A little slow on the pick-up

So I never completely hopped on the Harry Potter bandwagon. In terms of the metaphor, I more or less lagged behind the wagon and hopped on a couple times for just a bit. Translation: I read Chamber of Secrets and saw the corresponding film with our book club in high school, and I saw the last two movies (Deathly Hallows). I never had anything against the series; in fact, it made me happy that the books made children want to read. I just never made time or had the interest to be an avid fan.

That being said, now that all of the books and films have been released, I have begun to make my way through all of them. I finished the first book last night and promptly started the second. And I am rather enjoying them! I will admit that I have already had freaky dreams, and I anticipate being legitimately scared as I read the remaining books.

And thanks to Borders for having just about everything in the store on sale! (I scored books 2-6 for a sweet price.)

This is a lame post.

Progress

As much as I hate knowing that I "should" still be in South America, being back Stateside has been quite nice. I've been able to connect with a number of friends whom I would not have been able to see otherwise. Amy Groom and Tara Oates, I'm talking about you! And thanks to LAN, I was able to move my trip to Argentina for a small price. So I will be traveling back to Quito and then to Argentina after Christmas!

However cliche, I can't believe that I get to live this life: I have some wonderful friends who support me and are always involved in amazing ventures; my family is close, both geographically and figuratively; I know every day that my needs will me met; and my passport is full of stamps. And for whatever reason, I have found myself being much less of a worry wart over the past few months. Perhaps because I recognize the aforementioned things. Or maybe the Lord answered my prayer for peace in my heart after a difficult season. Whatever the reason, I am glad to be alive!

Back...Unexpectedly.

Well, I hate to be writing this entry, but I am back in the U.S. I contracted some sort of virus in Colombia, and after three days in bed and two trips to the ER, the decision was made to send me home. Not at all what I was expecting.

I'm taking antibiotics to take care of this upper respiratory infection (that likely was full-blown pneumonia at one point). I've never been so tired before in my life, so I hope that soon enough I can get back on a normal schedule and start functioning like a human again.

Thanks to everyone for all of the well wishes!

Bummer

Sorry to say that this day has not panned out as I'd hoped. Elena was unable to pick me up this morning, so I spent the day at the hotel. At least the weather wasn't nice today and I've gotten to catch up on sleep. (CJL-induced sleep deprivation is hangin' tough.)

In other news, Mom and Dad should be back in ATL in just a few hours (They've been in Honduras.)

Arrived in Medellín

I'm in Medellín- picked up last night at the airport by Elena, a member of the IPC (Colombian Presbyterian Church). The hotel is simple but in a cool, chill area. My partner arrives tonight, and until then I'll be exploring the city with Elena. I'm so stoked to be here, as Colombia has been on my list of desired destinations for years.

Let's go see what this city and this day has for me...

PS- I'm writing this entry on my iPhone!

Arrived!

As I type this I am sitting in Whitney and Michael Johnson's Quito apartment. Might I add that it is just a stone´s throw away from my host family, with whom I lived last year. It is a sweet location- right across from the park and in the city center! I am only disappointed that the Johnson's did not go on "House Hunters International" upon buying this pad.

So I'll be here tomorrow and most of Wednesday, and I'm so excited to get reacquainted with this awesome city!

A Few Loose Ends

With just a few loose ends left to tie up, I'm off tomorrow morning. If you are reading this, thank you! And I am sorry that my schedule has not allowed me to talk to each of my friends and family members individually before leaving. Know that I carry each one of you with me as I travel.

I did get to spend this afternoon with Vance and Lisa (my new sister-in-law!), which was so great! And we had a serendipitous meeting with our cousin, Trip, whose blog you should check out. (The link is on the side of mine.)

Perhaps risky to say, but I will do my best to post frequently...given there are post-worthy happenings in the weeks to come!