A big ole hello from balmy Arizona!
I've been here since January 20th, and with the exception of one or two overcast days it has been sunny and 70-80 degrees everyday. I've been waiting for the rain, however, in the desert it doesn't come frequently. I've certainly been enjoying my time here getting acquainted with the new city and new friends. I've made the Tempe SDA church my home for the duration of my contract here. A big thanks to Chris for introducing me to his network of people. I have found it easy to slide right in and this place already feels like home.
It was an action packed adventure - traveling across the country. Another big thanks to Derek for making the trip with me. It was a major blessing to have him along (by the time it was all said and done, he completed about 80% of the driving). I still feel as if I owe him to this day.
We started out in Philadelphia, I was locked and loaded and didn't really leave much room for anything but Derek and I.
Just to give you a visual
After about 3 hours into the trip, the tire pressure alert went off in my car. Lucky for me, Derek took care of that one quickly. It only took a few digs to find some quarters.
Don't wait. Inflate.
We Didn't.
After the stop for air, Derek drove straight through the night to Dayton, Ohio (which was roughly 9 hours). I had make a pit stop in Dayton, OH to drop off a bible that I picked up for a friend. We also got to have brunch with my friend Dan, which was a blessing in itself because I haven't seen him for a few years. It's always nice catching up with friends.
In the car during sunrise. Dayton, Ohio.
(Yes, this is Derek trying to mess up the photo)
I win.
From Dayton, we headed south toward Nashville, TN. It was starting to flurry down south as we headed through Kentucky. I was driving and it was apparent that people down here were very inexperienced in regards to driving in the snow.
We saw numerous overturned trucks and cars.
(This is evidence of one)
Here is proof that I actually did drive, a little.
Derek in the passenger seat reading.
Granted we did sit in this traffic stand still for 2 hours.
A major set back.
Once we realized that we wouldn't make it to Nashville until way after schedule, we decided to just head west for Missouri and the St. Louis Arch. It was a little upsetting for me because I missed out on seeing my friend Jeannie, who I haven't seen since she moved to Nashville from Philadelphia. Hopefully, I will get to visit her in Nashville soon!
A pit stop for dinner.
Of course I never pass up the opportunity to capture memories with my camera.
Derek, a bit reluctant, eventually succumbed to my pleading, which didn't happen often.
I win.
When dinner ended so did my driving turn. Derek got back behind the wheel and planned to drive straight through the night, even though I strongly advised otherwise. I did not win. I happily took the passenger seat and was able to FaceTime my mom for a while which was a blessing. Before I knew it we arrived here...
St. Louis Arch, MO
From St. Louis, MO we headed northwest on our way to Colorado! Lucky for us we drove through Missouri and Kansas during the night. I noticed there was not a whole lot there as I took in the view through my passenger side window. I was trying to stay awake as long as possible to help Derek stay awake, however, he strongly discouraged my efforts as he stated, "You need to get some sleep." Needless to say, I did not win. When I woke up it was nearly sunrise as we were approaching the Kansas/Colorado border!
We were driving right for the Colorado Rockies!
Happy Me!
Derek paying attention to the road
We arrived at our destination in Keystone, CO around 11AM. We found a great resort and we both decided it was due time for some major sleep. We passed out until supper time! Only then, waking up to grab dinner and head back to bed. We slept from 8pm until 7am the next morning. Good thing for sleep because we had a big day of skiing ahead!
On that lift!
It was a perfect day.
Derek got some cool shots of me taking a spill on the mountain. I decided to leave those out. Although, they can be found on his Facebook page since he so kindly posted them. Thank you Derek.
After our skiing adventure was over (around 7pm) we decided to hit the road. Derek, after finally sleeping, decided that he would drive from Colorado down through Utah to try and make it as close to the Grand Canyon as possible by sunrise. We got about 3 hours out from the Grand Canyon and decided to call it quits and find a place to sleep until morning. We stumbled upon a Hampton Inn in Navajo Nation somewhere in southern Utah, or northern Arizona (I cannot remember). It was a major blessing because heading south from Colorado through Utah there was absolutely nothing off of the exits. We would pass exits and all they said were, "No Services." Praise the Lord we found the hotel when we did. It was about 3AM.
Early the next morning we woke up and had breakfast and got back on the road. The goal was to hit the Grand Canyon before noon. This served as my other turn driving.
Evidence!
Thank you for the caption Derek.
My driving turn didn't last long at all. As soon as we hit the Grand Canyon, I was trying to capture pictures by slowing down frequently. Derek told me to pull over so he could drive so I could take all of the pictures I wanted. Even though I protested, I did not win. How thoughtful, right? I thought so. Here is what I captured...
Grand Canyon, AZ
It was amazingly beautiful.
Derek standing on the edge.
Derek actually smiling for a picture.
I win.
We spent sometime touring around the Grand Canyon. We even hiked a little down into the canyon along the mule trail. We got to FaceTime Craig, Derek's dad, which was also exciting because he could see the Canyon live as we were in it.
After several hours at the Grand Canyon, we decided to hit the road. We were about 4 hours away from our final destination, Mesa, AZ.
Arrived. Mesa, Arizona!
I didn't have time to waste, I started work the same week. New place, new people, and a new hospital. Let the good times roll.
New friends and old friends.
Jo is in town!
Dinner at my place.
It was such a blessing to have Jo here. We had a nice relaxing weekend, and finally got time to catch up and have some real pillow talk. It was almost like we were in Africa again.
Of course we did a little hiking.
The summit of Camelback Mountain
What sort of friend would I be if I didn't take her to the Grand Canyon?
Road trip!
Bathroom break.
Road trip fun!
Jo and I at the Grand Canyon!
Next stop Antelope Canyon!
Yes, that's real tumbleweed.
Inside the canyon - in the Navajo territory!
Truly remarkable.
So fitting the week before Valentine's Day.
The heart in the canyon (this shot was taken looking up and out)
Breathtaking.
Eventually, the weekend came to a close. It was sad to see her go, but I know we'll reconnect soon. Back to work I went. Lucky for me it was only for three days. It sure is a blessing to be a nurse. By the time my work week came to a close, Tom came to visit his brother Chris who lives in Arizona. It certainly was a busy few first weeks here. We trekked it back to the Grand Canyon! I don't think I could ever get tired of going there. It was just as fun as it was the first time.
Tom at the Canyon!
Check out that view!
We even saw some wild life!
I followed them into the woods and then realized there was a sign that said it was illegal.
Typical Jess move.
It was a fun weekend hanging out with these two.
They make me laugh and are true blessings to my life.
Chris (left) Tom (right)
I'm so thankful for the new friends I've made too! Hansen took me mountain biking! Real mountain biking on an actual mountain. I'm happy to report that I survived only taking one major spill.
One of the pit stops along the trail.
Sunset on the trail.
This is Hansen.
Viewpoint stop.
Making memories.
After my spill.
Battle wound.
Still got back in the saddle.
Well friends, I believe that's all I've got thus far. It has been an amazing 5 weeks in Arizona. I'm so excited to see what God has planned for the next 8 weeks. I'm also anticipating where He will lead me to next. At the moment, I'm prayerfully considering a contract in Indiana, Ohio, or back in Philadelphia. Time will soon tell where I will land next.
Until next time, remember to stay happy.
