Breakfast with two amazing people started out an amazing day that would be filled with amazing adventures. Bongo Java had a Pumpkin Chai Latte. And I couldn't say no. By 10 am, I had hugged Grant & Gretchen goodbye, sad to go, but definitely anticipating my next destination: Columbia, South Carolina.
Not being a morning person definitely showed this morning. Although very aware of the roads and the cars around me, somehow I got a wee bit zoned out and decided to pull over for a break. Somewhere in between Nashville & Asheville, I pulled off at a Tourist Information Center at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains wherein I was greeted warmly by the workers. The man working there, around 50 years old and definitely from Tennessee, noticed immediately that I was tired (almost as immediately as he found out I was from Texas). He took me over to get coffee and started to pump some out, but he was out. I hadn't realized how tired I was, but he was definitely looking out for me.
This man had never made coffee before, but he took time out of a busy day at the center to try and make make another batch, making sure I didn't leave before getting some caffeine in my system. When he was finished, he filled a ceramic mug with the extremely dark coffee so I would stay a while and rest. So a little rest stop ended up being a 30 minute energy charge. He talked with me about the mountains and some stories from around the area. We talked about how he had been a trucker before getting this job and we talked about the difference between tourist attractions and the beauty of the mountains.
I've been listening to Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" throughout the past four days of driving, and I'm being re-acquainted with the simple idea of compassion and caring for God and others before yourself. The idea of showing this selfless, crazy love is beautiful and unique. The man at the tourist station showed me Jesus today. I would have probably been okay without the coffee, but he made certain that he didn't let me leave until he had done all he could for me. May we be that kind of person. May I be that kind of person.
As I left with another cup of coffee (a to-go container this time), he said "God Bless". And he meant it, too.
Driving the rest of the way was easy, and I had a lot to think about. I was in awe of God and how He finds the simplest ways to provide for me, to keep me safe, and to lift my spirits. In the midst of this, I was able to drive through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and praise Him in the silence of my little champagne-colored Hyundai. I mean, really, how cool is it that there's this mountain called "Black Mountain" where it's almost always raining, creating a sort of rainforest with tropical plants & animals in the middle of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee? And how awesome is it that there's a permanent highway sign with reads "Caution: Fog next 4 miles" along I-40?
But at the end of the day, I had more still for which to praise the Creator of Everything. I drove into Columbia around 7:30 (as opposed to 6:30 because apparently there are time zones to cross on this trip), finding the home of one of the greatest friends I've ever known -- Misti Bailey.
Misti & I lived together in Nepal for a summer three years ago. She astounds me with her faith and her kindness, her compassion and her love for others. We've been sick together, dealt with taxi drivers together, and laughed and cried together. I wasn't about to come anywhere near the east coast without coming by to see her and Mark.
Mark was in Nepal with us, only he was in the mountains. He's wise and kind and funny and brilliant. Like Misti and Aaron, he is one of the most amazing people I know. Somehow, when I'm with these three people, I'm comfortable in a way I'm not usually comfortable. Maybe it's the experience of being in a third-world country together. Who knows. But I'm lucky to have them, and I'm lucky to be here with Misti and Mark for a couple days.
After eating a Mediterranean supper, Misti & I got some supplies and we went to Mark's place to make chiya. Nepali chai. One of the most brilliant things ever created. Conversation was beautiful. Tomorrow, there will be more of both. Can't wait!
23 September 2010
21 September 2010
And then it really became a pilgrimage.
There's something very beautiful about going on a trip to see the people you love and care about -- people that have shared the same experiences as you and lived with you through the best and worst times of your life. From seeing Reagan in OKC who has been with me throughout college and endured my crazy quirks to Heath who has taught me much about people and compassion, then from my brother Gunnar to my cousin Grant with whom I have grown up and who have seen me grow from little girl to awkward girl to college girl to graduate, then to Becky in Arkansas who has been there for me in everything for the past four years and made me laugh and played racquetball with me to Aaron in Memphis who has shared one of the greatest times of my life with me.
Aaron & I were in Nepal together three years ago. I got to have coffee with him today and it was marvelous. Talking about the future with someone who has bargained alongside you in a third world country left me driving away in awe of the sense of community someone can have from one side of the world to the next. Tomorrow I leave Nashville for Columbia, SC where I will meet up with two others that were with me in Nepal. I know that being together with them will leave me with the same grateful feeling and sense of awe of God with which I left Memphis today.
Driving from Memphis to Nashville was another treat entirely. I could feel my day getting better (if that was even possible), then I could see it getting better as the golden leaves started falling from the trees that lined Music Highway. Autumn is in the air.
The leaves flew alongside me the entire way, flashing bright yellow as they stepped out of the shadow and into the light from the sun. And, eventually, I reached Nashville.
My cousin Grant goes to Belmont. It's his last semester and I finally made it to see him. After running down the street to catch me from going the wrong way, we got in his box car and drove to the university where I was immediately impressed with his superb parallel-parking skills. I thought only Nepali cab drivers could fit into spots like that!
We went on a full tour of the university (which is gorgeous) and I got to see my first recording studio (of which there are several in Nashville). Then we went to his super-savvy house and to a pizza place (where we had the Tuesday-Buy-One-Get-One-Pizza-Slice deal). A few beautiful and deep and sarcastic conversations later, he took me to the art building where his girlfriend Gretchen was in class, and we took a gander around Belmont's photography and ceramics departments. I entered my first darkroom here! After meeting up with Gretchen, we went to Fido's Coffee Shop. And now I'm in her house using her computer, getting ready for bed. There are many wonderful things I could say about Gretchen here. She's so sweet, and she's one of the best designers I've ever seen. Every room looks like HGTV came by and decorated it! Her paintings are wonderful, too.
I've learned several things today -- like where Taylor Swift records and what music I should listen to (thanks Aaron). But basically it all comes down to this: A pilgrimage like this is not just about finding Peter Pan or figuring out that I really do have to grow up. It's about spending time with people like the ones I've seen the past three days and knowing that no matter what happens in the future, my life has been a pilgrimage with the most beautiful people that could have been in it. The people God has allowed me to know and love have shaped me and shown me His love -- his desire for true community and time -- in a very real way. I'm finding God's love here in OKC, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville. And it's good to remember again.
Aaron & I were in Nepal together three years ago. I got to have coffee with him today and it was marvelous. Talking about the future with someone who has bargained alongside you in a third world country left me driving away in awe of the sense of community someone can have from one side of the world to the next. Tomorrow I leave Nashville for Columbia, SC where I will meet up with two others that were with me in Nepal. I know that being together with them will leave me with the same grateful feeling and sense of awe of God with which I left Memphis today.
Driving from Memphis to Nashville was another treat entirely. I could feel my day getting better (if that was even possible), then I could see it getting better as the golden leaves started falling from the trees that lined Music Highway. Autumn is in the air.
The leaves flew alongside me the entire way, flashing bright yellow as they stepped out of the shadow and into the light from the sun. And, eventually, I reached Nashville.
My cousin Grant goes to Belmont. It's his last semester and I finally made it to see him. After running down the street to catch me from going the wrong way, we got in his box car and drove to the university where I was immediately impressed with his superb parallel-parking skills. I thought only Nepali cab drivers could fit into spots like that!
We went on a full tour of the university (which is gorgeous) and I got to see my first recording studio (of which there are several in Nashville). Then we went to his super-savvy house and to a pizza place (where we had the Tuesday-Buy-One-Get-One-Pizza-Slice deal). A few beautiful and deep and sarcastic conversations later, he took me to the art building where his girlfriend Gretchen was in class, and we took a gander around Belmont's photography and ceramics departments. I entered my first darkroom here! After meeting up with Gretchen, we went to Fido's Coffee Shop. And now I'm in her house using her computer, getting ready for bed. There are many wonderful things I could say about Gretchen here. She's so sweet, and she's one of the best designers I've ever seen. Every room looks like HGTV came by and decorated it! Her paintings are wonderful, too.
I've learned several things today -- like where Taylor Swift records and what music I should listen to (thanks Aaron). But basically it all comes down to this: A pilgrimage like this is not just about finding Peter Pan or figuring out that I really do have to grow up. It's about spending time with people like the ones I've seen the past three days and knowing that no matter what happens in the future, my life has been a pilgrimage with the most beautiful people that could have been in it. The people God has allowed me to know and love have shaped me and shown me His love -- his desire for true community and time -- in a very real way. I'm finding God's love here in OKC, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville. And it's good to remember again.
20 September 2010
Little Rock is gorgeous.
After a relaxing drive through Moore and Shawnee, I arrived in Little Rock around 11.30 last night. Along the way, I was privileged to have a grande latte with my friend Ashley Reagan. Then she took me to see where she works and where she now lives. It was a great time.
In Shawnee, Heath Williams met me with the first Beatles CD I've ever owned, plus a couple other mixes filled with fantastic-ness. Then my brother Gunnar let me come to his apartment for a few minutes where I was loaded up with a couple other mixes including, but not limited to, Ben Rector (oh yeah!) and Parachute. So a special shout-out goes to my boys. Thanks for the Peter Pan Trip mixes!
By the way, the Beatles have an odd way of growing on you song by song.
Also by the way, I have the best brother in the world.
Today, I got the spend the entire morning, afternoon, and evening with Becky James, my old roommate. There are so many things I want to put here on this little section of my trip! We went to the River Market in downtown Little Rock, ate at a brilliant Bohemian restaurant called "Sticky Fingers", smiled at a hobo, saw Becky's BEAUTIFUL wedding dress and her PERFECT wedding venue, then got a little rebellious and did something you should ask me about later (it's a good story, don't be scared), went to her log cabin deep in the woods, visited the grave of Petit Jean (also a good story, unrelated to our impulsive rebellion), then hiked downhill to a breath-taking wooded waterfall canyon and uphill on the breath-taking (literally) climb back. In between we went on a natural roller-coaster ride and came back to her canyon to watch "Antique Roadshow" with her dad who is apparently a mix between James Bond and John Wayne. This is where I sit now.
Tomorrow, it's coffee with Aaron and an afternoon/evening with my cousin Grant. Peace!
In Shawnee, Heath Williams met me with the first Beatles CD I've ever owned, plus a couple other mixes filled with fantastic-ness. Then my brother Gunnar let me come to his apartment for a few minutes where I was loaded up with a couple other mixes including, but not limited to, Ben Rector (oh yeah!) and Parachute. So a special shout-out goes to my boys. Thanks for the Peter Pan Trip mixes!
By the way, the Beatles have an odd way of growing on you song by song.
Also by the way, I have the best brother in the world.
Today, I got the spend the entire morning, afternoon, and evening with Becky James, my old roommate. There are so many things I want to put here on this little section of my trip! We went to the River Market in downtown Little Rock, ate at a brilliant Bohemian restaurant called "Sticky Fingers", smiled at a hobo, saw Becky's BEAUTIFUL wedding dress and her PERFECT wedding venue, then got a little rebellious and did something you should ask me about later (it's a good story, don't be scared), went to her log cabin deep in the woods, visited the grave of Petit Jean (also a good story, unrelated to our impulsive rebellion), then hiked downhill to a breath-taking wooded waterfall canyon and uphill on the breath-taking (literally) climb back. In between we went on a natural roller-coaster ride and came back to her canyon to watch "Antique Roadshow" with her dad who is apparently a mix between James Bond and John Wayne. This is where I sit now.
Tomorrow, it's coffee with Aaron and an afternoon/evening with my cousin Grant. Peace!
18 September 2010
And so it begins.
Tomorrow I leave for a trip. Along the way, I'll see many friends, some family, some monuments, and a lot of road. The car is packed, complete with cameras and journals. This time tomorrow, I'll be at Becky's apartment. Can't wait!
08 September 2010
18 Days, 3 Pans, & 1 Phillies game...
I'm taking a road trip. Not a long one. Just a little trip to see some friends, a cousin, and three statues. This blog will follow the trip from Holliday, Texas (home sweet Texas) through OBU, Arkansas, Memphis, Nashville, Columbia, D.C., Philly!, Vermont, Niagara Falls, Toronto, St. John's, and back again in a more straight shot across the country.
September 19 through October 6. Join me.
Love,
Ashley Ruth
Here's the tentative schedule:
September 19 through October 6. Join me.
Love,
Ashley Ruth
Here's the tentative schedule:
Sunday, Sept. 19
1pm – Holliday to Moore/Shawnee
5pm – Shawnee to LittleRock/Conway
9pm – Chill with roomie Becky Sunday/Monday nights
Tuesday, Sept. 21
11am or so… -- Have Tennessee coffee with my favourite Aaron
5pm or so… -- See my rock-star cousin Grant in Nashville
Stay Tuesday night in Nashville
Wednesday, Sept. 22
Morning – Nashville to Columbia
Stay Wednesday/Thursday nights to see Mark & Misti! Wahoo!
Friday, Sept. 24
Columbia to Richmond
Richmond to DC – stay in my first hostel ever
Saturday, Sept. 25
12pm – Leave DC for Philadelphia
3pm – Check in to Apple Hostel for Saturday/Sunday nights
4pm – See Peter Pan statue in Camden, NJ
Sunday – Go to Phillies game
Monday, Sept. 27
Philly to Vermont – Stay Mon/Tues night in Ludlow
Wednesday, Sept 29
Vermont to Niagara Falls, Canada
Stay Wednesday night
Thursday, Sept 30
8am – Leave Niagara for Toronto
10am – See Peter Pan statue in Toronto
5:45pm – Go to airport, park, & check-in
7:45pm-11:59pm – Fly to St. John’s
Friday, October 1
Stay in St. John’s Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights
See Peter Pan statue in St. John’s, Newfoundland
Celebrate my 23rd birthday!
Monday, October 4
6am – Go to airport, check-in
7:45am – Leave St. John’s for Toronto
10:30am – Leave Toronto for Home
Wednesday, October 6
5:30pm – Be in Holliday in time for TeamKid & the Rock
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