Wolves

All bad in the bible but not necessarily on vacation. Nice weekend trip with my delightful family at Great Wolf Lodge which is kiddie casino meets water park. Though the plastic-iness was kind of sickening I loved my time with my nephew at the pool--priceless. Said "see you later" to them and the 2nd wolf is Wolfgang Puck Express in the Denver airport where I got gorgonzola spinach mushroom pizza. Yum. My flight is delayed an hour but have been listening to Driscoll. :)

Reservations

The Yakama tribe, to be specific, with my friend Kerrin. Though I've heard about the work there as long as I've known her (2+ years) I haven't gone until tonight. Very akin to visiting another country, only it's in-country. "America" takes on a whole funky twist. Driving past the casino's packed parking lot was like crossing the border.

I was really touched that the main family working with the tribe people has four kids! And the wife/mom made soup enough to feed 50. And it was good soup. Or stewp, as her son preferred to call it. The kids were fun and energetic, the songs lovely and the conversation to and fro nourishing. Highly recommended if you're in the area and looking for a cross-cultural opportunity to serve.

Cheri (of Pullman post) got me a great deal on my New Orleans hotel, so that's the other reservation, as my recent posts' titles have had paired meanings.

I'm currently waiting for the dryer buzzer to pack some last items. Still conflicted about my Merrells...will sneakers be adequate?

Rich-land

A lot of firsts and lasts during this week. Firsts: one-on-one with Cindy; puppies and the back side of Badger at Alison's house; hip hop at Central church; running at the indoor track with Stacey. Lasts: volleyball with Kerrin and the rest of team Velocity; Plugin; Chinese children's church. I'm sad. Wish I was more profound with my goodbyes but I'm not.


[photo caption--flowers from the Chinese church. So sweet. I was a blubbering mess.]

Rachel gave me a little stuffed monkey named Mooch. How appropriate.

Reading Changes That Heal and realizing I need to accept the good and the bad.

Next stop: Seattle with the fam, then New Orleans.