Somewhere over the dusty farm roads of central Idaho I rolled the worry and frustration and fear around in my mouth, assessed my bravery for half a second, then snapped my teeth against the thought of insecurities. If I was going to go to Sun Valley with my sisters, I was going to do it like old times, as me, and be able to say at the end of it that I had no regrets.
So I picked up my skates, stuck on clothes, said "Hi!" to the first person I saw and promptly had a blast for the entire three days I was away.
Post-Parade: hot, sweaty, hammered rollerblade fun! Also, had less than an hour to be ready for the last night this year of the "Sun Valley on Ice" show.
The first night, less than an hour after arriving at the condo, I was absorbed into the yumminess of pie after my sisters got back from going out for dinner. Thai food, absolutely delicious, with conversations and laughter and plate swapping going on all over the place. At one point on the drive up I pulled over, due to the lightning storm, and saw an ambulance at the airport on the way into town. I ended up being nearly 2 hours late for the first "catching up" to take place, and when I entered, I came face to face with the greatest gift life can give...my sisters.
Who, it happens, are also my friends. Which I knew would delight several of my friends happily watching my Instagram updates. I went for three reasons.
B's Three Reasons For Going To Sun Valley
- Sister time
- Laughs
- Skating
I found it kind of appealling, actually, that the month beforehand the Retreat had been arranged by Darlin texting us this:
There is enough room in my friend's condo for 7 people. 3 bedrooms plus a couch in the main upstairs living room. A girl's only trip for helping with my wedding flowers.
My life is so full of opportunities, and I'm shell-shocked, kind of bewildered and flattered at the same time.
I've learned so much from the long weekend away. About my sisters, about my doubts, reflexive reactions, fears and hopes. I've learned I don't laugh enough. I've learned that Darlin has a love for sharing her heart and thrift stores. I've learned.
Yet again, I've been shown by the Lord that He's just waiting to bless me. He knew of my angst and anxiety going to Sun Valley, and my determination to be with my sisters in the midst of nursing school. Then, He took my (sometimes grudging) hand when I went, and yet again poured out blessings over my head, in the shared meals my sisters all treated me to, the perceptions I had to change, the love and the forward momentum the weekend has generated, pushing me forward. Gently, deliberately, but still forward.
*Okay, so I don't say "Yippee!", except with sarcasm dripping in a steady, sticky stream off the exclamation point, but you get the idea.
I've learned so much from the long weekend away. About my sisters, about my doubts, reflexive reactions, fears and hopes. I've learned I don't laugh enough. I've learned that Darlin has a love for sharing her heart and thrift stores. I've learned.
Yet again, I've been shown by the Lord that He's just waiting to bless me. He knew of my angst and anxiety going to Sun Valley, and my determination to be with my sisters in the midst of nursing school. Then, He took my (sometimes grudging) hand when I went, and yet again poured out blessings over my head, in the shared meals my sisters all treated me to, the perceptions I had to change, the love and the forward momentum the weekend has generated, pushing me forward. Gently, deliberately, but still forward.
*Okay, so I don't say "Yippee!", except with sarcasm dripping in a steady, sticky stream off the exclamation point, but you get the idea.
