This summer was one of adventure--one that inspired me to pick up my dreams and not be afraid to carve out my own path. I've always been a "system" type of person who needed to fit into a cultural norm to feel secure. After a year of detoxing from my workaholic, Type A tendencies I've found so much freedom in simply being.
Here's a look back on my favorite moments from summer 2014:
5/29/2014: Amsterdam
Even though only three hours here were spent out of the airport, what an adventure to walk the streets of such an iconic city. I wish there was more time to take in the sights and sounds, but just a quick tour, cappuccino, and snapshot were enough to make this a stop worth remembering.
6/2/2014: Camel riding in the Dubai desert
You may get to ride a camel and you may visit a desert but the two together...that's a pretty good day.
6/6/2014
As an outdoor enthusiast this picture captures one of the most unique experiences of my life: hiking up a wadi in the desert mountains of Oman. It's one of those once in a lifetime experiences and all I can say is it's a bucket list item I never knew I had.
9/9/2014
Why go to another country and experience the "culture" if you don't even talk to the people? Getting to know so many individuals with such unique backstories was the highlight of my Dubai experience. One of these people was Adebole, a woman originally from Nigeria now working in Dubai. Her story made such an impact on my life. My time in the Middle East was worth so much more because of the relationships.
9/14/2014
From the desert heat to the heart of Texas what a joy it was to celebrate the wedding of one of my favorite people. My former roommate Whitney Parker was a beauty and I loved connecting back with so many people after traveling overseas.
This is Tom. Tom is a serious man. He is serious about eating his chicken and waffle sandwich from Waffle Champion in OKC. How blessed am I to have a father who frequently gets to stop by the sooner state for a meal with his daughter? Also, this man trained me to explore the many hidden foodie spots a city can offer. I did that a lot this summer...
6/26/2014
Shiloh, bringer of peace. A road trip to Dallas for a baby shower turned into a puppy-fest. Everyone needs a little literal puppy love now and then. If only they stayed that size forever.
6/30/2014
Nine months later and don't worry, no baby, just two official Equip graduates. I took the past year to attend my church's discipleship training school and emerged amazed by the faithfulness God shows those who seek him. I learned what intimacy with Jesus looks like, how to walk out a missional lifestyle, and dealt with heart issues I never knew I had. My life was rocked and it was just a simple yes--putting my ambitions on hold and letting God shift my perspective.
Then there was Colorado. Five blissful days of learning just how dedicated I am to my love of the outdoors...and how long it takes to climb a mountain in higher altitude. Just a hint, you'll be taking a lot of breaks on day #1. Taylor Park Reservoir, you certainly added an unforgettable memory to summer 2014.
There are those places where just the smell can usher in a tidal wave of memories. When I catch a whiff of fallen apricots drying in the summer heat and the dry mountain breeze I know I've arrived in Chelan, WA. After a stretch of six years I finally got back to the valley last year and made a well needed return trip again this summer. It was a bittersweet visit. Saying goodbye to a Grammy so full of life was not easy but celebrating and remembering her was such a tribute. Other celebrations included my impromptu 10k. Who knew you could jump up after a month of running retirement and kill yourself for six miles. Now I do. Maybe next year I'll train better. Or maybe I'll just stick to the lake and wine tastings.
Heading east to Broken Arrow, OK, home to the childhood and family of one Jordan Egli was a great way to cap off summer road tripping. May I also just say, we coordinated for a wedding without even trying #winning.
8/9/2014
I only wish I could have gone to more movie nights in the park at the Myriad Gardens in OKC. It's a testament to this crazy, beautiful summer that we could sit outside from 6 to 11pm and have perfect weather the whole night. Plus, I had to show off our picture in the Jurassic Park jeep. Pretty swanky road candy.
A peaceful evening out on the lake just slinging a line into the water. I may have only gotten a few nibbles, but just casting correctly made it worth it.
8/24/2014
An NFL draft party. It could just be a house full of guys wearing jerseys solemnly selecting their players while clutching a PBR and eyeballing the next guy's draft picks...or it can be a classy cocktail party complete with martinis and hors d'oeuvres. I suggest you follow our lead next season.
Don't forget to adventure today!
-Ray
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