Thoughts on Life and Death

I have thoughts. 

This is likely to be quite a long post, and it is acting in lieu of last week's weekly wrap as well as this week's update. It's hard to do a blog post when I'm not here on Friday, which was the case last week and will be the case again this week. Last week, I took the day to do some deputation work and also get some things done around my apartment that I have been neglecting. This weekend, I am headed up to Huntington to spend time with my parents, a few supporters, and also do a little camping before the season ends. 

But I have been thinking about a lot of things lately that I feel the need to expel in some form. A lot of it is the type of stuff I really can't do anything about besides pray. And let's face it, I'm not the best prayer warrior out there. This morning I prayed that people would just stop being dumb. It was a genuine prayer because I think a lot of people are being dumb, sometimes myself included, but I doubt it's the most productive prayer that has ever been prayed. So I think this post will be part rumination and part pouring out to God. You're welcome to follow along on this journey. 

The first thing I want to talk about is the Queen. Honestly, she doesn't need much more identification than that. The UK has the most identifiable monarchy in the world, and for my entire life, there was just one Queen. I'm not a big royalist or anything, but I do love history, and the USA was a product of Great Britain, like it or not. We are intrinsically tied to one another. Plus, my oldest sister was (is) obsessed with Princess Diana, so I know more than my fair share about The Firm by association. 

I said the other week that I was hoping Elizabeth would live long enough to beat Louis' record as the longest-reigning monarch. That was more of a 'it would be cool if' than any real investment in the monarchy. If I placed myself in her shoes, I would have wanted to do it just out of spite. I do think she was happy to outlast Victoria. Not that I think anyone will forget her soon, but it's those kinds of things that cement your place in history, and for some people, that's the goal. 

Anyway, I watched a lot of the coverage of the queue (the word with the most unnecessary letters in the English language), the vigils, the funerals, and all of the other hullabaloo. There were endless commentaries on her life, her legacy, the future of the monarchy, the purpose of the Commonwealth - the list could probably go on forever. 

One thing that struck me is just how few people actually knew her as a person. She was a figurehead, a symbol, an ideal, but she was also just a human being. I've always leaned heavily toward the freedom and personal responsibility side of things, so it's hard for me to treat someone with any more respect or deference than I would anyone else. Birth, titles, wealth, or whatever other status symbols mankind has created mean very little to me. I'm much more interested in someone's soul and what they are doing to contribute to the betterment of society. In the unlikely event that I am in a position where it is required to curtsy or bow to someone, I'm not sure I could do it in good conscience. 

I would not have fared well in the feudal system. Or most of history in general.

As I was watching the funeral in Westminster, listening to the Archbishop of Canterbury, I was reminded that one of Elizabeth's titles was Defender of the Faith. She was the head of the Anglican Church (thanks, Henry VIII). What that meant in practicality I'm not sure, but from everything she has said over the years, she took her faith seriously. She didn't just speak in generic terms about God - she spoke very specifically about finding salvation in Jesus Christ. I don't know how much people noticed that. But I think they will notice the lack. 

I can only speculate on the views of the new King Charles III, but based on what he has said in the past, he has no particular religious leanings. He has said he wants to be a Defender of Faiths - as in, all paths are valid and equally respectable. I do not share this view. Jesus said, "I AM THE WAY." One way. Not a way. Not part of the way. THE way. I'm almost positive there were other monarchs who didn't care one way or another about the Church they led, but they were 'Christian' because it was the accepted thing. This is no longer the case. It is not in vogue to be even a nominal Christian. The name of the game today is tolerance and diversity. Elizabeth's death means Christianity as lost one of its most staunch, PUBLIC evangelists. (I'm using evangelist here to mean more of an advocate than the preachy converting kind.)

(I have never watched The Crown on Netflix, but now I'm wondering how they portray Elizabeth's faith, or if they even mention it at all. I often find myself thinking about these things in films and TV shows because religion if so rarely talked about, and when it is, it is either portrayed inaccurately, with obvious bias, or incredibly milquetoast. And yet, faith is such a huge part of people's lives. This is probably a conversation for another time.)

This is a nice segue into another topic I have thought about a great deal. In chapel this morning, we had prayer time for several of our partner churches. As I read through the list, I noticed that several of them were former United Methodist congregations who were going through the disaffiliation process to either join the Global Methodist Church or become an entirely independent entity. As you may know, the GMC came into existence earlier this year when the UMC decided to embrace LGBTQ+ and gender ideology. 

Look, I can talk about denominational splits, church constitutions, and all of the church history stuff all day long. I don't think I've made it a secret that I despise having so many different denominations and fractions within the Global Church. I don't think it's a surprise that it happened because human beings are involved in church leadership and that inevitably leads to problems. We are fallible. I would love to be back in the days of the early church when Jesus had just ascended and his followers were united in belief and purpose. 

But let's be real about this - how long did that actually last? Almost immediately, you had Jewish believers clashing with Gentile believers. Should we follow Paul's teachings or Apollos'? What counts as Scripture? There was a reason for the big Church Councils. I can even see how the Pope became a thing because they needed a physically present figurehead to keep things on track. Except the figurehead became something more until the Pope suddenly had authority to forgive sin. And then there were cultural differences that led to the Great Schism. And then Martin Luther looked at the Roman Catholic Church and said, "I got 99 problems, and I'm gonna nail 'em to your front door because you are absolutely all of them."

BAM. Protestantism. 

But there were different flavors. Some people thought tulips were cool, so they followed Calvin. Some people thought free will made more sense so they followed Arminius. And on and on it went until in 1889, the Church of the United Brethren in Christ split because of disputed amendments to its constitution. Yes, this is my denomination. My people are old constitution, primarily because the new constitution allowed people to be members of secret societies. We didn't truck with that. 

I'll point out here that the COTUBIC still exists (though I'm honestly not sure for how much longer) while the new constitution people eventually became the Evangelical United Brethren who merged with The Methodist Church to become The United Methodist Church. So, you know, still causing problems.

I jest, but it's also extremely sad. I can understand why a church splits (if it's on theological or certain doctrinal grounds - if you're doing it because of the music, I have zero time for you); but I certainly don't have to like it. It does not give us a good look around the world if people look at a bunch of people who supposedly believe in the same thing but have to have 57 thousand options to keep the peace.

(I made up the number, and then I felt bad so I had to look it up. According to the World Christian Encyclopedia, the breakdown of 'world Christianity' looks more like this:

• Inde­pen­dents: 22,000 denom­i­na­tions
• Protes­tants: 9000 denom­i­na­tions
• Mar­gin­als: 1600 denom­i­na­tions
• Ortho­dox: 781 denom­i­na­tions
• Catholics: 242 denom­i­na­tions
• Angli­cans: 168 denom­i­na­tions

The list of what comprises independents and marginals can be found here if you so choose to go down that rabbit hole.)

None of this is really what I wanted to talk about except it apparently was. What I really wanted to focus on is the gender ideology and, for lack of a better term, the gay agenda.

Brace yourselves.

These ideologies are some of the most destructive agendas in the Church. And it is in the Church already, as witnessed by the UMC most recently. I'm not going to say that women in leadership started this trend, but it did allow for a foot in the door. I realize that my saying this may be somewhat controversial, but as a woman, I'm allowed to say it. Really, you can trace this back to any dumbing down or relaxing of principles. We have allowed culture and social pressure to move the hard lines and water down our faith until it is hardly better than the unitarian church that exists for some reason I cannot comprehend. 

All these years, and we still can't get past that first lie. "Did God really say...?"

Yes. He did. Shut your face.

I'm getting off track. 

Look, I believe strongly in personal freedom, personal responsibility, free will, the right to make choices for ourselves and live with the consequences. In political terms, I would most align with a libertarian mindset. But I can't be completely Libertarian because I also believe in God. I believe in a higher authority who has placed certain limits on that freedom. As a disciple of Christ, there are certain choices I should not make because they are not in keeping with biblical teaching. 

The idea that there are more than two genders and that sexuality is fluid is ABSOLUTELY not biblical. It's just not. From the very beginning, God made it clear. Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 2:24 - This is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife; and they become one flesh.

This is the biblical description of human beings - made in God's image, either male or female.

This is the biblical description of relationships - one man, one woman.

You can prevaricate, equivocate, make whatever excuses you want - this is it. This is reality. Truth. Affirmed by Jesus and supported by all of Scripture. Sorry not sorry. 

This right here is why I prayed this morning that people would stop being dumb. I want people to realize that whatever void they are trying to fill in their lives by trying to change genders, have sex with anyone and everyone, compete for the most niche gender description - none of it is going to satisfy. 

If you're searching for meaning, if you're searching for what makes you unique - it's you. God made you to be yourself, he wants you to be the best version of yourself, and following his commands is the way to achieve that. There has never been another person like you in the history of the world. You were made in the image of God! Why throw that away? 

But we don't want to offend anyone. We don't want to hurt people's feelings. We don't want to be seen as backwards or irrelevant or evil.

Newsflash: The Gospel is offensive. Scripture is unyielding. We have an Enemy that will tar us with every vile thing in the world to make our message as unappealing as possible to those he wants to ensnare. Which is everyone. Including you. 

Don't let him. I implore you, don't get caught up in all that the world has to offer. It is temporary. 

What God offers us is eternal. Whatever suffering we have in this life is nothing compared to the glory and majesty of an eternal life with Jesus Christ. 

I feel like I end with the following verses a lot, but that's just because I find them so powerful and pertinent to my own life. I think what I long for most is to be fully known; maybe that's what Elizabeth, who lived her life in a gilded cage, truly wanted as well. I believe she is experiencing that now.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

A Year of Thankfulness

So this year, 2019, I made the goal of writing down one thing every day for which I was thankful. I wasn't sure I would keep up with it, but to my great surprise and pleasure, I exceeded my own low expectations. Below, you will find the list of things I was thankful for every day. Some of them I remember context for, while others are now lost to the sands of time. I tried to be very genuine about each thing, and while there are some duplicates, they were always things that pertained to that particular day. I also discovered that my handwriting is quite lacking, as there were a few entries I had to ask others to attempt to translate. There may be a few placeholders when I failed to decipher the scribbles. If you have questions about any, leave the date in a comment; I'll try to fill in my thought process for that given date.

And now, without further ado, my thankfulness diary of 2019.


January 1 - I am thankful for family that puts up with most of my idiosyncracies.
January 2 - I am thankful for people who encourage me to simplify life.
January 3 - I am thankful for Marie Kondo. She is an inspiration.
January 4 - I am thankful for my Assassin's Creed sweater.
January 5 - I am thankful for side jobs that provide additional income.
January 6 - I am thankful for a super productive weekend and somewhat questionable archery.
January 7 - I am thankful for double checking and my OCD.
January 8 - I am thankful for all the single ladies! (All the single ladies!)
January 9 - I am thankful for a good chat with Steve today.
January 10 - I am thankful I got to know Sophie better today.
January 11 - I am thankful for people who update the project progress file correctly.
January 12 - I am thankful for snow I don't have to be out in.
January 13 - I am thankful for Sarah and Ashleigh who are awkward and delightful.
January 14 - I am thankful for a free Chick-fil-a cookie for my birthday.
January 15 - I am thankful for purple pants power!
January 16 - I am thankful for bountiful birthday blessings.
January 17 - I am thankful for hot pink on a dreary day.
January 18 - I am thankful for crafts that require little brain power.
January 19 - I am thankful for meteorologists even when they are horribly wrong.
January 20 - I am thankful for quiet days.
January 21 - I am thankful for technology.
January 22 - I am thankful for dinner invites with friends.
January 23 - I am thankful for the basics (this is as hard as I thought it would be).
January 24 - I am thankful for bad days that end.
January 25 - I am thankful for a job well done.
January 26 - I am thankful for the opportunity to support Esther as she witnessed to Franklin.
January 27 - I am thankful for sample sizes of unhealthy stuff so I can sate the temptation to buy.
January 28 - I am thankful for friendly Indian restaurants and trying new things.
January 29 - I am thankful I got my notes done before opening my email.
January 30 - I am thankful for a reminder of the history of OMS.
January 31 - I am thankful that this month is over.

February 1 - I am thankful for how God works even before we know what is needed.
February 2 - I am thankful for the first day of windows down/heat blasting driving.
February 3 - I am thankful for friends who make boring things like the Super Bowl fun.
February 4 - I am thankful for normal days.
February 5 - I am thankful for Sarah and her trust in me.
February 6 - I am thankful for lunch with friends and National Froyo Day.
February 7 - I am thankful for godly missionaries who don't take advantage of those in their care.
February 8 - I am thankful for Sarah, who listens to me rant.
February 9 - I am thankful for new stores and a challenge to myself.
February 10 - I am thankful for pretty snow and good brakes.
February 11 - I am thankful for well-made tamales.
February 12 - I am thankful for fresh garlic.
February 13 - I am thankful for Steve even when I don't want to talk.
February 14 - I am thankful that being single is not a hardship.
February 15 - I am thankful for the companionship pets provide.
February 16 - I am thankful for dog kennels.
February 17 - I am thankful for service workers who like their jobs and are friendly.
February 18 - I am thankful for measured discussion and a desire to make things better.
February 19 - I am thankful for a warm bed.
February 20 - I am thankful for my new autobiography title: I got reprimanded, but I did it anyway.
February 21 - I am thankful for millennials.
February 22 - I am thankful for new lunch buddies and board games with Ashleigh.
February 23 - I am thankful for not being in a cult.
February 24 - I am thankful for interesting podcasts.
February 25 - I am thankful for wacky high dreams that are just weird.
February 26 - I am thankful for the new millennial lunch.
February 27 - I am thankful for the excellent chapel message from the president of CONIM.
February 28 - I am thankful for life.

March 1 - I am thankful for well-trained dogs.
March 2 - I am thankful for friends who also kind of drive me crazy.
March 3 - I am thankful for flexible schedules.
March 4 - I am thankful for random song interludes from Sarah.
March 5 - I am thankful for godly men who live lives in service.
March 6 - I am thankful for the B.U.S.
March 7 - I am thankful for for people who love Marvel as much as I do and for Addie's friendship.
March 8 - I am thankful for drugs.
March 9 - I am thankful for the first spring rain.
March 10 - I am thankful for a relatively easy transition to a ridiculous construct of idiocy.
March 11 - I am thankful for the zig-a-zig-ah.
March 12 - I am thankful for people who navigate awkward situations better than I.
March 13 - I am thankful for freedom.
March 14 - I am thankful for pie!
March 15 - I am thankful for quiet days.
March 16 - I am thankful for fresh samosas.
March 17 - I am thankful I live close enough to Lexi to go home at night.
March 18 - I am thankful for life.
March 19 - I am thankful I get to go home.
March 20 - I am thankful for pulled pork.
March 21 - I am thankful for lemon poppyseed muffins.
March 22 - I am thankful Spanish is done!
March 23 - I am thankful for visits from my parents.
March 24 - I am thankful for little deviations from routine that don't freak me out.
March 25 - I am thankful for fajitas.
March 26 - I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know coworkers better at lunch and for a new kukri!
March 27 - I am thankful for the history of OMS.
March 28 - I am thankful for warm days and a successful name change at Chick-fil-a.
March 29 - I am thankful for payday.
March 30 - I am thankful I keep boots in my car.
March 31 - I am thankful for productive days.

April 1 - I am thankful I'm nobody's fool.
April 2 - I am thankful for "Endgame" tickets.
April 3 - I am thankful for people who curb my petty nature.
April 4 - I am thankful for days when I can walk outside.
April 5 - I am thankful for the onset of Spring!
April 6 - I am thankful for good friends and a wonderful family.
April 7 - I am thankful Sarah joined me in speaking at the church.
April 8 - I am thankful for the occasional cheeseburger.
April 9 - I am thankful for new dance moves!
April 10 - I am thankful that Steve asks random questions.
April 11 - I am thankful the roof hasn't caved in yet.
April 12 - I am thankful for Ashleigh and Susan.
April 13 - I am thankful for medical professionals.
April 14 - I am thankful for relaxing yet productive days.
April 15 - I am thankful I don't speak Japanese.
April 16 - I am thankful for a soft, warm bed.
April 17 - I am thankful for Easter eggs.
April 18 - I am thankful for "they have tortillas now?!"
April 19 - I am thankful for Jesus.
April 20 - I am thankful for Mama.
April 21 - I am thankful for the gift of salvation.
April 22 - I am thankful for new people.
April 23 - I am thankful for heartburn medicine.
April 24 - I am thankful for my minions and good friends.
April 25 - I am thankful for Marvel and the Avengers!
April 26 - I am thankful for craft night with Lori.
April 27 - I am thankful I had the foresight to buy another ticket.
April 28 - I am thankful for alternate laundry options.
April 29 - I am thankful for peace and quiet.
April 30 - I am thankful I can finally start training Trista.

May 1 - I am thankful there is a God of the universe.
May 2 - I am thankful for my DSLR.
May 3 - I am thankful for technology, even when it is crazy slow.
May 4 - I am thankful for birthday surprises.
May 5 - I am thankful for easy articles.
May 6 - I am thankful for artichokes even if I don't know how to eat them.
May 7 - I am thankful for rude people who make decisions easier for me.
May 8 - I am thankful my computer didn't shut down again.
May 9 - I am thankful for cute clothes.
May 10 - I am thankful for opportunities to unload.
May 11 - I am thankful for Nathan and Stephanie.
May 12 - I am thankful for my superhero Mom.
May 13 - I am thankful for sleep.
May 14 - I am thankful for good friends and hard work.
May 15 - I am thankful for a God who cares about people who are complete tools.
May 16 - I am thankful for thunderstorms.
May 17 - I am thankful for garage sales.
May 18 - I am thankful for my status as Supreme Overlord.
May 19 - I am thankful for sleep.
May 20 - I am thankful for Marvel Mondays.
May 21 - I am thankful for soft, warm wraps.
May 22 - I am thankful for people who express vulnerability better than I.
May 23 - I am thankful for sweet dogs.
May 24 - I am thankful for my story.
May 25 - I am thankful for air conditioning.
May 26 - I am thankful for no rain.
May 27 - I am thankful for all who made the choice to serve.
May 28 - I am thankful for time to be introverted.
May 29 - I am thankful for clean desks.
May 30 - I am thankful for new water heaters.
May 31 - I am thankful for the end to long short weeks.

June 1 - I am thankful for beautiful and productive days.
June 2 - I am thankful for warm cookies.
June 3 - I am thankful for Jeremy Renner.
June 4 - I am thankful for walking buddies.
June 5 - I am thankful Steve lets me swear.
June 6 - I am thankful for busy, thought-free days.
June 7 - I am thankful for free Target stuff.
June 8 - I am thankful for gorgeous days.
June 9 - I am thankful for lists when packing.
June 10 - I am thankful for Chris Evans' acting skills.
June 11 - I am thankful for smooth flights and first class seating.
June 12 - I am thankful for lessons of the past.
June 13 - I am thankful for mountains and valleys.
June 14 - I am thankful for sunshine.
June 15 - I am thankful for beautiful homes and good garage sales.
June 16 - I am thankful for my dad and time with family.
June 17 - I am thankful for clear skies and beautiful scenery.
June 18 - I am thankful for safe travels and my own bed.
June 19 - I am thankful for new cats!
June 20 - I am thankful for prayer letters that flow.
June 21 - I am thankful for decent diet food.
June 22 - I am thankful for people with common interests.
June 23 - I am thankful for time management.
June 24 - I am thankful for the Marvel Monday crew.
June 25 - I am thankful for road trips with Sarah.
June 26 - I am thankful for surprise baseball games.
June 27 - I am thankful for sturdy chairs.
June 28 - I am thankful for extra cash and Lilly.
June 29 - I am thankful for not dying of heat stroke at the 5K or the wedding.
June 30 - I am thankful for furniture that is easy to put together.

July 1 - I am thankful for excellent friends who tell poop stories to make others laugh.
July 2 - I am thankful for new computers.
July 3 - I am thankful for a free (with opinion) lunch.
July 4 - I am thankful I live in a free country.
July 5 - I am thankful for opportunities to get to know Gloria more.
July 6 - I am thankful for the time I had with Noor.
July 7 - I am thankful for pool days.
July 8 - I am thankful for the Marvel crew.
July 9 - I am thankful for a cheap-ish utility bill.
July 10 - I am thankful for air conditioning.
July 11 - I am thankful for dual screens.
July 12 - I am thankful for beautiful weather.
July 13 - I am thankful for beautiful animals.
July 14 - I am thankful for relaxing days.
July 15 - I am thankful that Sarah is back.
July 16 - I am thankful for rain even when it keeps me from baseball games.
July 17 - I am thankful for Marvel nights at the Christners.
July 18 - I am thankful for French transfiles.
July 19 - I am thankful for nights on my own.
July 20 - I am thankful for cat harnesses.
July 21 - I am thankful for time management.
July 22 - I am thankful for sharp objects.
July 23 - I am thankful for fresh veggies in abundance.
July 24 - I am thankful for long walks outside.
July 25 - I am thankful for pet owners returning home.
July 26 - I am thankful for Google sync, even if they do become Skynet.
July 27 - I am thankful for new antique stores providing new knives.
July 28 - I am thankful for pools and sunscreen.
July 29 - I am thankful for rain and umbrellas.
July 30 - I am thankful for crunchy leaves.
July 31 - I am thankful for spurts of productivity in the morning.

August 1 - I am thankful for opportunities to voice my opinion.
August 2 - I am thankful for adequate women's healthcare.
August 3 - I am thankful for lazy days.
August 4 - I am thankful for sleep when I get it.
August 5 - I am thankful for understanding friends.
August 6 - I am thankful for health care. No, really. Grr.
August 7 - I am thankful for beautiful soundtracks.
August 8 - I am thankful for a wonderful mother.
August 9 - I am thankful for people willing to buy other people's junk.
August 10 - I am thankful for Goodwill taking the rest of my junk.
August 11 - I am thankful for fair food.
August 12 - I am thankful for an overly thorough filing system.
August 13 - I am thankful for speed shutters on cameras.
August 14 - I am thankful for random questions about zombies.
August 15 - I am thankful for thoughtful friends.
August 16 - I am thankful for a new office arrangement.
August 17 - I am thankful for pouring rain.
August 18 - I am thankful for my side hustle.
August 19 - I am thankful for guacamole and chips.
August 20 - I am thankful for new songs to sing.
August 21 - I am thankful for final say before publishing.
August 22 - I am thankful for a low impact job.
August 23 - I am thankful for Ashleigh's friendship.
August 24 - I am thankful for fun board games and overpriced snacks.
August 25 - I am thankful for overcoming the tyranny of the alarm.
August 26 - I am thankful for other people's pets.
August 27 - I am thankful for breezy, blustery days.
August 28 - I am thankful for Marvel taking over 1/3 of my life.
August 29 - I am thankful for a good night's sleep.
August 30 - I am thankful for convenient fast food joints.
August 31 - I am thankful for clear, concise instructions.

September 1 - I am thankful for good food and fellowship.
September 2 - I am thankful for my parents.
September 3 - I am thankful for fun and thoughtful cards.
September 4 - I am thankful for people who respect privacy.
September 5 - I am thankful for chickpeas and feta cheese.
September 6 - I am thankful for modern medicine.
September 7 - I am thankful for modern plumbing.
September 8 - I am thankful for Trista's safe travels.
September 9 - I am thankful for hot nights and cool apartments.
September 10 - I am thankful for adorable rescue dogs who let me pet them.
September 11 - I am thankful for those who do not forget.
September 12 - I am thankful for safe nighttime travels.
September 13 - I am thankful for a flexible schedule.
September 14 - I am thankful for old homes that have been beautifully restored.
September 15 - I am thankful for people who serve their community.
September 16 - I am thankful for the variety of available food.
September 17 - I am thankful for days to work in the dark.
September 18 - I am thankful for beautiful Fall weather.
September 19 - I am thankful for Sarah's safe return.
September 20 - I am thankful for craft nights with the girls.
September 21 - I am thankful for productive days.
September 22 - I am thankful for cute dresses and honey sesame chicken.
September 23 - I am thankful for friendlier kitties.
September 24 - I am thankful for the honesty that comes with long service.
September 25 - I am thankful for yummy kale recipes.
September 26 - I am thankful for safety on evening walks.
September 27 - I am thankful for cheaper Panera for lunch.
September 28 - I am thankful for slow days with no obligations.
September 29 - I am thankful for modern (free) medicine.
September 30 - I am thankful for safety to go walking in the dark.

October 1 - I am thankful for normal, average days.
October 2 - I am thankful for fun discussions about dessert.
October 3 - I am thankful for Oreo ice cream cake from Esther.
October 4 - I am thankful for new flags in front of the building.
October 5 - I am thankful for a good turnout at the festival.
October 6 - I am thankful for soft, rainy days.
October 7 - I am thankful for inexpensive pizza.
October 8 - I am thankful I can usually work at my own pace.
October 9 - I am thankful for cuddly kitties.
October 10 - I am thankful for fun online videos.
October 11 - I am thankful for no broken bones.
October 12 - I am thankful for antibiotics.
October 13 - I am thankful that I get sick on days when nothing is planned.
October 14 - I am thankful for new glasses. Again.
October 15 - I am thankful for unexpectedly nice days.
October 16 - I am thankful for new holiday decorations.
October 17 - I am thankful for Olive Garden soup, salad, and breadsticks.
October 18 - I am thankful for the new hyperfixation in "Downton Abbey."
October 19 - I am thankful to live in the time of food delivery.
October 20 - I am thankful I can control my claustrophobia.
October 21 - I am thankful for crisp, cold nights for walking.
October 22 - I am thankful for campfires.
October 23 - I am thankful for pajama-themed wedding discussions.
October 24 - I am thankful I occasionally make wise financial decisions.
October 25 - I am thankful for completed projects.
October 26 - I am thankful for minimal injury in helping the Christners move.
October 27 - I am thankful for good fanfiction.
October 28 - I am thankful for my Mama.
October 29 - I am thankful for abundant food.
October 30 - I am thankful for guilt-free potatoes.
October 31 - I am thankful to meet new kitties.

November 1 - I am thankful for yummy popcorn.
November 2 - I am thankful for craft fairs and dad gifts.
November 3 - I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep.
November 4 - I am thankful for mall food.
November 5 - I am thankful for minimal soreness after physical labor.
November 6 - I am thankful for Steve's calming influence.
November 7 - I am thankful for good bbq.
November 8 - I am thankful for progress on lists.
November 9 - I am thankful for packing lists.
November 10 - I am thankful for unexpected visits from family.
November 11 - I am thankful for our veterans.
November 12 - I am thankful for team lunches at Red Sun.
November 13 - I am thankful for amazingly supportive parents.
November 14 - I am thankful for safe travels and breathing exercises.
November 15 - I am thankful for adorable tour guides, couscous tabbouleh, and za'atar fries.
November 16 - I am thankful for hot(!) fire dancers and Elvis Presley.
November 17 - I am thankful for men and women willing to sacrifice for their country.
November 18 - I am thankful for sea breezes and afternoon rain.
November 19 - I am thankful for paved roads and black sand.
November 20 - I am thankful for sunset cruises and blue ocean.
November 21 - I am thankful for not dying in the ocean.
November 22 - I am thankful for the incredible diversity of marine life.
November 23 - I am thankful for people on planes who do not throw up or open smelly cheese.
November 24 - I am thankful for never being a waitress.
November 25 - I am thankful for nice days for a walk.
November 26 - I am thankful for family traditions and fewer stink bugs.
November 27 - I am thankful for unexpected finds at discount prices.
November 28 - I am thankful for shrimp dip and family shenanigans.
November 29 - I am thankful for good doggos and hot tubs.
November 30 - I am thankful for Casa salad and Chinese buffets.

December 1 - I am thankful for people who have good discretion.
December 2 - I am thankful for warm clothes on cold nights.
December 3 - I am thankful for productive days.
December 4 - I am thankful for staff lunches.
December 5 - I am thankful for wardrobe loopholes.
December 6 - I am thankful for free time at retreats.
December 7 - I am thankful for a successful retreat.
December 8 - I am thankful for warm December days.
December 9 - I am thankful that office Christmas parties end.
December 10 - I am thankful for completed Christmas letters.
December 11 - I am thankful for Esther's girls' night in.
December 12 - I am thankful for flexible schedules and flashlights.
December 13 - I am thankful for dumb old movies.
December 14 - I am thankful for the people who supported me in my time of illness.
December 15 - I am thankful for the freedom to do very little and just rest and recuperate.
December 16 - I am thankful for understanding coworkers.
December 17 - I am thankful for a flexible work environment.
December 18 - I am thankful for new drugs.
December 19 - I am thankful for the lovely and talented McFalls.
December 20 - I am thankful for blueberry donut holes.
December 21 - I am thankful for short cuts around last-minute Christmas shoppers.
December 22 - I am thankful all of my wrapping is done!
December 23 - I am thankful for sunshine.
December 24 - I am thankful for pretty lights.
December 25 - I am thankful for the gift of Jesus and for family.
December 26 - I am thankful for post-Christmas sales.
December 27 - I am thankful for the good kind of naps.
December 28 - I am thankful for all the food my parents left from Christmas.
December 29 - I am thankful for different takes on old stories.
December 30 - I am thankful for warm clothing.
December 31 - I am thankful for all the possibility that a new year represents.

The Philippine Adventure: Revenge of Qatar

Previously on The Philippine Adventure:

We left Tarlac at 1:30 pm on February 6 Philippines time. That's 12:30 AM February 6 in Greenwood. 



Wow. Way to leave you on a cliffhanger for... um... was it really seven months ago? Wow. Guys, I am sorry. Last year was just, like, not great for finishing things. Or starting things. Or any of the middle bits. But since I can officially give blood again (had to wait a year since the Philippines is apparently a malaria-prone country, despite me not having to take malaria meds while I was there), I figured you should finally have the conclusion to that trip. (Also, my computer went nuts in the intervening period, so I lost some pictures, but we'll do our best to keep you properly entertained.)

Right, so like I said, we left Tarlac on the afternoon of February 6. This was planned, it was in the schedule, and we were solidly on time. 

Along the way, we made a stop at a rest area. And because you can't get away from them, we saw one of these: 

Yes, they are everywhere. But I also got a nice treat of my own, so whatever.

I saw more of Manila this time. Because it's so large, most of our travel time on the bus was actually just getting through Manila and back to the same hotel that we stayed at before. 

I think Jollibee might be the official restaurant in the Philippines. I remember seeing it on Parts Unknown, and while I didn't get to go in, I would have had ample opportunity, because they are everywhere.

This is a very small taste of traffic in Manila. Driving is no where near as bad as Bangladesh, but I would not want to be the one in control of a vehicle here. 

I had to take this picture because I needed you to understand just how high some of the main roads are compared to everything else. Plus, we were in a bus, so I can't guarantee that our center of gravity wouldn't have tipped us over the side if someone had run into us. 

So, my travel companions were once again Vicki, Paula, Brian, and Greg. And the five of us were supposed to be the first to leave. As in, our flight was scheduled for just past midnight. So we ate dinner at the hotel, got our things organized, and then headed off for the airport. 

Now, there's something you need to know before we go any further. It's important for reasons. See, somewhere on the last day or on the penultimate day, Greg had injured his ankle. Enough that he needed assistance getting through the airports. As in, wheelchair assistance. If you can swing this the next time you travel, absolutely do it. Because Greg, and by extension Brian because he was his helper, got VIP access through every airport from this point on. 

Vicki, Paula, and I did not. 

So from the moment we arrived at the Manila airport, we were separated into two groups. Men vs women. I can't really speak to their experience. But I am about to go into excruciating detail of my own.

I wish I'd taken a picture of the departures 'lounge' at the Manila airport. It's not the only one, but we were in the one that serviced Qatar Airways (great airline, stellar), Korean Air, and a few others. (I generally don't take pictures in most airport areas because security tends to frown on that.) But I did steal a Google image of the baggage claim. I want you to imagine this:

And then multiply it by about 50 million, because that's approximately how many people were in this way-too-small-for-this-purpose space. Again, three very white women (who incidentally probably looked like the maiden, the mother, and the crone - sorry, Paula) in a sea of multiple nationalities with lines that possibly lead nowhere or maybe to Korean Air. Because we did that. We stood in a Korean Air line for maybe 30 minutes before someone came along and said no, the Qatar line was immediately parallel to us, which was not obvious because lines seemed pretty interchangeable and DID NOT MOVE. 

So we moved to the Qatar line. And we were starting to get nervous, because again, line no move. And we had a flight that was inching ever closer, unlike our feet to the front of the line. (Okay, look, we maybe moved about sixteen spots in an hour, but in a line like that, who would notice?) And I'm going to be very honest here and say that white woman privilege very likely kicked in. Because a very nice Filipino airport employee came down the line and started picking people out and sending them to the priority line. And we three just happened to be some of those people. I'm not proud of it. But I did take full advantage. 

This is not to say that the priority line was much faster, because in front of us was a family of about 17, all with questionable documentation, apparently. But we did eventually make it to our gate with maybe 30 minutes to spare before boarding.

Only to find Greg and Brian happily ensconced, having been so for almost the entire time we'd been in line.

But whatever, we made it, hard part over.

Ah, the naivety of youth.

We did actually board the plane. And a lot of people fly out of the Philippines, so we were jam packed. 

Not actually sure which flight that was, but it was reminiscent of all of our flights from then on. Tons of people, packed like sardines. Fortunately, I always had an aisle seat. I don't think I could have handled it otherwise. (Sorry, Vicki, Brian. But not really.) 

So we all boarded. And then we sat. And sat. At one point, this guy came from further back and didn't return, and I remember thinking that was weird. And then our leaving time came and went. I started watching Thor: Ragnarok for the second time on the trip (first was on the way over). 

And then the announcement. A passenger had left the plane. They had to get his bags off. In the time it took to do that, the airport had closed the only runway that would take a plane of our size. 

Because of course they did. 

So we deplaned. 

I'll be honest, I don't remember a lot of this. I was so out of it that I laid on the floor and basically had an out of body experience. I trusted my fellow travelers to keep me informed and in the correct location. I think at one point they brought us a boxed meal. Couldn't tell you what was in it. I didn't want to use my devices too much because power points were at a premium. 

I think it was around 5 in the morning that we actually got back on the plane. At my seat, I was greeted by this: 

So at least I hadn't lost my place. (Which, if you know the movie, is actually quite far into it, which tells you how long I had been watching the first time we got on the plane.)

We actually took off this time. Like I said, full flight, because a lot of OFWs come from the Philippines and work in Qatar. (I say work, but like I mentioned before, Qatar is a little sketchy with some of its workers. When/If the World Cup is played there in 2022, you may hear a little bit about it.)

BUT, because the flight crew had been on duty so long (see closed runway), they were in danger of going over their hours. So we made a teeny tiny pitstop in Oman. 

Yeah.

That Oman.

Vicki actually took that photo. I have no idea how long we were on the ground, but it was at least an hour. We didn't actually get off the plane, so that was nice. But I was running out of movies by then. Sleep was not really happening. It's all a blur.

Needless to say, by the time we got to Qatar, there was no way we were making our connecting flight, considering it had already left. And here is where I can't say enough nice things about Qatar Airways. Because they met us at the gate with flights already scheduled, meal vouchers ready to go, and a hotel room reserved for each of us. No sharing. And not five bucks for the vending machine. It actually came out to about $90 for food. For what would be about fifteen hours in the country. 

I will choose them over British Airways any day of the week.

So we ended up in Qatar. 

They actually want you there, so it was no trouble getting a short entry visa. It's a small country, and I think I saw most of it from the air, and possibly from the ground. We stayed at the Ratana, which, again, can't say enough good things about. I'll just show you.

It was gorgeous weather, the food was amazing (that lamb - I would do unspeakable things for it), the room was plush, and I was wearing clothing I'd been wearing for too long. But because I'm less conscientious about the trip back than I am the trip to anywhere, I had failed to include a change of clothing. I did still have toiletries, so that was a small mercy. But I may have slept in less than I normally do just so I could air out my clothes a bit. Sorry for the TMI. 

I would have liked to explore Qatar a bit more, but a) I had been traveling for about a day at this point with very little sleep and b) I am a woman in a predominantly Muslim country. I wasn't really worried about safety, but I did want to be culturally sensitive. But while there, I figured out that a friend of mine was actually also in Qatar (in the Air Force), and with a little more time to plan, we probably could have met up. But we did say hi on Facebook, so that was fun. 

We left the hotel around 5 on February 8 Qatar time, which was 10 am Feb 8 Philippines time and 9 pm Feb 7 Indianapolis time. At the time, I had no idea of dates, times, or pretty much anything. I was just happy to have a bed. 

(Oh, and when we got to the airport, we saw Dick Freed again. He'd left the Philippines after us and was just getting into Doha. He was, of course, on time for his flight. I honestly don't remember if he was on our flight or not.)

I actually got to do some shopping in the Doha airport this time. Probably did a little too much. But I found gifts for people and then realized that I was flying to the United State from the Middle East. Which means security is INSANE. You actually go through it twice, and I was especially blessed because I had a phone, iPad, camera, and portable hard drive. All of which (except the phone) got bagged up nice and neat. 

Oh, and once you get through security into your gate, you can't leave. And there are no bathrooms. 

Greg and Brian, of course, had no trouble whatsoever. 

Our flight left around 8, and because of the change in plans, we were actually headed to Chicago instead of Philadelphia. Which was fine with me, because the Eagles had just won the Super Bowl and apparently, Philadelphians were celebrating by tearing their city apart. 

But it was a long flight. 

Like, 15 hours long. 

And again, people don't really fly to Qatar from the States, but they do fly out of Qatar. So full flight (two full meals and a snack), same clothes I've been wearing for two days, no new movie options. I think I watched Thor two more times. One highlight that I nearly forgot about - I found my favorite Bollywood film of all time! I'm pretty sure it was on this flight. If not this one, then another on the trip, but as I said, they all blend together. Anyway, I actually started watching this one on the screen of the guy in front of me. It kept catching my eye, and I was super confused by the storyline, so I decided to find it on my own screen. The film is called Phillauri. It's set in present day India, and this kid is returning home from Canada to marry his high school sweetheart. But he finds out his first marriage is cursed, so he has to marry a tree before marries the girl. (It's Bollywood, what do you expect?) Then they chop down the tree, but of course there was the spirit of a girl in the tree, so now ghost girl thinks she's married to the guy. And he's the only one who can see her. But it turns out ghost girl is from colonial India times, and she's stuck as a spirit until she finds out what happened to her true love. It's actually really well done, with only one big dance number, and it's got real history in it. Anyway, it's my new favorite (my first favorite was Tees Maar Khan). Part of the reason I like long flights is the vast selection of Bollywood films I can peruse. We get them here, but they are crazy expensive.

Anyway.

Also, I forgot about this until he reminded me, but someone I knew was on that flight. I had no idea. We were rows away from each other for 15 hours, and it wasn't until we deplaned that we saw each other. Weird.

We made it into Chicago around 2 in the afternoon. 

Our flight to Indy was scheduled for 4:45. 

But you know what's coming.

It's Chicago, it's February, and it's an evening flight. None of these are in a recipe for successful departures. 

I hit my wall. I was done. We parked it at maybe our gate for a later flight, everyone piled their stuff around me and then left, and I don't remember much after that. Honestly, people could have stolen all our stuff, and I would not have noticed. My stuff was fine because I was clinging to it for dear life. But everyone else's stuff? Fair game. If they are going to leave it with the least coherent member of our traveling group, I really don't care what happens to it. 

Guys, the zombie apocalypse is not going to be a problem. Because for the better part of three hours, I was a zombie, and I could have been killed in a myriad of ways and not cared enough to even try running away.

I don't know when our flight to Indy left. I don't know for sure when it arrived. I caught an Uber with Greg back to OMS. I recorded the time I arrived at home. 

And then I blacked out for the next 9 hours. It would have been longer, but I was still on Philippines time, so my body was quite out of sync. I've always had a worse time coming back than I have going. 

I set foot in my apartment around 1 am Feb 9 Indy time. That's 9 am Feb 9 Qatar time. And 2 pm Feb 9 Philippines time. 

Three days. It took almost exactly three days to get from Tarlac, Philippines, to Greenwood, Indiana. 

And that's my story. The trilogy is complete. It was an amazing trip, I learned a lot, I laughed, I cried (tired tears), and a good comb was had by all (that's for you, Mom). 

This fulfills my obligation.