it's cold

brrrr... we've finally got the cold weather here in Southern California. Today it remained at about 65 F. And right now (roughly 9pm) it's already down to 54 F! Coldest point of the night is forcasted to be 41 F. Yep! So it's my favorite time of the year. Time for coffee, hot chocolate, warm long-sleeve clothing, seeing one's breathe, and all the rest of the good things related to cold.

Having cold weather is such a great thing for me. The last two winter times I travelled, visiting dear people, and had wonderful fellowship. Cold weather brings back very warm memories along with images of strange cities and feelings of adventure.

Specific memories of good cold times... countries first:

Even though it was practically summer time in the Faroe Islands while I was there.. it was cold, and very beautiful. The peace of the people there is deep. I can't think of anyway to continue describing it which would do justice so I'll leave it at that.

Albania.. where I first walked on ice (and fell through). We spent New Years there and I went on a team inland. We passed the mountains of Macedonia (which I didn't know was a modern-day nation) and that country was beautiful as well, though very rugged. Signs of war remained everywhere and that led to a lot of reflection and sobriety during the trip. (also my first time seeing snow really fall)

Moldova... cold, colorful and vivid in my memory. I went on a team with some really beautiful people. (yes, Billy Turner as well! He was really amazing.) Two strong connections I made with the country were 1) visiting different people and having some grapes and 2) looking out the window of a small van packed with people on our way back through the darkening landscape to the capital city.

Finland (twice), to see Lyndon marry Riikka, and again to visit. Good memories there, such as, standing on the snow outside their balcony between bouts in the sauna. Or sledging down a surprisingly steep and long hill in the park. Also, early mornings of tea while outdoors the fallen snow glowed blue in the gradual morning light. Love from the Badger family. (c:

England, to visit Sam. Good food there and fun adventure (for me at least.. everyday such and such for them). Going shooting (first time ever).

Sleeping on deck, under the swaying stars. Seeing the moon rise and gleam a shifty path across the water. (it was really cold, and windy)

A blustry fall-like day in Colorado when I went up to visit Maria. This was strange because it was still quite summertime, and of the 5 days I was there, we had only one cold one. I'm really glad we did though, with the liking of cold weather for memory making and such.