Midwest storms to calm my soul

It has been raining in Illinois every day since I have been here. I call this a sign, one thing I desperately miss about the midwest is the visceral thunderstorms that just don't happen in Oregon. If you have not experienced a midwest storm I say put it on your bucket list because there is something reviving about a storm here. It does not drizzle all day in a grey gloom, you get pouring rain sometimes with some blue sky, loud loud thunder and if you are lucky electric feeling lightning strikes that illuminate a once sunny early afternoon. Those elements dance along the sky and remind you about how large the world we live in really is, and the smell after the rain is a mixture of wet mulch and flowers that oddly work putting a smile on your face and frizz in your hair. I call myself lucky to have heard some of these awesome nature rock concerts the last few days. It has been an adventure though dogsitting two adorable pups who are both not fans of thunder. Mabel due to her giant pony like size is in no way suitable for my lap so just kind of drools, pants, paces, and whimpers before even thinking of sitting down. Bennie on the other hand is the size of Mabels head and can fit perfectly on my lap so will sit there kind of shaking but just happy I am taking control of his teeny tiny furry body. Even for them when the storm calms we all renew, I am grateful for the rain soaked smell and blue sky and they are grateful that the Greek Gods in the sky have stopped bowling for the time being. There is something  comforting about writing and reading with two dogs by your side sleeping and peaceful on a stormy day with a fan on and curled up in a blanket. The small things like this make the days special and the nights magical.

My partners in crime for this stormy week Mabel and Bennie.

The long and windings road.

I love the summer, it brings out sunshine and warmth in the world and revives your soul from the long and cold winter. I am back in my hometown in Illinois right now looking at the house I grew up in through a window. The house that I lost my first tooth in, transitioned from elementary to middle to high school in, laughed, cried, caused trouble, and found my way in. It's odd to think that a structure that holds so many memories and milestones in my life is steps away but unattainable at the same time. I am in a house that has fond memories of thanksgivings, laughter, and childhood mischief in. I am back to start looking at a new chapter in my life, a chapter filled with uncertainty but excitement. I am looking forward to finding a place I can call my home to discover myself as I pursue my calling into ministry. I will be embarking on a once in a lifetime road trip with two people who mean the world to me, a blood sister, and a sister who has ties like blood. I will be posting pictures, thoughts, and stories through this journey and am excited to see what I decided and who I become after this adventure.