Home for the Holidays

     I realize it may be a few days late, but Friday was a busy day! I began my day in Columbia...

and ended it in Wichita... but since it was Friday, and even though we had a ton too do, we made it happen! We decided to let you catch up with us as we packed to head home. . .

 Who would have ever though that much stuff would fit in a suitcase. . .  But the good news is We both made it. A few airplanes later . . .

Hannah should be starting her day in Bosnia (which you can read about here --- http://diaryofamissionarykid.wordpress.com) and I am currently winding down mine. 

     In 10 days it will be Christmas, which is why I have no doubt that  Christmas music is playing on the nearest radio station. As I sit here by my Christmas tree, curled up on the couch with a open copy of Sherlock Holmes Vol. 1 laying next to me I can't help but think of the classic christmas tune that sings the line ... "there is no place like home for the holidays." Preach it!
     Already, I have settled back into the Reimschisel routine, made numerous trips to the mall and other places picking out gifts that will best show my family and friends that I know them and that I Love them, enjoyed the freedom of sleeping in, and spent some quality (much needed) time with My family.

    

     All this to say, It is good to be home! God was good the day he inspired the Wright brothers to invent a flying airplane and even greater when He got me home safely day before yesterday.but enough about me, wherever you are, I hope that you spend christmas with someone you love and that you are just as blessed as I am this christmas season. 

Love Jac 

- your world traveler. . . 

The Kindness of a Stranger.

This post is dedicated to the kind ole' gentleman that helped this city girl change a tire. 

      After today,  I can no longer say "Never have I ever.." been stranded road side due to a obnoxious tire. . .or if you want to get technical a nail that lodged itself into the side-strip of my tire. I had just finished my last shift of the holiday weekend at the good ole' Depot and was headed back for a relaxing saturday afternoon at my friends home (since it is Thanksgiving break after all!!!) and all of a sudden, well -you can imagine my surprise as a few cars rolled up beside me mouthing words and pointing anxiously at my back wheel. It was only after I pulled over in a neighborhood that probably isn't the safest place to be stranded in alone; that I did the only thing a single girl thinks to do when she has car trouble. . .
Called my daddy (who I might add is over 500 miles away and does not have a personal jet at his disposal... but I called anyway). I may or may not have teared up a little bit but hey, being on your own has some scary moments. Needless to say it was about this time the gentleman.. named George walked up to my car and asked if I needed help.
I had a decision to make. I could trust this guy and have immediate help, or wait 3 hours and call AAA like I'd been planning to do.
     I must have looked pretty nervous (after all I'd seen my far share of CSI , NCIS, and all the informative TV shows now a days) because the gentleman called me on it said that It was okay - he told me he had a daughter about my age and he'd want someone to offer to help her if she was ever in my situation. So I decided if worst came to worst I had pepper spray.
     I popped my trunk and within 30 minutes he had the "Donut" spare on and I knew a little bit more about this kind fellow. I eventually got home with daylight to spare and now the next thing on my to-do list is make a stop at the tire shop to get a new tire.
    I will probably never see that kind ole' gentleman or his wife again, but I am sure grateful for the kindness of that stranger. I made it through that seemingly impossible situation - I got home safe and sound, learned some new tire lingo, and have one more story to tell my kids someday. After all 'tis the season to count your blessings and today was just another gift that showed me what Gods goodness looks like.
Have a good one Guys!
- Jac

Sunshine and Seashells.

There comes a point in life where it is necessary to get away for a bit. 

Go away somewhere fresh, alluring, and spontaneous. 

For me, that place is the beach. 

A week ago was fall break. A random set of 2 days off school for people to go home, catch up on hermeneutics (which has been plaguing most of my friends lately) or go someplace adventurous. 

Meet Elizabeth, my traveling companion. . . and after that weekend, my even better friend.

 Both of us journeyed up to the beautiful city of Charleston where we stayed with a good friend. This time was filled with lots of much needed rest (somehow, sleep evades me in my dorm room), plenty of laughter, SO MUCH YUMMMMMMMMY home-cooked food, (as well as the deliciousness you can find in Charleston diners and what not - By the way if you are ever on King street in charleston... GO TO BELGIAN GELATO--- One of the BEST ice cream places in the city... and I might even go as far as to say as the world, but that might be a little extreme.) and wonderful adventures.  

- - - - - - - 

Anyway, by far my favorite day was FRIDAY.

Wanna know why...

Well, if you have not already guessed by my collection of pictures; it was because we spent the day at the BEACH. 

It was just what I needed. 

Sometimes you need to shut your phone off for a bit (believe it or not the world will not end... I know Shocking!) smell the smell of sea salt, feel the sand between your toes, and look out on the horizon and soak up some sunshine. 

 God gave us his creation to enjoy, SO ENJOY IT. 

Personally, my favorite things to enjoy are his seashells - each one different and unique from all over the world brought to a place where I can pick them up; and that is one of the may things that brings a smile to my face.   

I took a mound of them home with me that day, and I will pick up more when I go again. 

I don't know why exactly, but maybe it is because sunshine and seashells remind me of Paradise.

A New Tradition.

Ladies and Gentlemen - If you are reading this...
Welp, It is Friday and there is much going on in this life I live. Exams, projects, beach trips, growth, and then there is me and Hannah's friendship. In other words Starting a week ago... or two week will be posting a video blog known as "The Hannah and Jacqueline show... (with some fancy title inserted here! )"
So whether you are young or old, guy or girl, little or big.... Here is something to make you laugh! ***

ENJOY! and... thanks for watching! You guys are the best!


P.S: Next time we will make it shorter.. but it is worth watching... Really. It is a good end to a busy week.

Roadtrip'n

I love long car rides, especially with AWESOME people. This particular one was one of the shorter ones I've gone on but it took us to the not so little city of Atlanta, Georgia.  

Heres how it all happened:

1.) It started last semester when I learned of a church that sponsors a conference that is pretty popular with college students - A place Called Passion City Church. It was about 4.5 hours from where I am going to school and I figured I had a car and friends and when or if I had time it would be a good use of time. 

2.) Fast-forward to last week on monday night. My friend Melissa and I decide to go down to Atlanta Sunday and make a day of it since we have time and nothing that we HAVE to do that day (a rare occurrence for both of us.)  So we started looking up fun places to visits and did our research. 

3.) Sunday Morning came and as we agreed on we left at 7 AM........ (I am not a morning person, I have never been and I don't think I will ever be.. and I love coffee - GOOD COFFEE) which is precisely why we took a 20 mile detour into the little city of Akin to get Starbucks. (it was kind of essential since I was the only one driving all day.)

 4.) We sang songs at the top of our lungs, told stories of Jacqueline the Jacalope and Katie the cougar, Stopped in a little place called BUCKHEAD (which is REALLY fun to say if you need a new favorite word) to get gas and rode a old carousel... you are never to young to ride those right? Haha....

Did I mention that this gas station had 50 cent tattoos? We all Got one! and wore them proudly. -- temporary OF corse!

 *** Insert quip about hacking each others twitter and Facebook statuses here.

 5. We get into Atlanta about lunch time and after possibly making the most awkward turn around ever!!!!!!!!! We get some lunch.. and all of a sudden..... (it had been sunny all morning and 3 out of the 4 of us had decided against bringing our rain coats.... which was REALLY unfortunate because...)

it POURS. . .

 So we try and wait it out... and when it gets really light we decide to run for it.... Unfortunately at that moment it decided to majorly downpour and... well...

6.) We Got drenched. (we were just around the corner of the restaurant.)

7. ) However even in the rain the skyline is BEAUTIFUL!
 We (Katie and Hailey are the other girls that went!) had decided we wanted to go downtown.  After finding out that there is NO free parking in atlanta,  and driving through a super sketch parking garage we picked one and headed into.....

8.) ... UNDERGROUND ATLANTA. ---> It was a cultural experience, Dry, had lots to explore, and it had a Johnny Rockets.

 9.) Everyday is a ice cream day.

Sugar has a way of bringing out the crazy side of people. I'm blessed to have such Kooky friends.

10. ) Then Finally 5:00 came and we were able to walk into the church we'd come all the way to visit. It wasn't anything like I was expecting... It was better. 

 Kristan Stanfill is a gifted leader, when the leader is really reverent and the music has just the right kick, It will make anyones soul dance. 

Louie Giglio is on point. How sweet it was to be reminded that I should dwell in Gods rest and that He is all I truly need. ---> the one I watched is in the link underneath....  It is well worth your time if you have a minute.

                                 http://www.passioncitychurch.com/watch#PCC-090113-V1

 It was worth the Drive. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

I once heard somewhere that there is no other time in your life than in college to do spontaneous things, but I think even when I am old and grey I'll do spontaneous things because they Give me new stories to tell and new adventures to live.

Adventure Is Part of My Everyday Vocabulary.

I'm back down south baby! 

   Although the drive was a long one, I finally made it! Over the last few days I have said goodbye to my family,  unpacked, bought books, greeted the new freshman, met my teachers, paid my tuition bill, and even did my first load of laundry. Talk about a productive week! Thus, this weekend has so far been MUCH appreciated! 

 

   I think I'd call it jumping back in the saddle after a long period of rest, even though I think school will be minority busy after the summer I just had. *Insert Laughter here* but I am ready for the next adventure that lays ahead. 

   Life is to short to stay stationary. I have realized I make many impulsive decisions.... but it is those decisions that make me the person I am. I realize it is important to be wise, and I also realize that ultimately I am not in control. Whether it is the right decision or the wrong decision God's gonna make it work in that perfect plan of his -- this, however does NOT give me permission or condone STUPID decisions. I have no idea what tomorrow holds... an 8 or 13 page paper maybe? Maybe a tackling hug with a friend which ends with me falling epicly on my back? Or someone providing me with a full ride?  Who knows I might not even wake up tomorrow..... now isn't that  a scary thought. 

  Today my only priority is to fix my eyes on Christ and imitate his statutes (which are his teachings and rules.... just for a definition). I am to encourage an serve people if it is in my capabilities and even when it is out of my comfort zone or causes me to sacrifice.  Most importantly I need to be ready for whatever twist life may take and have a joyful attitude about it. 

   I love this picture. Something about the thought or image of a pair of boots in fall is warm and comforting.  This picture gives me some comfort as I think about what lies ahead. School is going to be rocky - late nights, piles of never ending reading, and lack of energy are going to be my biggest enemies - but like those  boots if I am prepared, and have good defense and protection  (mainly by studying the word and praying constantly about every little detail of my life and by TRUSTING God's got the steering wheel and has it taken care of I am confident I will have amazing adventure... no matter where I am or where God takes me.
So I challenge you, challenge you to look for an adventure... because if you woke up breathing today it is for a very specific reason, and that reason might be the key to unlocking a wild adventure.