Teetering

Do you ever feel like you're teetering in life? Imagine how this rock feels!

Balanced Rock in the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

For I am the Lord God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41: 13. 

Take comfort in God knowing where you are and how deep in the pit you feel. 

You are not forgotten. 

You are not abandoned. 

You are not alone. 

You are loved. 

You are worth more than this world can offer. 

Focus on the Family

The non-profit organization, Focus on the Family, was founded in 1977 to put a focus on Christ being the center of individual lives and families. 

I had the great fortune of visiting the campus of this worldwide organization recently while in Colorado Springs. 

The large campus features a Welcome Center that shows films, has a bookstore, dishes up delicious treats, and more!

I was particularly taken with a hallway filled with flags from around the world. Nothing new for me. Still attracted to international items after all these years. 

Air Guitar

On a business trip recently, I spotted this sign in a trendy spot. 

Mysteriously, I did not see anyone with an air guitar. 

Shells

Sometimes you have to walk the beach and pick up shells that appeal. 

Meanwhile, I have a large bowl full of them now!

Just like snowflakes and so many other things in God's creation, there are no 2 shells alike. It is inspiring in a way to know that all things in God's creation are uniquely designed and carefully crafted.

Birthday: Air Mail

This lovely card from my French family arrived around my birthday. I love getting mail (not junk mail) especially when it comes from far and away. 

Salt Pig

Like most people, I have always used a salt shaker to salt food. Even if it needed to be measured, I would shake some into my hand to see the right amount. 

My mom has always had a salt crock with a cork lid which can easily fit varying sizes of measuring spoons. 

Not being the gourmet cook she is, I used a salt shaker. 

It was not until I was studying abroad in France that I noticed a smaller salt container. It didn't take up the space my mom's salt crock did. A salt pig!

I was given this salt pig and scoop from my host family in France. It has been a great addition to the kitchen. I find that I can control the amount of salt easier this way. 

Personally, I typically keep course sea salt in it. The sea salt seen in the photo is fine sea salt which means I need to buy course sea salt. (There happens to be a rebate on ibotta for that!)

The Effect of Travel

There is something about travel that makes me feel more me than usual. It has an effect that is hard to explain. 

Being far and away is trying. I feel stretched because the signs are different, the language is different, the customs are different, and the way of life is different. There is an internal struggle of wanting to maintain my ways and wanting to try a new way while remaining true to myself. 

Being far and away is liberating. There is something about wandering around the streets of a new place that allows me to breathe more deeply. 

Being far and away is adventurous. Hiking a mountain, swimming in the sea, eating new foods, attempting to communicate in a different language, shopping in the marketplace. There is a sense of risk that gets the adrenaline going. It leaves an imprint in my mind that forever marks my experience.

There is nothing else like travel. 

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page." ~Saint Augustine

How Far I'll Go

I love Disney movies, particularly the princess-animated variety. I enjoy them for the fairy tale and good versus evil plot. 

Recently, I watched Moana. What a fantastic story! I felt as though I was watching myself on screen. This young girl has a desire to leave the confines of her hometown and explore. 

I remember from an early age how I had this same desire. Most everyone in my family is from the same area. They marry someone from that very area. They build a house in that area. They live their whole lives in that area. 

I knew at 13 or 14 years old that I could not follow suit. I had to see what else was out there. As I watched Moana, I felt as though I knew exactly what this girl was all about. 

Here is the song that Moana sings about blazing her own trail: 

Mosaic

I am not an artist. Stick figure drawings are a challenge for me (see one such project here).

When I was in college, I took an art appreciation course to satisfy the arts and humanities requirement. I really enjoyed that course and learned so much about art history.

Shortly after taking that course, I was studying abroad in France. One of the perks of being a French major!

While in France, I had the opportunity to visit the Louvre Museum with an expert who worked there. This expert is also the mother of my first French friend who is my age and stayed with my family for a summer abroad program.

I was able to see paintings and sculptures I had heard about and learned about in the art course in college. It was also the first time I had seen a mosaic. From that point, I had a new appreciation for mosaics.

In most mosaics, stones, tiles, or glass are used to create colorful images. They are such a creative display of putting unlike pieces together and making a colorful work of art.

Our world is a mosaic. Combinations of races, genders, religions, cultures, ages, talents, and abilities. In the end, we're all people forming a priceless work of art. Each one adding beauty to the world.

Even you. Especially you. You are essential. Let your light shine for it enhances the beauty of the mosaic.

Taken in the Orlando airport

Higher Perspective

We went to Rochester, NY recently to visit family. While in an airplane, I had the window seat (my favorite). As I was looking out seeing clouds and landscape, I noticed something. 

The clouds were casting shadows on the ground. It occurred to me that when you're on the ground that cloud over head brings darkness, depression, oppression, and despair. 

Seeing the cloud and shadow from above didn't have the same effect. I could see the bigger picture. I could see the end of the cloud and the beginning of light, joy, freedom, hope. 

Sometimes we need to be confident that the end of the cloud exists and is closer than it was before. 

Village Bakery

While in Rochester, NY, I had the occasion to go to a new café / bakery with my mom. Village Bakery and Café has a wide variety of beverages, pastries, and dishes. They are set up to serve breakfast and lunch type food. 

The atmosphere is charming and industrial. Chalkboards display the menu and long farm tables invite a group experience. 

My mom and I ordered the croque monsieur for an early afternoon meal. We both had coffee. Mine was hot. Hers was iced. 

We enjoyed both the ambiance and the food. We will go back to this charming spot for a meal or a coffee break. 

Holiday End

It was a lot of fun getting out of town. 

Now it is time to go back to reality, i.e. work. We're headed home.

The good thing about taking an extended weekend is returning to a short work week. Then it is the weekend again! I like to plan my time that way in order to maximize the experience. 

Long Weekend Memorial Day

We're off on an adventure for extended time off for Memorial Day weekend. 

My morning looks like this. I still had some credit on my Starbucks app from rebate apps. It makes for a nice breakfast at the airport. 

Be back soon!

Far & Away: Niagara Falls, Canada

This destination never feels far and away for me. I grew up about an hour away from Niagara Falls. I've frequented the falls since I was a small child. As a family, we would venture out with a picnic for the day. 

It is the pride of the region since visitors worldwide come to view the falls. I have been privileged to take a few visitors from other countries to experience the falls for themselves. Most recently, I took my husband to see them. 

We started by parking in Niagara Falls, New York and walking across the Rainbow Bridge. On the bridge you stand at the border of the 2 countries and then pass through border control. 

Once at the falls, you can take a boat ride up to the falls, view the gardens, walk the pathways along the falls, zipline, visit the floral clock, experience the butterfly conservatory, and more!

Clifton Hill is the tourist section descending to the falls. Here you'll find Hard Rock Café, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Rainforest Café, museums, and gift shops. 

It is always a pleasure to visit Niagara Falls. Even for a few moments to take a look at the breath taking view. 

Bathing Differences

My husband's family introduced me to a bathing net that exfoliates the skin in an amazing way. My husband always has such soft skin. The length lends itself to reaching all surfaces of the skin. 

Unlike bath scrunchies in the US, these are a long net and a harder texture. They come in nylon (hardest) and cotton (softest). 

We purchased mine in the general open air market in Lomé, Togo. We paid about 1000 CFA (local currency) which equates $1.75 (depending on the exchange rate). 

It is a worthwhile purchase because it lasts a few years. Mine was purchased in 2015. My husband has one that he purchased in 2014 and it still does the job. 

Here is a video of a vendor in West Africa who calls it éponge in French and akusa in Ewe. 

Far & Away: Haiti

I have had the great blessing of going to Haiti 4 times. It is a beautiful country with wonderfully warm people. 

Haiti is a place that has enjoyed lush greenery, multiple natural ports, and the title of being the first Black Republic in the world. The Haitians have the same fortitude today as they did when they defeated Napoleon's army. 

There are so many non-profit organizations working in Haiti. Some are doing good while others are not helping in the long-term. There is much poverty in Haiti. There is also much wealth. 

Despite what is being said on the news, Haiti is a place where the happiest kids live. They value life and relationships instead of possessions and achievements. They have a different perspective on life. 

Haitian food is delicious! The hospitality is world class. The history is rich. The beaches are beautiful.

I have worked with various non-profit organizations to deliver professional development to teachers in Haiti. These teachers were intelligent and professional. I didn't feel that I could add a whole lot of value once I learned of their talent and knowledge. We had a great time nonetheless. 

Taken in Marchand Dessalines

A wedding I attended in Marchand Dessalines

Taken in Jacmel

Taken in Port au Prince

Delicious dish made by my hostess in Ouanaminthe

Far & Away: France

France is one of my favorite places. I refer to it as the mother land since our family is partially French. 

The first time I went to France was for a study abroad program when I was 20. I have since been a few more times for various reasons. 

France has a lot of charm, history, beautiful sights, and delicious food. I have been fortunate enough to visit several villages, towns, and cities in France. Not nearly enough, though. 

I went back to France to study as an adult and chronicled my time in France in my first blog rachaelfrance.blogspot.com. It was a nice way to keep family and friends updated on what I was doing since the first time I went technology was not as it is now. 

For your viewing pleasure: 

Taken in Paris

Taken in Guérande

Taken in La Rochelle

Taken in Chenonceaux

Taken in Angers

Far and Away: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country! If you're looking for an ecological vacation, this is it!

The country has lush greenery everywhere, rain forests, beaches, mountains and volcanos. The outdoor activities are everywhere: zip lining, rafting, hiking, swimming, bathing in volcanic hot springs. 

It is such a lovely place. As the locals say pura vida which means pure life! Well said!

 Taken in Cartago

Taken at the Manuel Antonio National Park 

Taken at the hot springs near the Arenal volcano

Far & Away: Morocco

I have had the great fortune of traveling to a lot of interesting places. One of the most exotic places I visited was Morocco. 

I have a friend from France who has a sister that is a teacher. She has taught in many different countries. While she was in Morocco, we were in touch and I received an invitation to come visit. 

It was a wonderful visit that lasted 2 weeks. It was enough to get an appreciation of the Moroccan culture and people but not enough time to explore it all. 

I was able to visit Marrakesh, Agadir, and Essaouira. 

I learned some Arabic phrases. I ate on the floor out of a tajine dish. I cooled off in the many fountains. I shopped in the souks. I wiled away the hours talking to an elderly man. I watched a skilled snake charmer do his thing. 

Amazing country with beautiful people. 

Taken in Marrakesh

 Taken in Marrakesh

Taken in Essaouira

Travel Tip: Empty Water Bottle

Given so many do's and dont's at airports these days, air travel has become more complicated. For example, no liquids can be carried onto a plane that were brought from outside the airport. If you have a cup of coffee or a bottle of water on the way to the airport, you must consume it in its' entirety prior to going through security. 

Airports have seen the benefit to them in this liquid ban. Prices of items in airports typically are higher than elsewhere. Liquids are now priced higher than ever before. 

There is a work around (for water at least). I travel with an empty water bottle. Airports are now equipped with water bottle filling stations. Eureka!

In selecting a water bottle, I choose one that can be squished and then will take the original form. This way it fits in my purse or 'personal item' without taking up a lot of room.  

Once I'm on board the plane, I place the water bottle in the seat pocket in front of me. 

I'm reusing water bottles and saving money on bottles of water at the airport. This is a budget friendly solution along with a green solution!