The Mundane

The mundane of life for me was to boring. Coming back to the States, is a sea of mixed emotions. Out of all the people I've met at airports or in small town USA, they have all asked the same question: "What made you go to New Zealand?" My answer is always the same: I felt like my life was empty and I wanted to start traveling and get out of the mundane of going after the "American Dream". The reaction to that answer has been one of two things: 1. Good for you! 2. You're really brave.... 

Oh really though, it's not me that's brave, I'm just doing as I'm told. Which is a good thing too. 

I've really been in Genesis 32:22-32 when Jacob wrestles with God. I feel like I'm wrestling with God and Man right now. Transitioning back into "normal" life and only being back for 6 weeks is a hard thing. I've done culture shock before but this is like mental culture shock, having to curve my language or explain myself. It's not that bad but it's hard for me to fully get across what I've been through. I guess that's for anyone though. 

It hasn't even been a week yet but I know that although this time is short it's going to be amazing. 

The Looking Glass...

Here I sit in the room of my youth, in the state of cheese, in the land of the free....

Looking at this 'world' with a different lens on is a hard thing to do. When I've come from living simply, back to living in a country where you can't get things fast enough. Don't get me wrong I love this country, I am American after all. Although after being away for so long though I don't know if I'm even that.

Driving is definitely an experience. I haven't driven on the wrong side yet but there were some close calls. It just feel so weird. I find my right hand going for the blinker and my left hand is going to shift. Because in NZ I have a stick so shifting with my left hand has become normal.

I am loving the fact that it's summer here. It gives me the chance to really catch up with people. That being said, if you would like to catch up please let me know. My number is 608-214-9883. Or you can email me at courtodd@tds.net.

I found this quote by C.S. Lewis. I think it really simplifies where I am right now...

America?

Alright America, we have something we need to talk about!

I'm currently sitting in LAX because I have a 9 hour layover here before I get back to the beautiful Midwest! I mean I'm in the domestic terminal so most if not all of the people here are American. I haven't realized until now how much I've changed. Call it culture shock....

If you've never experienced culture shock then I envy you. This has probably been the worst so far. Which the lack of sleep factors in as well. The lady behind me on the plane kept kicking my seat when she was sleeping on accident. Still it didn't help. I have met some lovely people though while waiting!

Oh then the kicker was that while sitting among a lot of people and I mean a lot a man strolls a woman in a wheelchair up and asks me if I speak spanish. I mean among all the people and I get picked out! Ah, well I guess it's back to normal then. My welcome home greeting from the immigration was lovely. Joking my way through customs is always fun. I will say that you can tell who the first timers are and who the experienced people are. It was nice however to not be called a foreigner.

However I will say that I feel like a foreigner. It's going to be an interesting 6 weeks. I know I've changed, even the way I speak. Oh, it was a blessing though that on the long haul 12hour flight over here I had both seats on each side of me empty! So I got to spread out and try to sleep.

I miss NZ already. But I know that this 6 weeks of summer is going to be glorious! Just so amazing! I can't believe I'm here!!!!

packing sucks

I hate packing....

I must say that when you've lived somewhere for so long you collect a lot of crap. Although most of my stuff is clothing and trinkets but still it adds up. I have these silly weight requirements for the airlines. Let's just say I will probably be leaving some stuff back here. 

Oh another chapter is starting. I'm pretty stoked to come home though. It's been a while, I'm sure much has changed and many people have either moved on or stayed the same. 

I feel like such a changed person from when I was last home. I'm stoked to catch up with everyone to see what's happened and what's new! It's gonna be awesome! So Sunday July 22nd I will be touching down in Minneapolis at 5am. I really touch down in America on the 21st but I don't get home until the day later! 

Whirlwind Week

This my dear friends is the face of a 23 year old. Yes I am 23 years old. I know it's real hard to believe! Even for me! So I had the privilege of starting off this week with my birthday bang! We had a dessert night and everyone prayed for me. It was awesome to just hangout with everyone and see the joy in communing with each other truly come out! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Alas I am 23. That's alright though!   

To end this week we had GRADUATION! This is a picture of all the interns. We finished 3 months of hardcore prayer! It was awesome! I love everyone on this school and I know we are all going on to do great things! It was a pleasure to do this unique internship with all of them. They are all authentic human beings!

I feel like this week went by too fast!  

This is Francois and Nathan. These two are truly amazing nineteen year old men! 

Some of the girls from the internship.

And last but not least, to end this week I am packing up almost 3 years of my life to come home for a short stint. I just want to make this clear: I HATE PACKING! It's a pain and everything becomes a mess. As well I don't want to leave this beautiful land that I call my home. I love it here with all my friends and 'family'. I know I'll be back but for now it's bittersweet. I will be home a week from today. Which is really hard to believe! I'm excited to come to the land of America where all the food is tasteful and the people can understand my accent. It's been 19 months since I've been in America. I'm stoked to see everyone and be in my old stomping grounds again! Until then my friends Bless you all....

New Age Mrs. Kravitz

Oh good ole Mrs Kravitz. Bewitched ran from 1964-1972. I grew up watching this show. I loved the older shows like I dream of Jeannie, The Brady Bunch and  so on. Even though I was born in the 80's. So the reason I bring up the nosy neighbor is because we all have one in our lives and inside us. I figure the older you get the more and more it comes out. Ha I may be picking on the older generation here but, it's true, when you become a grandparent, or a parent even this side of you comes out. 

"Abner, I think I ought to go over there!"

"What do you think they're doing?!"

"I don't want them peaking over here while I'm spying on them!"

Oh some famous quotes from her. I know that I have a few Mrs. Kravitz's in my life and I am admittedly one myself. I know it's the curiosity inside of us all! The "New Age Mrs. Kravitz" is on the internet now, when people look at your facebook, twitter, or any other device that lets you see everything! Which is pretty creepy. I think I liked the old way of Mrs. Kravitzing. I know that the grandparents generation still do that and I'm thankful for that! For me it keeps me on my toes and in line. or.... does it improve my ninja skills? hmm.... 

So yes, for those of you reading this and nodding your head yes, I know what you're talking about then I applaud you. For those of you that are to young to remember this show then you need to go watch it and get some culture in your life.... 

Keep on Mrs. Kravitzing! 

Old Glory

HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY AMERICA! 

Oh to be home for the 4th. This is my third year of not being home for the fourth of July! But for all of you that are home in the glorious summer, bless you and bless your night! I will be being patriotic tonight with my fellow Americans with a good ole cookout!