From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning
Destination: Iowa

On the Road...

Published: Sun, 03.08.2009

Today was a great start to our trip.  We arrived at the gym and got really nice embroidered blankets, our bus was decorated like crazy with balloons and clever snap-shot posters, and we received the biggest treat bags I have ever seen!  These things were great, but it was the parents, friends, and administration that showed up to support us that reminded me why I love Taylor -community. 

Paige RudolphI cannot even begin to describe the support I felt from those around us as we bowed our heads and Dr. Bedi asked God to watch over us and bless our efforts.  It is in these moments that I continue to realize that basketball is about so much more than basketball - it's about working as the body of Christ.  Whether we're a coach, player, parent, or athletic director, it's a beautiful thing when we can support one another and the endeavors we approach.  Thank you all for your support.  Parents especially, we "thank our God every time we remember you" (Phil. 1:3).

On a different, more comical note, the bus ride was eventful to say the least.  I slept for a couple of hours and then was unexpectedly awoken by Tasha screaming bloody murder in the seat in front of me and Ballard jumping up from the seat behind me to pull down the roof's emergency exit door.  It was so windy that this door kept getting caught and lifted up by the wind, causing an enjoyable gust of freezing air to blow into our faces. Every time it happened I thought someone had turned on Twister and Helen Hunt was chasing tornadoes and strategically dodging cows. 

We stopped and ate, then had about two more hours to continue observing Iowa's beautiful landscape (and people say Indiana is ugly - no offense Achterhoff family).  The team understandably got restless and eventually decided to evaluate each other on our abilities to make certain animal noises.  Sometimes we try to apply ourselves off the court too.  We discovered that Nellie does a really good whale call, Moe does an excellent horse, and Ballard, well let's just say that her and her dog used to howl a lot together.  We are multi-talented to say the least.

We finally arrived at our hotel and are taking it easy.  Tomorrow we have practice and will finally reach our ultimate destination - Sioux City, Iowa!!!!  Sweet dreams.