midwest tribute

i drove back from indiana today thinking of the many, many times i've driven those same roads.  

spending four years at indiana wesleyan, along with having friends and family who still live in indiana, has given me plenty of opportunities to drive that same path over and over.

the same roads.

the same farms.

the same windmills.

the same little towns. 

there's something in me that loves to be near the ocean and mountains, but there's definitely something inside me that loves these midwest states.  

so here's a list for you of a few things i'm going to miss about the mid-west.

1. my family and friends (obviously.). you guys are incredible and i wouldn't be mad if you all moved to AK. just keep that in mind…

2. fields and farms.  i love them.  i've always been around them and there's something so 'homey' about them.  

3. dietsch's. if you don't know what i'm talking about, please come to findlay, ohio asap and check it out. 

4. being able to go on a long drive. you know, longer than 45 minutes. nothing can replace a long drive, down a straight road, fields on both sides, windows down, country music blaring. 

5. being able to leave town without having to purchase a ticket -- spontaneity is a blessing.  

here's to the midwest. 

Makin' Memories

i'm currently in indianapolis spending some time with my cousin, visiting some friends and then headed to a few universities next week for camp fairs.  

this week ahead of me contains far too many goodbyes, but that's not all the week is about.  

not even close.  

yesterday at lunch time i got to chat about all sorts of life things with my sweet friend vicki over arguably the best nachos of my life.

by dinnertime i was in indianapolis eating cajun food with one of my life-long friends and her husband.  i got to see the house they just built and moved into and the room in it that will soon be their nursery.  their home is so beautiful and is decorated with paintings and sketches done by her poppy and so many beautiful pictures full of memories.  

now i'm staying with my cousin who is more like a sister to me.  we stayed up too late talking and watching new girl on netflix in the largest, most comfortable ikea bed i have ever experienced.  this morning we made enough breakfast for 4 or 5 people and i discovered my love for both funfetti pancakes and almond milk. yum. 

the rest of our day has been full of some of my favorite things…. starbucks, target and chic fil a.  

   

and even a sunny day with time to go to the park

we also went to the indianapolis ice tree….. which apparently is a thing? it's enormous and pretty cool, but also, melting.  

life is so big and beautiful.  there are so many details that seem so boring or 'everyday', but they're not.  they're different and awesome and we'll never experience these exact situations again.  

i'm so thankful that this week is not about good-byes, it's about making memories with these friends in indiana that i love so much.  memories to last me for a while that i will never experience again.  

-c-