Camp Wildcat…

One thing is for sure, my family sure knows how to have a good time! No, not good, GREAT!! It’s an environment where letting loose and being yourself is more than encouraged (it’s expected). They are a group of sweet, downright crazy, life-loving individuals! It’s a hard group to truly describe but a group that I am blessed to be a part of!

The morning after Mike left to go back to Indonesia the kiddos and I loaded up in my parents RV and headed to the great and magnificent Western Slope. The destination: Camp Wildcat. For many, many years it has been a tradition to spend the 4^th of July camping with my dad’s side of the family (the life-loving crazy people). We arrived with ATVs in tow and parked along the circle of other ATVs, Razors, RVs and an airplane hangar.        

We set up camp and headed in for the festivities. That night’s game was Giant Jenga where all of us little and big kids took turns taunting each other and laughing as the large 2x4s toppled to the ground. A great start to the long holiday weekend.

Friday, the 4^th, began with an awesome accomplishment when both Hannah and Mason learned to ride their first motorcycle (a 50) with the help of their Uncle Paul. It was a bittersweet moment because they really enjoyed it and did so well but I know Mike would’ve love to have been there -- such a big milestone. After the, oh-so competitive, Olympics (teams of two competing against each other playing various games and sports) we finished the day by atv’ing up a large hillside to watch the fireworks. I was a little teary because last year we spent the 4^th in Indonesia with great new friends but it felt like we were still so lost at that time. We have come so far!!

Saturday we all traveled to Paonia, Colorado for the Cherry Festival (cheers to delicious cherries, right my Tembag friends!?). Paonia is a beautiful and quant little town nestled amongst orchards and vineyards – super gorgeous! The Cherry Festival had local vendors, food, music, games etc. They had body pumper balls where you slide into large inflated balls and bump the crap out of each other. It was hilarious!  

Sunday we loaded our atvs and headed to Escalante Canyon. A gorgeous, dry, canyon marked with ancient Indian carvings that are overshadowed by graffiti from derelict visitors. It was a beautiful, hot and dusty ride. Most of us adults continued on and zig-zagged through the canyon viewing historical sights until we met up with the rest of the group at the infamous “Pot Holes”. These “Pot Holes” are natural made pools where the river rock has been hollowed by the swirling, rushing water. They are perfect for swimming in with a little beach on the side. We all played in the river, dousing each other, as the little ones floated down a perfectly made water slide from one pool to another. Another great finish to a beautiful day!

Monday came quickly and it was time to pack up but before we left, the kiddos and I, got to visit their grandparents who live just a hill over. We enjoyed catching up over a cup of coffee, a horseback ride, a tractor climb and hike up a large hill. It was a blessing to see them!

The RV was loaded, gassed up and away we went back to Denver. On our way we stopped on the top of Vail pass. Another favorite place of mine as it was where Mike took me snowmobiling for the first time. A memory that I hold dear to my heart. We reveled in the outstanding luscious view for a few moments and then journeyed back.

It’s been a tremendous, fun-filled, packed vacation with still more yet to do. I am looking forward to participating in a photoshoot for a dear friend of mine who owns a boutique that sells items made from survivors of sextrafficking. Excited for the opportunity to help a great friend and amazing cause.

As always to be continued!!!!!....

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Mountain High and saying goodbye...

The month has come and gone for Mike. I am stunned at how quickly it has gone! We’ve missed getting together with so many friends and family of his, so we hold them closer to our hearts and know that we will be back, of that I have no doubt.

The last week before Mike left we spent time up in Winter Park, Colorado. One of the bigger ski resorts and my very favorite place to go in Colorado!! It is so, so beautifully breathtaking! I swear part of John Denver’s song Rocky Mountain High was directly inspired by it's beautiful peaks and valleys and the grace and solitude they provide.

We rented a cabin and were able to catch up with several friends and family during our stay. Nothing more perfect than a gorgeous mountain home on a fantastic hillside with a picturesque million dollar color wheel of sparkling white from the high-peaked snow, lush light green from the grassy hills and deep green from the tall timbers. Again, the most beautiful place on earth!

Our days at the cabin were spent bike riding (and falling), playing corn hole, soaking in the hot tub, fishing at the local pond but the part that for me that was most fun was all of the adults pairing up with libations in hand and then speaking about a historical person or event and even acting it out (inspired by Drunk History -- look it up on Comedy Central, you won’t be disappointed). My niece's new husband stole the show and all of our bellies were in pain from laughing so hard – tears and all!

It was an amazing trip and much needed but on Wednesday we had to take Mike to the airport to head home. It was something I was dreading ever since we landed. I just knew it would be so hard. Together we packed his bags and made sure he had his itinerary. The drive to the airport was quiet as we held and squeezed each other's hands and the kids slept. We arrived at the entrance for the airline and we all hugged and kissed him goodbye with tears. Hannah cried almost all the way home. I know it's only 28 days until I get to see him but it's just so far away!! I was doing pretty good until I got home and went into the bedroom and it was empty of all of his stuff and it really hit me hard. (Soon baby, we'll be home).

Now the journey for me and the kiddos continues and we are headed to Delta, Colorado to spend time with more family and friends for the 4th of July! A holiday I have never appreciated more!

As always, to be continue...    

 

 

The gluttony and the lost freak...

It's been two weeks now since we've been "home" and have finally adjusted to the time difference. We are so ever-grateful to our family members that have taken us in but we are again like gypsies just like right before we left for Indonesia. The hardest part so far has been seeing our home lived in by another family (who are taking good care of it), our once-before possessions being used and owned by someone else, a dog that looked just like Honey and dealing with the feeling of bewilderment -- how quickly it all went yet how heavy it's presence lingers!? I think we are in search of familiarity and normalcy.

It's funny -- everything is the same but everything is different. Like the food we were looking forward to is not the same but that hasn't stopped us from total gluttony. I have let the kiddos eat pretty much anything whenever they want because in one month's time they won't get the chance. I must look like a lost freak in the grocery and liquor store with my face exuding sheer panic and excitement from all the choices and prices. Yes, some stuff is equally priced but my hair mousse is three times more expensive in Indonesia. It pisses me off a little bit -- how can it be that much more? And milk! Milk is $10 a gallon in our little secluded town and here it's close to $4!?!?!? Crazy!!! I feel like we live in a ridiculous monopoly bubble there! 

It's unfortunate how fast time has gone and Mike leaves in just two weeks. Thinking of him being so far away makes me sad and we haven't gotten to see all the people we had hoped to while he's here. We did however get to spend four days in beautiful downtown Denver alone for our anniversary and enjoyed every second. In a week we get to enjoy the gorgeous Colorado mountains in a large mountain home where we can freely hike, fish, bike and sleep under the stars. I am so, so, so looking forward to that as we are very restrained in the mine town we live in.

Living abroad has taught us all so much and I am so thankful and wouldn't have changed anything over the last year but the thing I have appreciated the most is where I have come from and who I am.

Can't wait for the mountain air and stars -- as always to be continued...

 

        

     

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL!...

After an exhausting 36 or something hours we finally arrived home! Seriously, America is truly the most beautiful place on earth. I have experienced a few places over the last year and I have never been more proud to call this place my home! I know that no place is perfect and each has it's share of corruption, injustice, brutality and disgrace but here I have a choice and a chance.

We only arrived less than 24 hours ago and after a beautiful day with family and we were spent (yet I am typing this it's 4:00 in the morning as I can't sleep). The tears where few at the airport and there where many smiles. I thought I would just breakdown at the airport due to relief and exhaustion but held it together until I told Hannah and Mason it was time for bed. Mason was thoroughly confused and the last straw was broken when I explained that we were not going home because someone else lives there and we were staying with Grandma and Papa. He was hysterical. I have never seen him so upset and blame a little bit on him being so tired but I took his littleness for granted. My heart was instantly broken and all I could do was hold him and sob with him. There it was, my breakdown. I would never change the last year for anything and maybe it's the exhaustion talking but reflecting on last night with Mason and how I described where we live to my family, I wonder if the life lesson for us all has been achieved?

Either way our immediate future holds the blessed opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, the freedom of speech, the 2nd Amendment and all the goodness of being an American encompasses!           

The fun and learning never ends... Hari Kartini

A few months ago a friend of mine asked if I would like to participate in a Kebaya Batik fashion show. Kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination that originated and is still worn in Indonesia. Batik is various colored textile fabrics from Indonesia. One thing for sure is the Indonesian women are always nicely dressed and well accessorized. Who can say no to playing dress up!!?

The fashion show took place during the Hari Kartini celebration. Raden Ayu Kartini, or sometimes known as Raden Ajeng Kartini, was a prominent Javanese and an Indonesian national heroine. Kartini was a pioneer in the area of women's rights for Indonesians (google.com). The celebration was delightful. It included traditional Papuan dancers, singers, musicians, and lots of beautiful women dressed in ornately adorned Kebayas and batiks. 

It was another successful experience where I got to appreciate more and more of this amazing and dynamic culture.

It is now only three weeks to the day that we get to fly home and see our precious family after a whole year!!!! So excited!!!

Pics from Hari Kartini...
 

Relfection and the blood that runs thick...

We are approaching our one year anniversary of moving across the world to a remote town in Indonesia. So, so, so, so crazy! What an amazing journey and life-altering experience! Looking back on the last year, it has gone by so quickly! I cannot believe the things we've done and seen -- from the Opera House in Australia to the temples in Yogyakarta to the beaches in Bali and to the elephants in Thailand!

The lessons I have learned more recently aside from day-to-day life here and traveling is the true reality of life and humanity in the jungle. From volunteering in the local village hospital I have seen starving children orphaned by AIDS, tough and relentless women providing for their family carrying tons of food on their heads while barefoot, men armed with bow and arrows and machetes and I have also seen the precious smiles and nods through a blockade of communication differences. Interesting how we all have an innate need to survive but enjoy the occasional softness of humility. These moments my children have barely seen but I hope what they have seen they hold dear and appreciate what they have and where they come from.

The people of this land can be very intimidating and aren't without their flaws as we aren't flawless either but their primal existence is humbling. They have learned to quickly adapt from only wearing penis guards to working underground operating equipment. However, I don't think they'll ever forget where they come from as their blood runs thick of jungle survival and when someone visits their villages it is like going back in time. They are very fascinating people!

There have been many fantastic memories made within this crazy year. We have all learned so much and I hope we have helped others learn and see new things as well. As we look forward to the trip home in about four weeks, no doubt, we will be bringing a little of Tembagapura back with us!


Below are pictures a friend took from the local tribes and me at the hospital...