Jenn's Northwest Adventure Part 1- "One Short Day in the Emerald City"

The first part of Jenn's Northwest adventure was a trip to Downtown Seattle. We only had one day, so we decided to start early and see as much as we physically could... and we were definitely successful. The key to our success? The CityPass (*disclaimer* this is NOT an advertisement.... I was just really impressed with this wonderful deal and just had to share it will all of my poor college student friends). We paid about $60 and got to see the Seattle Aquarium, go on a harbor boat tour, go up the Space Needle, visit the Pacific Science Center, and go to the Zoo. Not bad, right.... we also did all of that, except the zoo, and a couple more things all in one day... we were quite the sightseers! They have these city passes for several major cities, including Houston... I will definitely use one again next time I go on a big city adventure....

Our first stop was the famous Pike Place Market, where Jenn got a glimpse of the first Starbucks and we shared a delicious breakfast of fresh doughnuts and rainier cherries. We also got to see the famous fish throwers actually throw a fish at someone (she caught it) and watched the flower-sellers put together gorgeous and rather inexpensive bouquets.

After that we stopped at the Seattle Aquarium. This aquarium is kind of small for the size of the city it is in, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in educational value. Rather than simply entertain, I have always been impressed by how this aquarium focuses on education the public on the wonderful wildlife that lives in Puget Sound. The highlight of the visit was definitely getting to watch them feed their giant pacific octopus.

All those fish swimming around in the aquarium made us a tad bit hungry, so we headed to Anthony's for lunch. I branched out of my restaurant comfort zone and ordered fish tacos with mahi mahi... and really, really enjoyed it. Success! Jenn picked the ever popular fish and chips. She tried to get the recipe from the waiter, but he told us that he had to sign a confidentiality agreement to never reveal the secret of the delicious batter.

Lunch at Anthony's

After a satisfying lunch, and a quick stop at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, we went on an Argosy Harbor Tour, a boat ride that takes you all the way around Elliot Bay with wonderful views of the city and the surrounding landscape. All the times I have been in Seattle and this was the first time I ever went on a boat ride in the actually city. Here are a few snapshots from the tour:

View of Downtown right after leaving the harbor

Jenn and I with the Seattle sky line in the background from across the bay

After completing the harbor tour, we caught a bus and went up to the Seattle Center, home to the Pacific Science Center and the Space Needle. We spent a little less than two hours exploring all of the exhibits at the Pacific Science Center. These exhibits were much more hands on than the ones in Houston and we had tons of fun. I think our favorite exhibit was the one the tested facial symmetry by taking a picture of your face and then putting mirror images of one side next to each other.... we came up with some thoroughly amusing faces. :)

After that, we headed up to the Space Needle. This was another Seattle staple that I had never visited. After waiting in line for a bit for the elevator, we were treated to spectacular views of the city and Mt. Rainier, on an unusually clear day for the area. We spent probably close to an hour just taking in the views and taking pictures from every angle imaginable. It was a great way to end our trip.

Jenn and I at the top of the Space Needle!

Beautiful view of the city and Mt. Rainier

All in all, I was extremely proud of the fact that we were able to fit so much into one day. We even made it back to Edmonds in time to see a glorious sunset down by the beach. The amazing thing is though, we never really felt that rushed. I think most of the time, actually, we were pretty relaxed, and took our time to see and experience everything. We were pretty lazy on Sunday, though, so all the activity must have caught up with us. :)

Perfect end to a perfect day!

Internship Update!

I can't say that I didn't warn you that I was really, really bad at this whole blogging/journaling thing..... but I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. Things have been crazy busy (and super fun) with Jenn's visit... but more on that later.

Anyways, here is a quick update on how the internship is going:

I have started observing patient ultrasounds and it has been, by far, the most rewarding experience of this whole summer. It is hard to put into words the intense joy I felt the first time I saw a tiny little heartbeat on a 16 week old baby. The technician was able to make out a beautiful profile with a complete view on the spine, hands, feet, and even individual fingers and toes. It was truly breathtaking. If that wasn't amazing enough, last week I witnessed an ultrasound for a baby that was only 7 weeks along. At that point, there wasn't as much to make out in the way of individual limbs and fingers, but that beautiful heartbeat was still there, pumping sure and strong, a wonderful reminder of the beauty of God's creation and the significance and importance of every human life. It never ceases to amaze me that something so small can be so powerful and that God would so carefully knit together such a glorious masterpiece. I feel so privileged!  Jesus loves us so much!!!!

In the next few weeks I will also be starting to research ways in which Next Step can take their ministry just a little bit further. Two options they are currently exploring are STI testing and parenting classes. The first option, STI testing, would be pretty difficult with the facilities and staffing they currently have. It would require intensive doctor supervision and oversight, with possibly the use of on-site MD's, PA's, or nurse practitioners. Right now, however, we are just looking into what it would take to provide that service. Parenting classes may be a more immediately achievable goal.They already have resources available for the classes themselves, the only difficulty would be scheduling, finding volunteers, and facilities. Their current office is lacking in meeting space, so if more than a couple people show up for a class, finding room for everyone could be a problem.

I will also be starting to organize a viewing of Abby Johnson's Unplanned documentary in conjunction with the Newman Center at the University of Washington, which is the Catholic ministry there. The associate director, Father Raphael, has asked me to make a short presentation about my experiences with the Coalition for Life and sidewalk counseling with some of the greatest warriors for Christ I have ever met. I am truly humbled to be included in such a wonderful group and I hope some of my experiences will inspire these college students to take a stand for Life on their own campus and in their community.

Not quite related to the internship, but wonderful and relevant news nonetheless, I have also recently been selected to serve on the national board of directors for Lutherans for Life! I am extremely honored to be asked to serve in such a position and pray that I can contribute positively to their mission during the next three years of my term. I know at this point that I will be working with the Generations for Life committee to develop ways to energize and empower younger generations (high school, college age, young adults, etc.) to stand up for Life in their churches and communities and educate them about Life issues. I agree with the  current board members that the current generation and the generation after us will be integral to changing the hearts and mind of the world about abortion, euthanasia and other important social and moral issues. As cheezy as it may sound, we are the future of the movement and we can make a great impact if equipped with the right tools. I pray that together we can figure out what those tools are and get them into the hands of the right people. I will officially start the first week of August at their national convention in Dallas, so I will actually be coming back to Texas mid-internship for a couple of days, which should be fun!

As always, thank you for all your comments and prayers! I couldn't do any of this without the wonderful support of my friends and family!

Gig 'Em and God Bless!

Coming soon... Part 1 of Jenn's Northwest Adventure!!!