The Alabaster Jar

Until the last month or so, I was feeling very noncommittal toward this trip. I didn't know if finances or timing would line up. But once they did, I went nuts deciding to "take ownership" of the trip.

My research and decision-making got to the point where mom had to remind me that it's my sister's trip and I'm the guest she invitied. After that things got back into balance.

One of the things I'm most excited about is drawing on the backs of all of my old vistaprint business cards. They have this annoying complicated URL that people can use to get to my photobucket to view my artwork, which was good enough for a while. But I actually needed a new card a while ago once I started doing hair (one that says I do hair). And it's about time I have a legit website that people might see and actually consider visiting!

So - what to do with the remaining 200 crap cards I have? Do mini sketches on the backs of them instead of keeping a sketchbook, duh!

I'm so smart.

Packing will be interesting. Dad and I were just talking about cleaning out his bookshelf and how he knew he'd want at least one of the books he was getting rid of. And he did. So, when packing minimally so we have to mail back as little as possible, what will I wish I had brought about an hour out on the road? And how late is too late to turn back to get it?

Another thought I had is that the trip I made to Africa over a year ago was nearly a waste of time because I had a bad attitude the whole time and if I have a good attitude during this trip I can make up for that horrible month. If I spend it right, I can build stronger relationships with God, my sister, and even my country.

I have a question-is driving all over the country for no particular reason except just to see it actually a waste of time and money - and should I feel any kind of way about that?

I did kind of like how when someone scolded a lady for pouring expensive perfume on Jesus' feet because the perfume could've been sold and the money given to the poor, Jesus scolded that person and said, "you will always have the poor, but you will not always have me." What looks like waste to some isn't always.

And if so, does turning it into a little personal mission trip make it worthwhile?

Telling people about Jesus on the way sounds scary but I might try it if it feels like God wants me to.  But I might stick more to the being a living testament kind of ministry where my actions toward others will bless them. In my other blog I end up writing often about my driving experiences. I hope I can find a way not to curse other people through my driving. 

My sister wants to read "the grapes of wrath" on the road. I just got it in the mail. It's a long book and I can't wait to read it even if it's horrible.

You know how I go through phases? My false eyelashes, for example. Now it' s pink hair. For the trip I hope to put micro braids in my hair with pink kenakelon. That way it will look the same every day and stay pink better than my actual hair.  We'll see how long the pink phase lasts.

I obviously have expectations for this trip. But what if no book reading occurs and my sister and I fight all the time? Or what if the weather is different from the average of the last ten years according to Wikipedia? What if I'm not as flexible as I think I am? I pray the negative things become laughable. 

Fun fact - did you know that for every hour a gallon of milk is left at room temperature outside the fridge, it loses a day of goodness?  That makes me think twice about leaving it out until I'm done with my cereal.