My sense of direction is very hit and miss and my confidence in it is definitely lessening.
And it hurts my slight sense of feminist pride to admit that I am terrible at reading maps. Even when I have google maps and have a perfect connection, it shows me the way home and I STILL go the OPPOSITE direction.
Oh well, you are only lost if you really care where you are, right?
Ha.
I had been running for exersize in the evening while we were at home (I didn't get any running in in Switzerland, but we walked up soooo many stairs, I think it's ok.) But the night we got back from Switzerland (about a week ago, I think) I ran and pushed myself pretty hard and pulled something in my left shin. That plus I aggravated an injury to my right foot that happened just before I left ABQ. The injuries have sent me to physical therapy for the time being and left me unable to run. I have tried to keep walking a bit, but my temporary doctor says that is not a great idea.
I asked him what I could do and he said biking would be good, so Hans asked the neighbor if I could borrow a bike, which he graciously provided, and I set off this evening to get some much needed exercise. I had been making so much progress in my running, and the injuries were quite discouraging, but I am determined for nothing to keep me down. I had lost almost 10 pounds so far with the running, so I had to find something to keep me going!
I found my way to the woods, almost 2 miles away, and I loudly set off into the forest...the neighbor, explained to me that the back brakes are having a bit of trouble, they are stuck next to the wheel and so they make a high pitched squeaking sound, which is fine, I am just really greatful for the bike, but I wasn't quite prepared for how loud it was. So even though I was announcing my coming and going to all the hikers who were seeking peaceful nature walks (sorry, with me there you didn't get it) and all the woodland creatures, I greatly enjoyed myself.
I wasn't so sure of myself in the beginning. I haven't been on a bike in quite a while, but I got the hang of it. Even though I am very set on trying most adventuresome sports, I haven't been that intrigued by mountain biking, until after tonight when flying down gravel-pathed steep inclines at high speeds and having to brake fast and swerving to avoid imminent demise, I totally get it.
Love it. Into it. Totally going to do it.
You try taking selfies while riding a bike. It's not easy.
Not really sure where I am going with this, but there is really something about getting lost and being ok with it.
I am learning to let go of so many things and being ok with whatever outcome.
I am learning to enjoy the journey, not care what people think, and be overcome in rapture at the surrounding scenery.
So my bike is screaming at everyone in a half mile radius...it's something to laugh about.
So I'm lost in a foreign country...well it will just take me a little longer to find my way home.
So I, in very Katina form, injured myself and can't keep running and walking to lose weight...I'm going to find something else I can do. And enjoy it.
Everything has a lesson. Everything has a place and a purpose. There is a season for everything.
I am learning to enjoy my sometimes loneliness to really figure out who I am and what I want, and more importantly, learn that The Lord is my closest companion.
He always knows where I am. He is always looking out for me.
He is always teaching me and showing me his love for me.
In my getting lost, I got to see the sun gleaming though the dense, green forest; see a tiny deer bounding away at my ear-grating approach; and see The Lord provide a stranger who "just happened" to also be on a bike, who "just happened" to speak fantastic English, and "just happened" to be heading to the exact same town that I was, to lead me in surety on my way home.
Getting lost can be a fantastic thing.
I am enjoying this adventure.
And Belgian beer after an around 15 mile ride is the most refreshing thing ever.
Cheers, friends!
