Forgot to include a mailing address in the last post for letters or packages with homemade goods (or other fun stuff):
Amanda Woodin
285 S. Lincoln Street Apt 4
Denver, Colorado, 80209
We get mail everyday except weekends I believe. Also, if sending packages, please take extra time and send them through the post office (flat rate boxes are GREAT). As we live in an apartment complex, FedEx and UPS will only try to get us the package a certain number of times which is usually during regualr business hours when no one is around. They will then take them to their shipping place about a half hour drive away for us to pick up. The place we get packages from the post office is about a mile away so the directors recommend we get packages shipped to us through USPS.
Thanks Friends!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Denver
As some people may know, I am spending this semester in Denver, Colorado, at Wartburg West, a program of Wartburg College . I will be taking a religion course (Christian Faith and Politics in America), an an ID course (The Metropolis: Place of Convergence). We get started with both of those on Monday, so it should be interesting. In addition, I am doing an internship at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver which I start on January 4. I will be working with their marketing and events department, but that is about all the information I have so far.
So, I've now been in Denver a couple of days, and I think I am starting to like it. At first, I wasn't sure. The first night was super hard and I was super nervous. After a frantic, crying filled call home to mom, I started feeling a little better and finished unpacking and went to make some new friends. Nicole and I missed the memo about having your ENTIRE family come out, so we said good bye at home and then loaded the car and left from Iowa City headed to Denver on the 27th.
We again missed the memo to stay in Kearney or North Platte and drove to Sidney, Nebraska (Cabella World Headquarters, just FYI) for the night. In the morning, we took off about 9:30 headed for Denver. After a SUPER boring drive, we hit Denver traffic, found the apartments, and say and twiddled our thumbs for a few hours before being able to check in. We spent the night unloading, unpacking, and meeting the people we didn't know from Wartburg.
On the second day, we met the program directors (Bonita and Nelson Bock) at the church about 6 blocks away for a little orientation, then headed on the bus downtown. Some of us bought January RTD (buss and Light Rail) passes, and we caught the free bus to the 16th street mall (sort of like a more glorified version of the IC ped mall) to see the visitors center and catch the light rail to the Bocks for lunch and more orientation. After that, we came back to the apartments (on our own), mapped out our route for todays scavenger hunt, and then headed out (Nicole and I and a friend from Wartburg) to an NHL hockey game.
Today, we left around 8 am for an Explore Denver type activity. We had 8 different sites we were supposed to try to visit in order to learn about how to travel the city, which parts were poorer, more affluent, had shops, etc. We made it to 6 of those places by 2:30, when we pooped out. We also celebrated Nicoles Birthday today! We took her out to lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory where they sang to her and tonight after dinner at the Community Cafe, we watched a cheesy love move and had a glass of wine (all were 21, no worries). On our tour of the city, we visited the Museo de las Americas, the capitol building, Larimer Square, Starbucks, the African American Black Research library, the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, Larimer Square again, Tattered Covers bookstore, and Cherry something Mall. It made for a super long day, but we had fun!
So, I've now been in Denver a couple of days, and I think I am starting to like it. At first, I wasn't sure. The first night was super hard and I was super nervous. After a frantic, crying filled call home to mom, I started feeling a little better and finished unpacking and went to make some new friends. Nicole and I missed the memo about having your ENTIRE family come out, so we said good bye at home and then loaded the car and left from Iowa City headed to Denver on the 27th.
 |
| The loaded car |
 |
| Before we Left |
We again missed the memo to stay in Kearney or North Platte and drove to Sidney, Nebraska (Cabella World Headquarters, just FYI) for the night. In the morning, we took off about 9:30 headed for Denver. After a SUPER boring drive, we hit Denver traffic, found the apartments, and say and twiddled our thumbs for a few hours before being able to check in. We spent the night unloading, unpacking, and meeting the people we didn't know from Wartburg.
On the second day, we met the program directors (Bonita and Nelson Bock) at the church about 6 blocks away for a little orientation, then headed on the bus downtown. Some of us bought January RTD (buss and Light Rail) passes, and we caught the free bus to the 16th street mall (sort of like a more glorified version of the IC ped mall) to see the visitors center and catch the light rail to the Bocks for lunch and more orientation. After that, we came back to the apartments (on our own), mapped out our route for todays scavenger hunt, and then headed out (Nicole and I and a friend from Wartburg) to an NHL hockey game.
 |
| Go Avalanche! |
For New Years Eve, I think we are headed back the the pedestrian mall to hang out and see a couple of fireworks shows! Should be fun!
Happy New Year All!
(more pictures of the explore denver adventure on facebook..)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
New adventures
I am 29 days away from embarking on a totally new adventure.
This adventure will take me to Denver, Colorado, for almost 14 weeks while I do an internship and take two classes. Wartburg College has an apartment complex out there and a couple of alumni lead a program called Wartburg West. One of my friends and I are driving out from Iowa City and leaving on December 27 and taking 2 days to drive out there.
Check back later for more updates!
This adventure will take me to Denver, Colorado, for almost 14 weeks while I do an internship and take two classes. Wartburg College has an apartment complex out there and a couple of alumni lead a program called Wartburg West. One of my friends and I are driving out from Iowa City and leaving on December 27 and taking 2 days to drive out there.
Check back later for more updates!
Friday, June 3, 2011
No More Virginia :(
It's with a slightly heavy heart (okay, not really at all) that I write this tonight. I have decided to return to Iowa this summer rather than working in Virginia at Shenandoah National Park. The whole drive out, I had this gut feeling that I wasn't going where God wanted me to go. I tried to ignore the feeling thinking it was just nerves, but as soon as my dad left Wednesday morning, I knew something wasn't right. After much crying, praying, talking, worrying, etc., etc., I decided that I would not be happy staying in Virginia and Shenandoah was NOT where God was calling me to. I spoke to the ACMNP people who offered to send me to other locations, but I think I am being called home this summer. I am not sure what God has in store for me this summer, but if it is at all exciting, I will let you know.
So any letters you may have been writing can be sent to my home address. If you need it, INET stalk me, look it up online, or just ask :).
I am now looking forward to a summer at home where I will hopefully find a job, or volunteer somewhere, where ever God calls me. And I get to spend time with my parents who have been there for me every step of this hard decision. Love ya mommy and daddy! ( I even threatened the lady at La Quinta in Ohio to have my dad call when she wouldn't give me a room :) )
So any letters you may have been writing can be sent to my home address. If you need it, INET stalk me, look it up online, or just ask :).
I am now looking forward to a summer at home where I will hopefully find a job, or volunteer somewhere, where ever God calls me. And I get to spend time with my parents who have been there for me every step of this hard decision. Love ya mommy and daddy! ( I even threatened the lady at La Quinta in Ohio to have my dad call when she wouldn't give me a room :) )
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Travel Days
Hey y'all,
We made it out to Luray, Virginia, today around noon without anything eventful happening! From Illinois to Maryland, we didn't go more than ten miles without some sort of road construction which was annoying, but we made it! We at at this AMAZING restaurant that served home cooked food and great southern hospitality. They also had AMAZING sweet potato fries. After that, we went to the Luray Caverns for a tour before heading into the park. Luray is the closest town to where I am working, but is still about an hour drive. It weaves up and down and in and out of the mountains. Skyline drive is not the fastest road between two points. The lodge is huge with lots of different cabins. It has a small gift shop, a tap room, a dining room, and some other small rooms. We left and checked out Skyland and then headed back to town. We grabbed some dinner at this AMAZING Italian restaurant, found the Wal-Mart so I could get some books, and then headed back to the hotel. We are exhausted, but having a pretty low key night.
Dad leaves about 9 am tomorrow so I will probably leave around then to make the drive back in. I will check in and then I'm not quite sure what the day holds. I have some reception in and around the lodge, but not sure on the dorms or internet situation. Anyway, thats about all. I have pictures up from Wartburg Graduation on Photobucket and will probably set up a link for pictures from this summer as well seeing how I don't have facebook currently. (EDIT! LINK FOR SUMMER PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE. IF LINKS DO NOT WORK PLEASE HOLLER!)
Here's a preview of the park though:
We made it out to Luray, Virginia, today around noon without anything eventful happening! From Illinois to Maryland, we didn't go more than ten miles without some sort of road construction which was annoying, but we made it! We at at this AMAZING restaurant that served home cooked food and great southern hospitality. They also had AMAZING sweet potato fries. After that, we went to the Luray Caverns for a tour before heading into the park. Luray is the closest town to where I am working, but is still about an hour drive. It weaves up and down and in and out of the mountains. Skyline drive is not the fastest road between two points. The lodge is huge with lots of different cabins. It has a small gift shop, a tap room, a dining room, and some other small rooms. We left and checked out Skyland and then headed back to town. We grabbed some dinner at this AMAZING Italian restaurant, found the Wal-Mart so I could get some books, and then headed back to the hotel. We are exhausted, but having a pretty low key night.
Dad leaves about 9 am tomorrow so I will probably leave around then to make the drive back in. I will check in and then I'm not quite sure what the day holds. I have some reception in and around the lodge, but not sure on the dorms or internet situation. Anyway, thats about all. I have pictures up from Wartburg Graduation on Photobucket and will probably set up a link for pictures from this summer as well seeing how I don't have facebook currently. (EDIT! LINK FOR SUMMER PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE. IF LINKS DO NOT WORK PLEASE HOLLER!)
Here's a preview of the park though:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Opening Day
I would just like to go on record and say that it is opening day at Big Meadows Lodge today. Well, okay, officially, they opened yesterday, but today is the day the restaurant opens! How exciting! Two weeks from today, I will be starting work there. And oh my, is there so much to do! First on the list? Finish my presentation for class tomorrow. A 15-20 minute presentation on youth ministry at my home congregation. I could probably do it in my sleep, but I'm preparing any way. Its also a pass fail class, so it shouldn't be too bad! Second? Move home. Third? pack. Fourth? attend graduation. Fifth. Drive. Five things. Not that bad! Just thought I'd share my excitement on this big day!!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Less Than a Month
I am less than one month away from embarking on an amazing adventure that God is sending me on. On April 29 and 30th, I traveled to Plymouth, Minnesota, for training for A Christian Ministry in the National Park which is the volunteer organization that I am working with this summer. It got me even more excited than I already was and also helped to remind me why I am doing this. I love doing service work, love traveling, and love God. Working in a national park for the summer combines all three of those things.
After the training conference, I headed to Holmen, Wisconsin, for a night to spend the night with a friend before starting my May Term adventure at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. I spent a week with 8 of my colleagues, one campus pastor, and two retreat hosts, doing challenge course activities, hiking, canoeing, and spending time with God learning about camping ministry and youth/family ministry. We learned about D.R.A.G Bi.G. which is now a group joke, and had fun making up stories about bears, wombats and doors (deer). The week was quite exhausting in every sense, but also was a way to connect with God and remind myself why I am going to the park this summer. Upon arriving back at school, I was thrown back into work and realized that I am pretty much alone at school for May Term. One of my friends is traveling around Europe, two are in England, two are in New York City, and a couple are doing various internships. The couple people who are here though have decided we are going to have a kick butt may term filled with laughter, good weather, and good times.
I think that is all for now. I am at work and should probably get back to actually working..
Look back soon for pictures from Sugar Creek Bible Camp.
After the training conference, I headed to Holmen, Wisconsin, for a night to spend the night with a friend before starting my May Term adventure at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. I spent a week with 8 of my colleagues, one campus pastor, and two retreat hosts, doing challenge course activities, hiking, canoeing, and spending time with God learning about camping ministry and youth/family ministry. We learned about D.R.A.G Bi.G. which is now a group joke, and had fun making up stories about bears, wombats and doors (deer). The week was quite exhausting in every sense, but also was a way to connect with God and remind myself why I am going to the park this summer. Upon arriving back at school, I was thrown back into work and realized that I am pretty much alone at school for May Term. One of my friends is traveling around Europe, two are in England, two are in New York City, and a couple are doing various internships. The couple people who are here though have decided we are going to have a kick butt may term filled with laughter, good weather, and good times.
I think that is all for now. I am at work and should probably get back to actually working..
Look back soon for pictures from Sugar Creek Bible Camp.
Monday, April 25, 2011
One Month Away
In a little over a month, I will leave Iowa yet again. This time, I will be headed for Luray, Virginia and Shenandoah National Park. I will be living at Big Meadows Lodge and hosting at the restaurant lodge there. I may also be trained to work in the gift shop, but I wont know that until I get there. I have emailed back and forth with my two ministry members who are working just up the road from me at Skyland. We will be leading services at Big Meadows on Sundays. I am going to training for the ministry part of the job this weekend and am looking forward to being totally immersed in it again. It will, hopefully, get me super psyched up for the summer again and rejuvenate that lost energy within me.
On the way out to Maine last summer, we had springs in my car go bad. We've already gotten that out of the way this year as I had a sprung spring on Saturday in my car. Hopefully, they can do a good check up on my car this week so we will have no problems getting out there.
My adventure there starts on June 2 and continues until September 4th. It will include my birthday, several friends birthdays, several family birthdays and milestones, and being away from friends for three (or most of them, 4) months. But, I know that God will be with us all and keep us strong.
Click here for more information on Shenandoah National Park.
Click here for more information on Big Meadows Lodge
Click here for more information on A Christian Ministry in the National Park
Also, consider sending me mail! Cookies and letters are ALWAYS accepted :)
For packages (UPS/FedEx deliveries only): Mailing Address (USPS- letters etc):
ARAMARK/Big Meadows ARAMARK/Big Meadows
26 North Broad St. PO Box 727
Luray, VA 22835 Luray, VA 22835
Att: Amanda Woodin Att: Amanda Woodin
On the way out to Maine last summer, we had springs in my car go bad. We've already gotten that out of the way this year as I had a sprung spring on Saturday in my car. Hopefully, they can do a good check up on my car this week so we will have no problems getting out there.
My adventure there starts on June 2 and continues until September 4th. It will include my birthday, several friends birthdays, several family birthdays and milestones, and being away from friends for three (or most of them, 4) months. But, I know that God will be with us all and keep us strong.
Click here for more information on Shenandoah National Park.
Click here for more information on Big Meadows Lodge
Click here for more information on A Christian Ministry in the National Park
Also, consider sending me mail! Cookies and letters are ALWAYS accepted :)
For packages (UPS/FedEx deliveries only): Mailing Address (USPS- letters etc):
ARAMARK/Big Meadows ARAMARK/Big Meadows
26 North Broad St. PO Box 727
Luray, VA 22835 Luray, VA 22835
Att: Amanda Woodin Att: Amanda Woodin
Monday, January 24, 2011
TOTAL EXCITEMENT
I AM OFFICIALLY EXCITED!!!!
I AM OFFICIALLY GOING TO SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THIS SUMMER FOR 3 MONTHS TO WORK AT A LODGE THERE!!!!!
WOOOO-HOOO
PS, its only 250 dollars to fly from Moline to DC (the nearest Airport..) you should all consider visiting..
And, I found an AWESOME poem today... so i will share..
SOMEDAYS
I can be strong, I can be weak
i can be proud, I can be meek
I can be gentle or I can be tough
I can explode when I’ve had enough
Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry
Sometimes I lose, but I always will try
I always get up when I get knocked down,
And make a smile, out of any frown
I hope that God likes me,
The day that we meet
If only for a chance,
To sit at his feet
And be by his side,
Year after year
While all of the bad things just disappear
So when life gets tough
And its hard to be strong
I’ll never forget
HEAVEN
IS WHERE
I BELONG
I AM OFFICIALLY GOING TO SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK THIS SUMMER FOR 3 MONTHS TO WORK AT A LODGE THERE!!!!!
WOOOO-HOOO
PS, its only 250 dollars to fly from Moline to DC (the nearest Airport..) you should all consider visiting..
And, I found an AWESOME poem today... so i will share..
SOMEDAYS
I can be strong, I can be weak
i can be proud, I can be meek
I can be gentle or I can be tough
I can explode when I’ve had enough
Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry
Sometimes I lose, but I always will try
I always get up when I get knocked down,
And make a smile, out of any frown
I hope that God likes me,
The day that we meet
If only for a chance,
To sit at his feet
And be by his side,
Year after year
While all of the bad things just disappear
So when life gets tough
And its hard to be strong
I’ll never forget
HEAVEN
IS WHERE
I BELONG
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