These are a few of my favorite places..

I have recently been going through all of my pictures taken in the last five years (pre-blog). In this process, I have been reminded of how much I love New Zealand. Back in February of 2003, I had the opportunity to spend 3.5 weeks there as part of my 10-week sabbatical trip. While I could post so many pictures, these are three of my favorites - all from the south island of New Zealand.
Southern Alps

Punikaki

Kaikoura coast

Sunsets

Sunsets are among my favorite things to photograph. Below are some of my personal favorites from my travels all over the world. They remind me of how blessed I have been to see so many stunningly beautiful parts of God's creation!
Sunset over Manly (Sydney), Australia

Sunset over the west coast of the south island of New Zealand

Sunset over Honolulu, Hawaii

Sunset over Queenstown, New Zealand

Sunset over Athens, Greece

Sunset over Gull Lake, Minnesota

This sunset over Manila, Philippines is so stunning mostly because of the smog!

Life

Since my travels ended this summer, I have spent a lot of time at home, cleaning, purging stuff that I don't use/need (including 4,500 emails!), changing a few things (painting a couple walls, new lamp, etc.) and generally trying to free myself of accumulated piles..some of this is ongoing for me, but it has taken on a new energy in the last six weeks.. I also pre-planned and have started pre-paying my funeral..I'm feeling fine, but I just felt like this was a good and stewardly thing to do and I had the time and opportunity to get it done. I have been struck by how our lives can change in a moment - a couple long-time friends - my age and younger - passed away this summer, other friends have had health and other kinds of challenges and I am more aware than ever how life is so unpredictable and completely out of our control. This is not a new realization, but this renewed awareness has caused me to think how important it is to be anchored in God. How could we manage without our trust in Jesus' saving grace?

As I look back on my European trip

I have noticed an interesting phenomenon since I returned from Europe…I feel content and am at peace! What a gift this is to me…I know it will fade at some point (probably when school starts), but I want to hold on to it as long as I can…so for the time being, I am very thankful for the blessing of this gift.

So where has this come from? Well, I think God allows us these moments, but I also believe in this particular moment, my contentment is a result of a very fulfilling vacation spent with dear friends. I have often traveled alone – sometimes to exotic, exciting places. In these cases, I have met people along the way with whom I can share my experiences. But this trip was a refreshing change: intentionally traveling and living in community. Sharing living spaces, sharing space in the car, sharing the magnificence of many glorious corners of God’s creation, sharing the amazing taste of the food and so much more. Sharing brings with it its own challenges at times, but it also increases the joys and expands one’s perspective on life. By myself, I am limited to seeing things the ways I’m used to seeing them. Sharing the experience helps me to see someone else’s perspective. This, of course, is quite obvious, but it is made clearer when you travel with others… to notice all the colors of the wild flowers along a mountain path… to see the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences in the interior of a magnificent cathedral; to observe the patience of another which increases your own patience; to have multiple pairs of eyes to find a landmark or sign so you end up on the right road… all of this enhances the experience of travel and the experience of community.

Actually, I think many of us seek after community… and it is something that is often elusive. Sometimes, we attempt to create community using artificial means in our desperate search to feel connected. Sometimes it works; in my experience, often it doesn’t. Part of my lack of community comes because I am just way too busy! The more I think about our trip, even though we traveled many miles and saw many beautiful places; we were not busy to the point that our schedule controlled us. Yes, we had our moments of trying to get all five of us going in the morning, but in the end, it happened when it happened and it was fine…. That is definitely not the way my life normally runs when I am in school! This is a good lesson to absorb! The more I consider this, the more I think my current sense of well-being, contentment and peace are a result of the wonderful communal experience we had; it filled my soul. I am very grateful….

Bruges

Bruges is often referred to as the "Venice of the North," a label easily seen in all the canals that are present in the city. We were there on a gorgeous day, making the charm of the city even more obvious.


I just loved these distinctive roofs of the buildings in Bruges

These photos show one of the few remaining "beguines" in Belgium. The beguine movement began in the 12th century by the widows of the Crusaders who committed themselves to a pious life upon the death of their husbands. These women chose a secluded life devoted to charitable deeds. This beguine in Bruges was a lovely setting; the church in the first picture is a part of the beguine; in the second picture, the homes around the trees are where the women live.

From Austria back to Belgium

After 4.5 days in Austria, we made our way back to Belgium....We drove through the scenic Bavarian region of Germany, spending the night in Fussen. That night the Germans were playing the Russians in the semi-final game of Euro2008. It was a crazy night in Fussen as the Germans beat the Russians...you could hear the crowds in this small town screaming each time Germany scored and at the end of the game, cars honking and people yelling continued long into the night! (Our hotel was right on the main street so we heard it all!). The next day we stopped in Heidelberg to visit some former students (thanks Amy and Ryan!) and then made it back to Leuven (just outside of Brussels) just after the second semi-final game started. It was so exciting to be in Europe during this sports event - they take their football (read soccer in the US) very seriously!

Salzburg - the view from the top

This is the wonderful little cable car that got us up to the castle! What a great invention!

A stunning view of Salzburg!

This is a view of the castle itself from it's highest point

Salzburg from the ground

The main street of the old city (with some very new stores)

The view of the castle from the bridge on the Salzbach River

A closer look at the castle from below

For all you music lovers, this is the Mozarteum

The castle is always looking over the city!

Some of the gorgeous gardens of Salzburg.

The Austrian Alps

Once in Austria, we were blessed to stay in a home of some good friends. This beautiful mountain home was at the top of where the homes are located in the Austrian Alps...you drive less than a mile and you reach the end of the road and then you start hiking at the base of the tallest mountains. Spectacular! Breathtaking! So these are a few of our "neighborhood" views


This is Zell am See - a very scenic and relaxing spot!

We had a picnic here...

This is a view of Mittersill from the Schloss high above the city...