First off… I'm on the internet, I have WiFi connection and its *GOOD internet! Its SO weird. Thats merely the beginning of the things I've thought of. There are most definitely major differences in contrast to the life I've had on the Race. I've experienced American Culture shock on occasion and I just don't know what to do with myself sometimes. If its been a long time and somehow I've forgotten to eat, I feel like its easy to go into starvation mode and all my African provoked senses are heightened. Processing is something many people ask about and how its coming– but processing is something that is going to take a while (years even). I can understand all conversations that are happening within a 10 ft. radius and my brain goes on overdrive because its English. There are way too many options in restaurants, the refrigerator, the cereal isle, and my wardrobe. The feedback culture we've experienced prepared me for a lot things, even the unexpected– but its not always received well. Nothing is priced like I would expect it to be (I mean a sandwich, a slice of cheesecake & an ice water for $15? whoa) which has made me a lot better at shopping and insisting on finding the deals. I sleep in my own bed in my own room. Drying my hair and being able to put on make-up without sweating are a big deal. My first week I would carry my toothbrush & toothpaste with me in and out of the bathroom until I realized it was home and I could actually leave my things there without pesky critters making my toothbrush home or worrying about it going missing. I still carry my headlamp everywhere with me incase of power shortages– you may think its funny, but its actually happened once already. I'm able to flush toilet paper.
These are small in comparison to the big picture. But they're my reality.
Los Angeles
There I was. We arrived in LA at 2:40 pm on July 27th. I said my goodbyes to my squad mates– letting them linger and trying to catch everyone before they disappeared at the airport.
Then Kacie Lynn, Katie, Madisson & I were off on a new adventure. I rented a car to begin the next leg of my journey. That night we had dinner. My first meal in America was chinese food (I lived 6 of the last 11 months in Asia, you shouldn't be surprised). I took Kacie Lynn & Katie to the airport, as Madisson and I proceeded our journey on Santa Barbara Boulevard and downtown LA. It was probably significantly the most drastic transition– the streets of Malaysia to Los Angeles. We kept saying, "is this real life?" or "This is America?" and "What is happening right now?!"
Madisson & I in LA
I then proceeded by driving to Mammoth Lakes for a few days of alone time with Jesus. Nature is something so significant in my relationship with the Him. It reminds me how small I am, of the really big things He's created and the fact that He's still mindful of me– knowing the intimate details of my life and still cares about me– deeply, deeply, deeply cares and loves me unconditionally. I love His paintbrush and the works He's displayed– and I got another glimpse of that driving through the Sierra Nevada to Mammoth Lakes.
of course the photos don't merely explain
i think everyone should visit this place.
You may know about it, but after traveling Asia forward to the States– its very difficult to get your body clock back in full motion with the rest of society in prompt demand. Therefore I saw the sunrise for six days consecutively. My first morning in Mammoth Lakes I went for a hike.
beautiful sunrise, right?!
the drive in
Tenaya Lake
hiking adventures on the less traveled trails
raspberries!! America has Raspberries! I had a delighful lunch of fresh fruit, greek yogurt, pretzels & veggies.
i love trees.
i know right?
these views were around every corner
to be completely honest, the photos don't do it justice. I suggest that everyone go at some point in their lifetime.
From Mammoth Lakes I traveled to San Francisco and met up with my friend Ryan Levander, a friend from Mars Hill. Two days prior, he ran the San Francisco Marathon and was in from his current home in Colorado. We had a great time catching up on the last year of our lives and doing all things San Franciscan.
Ryan & i
we took a tour of the bay and bridges via boat– worth it!
Alcatraz Island
From San Fran I flew to Seattle, Washington. My sweet friends Kit & Rachel Powell (newlyweds who got hitched while I was on the Race) made an EPIC first home-cooked breakfast for me on my first morning in! I spent several days with them in their serene & eclectic neighborhood in Seattle and enjoyed their company and sweet hospitality. I honestly don't think it could have gotten better than this!
Kit and I strumming away with our newly acquired skills.
My cousin, Daniel, lives just outside of Seattle. He and I got to meet up together and do all things Northwestern while I was in. We took a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia and enjoyed Canada for a few days!
[Yes, that means I left the states again]
Our first meal in Canada was at a Mexican restaurant watching the U.S. Olympics. Talk about a trio!
We went to the famous Butchart Gardens while there… i love flowers, so these photos are some of the goodness i captured.
my sister, Karla and I at the airport.
After a few days at home and a week at the beach with the fam, I left for Gainesville, Georgia— the home of Adventures in Missions for Searchlight, meaning I had some time with people on my squad and the excellent AIM staff and time& space to sit with God and think about the next steps after the Race.
worship time!
with my bff Katie!
Vanessa & I missed our cowgirl boots, so we made sure we had time to wear them at Searchlight!
A-Squad people & our sweet Squad Leader, Christie!
I was able to attend the engagement party of my friend, Sarah Graley (cute blonde in the middle).
I've also had a little time to catch up with friends (like Heather on the left) and family (like Brayden on the right).
with my cousin, Seth.
Thanks for your continued prayers, financial support, love and grace.
I love you, supporters and can't say "thank you" enough!
xoxo
Kaitlyn
