Travel Journal #2

     Wednesday 26th September

Chapel at Freed Hardeman then set off for Searcy. Realised we left the projector in Gallatin - doh! - so we detoured to the Apple store in Memphis to get a connector for Dad's computer. We got to Searcy, Arkansas, to the Shelton's house, had a bit of dinner, met Hannah's fiencee Jake and chatted for a while about the trip so far. Went to bed and slept amazingly. 

     Thursday 27th September

Today marks a year since God took Mum home to be with Him. We didn't plan anything for today. I stayed in, blogging, played guitar, editing photos and such, speaking with some good friends back home. Went to Hannah and Jake's flat-to-be which Jake is living in at the moment, went to a coffee shop 'Midnight Oil' and came back to the house to chill for a bit.

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/remember-remember.html

     Friday 28th September

I went to chapel with Hannah this morning, Corey Stumne gave the devotional and it was brilliant! I went with Hannah and Jake to register for wedding gifts at Hallmark. Fun stuff. 
Went to lunch at a mexican restaurant with Dad and the Brown's (went to school with their oldest daughter and Hannah on my 7th Birthday!) and we went to a place called 'Shorty's' for dinner tonight. Pretty small place out in nowhere pretty much but they do excellent catfish! #hanginwiththelocals From there we went to 'Get Down Downtown' where there were a bunch of market stalls and food vans and a stage with country singers. We got some amazing ice cream from a wee shop and went into this really groovy 'open studio' thing where artists have their own cubicle for making stuff and they can display it so when the public walks around their pieces can be bought! Crazy cool.

     Saturday 29th September

Went to the Beebe flea market - BIT of a 'cultural experience', looked properly like a 3rd world country.. IT was interesting to say the least. We then went to Little Rock to see Hannah's older sister Sarah who is a Pharmacist there. We walked a bit across the bridge, went to a cool food emporium place and stood on the War Memorial Stadium's Football field. Pretty cool! 
Had dinner at the house with the Brown's and went to my first ever American Football game, Harding Bison's vs. ECU (Oklahoma) Tigers and we won 31-14 it was so much fun! (And that was another Harding "FIRST DOWN!" woop woop!) I am now a fan.

     Sunday 30th September

So it was a year since we had a Bithday dinner and cake for Mum, without her.

   Went to church, Dad preached and I cried when he mentioned Mum and this anniversary. <3 A woman came up to us afterwards and told her it touched her as well as today is her son's birthday, and she lost her husband earlier this year. We sat in on a college bible class talking about religion and science, the guy mentioned some philosophical terms and schools of thinking which I actually understood and I felt all studious again aha. Went back to the house for dinner sandwiches and some friends of the Shelton's came round to eat with us. We then to Harding to hear their University Choir and and evening Lecture beginning the Lectureship officially! Monte Cox spoke about 'Faith in a New Place and Time', kicking off the talks for the week which were all taken from the book of Joshua. Hannah and I then went to an evening song service for the youth at a church nearby and I met up with a friend Sophie and stayed in her dorm for the night which was fun! Met her friends and enjoyed a late trip to Walmart :]

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-do-you-know-when-youre-in-love.html

     Monday 1st October

First day of lectureship! Got ready and head into 10am chapel - which Dad was giving all this week, (student chapel at 9am and 10am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Lectureships) which can be found on iTunes, if you follow this link it will come up in your iTunes App store - just search for the speaker 'Patrick Boyns' and you shall hear my Daddy! 

https://itunes.apple.com/institution/harding-university/id448940916

   Had lunch at the house and went to a women's lecture in the afternoon with Hannah on the verse 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' It was really inspiring, 3 women in different circumstances - the 'single' household, the 'newly-married' household and the 'mother and grandmother' household. They spoke to us briefly about their experiences in their relationships and how it has influenced their service to the Kingdom. Lunch and dinner at the houseWe all went to the evening lecture given by Keith Tompson entitled 'Faith That Doesn't Fear the City.'

     Tuesday 2nd October

Chapel with Lori. Went to a women's lecture with Lori entitled 'Women's Ministry and Programs: Leading the Journey' given by Anessa Westbrook. Went to one art exhibition called 'A Tourist of Saints: a photo graphic journal of Haiti'. Went to Hannah's British Novel class - Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush! Lunch with Hannah and Jake at a Mexican restaurant. The evening lecture was given by Clifton Ganus, who is about 90 years old, spoke about a 'Faith That Grows Stronger With Age.' We caught up with an old friend of Dad's, Dwight Smith, and then went to Bruce McLarty's for tea after evening lecture and sat with a bunch of great people - then came back and blogged about it. :] 

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/10/thank-you-for-purple-people.html

     Wednesday 3rd October 

Chapel in the morning with Lori then went round the mission tables, bought some wee gifts and picked up leaflets. Went to the second art exhibition - a series of prints based on passages from Joshua. Didn't get to go to the student lecture I had wanted to catch, but I'll catch it on iTunes, it was given by Will Waldron called 'Connections Through the Cross'. Went to Hannah's meeting about wedding catering in one of the Harding offices. Came home and blogged. Dinner in the house out to the evening lecture given by Nathan Guy called 'Faith That Is Constantly Renewed.' 
http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/10/b-e-u-tiful.html

     Thursday 4th October

Day in sorting stuff and packing. Bit of writing. Edited photos. Dinner at night with the Shelton's and played the 'game of things' 'til late. FUNNY stuff. 

Travel Journal #1

   Hello Readers! 

Of course you've been dying to know what shenannegans I have played part in on this wonderful continent, and you shall find out all right here. I blogged the day after our arrival across the pond and if you missed it, you can read about the journey here:

http://thoughtsofshellymarie.blogspot.com/2012/09/safely-arrival-across-pond.html
Otherwise, the rest of this post will take the form of a Travel Journal, as well as future travel updates. Enjoy!

     Tuesday 18th September 

London - Chicago - Nashville - Gallatin

     Wednesday 19th September

Woke up to a beautiful poolside sight. Sat in the glorious heat for a bit, went to the church building to pick up the projector for presentations. Anna May made me a pitcher of sweet tea! Evening service at Bill and Anna May's congregation.

     Thursday 20th September

Late start, went shopping for some cowboy boots for me - no success. Looked round the Opryland Hotel, where we took lots of pictures and rode round the river on the wee boat. Went to TNT (Church youth group) with Will, beat him in pool :P then we got sweet tea from MacDonald's - Only in the South.. He then taught me how to drive in a parking lot! Introduced him to some decent British music and chatted for hours. Great times.

     Friday 21st September

Sunbathed! Something we don't get to do properly in Scotland... Dad went to see Ian Starrs for lunch and Gina came over with the boys, we chatted by the pool (as you do) then got stuff sorted for a big family meal.
   The children and grandchildren of the couple we're staying with all came over - The Carnes' (Jeff and Annette, Will and Clay), the Anderson's (Reid and Sheila, Ivieann and Allie) and the Butterfield's (Keith and Gina, Steven, David, Jonathan and Matthew). 

   Jeff brought over his guitar and after we ate we set up a bonfire and I played and sang for a bit. Lovely stuff. Then Clay, his friend Nick, Will and I drove to 'the ridge' to see the city lights at night, then casually on up to Kentucky and back. Just for a ride, so I've now been to Kentucky! Got malts from Sonic. So good.

     Saturday 22nd September

Went to Allie's softball game in the morning, she's quite the wee pitcher and her team won 12-2 so they're pretty good! Got cowboy boots!! On sale, twice over, good deal. 
Went quad biking, or 'four-wheeling' and had a bit of an accident... But I'm fine! Wasn't THAT bad of an accident, but I've got a few bruises I'll recover from easily and I bust my lip open, and they know lots of people who repair bikes... On top of that I got stung twice by a wasp, for the first time. I'm not allergic - thankfully. 

Then we went to the Grand Ole Opry (after me putting on lots of make up to cover the bruise developing on my cheek..) in Nashville - the show that made country music famous! Also the oldest show streamed on live radio - so there was an announcer who read out sponsor's advertisements which added greatly to the comedy factor. The show is a must if you're ever near Nashville, the line up changes frequently. We saw: John Conlee, Eden's Edge, Connie Smith, Mke Snider, Andy Gibson, Exile, Jean Shepherd, Jesse McReynolds, Opry Square Dancers, Riders In The Sky, Jimmy C. Newman and Lee Greenwood. Jolly Good times. 

     Sunday 23rd September

Wore my new boots to church! Exciting stuff. Had pot luck lunch with the congregation and a few people had heard me sing in the service and wanted to sing more with me so a small group of us sat on the pews and sang for about half an hour, was lovely. Some of the folk were heading to a nursing home to sing some more, so we went with them. Will and I went to Sonic after that, drove round for a bit and hung out with Clay before going to the evening service at their church. Went for dinner with Will, Clay, Nick, Caleb and his sister (church friends) at O'Charlie's then got ice cream at Baskin and Robinson's! Back to Bill and Anna May's where Clay proceeded to give Dad an hour long crash course on American football, so we're both quite clued up on the game now! 

     Monday 24th September

Up early to have breakfast with Anna May and Will. Got ready, did washing, edited photos from Saturday. Went to Walmart after lunch, got a cute maxi dress for $9! And some pj things for me, Shanae and Sara :] also some snacks for the journey tomorrow - Root Beer, Dr P, Gatorade, Ritz, Oreos and mini Snickers. Had dinner at Chilli's with Bill and Anna May, Annette, Dad, Will and Clay, then went to their church service - Can I get an Aaamen'ah. Went bowling with Caleb and Will, and I lost APPAULINGLY. Dang it. 

     Tuesday 25th September

Today I slept in, got up at about 8.30. Annette came over with Reid for lunch, we had roast ham and veg with rice, brownies and ice cream for pudding - feast! Nom. Dad and I left at about 1.30 for Henderson. Beata and Alex (children of Blackwelder's) contacted us to ask if I wanted to go with them to volunteer at a ranch which charitably, in association with a children's disability clinic, hosts sessions with physical therapists to take children round on horses  doing various activities with them whilst they practice their balance and use different muscle groups in positions on the horses. I said of course, so we met with them, and they showed me their own horses and goat and dogs before taking me to the ranch. 

It was really fun, Beata led the horse in '8' shapes, in circles and such whilst the therapist interacted with the child on the horse, Alex and I holding onto the harness to keep him steady as we went along. It was a really good experience and the wee man did so well, when we told him to kneel on the horse he went straight and stood up, clearly having seen others do it before and just thought -nope, not messing about with that, just go straight to it! Brilliant. I'll definitely look into doing it somewhere in the UK... 

   After that we went to Sonic and I got a burger and a shake nom nom nom. Then Alex drove me to Steve and Marie's. Here now, Marie and I got talking about University and English things, was lovely. Leaving for chapel tomorrow at 10 then lunch then skadoosh to Searcy! 

Dear God, thank you for the purple people.

'I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.' - Philippians 4:12

   I love this piece of scripture, the extreme situations of poverty and decadence which surround it, showing polarising images explaining that Christians should hold onto God no matter their circumstance, and be willing to accept their situations with thanksgiving to Him who gives all, and to get through struggles with 'Him who gives me strength' [4:13].

   Speaking to a friend briefly online before retiring for the night I sort of misquoted this, describing the night I had had, in a rather jovial fashion. I thought I would share with you the rather strange and uplifting evening I have had, in this short but sweet blog before bed!

   Being at Harding for the Lectureship, my Dad knowing many people his age or older and wanting to reconnect or connect for the first time with other active Christians, one of his friends invited us and a bunch of other 'experienced' folk (some more than others) round his home for some coffee and sweet things. We happily obliged, and in not too long the party was in full swing. Ages from 20 (me) and then between 35 and 70-something were swapping preacher tales and mission fables, hilarious quotes from colourful characters and figuring out common contacts on the ever growing Church family tree.

   Being the youngest in a family so familiar with hosting a wide range of ages, sizes and numbers in Campaign groups, Bible School meetings, family gatherings and Youth Weekends, I grew up being around all sorts of people. It was wonderful. And so useful when it comes to moments like these, which are increasingly frequent, when one has to converse with new people of a different age. It is lovely to get to know the new mothers, older mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, preachers, missionaries, elders and all sorts. To see our common love and devotion for God flourish through stories and memories with an undying passion is such an encouragement. I can only hope that when I'm 70-something I'll be running marathons bare foot, have learned ventriloquism, and be able to say I have changed someones life for the better. 

How do you know when you're in LOVE?

   I KNOW you're all dying to hear what Dad and I have been up to so far on our travels across the pond but we've done a lot and it'll take some time (especially picking out which pictures to show!) so you'll have to hold your horses a wee bit longer.

   I did, however, want to share with you something rather specific. We arrived in Henderson on Tuesday evening - staying with a couple Steve and Marie, the latter of which I would like to be able to say was inspiration for my Mum's nickname for me, 'Shelly Marie', but I'm not sure. We'll stick with that story though, as she is a wonderful woman, and an honour to be named after!

   On Wednesday morning we went to Freed Hardeman's chapel, before we were due to depart for Searcy that afternoon. The man doing the devotional at the chapel was really good, very well spoken and gave quite a lovely address. I will share with you what he said, in the hope you will also receive some of the same warm fuzziness in your heart that I did upon hearing his words...

   His task was to answer the question 'How do you know when you're in love?' A rather wonderful question which leads to so many prolific answers it is often considered rhetorically, without much conclusion. But this man seemed to have a pretty good answer...

   He said "It depends what kind of love you're talking about - brotherly love, family love, romantic love..." He went on to describe the feeling of being 'in-love', the butterflies, moist palms, heart-racing, gut-clenching feeling upon seeing, holding or even meeting that special someone. He asked "can it be real?" The feeling itself, of course, everyone who has experienced this will agree. But 'how real' it is, is what he moved on to talking about. "If it changed, does it get less?" Well, that depends on how it changes.
   He said LOVE, not 'love' is an "emotion, devotion and action". He Biblically expresses that you "can not serve two masters" because if you serve - if you devote yourself IN action - one thing or person, you can not do wrong to them even if you feel otherwise inclined. This is LOVE.
   He explains that to LOVE we must "Do good to them in spite of ourselves... It's a feeling, but it's your choice what you do with it."

"Some days you wont feel in love, but you don't stop loving... You never have the right to not act right."

We looked briefly at 1 Corinthians 13. 
He said you are 'in LOVE': "When everything you do is for their highest good. When you're willing I be patient and suffer with them, being kind. When you're willing to lift them up to your detriment. When you put them first, being kind and gracious to them no matter what."

"It doesn't matter what they do, you're responsible for what you do."

"When it gets past the emotion... You'll be well and truly on your way knowing that it's the real thing baby 'uh hu hu'..." He ends in a jovial tone, that last bit sounding like Elvis. It was a gooood chapel service.

    We arrived safely in Searcy on Wednesday and Thursday morning we went to the Harding chapel service. This was brilliant, given by one of the students. I shall tell you all about it later, it leads quite well into one of the points made a minute ago... 
   On a personal note - Today would have been Mum's 51st Birthday, had she still been on this earth. Dad mentioned it in his lesson in Church this morning and I found myself crying a bit in public for the first time in a wee while. It still hits me that she's not coming back in the strangest of ways. It is still foreign to me that she won't have any more Birthdays. And I'm still getting used to the idea that she's already with us, and that she is ok.


Peace and love, as always.

Safe arrival across the pond!

 

   A week ago I was in Glasgow getting the train from Dalmuir, where I had been staying with friends whose band had performed in Perth the Friday before, to East Kilbride. 
From there an American, Scotland residing, family friend let me hitch a ride home and this is what we arrived to. Intentionally waving the British flag? I think so. ;]

 
Dad and I departed the house at 0650hrs (GMT) on Tuesday morning and got a taxi to Peterborough train station. From there we went to London King's Cross, got the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow Terminal 3 and checked ourselves in to depart London at 1250. 

< Checked in and having lunch before our flight out... 


So exciting. We flew to Chicago where we picked up bags, re-checked in and took the hour flight to Nashville, Tennessee where our dear friends Bill and Anna May picked us up and took us to their house. I got some cracking photos of the sunset and cities on the flight from Chicago to Tennessee, and others from before and after our arrival. Here's just some of the lovely views I enjoyed yesterday...

Chicago...

The sun and the moon between Chicago and Tennessee...

Tennessee near Nashville...

Just like home. I have actually taken pictures enough to show you our trip - in Starbucks'! Maybe something to post later for your amusement...

 This was my wonderful view this morning after waking up SO EXCITED once I realised I was in America - going for a dip later methinks! 

   Carrying on with my original intent for this blog, here is just a brief entry from just over a year ago to remember the set up date for Mum's page on CaringBridge. The page is still running and can be found on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/juneboyns if you're interested in seeing it for yourself.

------------------------------------------

September 18th 2011
CaringBridges page set up for people to check on Mum’s situation/ leave messages/ donations to Papworth/ PHA…
Such a loving response so far… <3

------------------------------------------ 
   In their own words, CaringBridge is for 'Connecting Friends & Family During Health Events', it helps keep people updated with progress of treatment, it allows people to donate money to a personalised cause and it provides a bridge of contact to send messages of love and encouragement to those immediately affected by said health event. Through the site we received 257 notes of encouragement which we read to Mum when possible, hearing from so many people in such loving ways was an immense comfort for her at a time when it is so easy to feel so alone.


Dad and I are about to head out for a bit to collect a projector which he will need for his lessons, a pool dip is scheduled for later, and then meeting at a local Church tonight for some good ol' worshipping. God has been good, He is good, and I have faith His will continues to do us well here across the pond.

Once again, peace and love.

There's no goodbyes here...

So this year has been insane. As you probably know - Dad and I are heading out to America - TOMORROW. Yes, the time has come, as it always does eventually. I have some diary accounts coming your way soon, leading up to Mum's departure. So as my Father and I depart from this country it is strange to have said goodbye to everyone, even for just 7 weeks. Wee Eli Duncan will be so big by the time I get back and it's hard even knowing I'm not able to see him grow and flourish with his cheeky personality in this time. Thinking of this, I can't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye to everyone you knew - forever - so how about 'See you soon', because in one way or another it's true.

   Watching 'The Bucket List' the other day this issue of 'time to say goodbye' comes up. Morgan Freeman's character quotes that 96% of those asked would prefer not to know their date of death. I conquer with that 96% sometimes, feeling it would only make me worry and limit the ambition and freedom I have, other days I lean towards the other 4%, wanting to know just how long I have to make the impact I want to make. But - why wait? Whether you know or not - If you have something worth doing, do it now! 

   I am a passionate person, and sometimes I can make decisions rashly but it is not for lack of thinking. Quite the opposite. I weigh decisions for doing and for not doing something and I always get back to this feeling of mortality - our time on this earth is limited, but we have never ending opportunities to make our mark if only we would get the courage to take them.

   When I wrote these entries I only knew what I was told from what the Doctors could tell of my Mum's situation. Read, and I'll conclude... 

[[

Saturday 17th September 2011

   Last night Dad rang and told me Mum is in critical condition.

The doctors say that is Aubrey and Sara are serious about wanting Mum at their wedding then they might want to think about bringing it forward. I think they mean that she might not last the winter.

The doctors asked Mum if her heart stopped, would she want them to resuscitate her?

    She said “No”.

But who would want to go through this again? Who could?

So Mum may not see Aubrey get married after all. Nor me, or Shanae. She may not see any grandchildren.

    I may bury my Mum before my 21st Birthday. What about my 20th? Will this be our last Christmas? Was this our last Summer?

Do I quit Uni? She could have 2 more years at least - who knows?

    God knows. I wish he’d tell me…

I’d have to pay my rent still, if I quit Uni. And tax. And my overdraft. Financially it doesn't make sense. But again, how can you put a price on memories of your Mother...

I’m going home the weekend of the 23rd/24th, and also the weekend after that for her 50th Birthday.

    So much planning. So much travel - Time, money...

Hassle? Never.

Just is.

Craig is with me this weekend, so I’m not alone. Going to his tonight, coming back here Monday.

I don’t want to get married, or have children, or grow old, without her. I don’t know if I can.

I don’t want to have to close her eyes. I don’t want her to go. Even if it’s to a better place.

-------

September 17th 2011 21:06

Spoke to Mum briefly on her phone next to her bed in hospital. 

She said “I Love You. Always remember that.” 

She said 'Always', as if she won't be here to tell me herself...

She speaks with whisps, I can’t really hear her well.

She says she doesn’t know what God has planned for her. Neither do I.

]]

   Mum didn't make her 50th, or my 20th, and that was our last summer. When I first re-read that entry, after the fact, I burst into tears, my chest clamped over my heart and I physically hurt with a stabbing pain. Utter shock that mere days could change my world so much, and I re-evaluated my life plan. What I dreamed of having eventually - husband, children - I wanted instantly and thought 'Why wait? We might not have time to wait!' Whilst this is true, I have remembered that patience is a virtue, and everything will happen in God's time if only we let Him. 

   Let go and let God. And if you can't make a decision based on his Word then follow your heart, and let Him guide you from there.

That might be the best advice I ever give you, so you might want to make a note.

I don't know where I will be, who I will be with or what I will be doing for my 21st this year - thought I'd slip that reminder in - in November... But I know I'll be sound in knowing wherever I am God will be with me, and my friends and family won't be far behind. 

 *   *   *   *   *   *

   I'll tell you about our trip more when we actually start it. Though 'til then, here is a ROUGH outline of where we'll be going...