The Latest

I've come to this space so many times in the last month, and I've turned right around and walked away.  I've started posts and ended posts and completely erased everything I've written.  I'm wrestling with this space, that is nothing new.  I've often wondered what to do here, how much to share, what to keep just for us.  And then, my grandmother died and a lot changed.  It seems like I see everything through a new filter, and there is a lot that seems far more trivial than it ever did.

Having shared bits and pieces of her here on this blog makes it suddenly feel like some sort of sacred space. As in, how can I come here and dance lightly with the silly things in life all while grappling with this deep, deep loss.  Such is the balancing act of grief, I suppose: recognizing the need to honor the memory and cherish the past, while growing and changing and moving forward.  

That said, I suppose it's about time for a trivial update.

Many days lately, I have felt left in the dust, scratching my head as to how it can even be possible that we're over halfway through October.  Riddle me that, my friend.  Wowza.  Where is this time and why has its marching cadence seemingly accelerated exponentially?!  We are now just under three weeks away from finishing Cole's rotation here in Spokane and heading to our next chapter in Denver, Colorado.  

This time in Spokane has been so sweet, but oh-so-fast!  Cole has been working 12 hour days, and God, in His outrageous provision and faithfulness, has blessed me with a full-time job as well.  With the days and weekends so jam-packed, it's no wonder the time has flown.  While we've been here, we have enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, exploring old stomping grounds, and a few weekend trips to central Washington to visit our niece and nephews.

One weekend, we were blessed with two nights at the Davenport Hotel.  It was a sweet, sweet time of reconnection with this amazing guy with whom I'm blessed to share my life.  We explored downtown Spokane like tourists and enjoyed every bit of this beautiful Spokane October we've had.

Last weekend was spent with Cole's family in central Washington: pumpkin patches, football games, and the most incredible niece and nephews we could ask for!  Every visit back there makes us that much more excited to be settled there in February.

With the remaining time we have left here, we're taking a quick trip to Oregon and one more trip back to Sunnyside before we leave for Colorado.  It's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. It feels like we just stepped off the plane from Honolulu.  We're nearly halfway through this final year of Cole's schooling, and we could not be more thankful or in awe of God's provision through it all.

Island Visitors

Oh guys. I don’t even know where to start.  I’ve obviously not done a great job of keeping this little corner of the internet updated.  Sometimes I feel like our day-to-day goings on are not noteworthy or worth writing home about – literally. Work, laundry, dishes, reading on the beach – you know, just your average day-to-day stuff – not super interesting to read (or write!) about.  That aside, this past week was more than certainly worth writing home about.  And so…. 

Dear Home, please pardon my cellphone photos - we were having way too much fun to pull out the big guns.

This last week, three of my favorite people visited us.  We hiked, ate some incredible food, boogie-boarded, ate more great food, toured Pearl Harbor, talked, ate some awesome food, hiked, talked, wore sweet hats, talked, talked…. It was divine.  Truly.  My theology may be off here, but I always feel like I taste a bit of heaven when my family is near.

The days flew by in a blur and it was over all too soon.  We kayaked up a river and saw turtles.  We ate KILLER tacos. We got sunburned. We hiked Diamond Head.  We had a sunset picnic at one of our favorite beaches. Mom and Dad wanted to get away from us for a few hours make sure that Kelly and I got some good ‘sister time’ in, so they took Tuesday for a cycling day while Kell and I did Pearl Harbor and lunch (and coffee and scones).  This week was totally not food-centric.  We loved showing our family the little parts of the island that we've discovered and, quite possibly, fallen in love with.

The Fourth was spent poolside relaxing.  Steaks on the grill and pina coladas in hand, we celebrated the beautiful, hard-fought gift of independence and prayed for God’s mercy on our country’s future.  From the backyard (of the house we were housesitting), we could see the beach fireworks; and we ended the night with our feet in the hot tub talking about theology, the future, and light matter like that.

It was pretty lousy saying goodbye to them.  We had an incredible time learning the beauties of combining mango and cilantro, pairing a great Sokol Blosser with mahi-mahi, and toasting to a wonderful week as the sun set over Waikiki.  Guys, seriously, words cannot even begin to explain how great this week was.  My family is pretty much the bestest. And I'm still trying to figure out how to convince them to come back.

On Packing

Right now, there are three boxes stacked in the corner of our living room: packed, taped, and labelled.  Another rests half-full in the kitchen, packing materials and contents spilling over the sides. Three more lay hungry in the bedroom, waiting to be filled. And, here I sit.  Smack-dab in the middle of it all.  Stuck here partially due to physical exhaustion, partially due to being downright overwhelmed, but mostly because I've misplaced the packing tape. Again.

Such a weird migration this is.  From wall to box.  Dresser to bin.  Cabinet to crate.  These three years past, placed in boxes.  My heart doesn't quite know how to feel.

I know.  I see you there.  You, ticking off the months to come on your fingers... Yes, we still have much time before we leave.  Nearly 4 months, in fact.  And yet, here I sit with box upon box.  Strange as it may be, I suppose I find myself prematurely packing because I am a planner.  I like having all my loose ends tied up, everything just so.  Perhaps I pack because it gives me a sense of control, a fake, fleeting, selfish, and sinful pseudo-sense of control. Maybe, I am packing now to lighten my load for later, when life will no doubt be even more insane.

But, perhaps that which looms largest in my heart urging me to pack is the fact that I'm not quite sure how I'm going to say goodbye. How I will leave this place we two first called home as one.  How we will leave this church family who have loved us with open arms and open doors.  How we will leave these friends who have become more like family...  It's as though this gradual stripping of walls and emptying of drawers will ease the pain of that last day.  Much like a bandage, (and contrary to the common analogy) when pulled ever so slowly, one might almost forget the pain of its removal.  In much the same way, perhaps this gradual packing is readying my heart for the ripping.

I know I've said this before, and there is no doubt that further words and tears will be spilled over this place; but I sit here in the midst of transition with a heart torn.  This heart quickens wildly at the thought of the adventures that lay ahead.  Every vase wrapped is a step closer to that new horizon. While simultaneously, there is an ache that throbs at the thought of closing this chapter.  My heart is all here and all there and not at all emotional.  (ha!)

There is much to do before the door closes, however. Much to do, much to say (or not), and many to love.  I am thankful for this readying period, this time of preparation; but no amount of time is going to make this any easier.

Now... to find that packing tape....

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Trust Issues

It's been quiet around these parts - and that completely belies the pace of our lives. For the past 5 weeks, I have been in and out of town on the road for work.  It's been a challenging 5 weeks, and we're only just halfway through.  This season has certainly given us a greater appreciation for each other and a greater appreciation for our military families who endure much harder and much longer absences than this.  Either way, it's been tough.

I've sat down to write often, but have never really been able to put my feelings to words.  Then, once I was able to, I didn't like hearing the negativity that poured forth.  You see, these last five weeks have been riddled with loneliness and anxiety; and, lest you think we have it altogether (ha!), I'm afraid that this place would have been a broken record of the two.  

But He is faithful. 

And in the exact moment I needed it, He was there. And in the moments when I was sinfully unaware of my need, He was there too.  Encouraging sermons, edifying books, and sweet Scripture have buoyed those days that are particularly dark.  And then, as if that's not enough, He paints skies like these:

I've been reading through Lydia Brownback's book, Trust; and, I came across a quote that has been a lifeline of sorts as I strive to unbuckle this burden of anxiety and lay it at the foot of the Cross.

"Real faith isn't the belief that God will do a particular thing; real faith is the conviction that God is good, no matter what He does and however He chooses to answer our prayers."  - Lydia Brownback, Trust.

All is Grace.  How quickly I forget.

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on familiarity...

Eleven months, two weeks, and six days ago, the Mr. and I - fresh off a honeymoon plane from Maui - packed up our cars and headed down to our new home – 8 hours away.  Into the land of the unknown. While we were fortunate to be met with a brother and sister-in-law, we were otherwise alone. In God’s perfect grace and timing, a job fell into my lap in a matter of weeks and the Mr. began school the next month.  We found ourselves welcomed into a loving, Gospel-preaching church and into an encouraging Bible study. Everything was falling into place.

And then I had the “Safeway Meltdown.”

I am a creature of habit. I go to the same gas stations, order the same coffee drink, and run the same running route – I could have shopped my grocery store back home with a blindfold on.  But the Safeway here is set up all wrong!  The peanut butter was in the wrong aisle.  I searched high and low and could not find it.  And that was it.  I broke down crying in the middle of Safeway because I couldn’t find peanut butter. And I felt SO alone. And I just wanted to be back “home.”

That said, it had been a tough week at work; I was missing my family; I was getting tired of not knowing my way around the area; and, to top it all off, I was stuck with a screwed up Safeway.  But still, I felt pretty silly.

Since that day, it has become much easier.  I’ve figured out my grocery stores.  I found the peanut butter.

But from time to time, I still find that “Safeway anxiety” rising up in different circumstances.  I am thankful for a husband who takes such sweet care of me and works above and beyond his call of duty to make sure I feel loved.  I am thankful for technology that allows me to keep in contact with my loved ones. And I am thankful for the people who have welcomed us into their lives with open arms.

And still, even though Washington is a big state, when I see a beautiful license plate driving around our small Oregon town, I secretly feel some sort of kinship with them and wonder if we know each other.   Just shows how much I crave familiarity.  I’m in the process of learning that it is okay to feel uncomfortable.  I guess it's a part of growth. All too often, I find myself wishing to be “back home,” when – in reality – our home is here.  We are here. Now.  The Mr. and I have made our home here for the time being.  And it’s time for me to unpack my bags.

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Awesome Things

I TOTALLY forgot to mention the coolest thing that happened last week on my way home from California!  I landed in Portland mid-afternoon and texted my parents to let them know that I had landed safely.

No sooner had I sent the text, I rounded the corner at the airport only to see my DAD walking towards me to board his flight to Spokane!!!  How crazy is that!  In a big airport, I ran into my wonderful daddy.  It was a much-needed 10 minutes and hug - then we were off on our own separate ways.  (Kind of reminiscent of this event, don't you think?  :)

Taken on Dad's phone to make Mom jealous...  :)

I miss my family a lot, but I am so thankful for moments like this.  Thankful for a Dad who loves me lots and a God who cares enough about our lives to orchestrate a "chance meeting" like this for me at a time when I needed it most. Totally makes travelling worth it.

-Laura


PS - In case you aren't familiar with the wonderful man that is my father, please educate yourselves here and here.

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California: Part 2

Over the course of the last few days, I have explored the wonderful world of wine country down in the Sonoma Valley. Vineyards, and Golf Courses, and Sun - Oh My!  My flight landed early leaving me with a few hours to kill.  Darn.  So, I hopped in my rental car and meandered through wine country.

Wow.  It was a whole different kind of beautiful.  Someday, (considering how conducive Central Washington is to growing grapes) I'd love to have a vineyard.  There is just something so enchanting and romantic about it.  (This kind of romantic, not necessarily this kind.)

See for yourselves!

Yes, please.

The Valley

Drive-By

 

When in Rome...

Palm Trees!!!

Mostly, it was good to see my friend, the sun, again.  Oh, and I talked to some pretty awesome students too! :)

Happy Wednesday!

-Laura

California Dreamin'

I went to California. I just got back. Actually, I got back from L.A. a few days ago, but for some reason, this blog didn't get posted.  Oh well.  I had intended to take more pictures - especially to capture the glorious 80+ degree weather we were having, but I didn't.  Oh well.  I was busy recruiting Californians to come attend our school.

So I give you the two measly pictures I nabbed along the way.  

View from my 14th Floor Hotel Room

Note the Palm Trees in the Foreground

Nothing screams, "I'm a Pacific Northwest Girl" louder than my fascination with palm trees.  I've been to Hawai'i, Florida, and California a few times.  I've seen palm trees. You'd think I'd be unaffected, but no.  Those darn trees never fail to captivate me - and my camera.  And don't get me started on ORANGE trees!  Oranges!  On trees! Yeah - Pacific Northwest Girl.  That's me.

Anywho, now that I've exposed my inner nerd, it's time to go make dinner.  Happy Monday, yo.

-Laura

Christmas: Round 1 - A Very Boboth Christmas

Yesterday was simply wonderful. C and I celebrated our first Christmas together… he made us a special breakfast, we read through Luke 2, opened gifts, and relaxed in front of the classic movie, “White Christmas.” Ah, it has been so long since we have had such a relaxing day!

We headed out in the afternoon with Everett and Carrie to go see the Portland Zoo Christmas Lights. Unfortunately, there was zero parking available. So we went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill (thanks for the recommendation, Lisa!) and went to a showing of the newest Narnia movie, “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” in 3D. Ooooo… Aaaaaaah… (Admission reminded us why we rarely go to movies in theaters!)

Anywho, it was a wonderful kick-off to the great celebration week coming up.  As I write this, we are driving through the beautiful Gorge (thank you, mobile internet) heading up to our good ol’ stomping grounds in Spokane. We are so excited to spend this next week and a half with family and friends.

I better go… gotta get back to our freestyle rapping competition. Pretty sure I’m winning… (although C is clearly dominating the beat-boxing category.)

Our next travel game?  Seeing who can do a better Creed impression. Followed by singing through the alphabet - coming up with a new Christmas song for each letter of the alphabet.

Don’t you wish you could travel with the Boboths?

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

-Laura

The Beauty of It All

As promised here, I present some of the beautiful parts of my job!

Good Morning, Kalispell, MT!

The Beautiful Flathead Lake - Kalispell

Early Morning Hermiston, Wa...

6am - Columbia River Valley

Mt. Adams

Stonehenge Memorial - after a wonderful lunch with my Mother-in-Law!

Columbia River Valley and vineyards

And THIS is what I came home to :)

I am blessed.

-Laura

Lessons Learned

If you’ve hung around this blog much, I’m sure it’s quite evident that business trips are not my favorite thing in the world.  When I was younger, my dad travelled from time to time, and I used to think it must be the most FUN adventure ever!  I mean, he got to fly in airplanes and stay in hotels! If that was not thrilling, then I didn’t know what was!  Now that I am travelling for business, I understand how wrong I was!

 It is easy to look at the negative side of travelling: being away from my wonderful husband, sleeping in strange places, not getting much sleep… etc.  But I decided that, in order to pass some time while I travel, I’d come up with a list of fun, quirky, positive things that happen on these trips:

1.   I get to meet some fun people. At college fairs, we are usually arranged in similar patterns, so you get to know your alphabetically arranged table partner quite well.  Sometimes it’s a gamble and you never know who you’ll get stuck with!

2.  I get to see pretty places. I know many people fail to see the beauty in Central Montana or Eastern Oregon, but it’s there.  You just have to look. I’ll post some pictures  to prove it. J 

3. #1 Challenge of Travelling: Trying to remember what my hotel room number is from night to night.  It is harder than you would think! 

4. I have now mastered the art of the airport security line.

5.  #2 Challenge of Travelling: Now, which car did I rent this week? There have been times that I have reverted to pushing the unlock button while wandering around the parking lot… I think the car was silver…. 

6. I am making significant process in actually being able to fall asleep on the airplane.

7. I am also figuring out how to make the most of my business travel to try to “run in” to family… Today I got to have lunch with my mother-in-law!

8. Distance does make the heart grow fonder.  Reuniting with Cole is the sweetest thing in the world.  God has blessed me so richly with a wonderful man, (He leaves me love notes in my suitcase to make me smile while I’m on the road…) and I cannot wait to be home with him!

9. Travelling gives me time to blog. Yay.

10. Oh, and to read.  I read through a whole book last week!  It has been awhile since I have had that luxury.

11.   I am thankful to have a job.

That’s it for today… I’m off to another college fair, and then I am headed back home! I will keep thinking of the good parts of travel and I’ll let you know!  Happy Wednesday!

-Laura

Best Surprise EVER!

Oh yeah, and I just HAD to share… I received the BEST surprise ever on my last business trip… I had just landed in Seattle on my way home (finally) and had about 45 minutes to kill in the Sea-Tac airport.  I deplaned and had just entered the airport intent on finding my next gate. 

A tall gentleman soon strode up beside me, and – though initially unnerved by this stranger invading my personal space – I turned to see him. IT WAS MY DAD!!!!  The guy that had been the most important man to me for 22 ½ years of my life! I dropped my bags and hugged him so tightly – right in the middle of the terminal.  We were both crying – though I didn’t realize how hard until I pulled away and realized my sweater was damp.  It had been over a 1½ months since I had seen him, so this was the sweetest surprise ever. 

As it turns out, he had business meetings in Seattle and was headed back to Spokane at around 3pm (the time that I left Kalispell) when he found out that I was headed his way.  He got off the plane, asked to switch his flight to a later one, and waited for me.  I had NO idea he was there. It was so good to see him.  This gesture is so typical of my dad.  He is thoughtful, and lovingly devises awesome plans like this. The truest gentleman and a man who has never given his children reason to doubt his love for us.

While I AM having a blast down here in Forest Grove with my wonderful husband, I DO get a little homesick sometimes.  His dad-hug could not have come at a better time. And we got to spend an all-too-short 45 minutes together.  I have the best dad in the world.  That’s pretty much all there is to it!

-Laura