33/60

Today it is as if I haven’t been sick the last couple of days, surely a miracle has been worked on me because I am SO much better. 

Because I and feeing better and somehow slept last night, I worked all day today!

Today was my first day back to work after feeling horrible. We worked for the entire day, so not much to say there. We ate dinner at our Friend’s house, so it was nice to not have to be stressed out about ordering food and finding a place that was open!

The days are long, hot, and sweaty. Layers and layers of sunscreen. It’s exhausting. That mixed with the work we are doing, leaves you so very tired and honestly very discouraged. 

That’s okay though. At least I am with great people

32/60

After getting approximately 40 minutes of sleep last night with all of the thoughts racing through my head about the wallet and being in Israel and progressively getting more and more sick, I was not ready to take on the day at all.

I spent the day resting in bed, watching Netflix and writing down all of my racing thoughts, since that’s what usually helps me. 

It was a much needed day of rest that I hope is able to help in preparation for tomorrow...

It hard to face that this trip has not been going to plan so far, but I need to hold on and keeps trying because I am here for a reason.

31/60

I woke up this morning to the wonderful surprise of having my wallet stolen by one of my roommates who arrived late and left very early in the morning.

I spent the whole day getting that sorted out

Lol

Not really. 

Super not cool.

30/30

WOW. 

ALREADY HALF WAY. And just like that I have thirty days of this kind of freedom left. 

To the Jewish community, Saturday is the sabbath {shabbat} so nothing is open and people use the day to rest and relax. 

So after one day of work Jareem and I had our first day off haha

We spent the morning attending a congregation meeting that was part Hebrew, part French, and part English. Thank goodness the sermon was translated in English! Although I couldn’t understand two thirds of what was happening, you could tell that the group was a very spirit filled people who welcomed us into to their sacred home. I will never forget this experience because of haw bizzar but impactful it was.

Once done with church, we walked over to one of the oldest ports in the world, Jaffa. This is apparently the port Jonah left from before he was consumed by a giant fish! After being tourists for a bit, we went to the beach and swam in the Mediterranean. Jareem loves to swim, but is afraid of the sun, so she was covered head to toe in clothing. 

We stayed in the water for hours not saying much, but having so much fun

29/30

I am here in Tel Aviv to work, not so much on vacation. 

I have chosen not to talk too much about the work part if my stay here, but I will fill you all in on the jist of the day and any stand out moments. 

Breakfast at my hostile is provided, so I was able to mooch off of that {and pls on doing that the rest of the time I am here}...I worked all day from 9am to 5. For lunch I had a DELICIOUS falafel sandwich with my first Sprite in who knows how many years. 

For dinner Jaerem and I attended a Shabbat dinner that was very interesting. It marks the start of the day of rest with various blessing and ceremonious actions. It was very neat to be a part of it and it is also a nice fulfilling feeling when I am able to translate and explain things to Jaerem to help her understand!

Send prayers up please!

28/60

Travel today went very well. I started off waking up at five thirty to catch a cab at six. What was a 25 dollar cab ride to the house turned into an 8 dollar cab ride somehow on the way back! I’m not complaining...

I flew from Tivat to Belgrade for a four hour layover. It was one of the harder layovers of my life because I could not for the life of me figure out how to order food, no one spoke English, and I couldn’t figure out how to get my second ticket!!! Ahhh!

It all worked out and I boarded a plane for Athens after the long wait. Serbian and Russian in Belgrade, Greek in Greece, and Hebrew in Israel. So many languages that I had no idea what the cuss was happening. It’s a very helpless feeling being unable to read, communicate, or hear announcements because you simply don’t understand the sounds that are being made!

After finally landing in Israel, and making it  through customs, I walked out of the entry way to see my host and friend that is also staying there waiting for me with a little home made sign. It made me very happy to see them and know that I finally made it!

My hostile is nice and I am excited for all of the this Israel will offer in the next couple of days!

27/60

Last day in Montenegro you say?

Then let’s make sure it’s a good one

Hiked up a gorge with clear water flowing through the rocks, sometimes pooling at the bottom the small water fountains 

Noah almost fell off the side of a cliff

Tom almost fell on a lot of frogs

Sweaty hike up to the top of the wall

Sorta cute cats

Milanka got mad 

Lost poker

Packed for next day

Sleep

26/60

Today was Woah. 

I never thought I would be privileged to ever experience the things that I did here today. 

Well first off I got to sleeping, which 8 times out of 10 means it’s going to be a good day!

We hanged around the house for a bit spending time reading and writing as the sun rose to warm up the bay of Kotor. 

Once we all threw our baiting suits on and {just me} lathered up in sun screen, we walked to a boat tour that we had been scoping out the day before. 

It took us all around the various bays of the western Montenegrin coast. The boat took us to a place called “blue cave” where when you swim in it, the way the water reflected off of the rocks and floor made it seem like you were glowing a beautiful aquamarine color. I only got a little burnt on my shoulders which I was proud of. 

We came back, made our own dinner,, and played cards like the true lazy people we are

Until another day!

25/60

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

Today was a beautiful day of renewal being surrounded by love and beauty. The day started quiet with a breakfast made by the woman who lives the floor above us. After that, some slept, some went down to the water to try to fish or nap. The water is a 30 second walk from our front door which is amazing. I don’t feel entirely claustrophobic from the surrounding mountains because of the beautiful water. 

Once the morning passed with minimal movement and lots of reading and thinking time, we ventured into town, not really looking for anything specifically. Someone got a haircut, another a 1,80 euro sandwich that would embarrass Subway back in the states. 

We ended up walking about five miles to the other side of the bay seeing the more touristy/urban/rundown side of the town. We ended up walking to a church that is directly across from our house so it was amazing to see that perspective. The church also had a very special view of the bay as it opens up into the larger sea. It is so uniquely beautiful in this Bay Area and the mountains are nothing like the ones I’m familiar with in Colorado!

After a run in the rain on our way back, we stopped and got food for diner, swam in the water, and took showers. We then made dinner (didn’t burn down the house!) the rest of the night was consumed by great talks, lots of cards, and grape juice.

Wow *pronouced vov*

24/60

Sorry the pictures might be at a little stand still for a while as I am having technical difficulties with using only my phone as my media platform, so I will try to paint a picture with my words...

I woke up eager this morning, not well rested, but excited for the day. Today was the day that I traveled to a location where I 100% had no idea how to speak the language and I think that subconsciously stressed me out a lot. 

We started off the day with a wonderful breakfast with our friend and his girl friend. It is CRAZY how hard it is to just get a small amount of normal water here in Europe...how does everyone stay hydrated?? Our friend insisted that we tried the Bavarian Weißwurst, so we did!

Once breakfast was over we made our way to the airport and started the day’s travels to Montenegro. We flew on Montenegro Air and the experience was rather pleasant. The plane looked like it was from the 70s but other than that unimportant detail it was a great flight with inflight service and all that jazz. 

Flying over the Adriatic Sea and the coast of Montenegro was one of the most breathtaking things I had seen. The clouds were very animated with different types and colors, a beautiful meeting of stormy and peaceful. 

After taking a 15 minutes cab ride down the road and through a mountain tunnel we got spit out here...

We met up with PTWOB 544 and settled into our house before taking a stroll. We ended up stumbling upon the beautiful downtown street of the city, embedded in the oldest towers and homes of the city. 

The night got very late and we decided that we will come back to the older area to explore some more, so I can’t wait!

I got 9 bug bites

God is a very creative God, who made beautiful places for us to see him in everyday. I am so thankful for that

23/60

Wir sind in München!

Today was a beautiful Bavarian day with lots of bike riding and sight seeing! The friend that we are staying with had two extra bikes, so we were able to ride around the city with him as our own personal tour guide! We saw the English Garden, rode down the side of the river and walked in and prayed in beautiful churches. 

We stopped for lunch in Park Cafe and watched the first half of the Iceland v Argentina game. It is awesome how central soccer and more importantly the World Cup, is to their everyday lives. 

After the first half, we rode around more, then met up with our fellow PWOB MF 528. It was great to catch up at the Hofbrauhaus (sp). We rode back and dipped our toes in the cold river water before calling it a night. 

I could live here one day... it has everything and is not too overwhelming!

18-22/60

Sorry this has taken a couple of days to get down!

In the last couple of days a lot of stuff has happened, and I’m sorry I haven’t filled you in!

First off,  I’m Germany! I have traveled from my home town of Naurod to Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, and München. It has been a great tour of Germany so far and I am so thankful to have friends and people that I can know and love from across the world! I am currently staying with a family friend in München and am having a great time being in my “homeland”. 

Tonight we watched the Portugal v Spain World Cup game   a Biergarten and it was awesome. I am excited for tomorrow! 

Miss and love you so very much!

17/60

We are back on the road again!

After a sleepless night and a very early road trip {thanks Mom and Dad}, I flew out of Chicago to the great east, the land of spray tans and blond hair: New Jersey!

After landing on the ground and giving my sister a hug, the next objective was a very clear one: 

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

We were on target and on time.

Once we were done chompin', we headed to my grandparent's house. After kisses and hugs hello, we were out on the town again running errands {including tending to the local church's *strawberry* gardens}

We enjoyed  a family Thai dinner with my Uncle as well tonight!

I miss my parents and home already

I am going to sleep so well... 

16/60

Today was my last day in Wisconsin:(

I already hate the idea of leaving my family and the comfort and happiness of home, but it is what needs to be done. 

The last day was definitely one of the best because I got to bumble with my Mom. That’s what my dad calls the action of wandering through stores just looking at things. My mom and I bumbled in Lake Geneva area, witnessing all of the rich families taking their Summer vacations on the Lake, spending lots of money on the freshest looks. We joined in on the trying on, but did not purchase anything.

Bathroom filled with the merchandise {find the peeping Molly}

*She's got it, yeah baby she's got it*

Once home after a full day, my mom took a nap as I made some more progress in the sock department {earlier post* trying to knit a pair of socks}.

Once we were ready to go, we only had an hour left till dinner, and we said at the beginning of the day that we were going to go to the gym {don't you hate how that happens}...so we improvised.
After moving the coffee table and chairs, we worked out in our living room under the guidance of a Fitness Blender YouTube video. I blared music in the background to distract us from our panting. My mom is a beast and can still do planks {and whatever she wants} even after a full shoulder surgery just a year and half ago!

We then met my Dad at a local restaurant that centers its whole menu around local in season ingredients, so it was pretty seat to eat there. Once our awesome diner was over, it was time to pack. Dad, my "packing buddy" fell asleep on my bed within five minutes, so I was left alone to pack.

Now for two hours of sleep!

15/60

Sleeping in: I love you

Relaxed start to the day with the usual scrambled eggs and orange juice. For some reason, I have recently been hooked on the idea of knitting a pair of socks, just like my Nana used to. I don't want to learn how to read a pattern or create crazy works of art...I just want to make socks. So I have embarked on my first pair. I will be making them solely off of the instructions of a YouTube video. We will see what happens.

This afternoon, my Dad and I took White Lighting out for a spin. It was a nerve wracking situation, but that is the case for any kind of airplane experience with me.

This evening my Mom made a great grilled chicken and vegetable dinner that makes my mouth water thinking about it even now at 12:00 at night. After dinner we witnessed history being made: the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup.

Lindsey cried. We all screamed. It was very emotional, but such a happy moment!

14/60

Bathtubs...

So many bathtubs...

I'm sure many of you have pondered the whereabouts of your kitchen sinks and washroom toilets, much like I have... not. So when my parents suggested a tour of the Kohler factory, I had mixed emotions. But we woke up early to take a long tour of the factory. Despite my initial internal reservations, the Kohler factory was AMAZING. It was interesting to the engineering side of me and the creative side! Many of their pieces incorporated artists' unique ideas combining various visions and functionality. It was so cool and I was so happy I got to go with my parents to nerd out.

I liked the pink toilets. Very retro

art.

We got lunch in the near by town, and ended up chatting with one of my dad's military buddies. I can't wait to do that someday with my Air Force friends.

Also, dominoes is a really fun game if you haven't tried it. We were up until midnight playing it.

K Byee

13/60

Today I did lot of adult things. I communicated with the movers for my first move {cancelling the move lol} and applied for my first apartment! WOOP.

Once all of the real world things were taken care of, my mom and I went out for a nice *crunchy* lunch. The hummus wrap I had was vegetarian as well as my Mom's carrot tacos and it was suprisingly yummy.

After lunch we went out on a walk around a local dirt bike park. The three mile loop had obstacles set up all around and I spent about 98% of the walk thinking about if I would die trying to do them with my bike or not! The answer was yes. Absolutely dead.

Tonka came on the walk and is probably going to sleep for the next century because of all of the exercise. 

Poopers {Tonka}

12/60

Another calm day here in Wisco.

Dadio was out of town with work, so my Mutti and I had the whole house and day to ourselves. After finishing up some projects around the house, we embarked on our first bike riding adventure of the year. The bike tires needed to be refreshed with some new air, but other than that they were ready to go. I wanted to bring our dog and let him ride in a an open box on the back of our bikes, but Mom said not a good idea. BOO.

Teeny tiny stop sign, or huge Mom and bike?

Cue Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks

We ended the day with a meal of fine Wisconsin sushi that we ate at a table in the middle of our drive way.

The Capitals won. Mom and I were hype. It was hype.

11/60

Wazzap

Wisconsin: Land of the beer, home of the cheese

Today was a very relaxed day with nothing grand and exciting to report; which is just what I needed. My parents and I got the privilege of sleeping in this morning, only to wake up to the smell of Mom baking a cake for later in the evening. While the cake was being made, Dad prepared lemon poppy seed waffle batter. I cut the strawberries {a very difficult task if you ask me}. My mom put the cake in the oven, then fifteen minutes after cooking realized that she forgot to put the water from the recipe in the mix. Her small bubble was popped for a bit, but she was resilient and used the dense cake to make a torte! YEEEEEEE

We went to church after breakfast and then cleaned the house for some people to come over later. We stopped a food truck gathering before everyone came over to grab some food {2/3 trucks had no food haha} and drinks

After the trucks, some friends cam over to hang out and celebrate my graduation! Naturally I celebrated in my PJ pants...

Now I go to sleep and dream of torte and happy times...

10/60

With a super late night last night {see last post}, this morning's early wake up was a bit painful. It is a different, less severe pain knowing that you have a day full of actives to stay awake for compared to a day full of classes, homework, and group projects.

Today we woke up early to volunteer at an Agape House location near by. They were in need of lots of yard work, painting, and just basic upkeep. The facilities are available for troubled young girls/teenage girls to stay and find their identity. From rebellion to poor life situations, these girls are sheltered, fed and cared for while constantly being reminded of our God that loves each and every one of them. The family that owned the location cared so much and did not take lightly the responsibility of the job they had. They love each of of their girls and support each of their unending potentials. My parents and I were assigned a chipped set of stairs to clean and stain.


It was hard work, but it was a great way to help out and spend time with my family together. That and other projects consumed the day. For diner, my mom wanted me to cook a challenging {not macaroni out of a box} meal, so I picked Shepherd's pie! Anything with potatoes on it is a win in my book. It turned out well and I only used 50 pans and every surface in the kitchen to do it haha {not efficient at all}
Home is great. I hope my kids want to come back home one day.

boom

9/60

When traveling, be ready for most things NOT to go to plan. You can prepare and put everything in the right place, but planes will be delayed, bags will be lost, and all will go to the wind very quickly. 

Traveling the whole day was exhausting, but it  was very very much worth it traveling home to Wisconsin. Knowing my family was at the other end of my travels made it more of an enjoyable experience, and less of a chore. 

I flew from San Jose to Atlanta, GA for my first leg of the day. It was hard saying goodbye to some of my teammates before this flight. Some of them I will see at pilot training, but some I have no idea when our paths will cross. It's very scary thinking that I will not be able to casually enjoy a Mitch's meal with them, or a trip to Chick-fil-a ever again with some of my best friends. I know that if they are important to me, and visa versa, our friendships will still be intact. 

Because they are the best of ships. 

My flight got delayed because of thunderstorms, but goodness did it make for a beautiful sunset...

ooooooooohhhhhh, ahhhhhhhhhh

While on the move I traveled with my backpack {45 liter} as a carry on, a small packing cube as my "purse", and lots of layers. I traveled with a scarf to use as a pillow/blanket, three jackets, and sneakers on {my toes get cold}. This set up has been working very well for me {last three flights}, so I think this is an outfit that I will stick to for the rest of the summer. 

I will show you everything I pack for my trip in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!

On our way back from the air port {12:30 am} we hit a deer with our car. The car was damaged, but it was not NEARLY as bad as what was expected {thank God for the 100000000th time}

8/60

Today marks the last full day that I am here in Costa Rica. The day was filled by sweets talks with friends, time hanging out and enjoying the morning, and being a bit nostalgic with the day's activity.

In classic Ferguson fashion, I was very excited when the group and I decided to go horse back riding on the beach! The farm the horses belonged to was hands down the most beautiful sight I saw during this trip. The hills and jungle trees framed a safe haven for the Stallions and Mustangs that sprinkled the fields. The trainer for all of the horses, Diego, was a special spirit that all of the animal trusted and loved. Sweat dripping off of his forehead he spent extra time with the little month old baby horse, Camilia, showing her that he is nothing but a friend to her. It was homey being back in the saddle and the whole experience was a dream (except for the sun burnt booty cheeks still).

The day was closed by card games and conversation. Some people got one last late night swim in while others discussed the intricacies and amazing things that happen during child birth. Just riveting conversations really. Nothing is off limits with PTWOBs.

I am going to miss it here in Costa Rica where the world seems to stop for a little bit, yet I am very excited to head home to see my family. This week was a good test for me to be ready for the rest of the summer. The most important thing that I realized...I need to bring more ibuprofen.

Cheers Quepos, you were good to us!