Oregon - #9

I am convinced that Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. It has mountains, lakes, thick forests, and rolling farm lands. The cities are quirky and the people love the outdoors.
Words cannot describe how enchanted I am by Crater Lake. My favorite place on earth is where the mountains touch the water. The mystery of what is above the mountains and down in the depths of the water captivates me. Crater Lake is my new favorite place. It is more magical than Disney World.

 Voodoo Doughnuts is definitely worth stopping by. They have every doughnut imaginable.

Wyoming - #8

Wyoming is home is Yellowstone National Park, so where else would I go while in Wyoming? This was my first trip to Yellowstone, and it was definitely worth it. My friends and I drove down from Bozeman on Sabbath morning (to the north side of the park), not knowing much about what we were doing other than going to see Mammoth Hot Springs and searching for the Boiling River. Little did we know that we would also get to experience swimming with elk and snakes and seeing Ole Faithful go off. Definitely research times for Ole Faithful. I am not going to lie, it was not as big as I thought it would be, but it's just one of those things you should experience if you get the chance. If you get the chance to be on the north side of the park, DO NOT miss out on swimming in the boiling river. Your toes can freeze and your waist get burnt all at the same time. WORTH IT.
People come from all over the world to check out Yellowstone. Don't pass up an opportunity to hear the stories of the people around you. I am glad we met Maria. Her and some friends are hitch hiking across the USA. They started in Florida and we met up with them in Wyoming. Check them out on Instagram by looking up #thumbingtheUSA.

Montana - #7

Montana is a hidden treasure. I got the opportunity to stay in Bozeman for a couple of nights. Bozeman is an awesome city, surrounded by mountains and endless skies. If you get a chance to visit Bozeman, do it. The first picture is from my morning run, not a bad view. The rest of the pictures are from our hike in Gallatin National Forest. You should also go and check out Cold Smoke Coffeehouse. They have some great local bands playing there and with every drink you buy a portion of the proceeds go to coffee communities world wide to better their drinking water.

Washington - #6

My job allows me to go to so many great places and meet some pretty cool people. Washington gave me both of those. (Although, I am very disappointed in myself for not taking pictures in one of my favorite Northwest cities, Seattle.) I met the most incredible lady (Amy) in Spokane and even got to lead out in prayer with her. I am not much of a "pray with strangers" type of person, but as I have been growing in my prayer life, I feel the Holy Spirit pulling me out of my comfort zone, only to find that it really isn't that uncomfortable. Here is Amy's story: As a past victim of domestic abuse, she is driving across Washington. She has brought no money and is only using the money she makes from selling Mary Kay products to fill her tank and eat. She is trying to show women that there are ways to support yourself and get out of abusive relationships. Mary Kay did that for her. She told us of miracles God has performed along the way and we got to pray for her journey. She is an inspiration! To support her journey, check out :www.marykay.com/amybirka 

 

North Dakota - #5

My next venture brought me to North Dakota. I got the opportunity to meet new students and connect with staff members at one of my schools. Bismarck does not have a lot of flight options at cheap prices, so my trip left me in North Dakota for two and a half days. I decided to use my extra half day to hike the Painted Canyons.
This was my first solo hiking trip and I loved it. I had so much time to take in everything around me and spend extra time talking with God. The painted Canyons are beautiful and wonderful solo hike because the trails are not difficult (although the trail isn't marked out the best so I did get lost once). It is a quick hike but full of color and animals. I even had a pheasant jump out of a bush and scare the daylights out of me. If you are in the area, it is a definitely must see.

Colorado - #4

The next state I checked off of my list was Colorado. I have had the dream of climbing a 14er, and last weekend I got to climb two! Addi and I planned a very last minute adventure and some how convinced Spencer to join us. By Saturday evening we all left agreeing that this was the best weekend of our summer. There is just something about working hard, experiencing so much beauty, and seeing a true reflection of our Savior.
Looking for a place to eat near the mountains? Eat at Lucha Cantina. Their food is on point!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it the best, "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for

beauty is God's handwriting."

Bucket Listing - #'s 1-3 (Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana)

I have found that my heart is amazingly full when I get to travel. Sitting at a desk all summer, opened my eyes to those moments when my heart is the fullest.

So... I am embarking on an adventure! That adventure includes completing one of my bucket list items. I am going to visit all 48 continental US states in one year (hoping for Hawaii and Alaska too, but Europe is on the list for next summer)! I have already completed four states (one being Nebraska). From August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016, what you will see here are my stories from each state. I am also hoping this gets me back into blogging, because I miss it.

State #1- Tennessee - I escaped for a weekend of doing one of my all time favorite things: Rock climbing! Where to eat: Rita's, my local friends rant and rave about their ice cream, even though we never made it there.

State #2- Kentucky - Home to the world's slowest Taco Bell. Where to eat: Not Taco Bell

State #3- Indiana - Santa Claus, Indiana. Christmas is on every corner and Holiday World is a pretty great place! Free fountain drinks and sunscreen all day long!

God is good and always blessing!