Those of you who stalk me on Facebook (or saw me in person) know that I had corn rows all last week. Reactions to my hair covered a wide spectrum, from viewing it as a rebellious look to identifying the ease of care that it offered. In reality, I did it just for fun, but…
Author: Abi
Elite mountain bike racer, data science student, former teacher...
Taxi Driver, by the Will of God
Yesterday, I had the privilege of being the chauffer for the president of a Christian university. As I approached the hotel where I was picking him up, I realized the incredible value of the opportunity before me. For two hours, I would have the singular attention of a man who inspired my respect, not merely…
Chasing Pigs
People sometimes classify me as a country kid, probably because I own horses, enjoy baling hay, and know how to drive a tractor. I would agree. Until yesterday. When the farmer down the road is out of town, I typically take care of feeding his animals, and as State Fair was this weekend, I was…
They Say I’m Crazy
It’s true. Most people I know think I’m crazy. Maybe jumping off of waterfalls, riding a bicycle for 160 miles in a day, or buying a Kawasaki Ninja have something to do with that. Or mountain biking, playing volleyball, riding horses, bridge jumping, trail running, and swimming across flooded rivers. Or teaching high school, leading…
When the Eye Hurts…
If skipping church makes you a heathen, I’m in. I left church early this week (after skipping the morning service entirely) with a splitting headache. By time I made it home fifteen minutes later, my whole body was aching and I was dragging myself into bed. When I woke up several hours later, the headache…
Florida Adventures, part four
The thought from class today that flashed neon in my brain was, “When you travel, carry a leaky seed basket.” What a fantastic concept! Think about it. In Fort Wayne, the city where I grew up, there is an entire park dedicated to Johnny Appleseed, a man whose legend claims that he did just that–traveled…
Visa / Work Permit Update
Wow! The Lord has been doing great and mighty things! I got word late last night that my work permit application not only arrived in Papua New Guinea, but has been processed! This is exciting because it means that I can now apply for my entry permit (ie. visa). So there is still a lot…
Florida Adventures, part 3
The sunrise this morning was beautiful, as the tropical storm has passed, leaving Sanford bathed with sunshine. Yesterday’s time in class was spent looking at conflict resolution. I really enjoyed it, and have learned a lot. Some thoughts that stuck out to me from yesterday: The real issue isn’t the getting mad, the real issue…
Florida Adventures, part two
From class this morning: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” –Ephesians 6:12 “In the early days, when Christianity exercised a dominant influence over American thinking, men and women conceived…
Florida Adventures, part one
I flew to Florida late last night for pre-field orientation at New Tribes Mission headquarters in Sanford, Florida. This morning, after finishing breakfast, I had two missions: to take a nice walk along the river, and to buy some postcards to send my siblings. The first was easy. There is a cool river walk right…
Ride Fierce Racing 