Summer plans starting tomorrow

I leave my apartment in 8 hours. Yes, yes, 3 in the morning is an odd time to leave, but I have a 6 AM flight to catch. I'm heading west. To be honest, its been a while since I've flown out to California. I'm more of an old fashion traveler. I like trains and cars. But for those of you that are worried, they too are in my plans.

After months of planning, my trip is rather simple. The plans that almost were, aren't. Its still going to be a great time though. I'm going to Lake Tahoe with my familia for a little family reunion. I mean, we aren't having any distant family in or anything, but whenever our family gathers, its a reunion. It should be grand. I expect to be horizontal more than I'm vertical and I'm sure to eat a lot. No doubt that ice cream is in store, its in my Carroll family blood. Considering for my birthday my mom sent me an ice cream dish set, you must believe me when I say we are an ice cream family.

Thats stop one, and I'm there for a week. Then I board the train (yes, there are trains that run in America and they are quiet wonderful. In fact, I highly recommend you taking one) and head to Colorado. Its a 31 hour train and it seemed too logical to get a sleeper cart, so I'll just ride like the rest of society. I mean, I'm not better than anyone else and I can go a night without sleep right. Plus, I'll be riding through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, some of Americas finest land with lots to see. You can find me in the window cars watching beauty pass by.

Confession. One of the things I'm most excited about is dinner that night. They have diner carts which are pretty fun to go to. Its like a normal restaurant where you make a reservation and everything. My last train I met a wonderful couple from KY and had dinner with them. I can't wait to share my birthday dinner with someone else. How fun.

Then its Ft. Collins, for the summer. I love being there and can't wait to get there really. I mean, who doesn't love living in a dorm, eating cafeteria food and getting up early all summer long. No really, I love those things. It reminds me of a simpler time. When walking was the way people traveled and bikes seemed like a luxury. Its wonderful. Mountains are the backdrop and color is plentiful. Intramural sports are played because we are all there and I'm surrounded by lovers of Christ. I can't wait.

But there is a little bit in me that is reserved about the summer. Not about where I'm going or even what I'm doing (well a little bit, another story, another day) but about traveling. I feel weird saying this, because I LOVE to travel, but this year I've felt a little bit like I've lived out of a suitcase. Its been Orlando, Atlanta, Ohio, Texas, Florida, China, retreats and many other places. One of the things that is not mentioned when you join staff is that you will travel allll the time. I mean, I'm always on the go. I embrace the opportunity to travel and see the world, meet new people, etc...I regret that I miss things where I live, in my home, in Tuscaloosa. I'll miss things this summer that are a part of life here. Thats hard but its a good emotion for me. Its a sign that willing to plant deeper here, and for that I give thanks.

So regardless of how I'm feeling, tomorrow I embark on my journey. It should be nuts. Back in the fall, much love from Alabama.

Blessings.