Snapshots of Germany

This past February I had the opportunity to go visit my brother and sister-in-law in Germany. Germany never fails to draw me in with its magic. I could spend forever walking along its cobblestone streets with my face up towards the sky staring at steeples. I adore peeking into crowded bookshops, even when every book is in German or French, or finding tea shops that smell like a million different flowers. And I haven't even gotten started on the food.

But most of all, I love my family there. My brother and his wife. Their love for Christ overflows in their love for one another and the love they have for those around them. Being with them is being at home, which makes Germany feel like a little sliver of home. I just adore anytime spent with them and always leave feeling refreshed and encouraged.

Where/who is a little piece of home for you, away from home? Something or someone that feels just like on giant, warm hug. I dearly hope we all have a place or person like that, and that we can be that person for others. 

Praying you have a peaceful week,

Elizabeth

How Eating Snails Changed My Life

As I grabbed my backpack and walked toward the van taking us to SeaTac, my friends and I were surrounded by crying, fear struck family members. There was this nervous air surrounding us, yet I didn’t quite understand why. Was going to North Africa really going to be that scary? 

When I get asked as to why I like to travel, the first thing I say is, “To experience new cultures and meet amazing people.” Having lived in America all my life, I started creating this safe little bubble. The starving kids or hurricane-ravaged cities seemed so far away. Those countries and people living in them started to become “others” to me.

When I began to tell people I was going to North Africa back in March 2016, the first thing they’d say to me was normally along the lines of, “Is that really safe?” Or “You should probably go somewhere more welcoming.” Yet, not one of these people had visited the country I was going to. 

While on my trip, some of my friends and I visited a woman living in one of North Africa’s larger cities. Without even knowing who we were, she welcomed us into her tiny home with open arms. Right away, we were sat down and given food. We laughed together as we watched Saudi Arabian soap dramas and drank mint tea. Through a translator, she told us her story, crying as she held up pictures of her loved ones. Her story was a sad one, with her husband having another family he lives with and the struggle to provide for her children, yet there was so much giving in her. Even with the language barrier, I felt so connected with this lady. Leaving was the hardest part, for as she gave me a kiss on each cheek, I couldn’t help but think that I would never see her again. 

This woman was one of the people my friends and family were telling me was unsafe, merely because she lived in North Africa and didn't have the same privileges many of us in Western cultures have. 

This is why traveling is so valuable. The people I met along the way showed me just how ignorant of a life I had been living. Suddenly, they became real people with real problems, feelings, and families. People with real lives. No longer was I an outsider, living on the other side of the world, pretending to know how these people live, act and interact with one another. Instead, I was being welcomed into their homes and treated like one of them. And not because I asked to, but because they wanted me to.

As I prepare to leave for North Africa once again in the fall, I call out the crying and the “it’s not safe over there.” I tell my friends and family about being welcomed into homes of strangers and being taught how to make traditional meals, or being brought to “secret” local places and tricked into eating snails. I talk about the friendliness and love I experienced by almost every single person I met. The laughs, tears, hugs, and blessings. But most of all, I urge them to go. 

I urge them to go out of their comfort zones and greet the world like friends. To not deem places of being unsafe because of appearance, the media, or prejudice. I urge them to go experience the world outside of the tiny bubble the people of America have created for themselves. Because that is what changed my life.

Will you let it change yours? 

What will you do? Don't feel like traveling is scary, or even unattainable. Go experience this beautifully diverse world we live in. Don't shy away from sharing the gospel and loving the people in every corner of the world you travel to. Step out of your comfort zone. Do it! You will never regret it.

If you would like to learn more about my upcoming travels, shoot me an email at whimsicalthoughtss@gmail.com

Happy Traveling!

Elizabeth

Backpacking Through Ireland

Hello friends,

As you may know if you follow me on Instagram (go do it), I went to Ireland over spring break. I'd always wanted to visit everywhere and anywhere in Europe, so after I found out my friend Chloe would be there over my spring break, I knew this was the time to go. My friend Sasha, who has been living in Russia the last few months, also was able to meet us. Honestly, seeing these girls and getting away from work and college was SO needed.

I've had multiple people ask me "So Liz, how was Ireland?" And honestly, I've never sure how to respond. Awesome. Great. Amazing. Adventurous. New. Tiring. Good, so so good. It was one of those experiences, that the entire time leading up to it, and even while I was there, I couldn't quite believe it. But what truly made the trip so memorable were the girls I spent it with. From getting dropped off on the side of the street in the middle of nowhere at night after missing a bus stop and getting snowed in at our airbnb, to sneaking in a third person into our hotel room (lots of giggles involved ) and visiting a Lord of the Rings themed pub with a "stalker" trailing us, there were so many crazy times where we just had to laugh (and frantically figure out what to do). I was so thankful they were by my side the entire time.

When I was preparing to leave, I knew I wanted to visit the Cliffs of Moher. Let me tell you, they were amazing! If you can get past all the tourists and are daring enough to venture past the walkway (ahem and ignore a couple signs) you will find yourself much more alone and with a better view.

I didn't realize just how much beautiful scenery Ireland had to offer, though, and my friends and I only explored a tiny scratch of it.

Can't get enough from just photos? Want to watch a weird video of my friends and I? Go for it darling.

Wow guys, it's been a long time. I got back from Ireland completely refreshed, but then work started again, and my final quarter of college before I graduate with my Associate's (three more weeks!!) and I just got so tired. Have you ever been so tired or overwhelmed that the things your normally love become a chore? That's what writing was becoming, so I had to take a step back for a little bit. But boy did I miss you all.

Have you traveled anywhere cool lately? Whether it's a camping trip, road trip, another state, or an entirely new country, let me know down below!

Have a wonderful rest of your week dear friends,

Elizabeth

Your Burdens are NOT yours Alone

Hey there friends,

Today I'm here to share that LOOK, it was beautiful, warm, and sunny on a winter day in Western Washington. Pure magic, huh? No joke though, it was over 70 degrees and warm enough for me to walk around barefoot on the beach. IN WINTER. I honestly can't handle the excitement. 

In all seriousness, though, this is exactly what I needed. The weekend felt like an answer to prayer. After a full quarter of work 35+ hours a week and taking a full load of college courses, I've been feeling so drained (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). In my frustration, I just called out to God asking Him what is my purpose? Every day has been the same process, the same routine. Wake up, drink coffee, do last minutes homework, go to classes, talk to people, go to work, get yelled out, go home, do homework, sleep. Over and over and over. What is my purpose? Because it just feels like I'm going nowhere. 

Instead of answering my question directly (He's already given me the answer, after all) He sent me peace in the form of sunshine and a dear friend willing to go on a spontaneous adventure. 

My friend Demi and I got into her car o Monday, smoothies in hand and polaroids ready, and headed off to Deception Pass. It's a beautiful spot that I've visited year after year with my family, but never on such a clear and less busy day. We sat in the warm sun overlooking the water for awhile and just talked about everything other than school. Later on, we went down to the beach. Right away I took my shoes off and started running along the water, dodging waves and pebbles. 

And it's day like these where God's goodness just overflows me with joy. The sunshine shows me what I was missing in the darkness.

It's so easy for me when I've stressed and overwhelmed to take it all and put it on my back. I don't want to ask people for help, I don't like calling up a friend when I'm crying to give me comfort. I so often forget to simply just ask the Lord for his guidance and peace. When all I'm doing is questioning Him, I'm not allowing Him to pour His love and peace over me and giving Him a part of the load to carry. But guys, we are not called to do this life all by ourselves. We are much too much of failures to do that. 

So here I am, in a coffee shop staring out the window where rain once agains falls freely outside, yet I am reminded of the sun. I'm reminded that out of darkness, there is light. But most of all, I am reminded that my burdens are not mine alone. 

I know dear friends that this life can be so hard, so so tiring. I know there can be so much darkness and hurt and loneliness. But it's so important in the midst of that, to remember who the light is. Remember who you can ALWAYS call out to and place your burdens on. (Hint, it's Jesus). Your burdens are not yours alone. He takes our failures and makes them beautiful. I think that's down right amazing, don't you agree? 

AND on another note, finals are officially over for me!! *cue confetti* I leave for Ireland tomorrow night (Thurs. Mar. 15th), so if you want to follow me and my adventures, don't forget to check out my instagram! 

Love you all so much,

Elizabeth

2017 Year in Review

January.

started my second quarter of college and met one of my now closest friend (Demetria) in my Pacific Northwest History and Advanced Composition class.
was working on my poetry blog Chasing Moonlight (go check it out-I just posted something new).
really just did a whole lot of schoolwork, listened to a plethora of musicals, read a ton of good books, and dealt with being sick for a week or two.

blog posts:
Hey There January
Life Happenings
Favorite Period Drama Soundtracks
Job 1-2

February.

ate SO many hot fudge pop tarts after my yoga class. exercise made me hungry and they were always just right outside, sitting in the vending machine, waiting for my $1.
realized that blogging was hard and that working + being a college student made focusing on my passions very difficult.
spent a lot of time at the college laughing with my best friend Chloe, eating french fries, and talking in class (sorry professors).

blog posts:
Hey There February
On Vulnerability
I'm a Bad Blogger

March.

housesat in the middle of nowhere with two adorable pups to keep me company but also like no food and no coffee maker and no warm fire. i may or may not have slept with a bat next to my bed.
died because of finals but also killed them so really whose the real winner here?
went to Portland for spring break with my beautiful mama. we ate way too much food, did way too much shopping, and listened to way too many oldies. 10/10.
and visited Multonomah Falls which was super pretty but really cold.
also had to deal with super weird weather in Washington because one day it was like 60 degrees and sunny and then suddenly it would snow and i just couldn't handle it.

blog posts:
Hey There March
Job 3-5
Top Five Winter Reads

April.

started my third quarter of college and took some super awesome classes, including intro to fiction and journalism.
fell super behind on blogging and didn't post my travel diary till a little bit after I had returned from spring break.
redesigned my blog with the help from Julia and Sarah (bless you girls). i'd been wanting to do it for so long and I'm still super happy with it <3
celebrated Easter with my beautiful family and remembered the sacrifice of Christ and His amazing amazing grace.
got my senior pictures taken by the lovely lovely Elissa and she did such a good job guys!

blog posts:
Hey There April
Travel Diary: Portland

May.

went to homeschool "prom" and swing danced with a ton of my close friends and ate pasta and kind of killed my feet (heels are not my friends).
got accepted into my dream university but later learned that dreams change and life happens.
i got hired at my first official job at Red Robin and have since then ate many fries, learned that not everyone is always very nice (customer service ppl raise your hand), and met some pretty cool coworkers.
also murphy turned 1!! so that's pretty exciting.

blog posts:
Hey There May
Travel Diary: Multonomah Falls
The Ultimate Family Night

June.

my brother zachary got married to my beautiful sister in law, Nicole. but then they moved to montana and left us all behind, but still. they're so cute!
i graduated high school and also finished my first year of college, both with a lot of sweat and tears. i had my graduation party and got to celebrate with my family and friends.
the little bro turned 16 and got his license (which is so crazy!)
i went on lots of adventures with my family and friends including exploring seattle, hiking to a hidden lake, and hopping on rocks along the water.

blog posts:
Hey There June
Life Right Now
On Change

July.

4th of july meant sleeping under the stars, fireworks, roasting marshmallows, bike riding, and backyard baseball.
i started summer classes which was honestly the worst decision but oh well, you live and you learn.
created my summer bucket list which basically included lots of adventures and eating food with friends.
went on my first camping trip of the summer with my friend Demetria. we camped in the north cascades and explored Winthrop and died of heat.
bought my hammock and basically used it all the time. best purchase of the summer maybe?

blog posts:
Hey There July
My Summer Bucket List
Hiking Fragrance Lake
Camping in the Cascades

August.

the berries came out and murphy and i spent a lot of time eating them and getting sunburnt.
my dear friend sasha came and visited me and we drank lots of coffee and explored mountains and made plans for the future and ate lots of ice cream.
lots of homework happened as i fought to finish my summer classes without failing too many of them.
explored seattle part II. but this time it was with Chloe and we bought flowers and ate fish n chips and went on the ferris wheel and also struggled to find parking (because that's seattle for ya)

blog posts:
Exploring the North Cascades
Feeling Stuck

September.

said goodbye to chloe as she left for YWAM and the adventure of a lifetime <3
went on my first ever family-free road trip and even though i love my family, it was just an entirely different kind of awesome adventure.
first we stopped in portland and did way too much shopping. we also spent some time eating lots of food and dancing around flower beds.
then we went to in n out and OH MY WORD so so yummy
afterwards we arrived in yosemite which was honestly the prettiest place ever. the hike killed me but also it was so worth it.
then we hugged super big trees in the redwood forests.
and finally we drove up the oregon coast, ran around in the sand, visited lighthouses, and attempted to find campsites that were still open (it was a struggle).
i started my 2nd year of college and wow did it kick my butt.
i also got a job as the assistant editor of the college newspaper AND a writing consultant at my college's writing center, so all in all some pretty cool opportunities.

blog posts:
Walking the Streets of Seattle
Your Light Matters

October.

my mom and step dad left for a road trip and that meant parties at my house (aka chilling with the lil bro and eating lots of french fries)
sasha came to visit me again and i brought her to my favorite place ever, the north cascades. We did lots of gazing at mountains, shivering, and picture taking.
i dressed up like a cat at work and tons of little kids laughed at me.
pumpkin patch time!! totally carved my pumpkin with a christmas tree because i couldn't wait.


blog posts:
The Summer of 2017
When Life Gets Too Busy

November.

went on my first college retreat and had such an amazing time meeting new friends, worshipping Jesus, and having a 2010 dance party.
got an a on my psych presentation and i'm still so so happy!
my momma turned 50 and she's still just as beautiful and silly as ever ;)
all three of my brothers and i reunited and it felt soooo good. even though it was just a few days long and under sad circumstances, it was still such a special time.
my car got a little excited for christmas and wasn't afraid to flaunt it.

blog posts:
Why Christmas Starts on Nov. 1st

December.

fall quarter ended which meant lots of homework but then sweet relief.
i turned 19 and was able to have a whole bunch of my super close friends celebrate with me by going to bookstores and eating burgers.
my family and i went to leavenworth which is this super adorable town that celebrates Christmas like non other and has super yummy taffy.
christmas was magical because it meant lot's of family time and laughter with friends and i just love it.
also i was gifted all the illustrated harry potter books which are just so darn beautiful i could cry.
and i ended my year with family and friends and headed into the new year so happy and SO blessed (and also, again, in the north cascades).

blog posts:
Instagram Doesn't Show Everything

How was the year of 2017 for you? Give me a recap and let me know what you're grateful for this year. Having you all as readers and continuously supporting me has meant SO much and I cannot wait to continue on with the year of 2018!

Love you all lots,

Elizabeth