How would you solve the biggest problem in the world?

Recently I have been searching out different college options. My husband is searching out PHD programs and I'm starting to feel really lame for not even having my GED. It's been a little scary. I have not done math or biology in so long it's embarrassing. The biggest thing has been taking time to research and fill out applications for various online, local and accelerated degree programs. 

On one of the recent applications they asked the question, "What's the biggest problem in the world and how would you solve it?" I sat for almost an hour pondering that question. Below is the two paragraph response I sent back. I'm not sure if it helped my application process or was the answer they were looking for but it was an interesting question to ponder. 

     "Terrorism, ISIS, abortion, sex-trafficking, disease, famine and poverty could all be listed as the 'world's biggest problem'. I could also look at the lighter side of the world's issues and list healthcare and climate change. I could even go a step further and say that the biggest problem 'in the world' is technology. Technology separates us from real human interaction and gives us more information then we can process. But all of these problems come down to one key element, broken human beings.

     I can’t solve the 'world’s biggest problem'. There are days when I wish I was God and could call for Christ to return to earth and end all the misery. But I’m not God. What the world needs, what I need, is Jesus. I can’t touch lives, bring healing or change the direction of a soul, without Jesus. What I am going to do to help 'solve the biggest problem in the world'? I am going to seek Jesus, act justly, fight evil, love passionately, work with integrity and preach the gospel every chance I get."

Prayers appreciated as a continue to seek out higher education options!

Happy New Year: Top 10 Things I learned In 2014

Sorry that more posts on Italy have not been forthcoming. Once arriving back in America Jason and I have been busy with his students graduating, our first Christmas together and finally the New Year. Both of us have it as a goal for this year to blog more. Let's hope that happens!

I spent some time yesterday thinking over all that Jason and I have been through this last year. Between us we have had five deaths. Two grandfathers, a brother, a cousin and a great uncle. We have had our own wedding, traveled extensively, moved, started new jobs, celebrating the wedding of a sibling, I had back surgery, attending multiple funerals and we have been so grateful to be together through it all. It's been a crazy year and I took some time yesterday to write down the top ten things I have learned this year. 

1) Live life conscience of your health, because surgery sucks. 

2) Husbands make dreams come true. 

3) Doing things debt free is bliss.

4) Grandmothers are a girl's best friend.

5) Math is the language of God. 

6) Distance will not separate you from true friends. 

7) The moment at a funeral when tears turn to laughter is the most healing. 

8) Travel bonds souls. 

9) Italians really do eat pasta EVERY DAY. 

10) "The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off". 


We have visited so many places this year, it's amazing. Here's the list last time we checked: Portland OR, Seattle WA, Victoria BC, Vancouver BC, Boise ID, Colorado Springs CO, Yellow Stone National Park, Mount Rushmore, Washington DC, Annapolis MD, Boston MA, Concord NA, Cheboygan MI, Lake Michigan, Dayton TN, Charlotte NC, Rome Italy, Florence Italy, Assisi Italy, Venice Italy, Pisa Italy. 

Here's to even more adventures in 2015. We are blessed and so thankful for all that God has done in us this year! 

Assisi

It's hard to put into words how I feel about Assisi. It was the most mystical and charming place I have ever visited. The burial place of Saint Francis of Assisi takes up the crypt of Saint Francis Basilica. I sat in Saint Francis tomb for several hours. I watched as 40+ nuns arrived and knelt, saying prayers. I also watched as 50+ Indians arrived and fought over candles to light in honor of Saint Francis. While I can't understand the Catholic side of his burial spot I can say his life and way of living challenged me. I didn't know much about Saint Francis other then his well known prayers. After visiting Assisi I can say that I am intrigued by his life and how he lived. I'd love to go back to Assisi again.

Assisi was literally sandwiched between the clouds.  High on top of a hill the views were breath taking.

We had an excellent guide that took us through the little town. Here is all of Jason's class in the birthplace of Saint Francis. 

Jason took me on a glorious date at the top of the city overlooking one of the castles. It is one of my favorite memories of Assisi.

In the morning we climbed to the other side of the city. Stunning views and the clouds were magical.

I could have taken a picture at every street and around every corner. Assisi was full of picture perfect moments. Some of the smallest cars I have ever seen were there. Literally go-karts.

Highlights of Rome

We have had pretty unreliable internet. Which left us unable to post much. We recently arrived in Florence where we will be staying for three weeks. The internet is much better and hopefully are blog posting will be as well. 

Rome was amazing. Full of tourists for sure, but with so much ancient history you had to appreciate it. I'll never forget seeing Vatican Square for the first time or walking into the Borghese Museum. It was a wonderful experience. 

The Pope was actually in town while were were there. We heard him speak from his apartment window! Even though it was all in Italian we still enjoyed being in a crowd of several thousand people listening. It was electric.

This is Jason's entire class in front of the Pantheon. The Pantheon was one of Jason's favorite places. Truly an incredible piece of architecture.

One of my highlights was watching my husband see the "School of Athens" in the Vatican museum. He has loved that painting for years and watching him see it in person was priceless.

Here is pictured my favorite piece of sculpture from Rome. Visiting the Borghese Museum was breath taking. She is absolutely beautiful and has quite the story. There was so much beauty in Rome you almost grew tired of it. 

We took a bus from Rome to Assisi and spent a night there. I'll post pictures of those marvelous two days soon!

Today we celebrate seven months of marriage! Feels like it's been longer, feels like a blink. I have to say, traveling internationally as a couple is awesome. You learn a lot about each other. Today we will celebrate seven months with a Cappuccino in Florence...maybe some gelato as well!

Day 1 Rome, Italy

We have arrived in Rome, Italy! I had some fantastic pictures of us on the plane and in the airport. But for some reason they are lost in cyber space. 

Today was breath taking. Cannot believe how much we packed into the first day. We saw Michelangelo's Moses, the chains of Saint Peter, The Colosseum, the Arch of Constantin, the Roman ruins, The Piazza Emmanuel and the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. My feet are very tired. We left the hotel at 7:00am this morning and were back for dinner at 7pm. I've had pasta four times and gelato twice. I'd say we have a good rhythm going. 

One of Jason's students sketching Michelangelo's Moses while listening to our tour guide.  

Seeing the Colosseum was super interesting. Incredible to see the architecture and detailing that went into building this massive structure. This is Jason and I inside.

Touring the ancient ruins brought stories of Biblical times to life. 

Our tour guide is Susanne. She has studied all over the world. I'll give you more of a biography on her later.

While walking around Rome today I was constantly looking up. This city has a way of getting your eyes to always look to the heavens.

Tomorrow is a "free day" and a Sunday. We are going to head to the Vatican and Saint Peter's  for church! 

Cio! 

Poarch Happenings

With the task of getting out of debt I knew if we were ever going to have a piano it would have to be for free. I have been watching Craig's List since May for a good piano. You would be surprised the number of "free pianos" that get put on Craig's List. Literally, there is almost one every day. Most of the time though they are just bad, old, antique pianos that can't hold a tune. After months of watching I'm sure a screamed when I found a Baldwin listed FOR FREE. My sweet husband got a truck and four college students to help him. The scariest part was when they had to put it sidewise in the elevator to get it to our third floor apartment. It has been wonderful having a piano in our home. Jason has been picking it up and I am often serenaded while preparing dinner. I LOVE IT.

With the start of fall semester came the annual Staff vs Student ULTIMATE game. It is a very serious game and I am happy to say that the staff crushed the students. I'm sure retaliation next fall will be brutal. 

Faculty and stuff posing for a picture. They had a blast playing Ultimate against the students.

Rivendell hosted an economics conference and Jason and I had the privilege of meeting and hosting Dr. Jay Richards and Dr. Craig Mitchell. We were inspired by both of them and look forward to seeing them again in the future.

Life is full, crazy and beautiful!

Surgery and Recovery

When I saw the neurosurgeon on Tuesday September 16th, I was hoping he would agree with my primary care doctor, the orthopedic/sports medicine doctor and say that I needed surgery. I was not disappointed. Not only did he agree I needed surgery, he wanted to do it the next day! I left planning to return in less then 24 hours for a discectomy. The rest of that Tuesday is a bit of a blur as I went to work and got stuff settled so I could be off, cleaned the house and prepped it for my return home and let family/friends know the surgery was happening.  

It was totally convenient that the hospital was under construction and thus had free valet parking. :)

What a blessing to have my dear friend Laura here in Minnesota! She and Jason were AWESOME. They kept me laughing and calm during the whole process. 

 My beautiful purple outfit, complete with socks and a hair net! I've never been in a surgical gown before. They are terrible. I'll be happy to never wear one again.

Jason was my rock through the whole process. How blessed am I to have such a wonderful husband and best friend. Laura snapped this picture while they were waiting for me. Poor guy had to wait for over five hours. I would have gone crazy.

For several days after the surgery all I did was sleep, wake up and smile at flowers and cards from friends and then sleep some more. I was pretty pathetic. Not able to go to the bathroom or do anything for myself. 

I am so glad those initial days are over! I am feeling better and stronger every day. The surgeon said recovery could take up to six weeks. It's been two weeks and I am back at work and able to go to the bathroom alone. :) It has been amazing watching how fast my body has healed. Thank you for all the prayers, text messages, phone calls, cards and words of encouragement! I know my recovery went so quickly because of all the love and support I had.