, I will certainly be back! I know you may not want to hear this but I'll be coming home on Wednesday.

Smooches,

Matty

To Become: Community & Church

The Lord clearly placed 2 people in my path- and led me to Center Grove Church for my first Sunday off. All the pieces came together- and I was able to attend Life Group Sunday School- and then the 11am worship service. It was hard for me to focus and quiet my mind at points but the Pastor made some poignant points about ministry and impacting your network for Christ. Afterwards I talked to some girls I had just met and by the time I had made it to lunch with Kristyn to watch football- I was friended on Facebook. It was encouraging in the span of 3 days to host my first dinner party for girls I work with and then to go bowling. The differences are striking in the friends I am making here- but also warmly familiar. I am able to be completely myself- laugh- and love freely. I have dinner plans tonight with Ashley- someone I met @ Church on Sunday. We instantly clicked. Exactly 1 month after I moved here I was inviting people into my home for a meal and laughter... God has been so generous in allowing me opportunities to create a community and life here. I always felt it was a gift and blessing- and I know at times I struggle with not having balance or better boundaries. But in getting settled into W-S I am able to recognize and celebrate the ways that I have changed and grown in truly great ways and how much more equipped and prepared I was for this adventure because I didn't run away from the hurtful events of last year. I waited. Prayed. And finally. It was time. ;o)

Charlotte: Sept 12

12 Sept. Eleven

Charlotte day was a winner for so many reasons:

1. Ikea Reunion with Pat. Yelling on the elevator in response to going to Africa: "Seth is in Africa!"

2. Putting last touches together- an ikea shopping spree.

3. Frozen yogurt- K$ lost receipt?

4. Shopping @ SouthPark. Lunch @ Cheesecake Factory.

5. Bird Cage @ Francesca's

6. PINKBERRY! Kristyn's first experience with the best- then Dean and Deluca.

7. Laughter.

8. Sams/Food Kitty

9. Classy Waho.

10. Amazing Day.

Things We Wish We Had Known: One

photograph was taken while on vacation in California last summer.

I had a conversation with Rika yesterday talking abut "Things we wish we had known then." She wrote a children's book as a project for school- and after we bantered around thoughts. I kept thinking about it all day. My initial reactions ranged from light and sentimental to more weighted and substantial. The first one I wrote down so that I would not forget was, "I wish I knew not to let what others said or thought dictate the way I cared for my heart and body." I think so many times we forget that we are precious, beautiful, people of God and giving someone power to make us believe differently is detrimental to our growth and pursuit of Christ. He sees us. Loves us. And while He desires us to grow, change, and mature- He loves us totally from the inside out. Surround yourself with people who lead and encourage you to that truth!

Luzern: Seth and Julie

Seth and Julie Michels are probably two of my most favorite friends in the "we instantly can pick right back up again, regardless of how much time has passed" category.

I have written a lot about my friendship with them on my All Roads Lead Back To Blog over the years, and the birth of it with Julie while on Summer Staff in 2003. There have been so many endless prayers to the Lord that I would one day live in the same place as them, and even tried really hard to fall in love with Newburgh, only to get the flu when I arrived. It was a terrible flu. But if you are going to be sick- nothing beats hanging out and doing puzzles with Julie until all hours of the night.

It's been since Christmas since I've seen them, and I think that's just so weird. But I loved that at Christmas on their very packed social calendar while in NKY there was time carved out for me, for conversation, and for laughter.

They recently went to Europe, and I wish I could have fit myself into one of their suitcases. I prayed for their trip daily, and hoped that the Lord would use the time away from every last commitment, responsibility, and distraction, to focus on the culture and experience together. They celebrated their 5 year wedding anniversary this past summer, and I am so thankful that Julie is not only as important to me now, but more so as our friendship has blossomed in Christ. Love her. And that crazy Husband of hers that I like to banter deep relational and spiritual things with over dinners while I visit. They are the best. (and points to Seth for signing his own name!)

Friend,

You TOTALLY must go to Switzerland on your next European adventure. Luzern is beautiful beyond words. Lots of old buildings- all in great condition. Fresh flowers everywhere. Went mountain biking in the Alps one day, swimming and relaxing in Lake Luzern another, and to an Ensemble Orchestra one night during their huge annual festival. It's clean and perfect everywhere here. Seriously in love! On our way to Italy. Totally different and we can't wait. Hope you're enjoying NC and getting settled int your new place and joy. Love to you.

Love.Love

Jules and Seth

St. James's Gate: Matty

I have a few updates today- but I'm going to space them out a little bit in the next couple of days. We start with Ireland and Matty.

Matty.

1. You wrote Kari Renee. Which is funny because everyone here right now does. I love that you wrote it. It made me smile and sort of giggle.

2. I can't wait to see pictures and hear stories in October. I've missed you every day and prayed constantly. I love that your postcard came with a list. I love love love numbered lists.

Smooches-

Kurry

Kur,

1st postcard from Ireland!

Our first real day in the country was full of stuff, I'll give you a list to make it exciting:

1. Mary the guide: fiery Irish Lady

2. I love Georgian buildings: different sized windows

3. Doors, you would be in heaven!

4. Gendalalough: so beautiful and peaceful a great start.

5. A quick walk to Guinness, w/a detour and stop in a grocery! no time for photos but so much soaked in.

6. The gravity lounge- 360 views of Dublin

7. Psalm 22 and bad in the room when iI got back!

Wish you were here, so many moments!

Smooches

Matty

San Francisco: T

This is my 2nd postcard this summer from San Francisco from 2 different friends. It's THE place to visit! Which makes me so happy, because I love it so much there. Today was a GREAT mail day, though only one postcard. I'm still thankful for real letters, care packages, and my Starbucks free beverage coupon.

Thanks to Theresa for taking a moment to write me from my favorite Coast! Though I have to admit reading "Dear North Carolina Kurry" sort of confused me a second- and then of course I remembered. Yes. Winston-Salem is NOT in Virginia. Nope. Different State entirely. ;o) 

Dear North Carolina Kurry,

Hello from the West Coast! I hope Winston-Salem is treating you well. Did you make the little postcard introducing yourself to your neighbors yet? California is great. We just left San Francisco and are no win Sonoma Co. Believe it or not our visit to China town was one of my faves. I also loved the Golden Gate Bridge. We ate at this places called Zuni's... if you are ever in SF again you have to eat there and get the chicken. It's to die for.

Miss you friend! Can't wait for our next date over a mexican meal!

-T