Oh the Places You'll Go.

I must admit, I've been a bit out of pocket for the last year or so of my life. This would explain the lack of 'Jessica' you've seen on this blog. As for the others...I don't know their excuse. For some it is a streak of independence (starting their own blog - PISHAA!), others it's a new marriage, and still others it's a new job and other new adventures. But I'm back...out of pocket no longer, and with so much to report.

Graduation gifts....that's what this entry's title makes me think of. While I never received this beloved book by our friend Seuss (may he rest in peace) for graduation, I feel like I've experienced much of what he spoke of in only a year and some change since my own college graduation. 2006-2007 has been a crazy time of travels. I've had the oppurtunity to set foot in 5 continents in only a year. This entry will be my report...

Let's start off with my travels to North Africa in February. This trip was facilitated by the Forge...so as you will see my 13 roommates/friends/classmates/cohorts/comrades/etc. served to be most of the entertainment. We were fortunate enough to have a twelve hour layover in London on this journey, which is where we will cover our first continent.

EUROPE!

So this is us in front of Buckingham Palace. We were proud of ourselves. We ended up doing London in only 5 hours. Obviously only seeing the major sights, but it was fun. I felt a little like I was on The Amazing Race. Next stop....

AFRICA

We spent almost 2 weeks in N. Africa visiting friends and getting to know college students. This picture is from the ancient ruins of Carthage. So much neat history there. It was so neat to experience a totally new culture. Only I am so suprised at how westernized our world is becoming. Walking along the city streets there felt almost like I was in a US city. Ok...for our next stop...one in which you will all be very interested, I went to...

ASIA

This is us in Thailand. Now obviously I'm not in this picture, but don't be fooled. Brooke and I were on an another elephant taking this photo. For more picture and details on this trip please click here - http://brookebrandon.blogspot.com/2007/05/fastest-week-of-my-life.html.

and finally for my last international trip of the year (so far)...

CENTRAL AMERICA

Now this picture is from the great country of Costa Rica. I was fortunate enough to spend about ten days this past summer with Pine Cove at a church called La Communidad de Amor. This is a picture of my team at the church. What an amazing time of ministry and growth. We were fortunate enough to assist these Tican people as they put on camp and outdoor ed classes to little ones. Such a cool time!!

So...it was really only 4 continents, but I feel like Costa Rica is kind of in South America so I like to say 5. Needless to say, it was quite a year of travel for me. Which only makes me excited about what's to come. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, because Oh the Places We'll Go!!!