Coming on week 2 here on my wine adventure and I'm very much homesick. This blog is a bit depressing, but I got to let everyone know how I feel here now. I've never left home like this before, on my own. Not enjoying it one bit. I LOVE home, I LOVE being around my family and friends, and I'm not tired of living in southern California (reasons why some people want to leave). Its true that I was excited about this adventure but didn't realize till now how long 6 months is going to be. I cant stand being away from my love ones for that long, I feel like I'm missing out on whats going on back home, alot can happen back at home over 6 months that I have no control over. I cry everyday.
I'm a routine kind of person, and I'm out of my routine here. Thought I'd be stronger then this. I have this feeling of a huge void in my heart. I hear people say that this kind of experience makes you realize "who you really are", well right now I feel weak, lost, shy, alone, out of place, pressured, scared, and homesick. Who am I? cause I sure DON'T feel my happy go lucky, outgoing, fun, lovable self out here! How am I going to meet new people if I don't feel like myself?
I keep asking myself what the heck I'm doing out here, why am I doing this, but my gut keeps telling me that I need to take on this opportunity. Bitting the bullet even if I feel shitty.Let's just say I pray A LOT! maybe this trip is God's way of getting closer to me? Maybe this is a test of me surrendering my life to God? Please don't let me fall because I've broke down a few times already. I am very much thankful for all the encouraging words I've received from my family and friends. I NEED IT!
I believe theres a reason behind everything, but I have to admit this is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done so far. I also hear the only way to grow is by stepping out of your comfort zone and I feel like I leaped. Its hard accepting that, but its definitely the truth. I'm realizing that money is not worth it being away from my love ones. I want to give up so bad sometimes, but I know I'd feel regret, disappointment. Opportunity like this doesn't come around all the time....I have to keep telling myself this, as well as repeating to myself, "The Lord is my strength and my shield" Psalm 28:7
I'm really hoping that when the "real" working starts it gets my mind off being alone, cause I sure do feel alone when I'm not focused. Don't know if I'm going to make it the full 6 months here, but at least try to be out here for a few months.
Please pray for me. Pray that I find strength, courage, focus, and change of heart. To realize that I have no control on what happens back at home, but all my love ones will be safe. That's the biggest thing that breaks my heart, not spending as much time as I can with my love ones, what if something happens? I just left and missed out on that precious time with them. Ugh! I feel MYSELF when I'm around my family and friends. Even you reading this blog. I can't seem to find myself out here in a strange new place. If I ever have to move in the future, it better be with someone or near someone I know.
I love you all and miss you all so much!!
God bless you and keep you safe, don't forget about me.
~Kristine
My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectations is from Him~ Psalm 62:5
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
One week into my wine adventure
I'm about a week into my wine adventure...what a trip so far.
After my 6 hour layover in Detroit, MI I flew into Pellston, MI where the airport was one single log cabin
(a legit log cabin). Thankfully I found a shuttle van that got me to Mackinaw City, MI. The driver was very helpful in sharing with me all the "local" information. A lot of nice people out here, not like LA. Mackinaw City was a ghost town, my friend and I managed to find the only 3 places open, two bars and a fudge shop. I even had to get my hotel changed because the one I booked decided not to open. Oh, and the best part, it SNOWED! I wasn't prepared for that.
Next morning, took the ferry boat over to the island, Mackinac Island, where guess what??? still snowing! Checked in with human resources at the Grand Hotel, which by the way, is quite "Grand". Found out that my housing is about a mile, uphill, from the Grand. Mind you, at the Grand is where we report for duty and eat our 3 meals a day. I'm gonna be in amazing shape when I get back. We can ride bikes, but I haven't been on a bike for quite some time and need to make some money before I can buy one. I love how this town has "bike parking lots" instead of car parking lots (theres a ban on vehicle on the island). The only time I'm ever going to be driving a motorized vehicle is tomorrow morning when I drive golf carts off a ferry boat.
My housing manager was very welcoming, I got a tour of the whole place. I have a roommate that I share a bathroom with, but I barely see her. She does play country music thank goodness! My room is kinda bare, so I ask for people to feel free to send me anything. Already got my parents sending me stuff to make me feel more at home. I did bring a 69' Camaro model car to remind me of what I'm working for this summer ;) Funny how out of the whole place I got the room with a Mexican flag sticker on the door (haha, go figure). I even got a tour of the Grand, which is absolutely gorgeous. (what a treat!) Each room is one of a kind, very unique, lots of antiques, Victorian style. I was able to talk with one of the house keeping staff and this place is spotless clean! Lots of detail and very much traditional.
Meet ALOT of people so far, lots of international people (Jamaicans, Koreans, Thailand, etc.) Interesting names to try and remember. Haven't been working to much yet, but they say I should enjoy this time off because once the season starts up we could be working 7 days a week. Not much to do with down time right now beside spending money before making money. Checked out all the bars in town (haha) This town is so cute and tiny. Horse carriages as taxis and UPS drivers. Old buildings. Reminds me of upstate New York where the dad's side of the family is from. Looking forward to it warming up so I can do some exploring. Heard it rains, more like pours here, which I'm not prepared for. Bought a $3 umbrella, don't know how far that will get me. I was very excited to find a Christian church here, found my home while I'm out here. This past Sunday's service was in the pastor's house, never done that before.
Started training today, finally! and all I can say is "intense".
Missing EVERYONE!! Let me know if you want to send me anything so that I can give you my address.
much love, Kristine
FYI: Mackinac means "big turtle" and supposedly has "special powers" as well as being hunted (boo!)
After my 6 hour layover in Detroit, MI I flew into Pellston, MI where the airport was one single log cabin
(a legit log cabin). Thankfully I found a shuttle van that got me to Mackinaw City, MI. The driver was very helpful in sharing with me all the "local" information. A lot of nice people out here, not like LA. Mackinaw City was a ghost town, my friend and I managed to find the only 3 places open, two bars and a fudge shop. I even had to get my hotel changed because the one I booked decided not to open. Oh, and the best part, it SNOWED! I wasn't prepared for that.
Next morning, took the ferry boat over to the island, Mackinac Island, where guess what??? still snowing! Checked in with human resources at the Grand Hotel, which by the way, is quite "Grand". Found out that my housing is about a mile, uphill, from the Grand. Mind you, at the Grand is where we report for duty and eat our 3 meals a day. I'm gonna be in amazing shape when I get back. We can ride bikes, but I haven't been on a bike for quite some time and need to make some money before I can buy one. I love how this town has "bike parking lots" instead of car parking lots (theres a ban on vehicle on the island). The only time I'm ever going to be driving a motorized vehicle is tomorrow morning when I drive golf carts off a ferry boat.
My housing manager was very welcoming, I got a tour of the whole place. I have a roommate that I share a bathroom with, but I barely see her. She does play country music thank goodness! My room is kinda bare, so I ask for people to feel free to send me anything. Already got my parents sending me stuff to make me feel more at home. I did bring a 69' Camaro model car to remind me of what I'm working for this summer ;) Funny how out of the whole place I got the room with a Mexican flag sticker on the door (haha, go figure). I even got a tour of the Grand, which is absolutely gorgeous. (what a treat!) Each room is one of a kind, very unique, lots of antiques, Victorian style. I was able to talk with one of the house keeping staff and this place is spotless clean! Lots of detail and very much traditional.
Meet ALOT of people so far, lots of international people (Jamaicans, Koreans, Thailand, etc.) Interesting names to try and remember. Haven't been working to much yet, but they say I should enjoy this time off because once the season starts up we could be working 7 days a week. Not much to do with down time right now beside spending money before making money. Checked out all the bars in town (haha) This town is so cute and tiny. Horse carriages as taxis and UPS drivers. Old buildings. Reminds me of upstate New York where the dad's side of the family is from. Looking forward to it warming up so I can do some exploring. Heard it rains, more like pours here, which I'm not prepared for. Bought a $3 umbrella, don't know how far that will get me. I was very excited to find a Christian church here, found my home while I'm out here. This past Sunday's service was in the pastor's house, never done that before.
Started training today, finally! and all I can say is "intense".
Missing EVERYONE!! Let me know if you want to send me anything so that I can give you my address.
much love, Kristine
Monday, April 11, 2011
my wine steward dream come true
In a week from now I will be heading on my journey to Mackinac Island, Michigan where I will be working as a wine steward at the Grand Hotel. This will be only a six month job, but an amazing
learning opportunity, gaining experience in the industry. I say this is a dream come true because I've wanted to do this years ago. Thanks to God's amazing grace He introduced me to Elizabeth Schweitzer, my wine studies teacher and master sommelier. She inspires me to follow my passion in wine studies and informed me about this wine steward job. I look forward to working with her this summer, absorbing as much wine and service knowledge as I possibly can.
This trip is definitely a leap of faith though, from the journey there to life away from home (my family and friends) but I trust Christ to be with me along the way since this was a God given blessing. I pray I share God's joy and presence to those around me.
Keep checking in as I share post about my new adventure, experiences, wine tips, facts and referrals.
Raise your glass of wine and cheers to new opportunities!
~Kristine
learning opportunity, gaining experience in the industry. I say this is a dream come true because I've wanted to do this years ago. Thanks to God's amazing grace He introduced me to Elizabeth Schweitzer, my wine studies teacher and master sommelier. She inspires me to follow my passion in wine studies and informed me about this wine steward job. I look forward to working with her this summer, absorbing as much wine and service knowledge as I possibly can.
This trip is definitely a leap of faith though, from the journey there to life away from home (my family and friends) but I trust Christ to be with me along the way since this was a God given blessing. I pray I share God's joy and presence to those around me.
Keep checking in as I share post about my new adventure, experiences, wine tips, facts and referrals.
Raise your glass of wine and cheers to new opportunities!
~Kristine
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