The First Christmas Letter from the Olps

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

Merry Christmas! It is with the words above that a humble, young woman accepted her role as God’s servant, and rejoiced that God would use her for such a task as carrying His son, thereby fulfilling centuries of prophesy. What an amazing testament to God keeping His promises in the least likely of ways! He does tend to do that, though, and we are privileged to witness that daily as He uses each of us to further His kingdom, in whatever way and by whatever means it may be.

This Christmas will be Landon and my first, as a married couple. As we look back on this year, it has been an extremely busy and slightly chaotic one, to put it simply, but a truly wonderful and fulfilling one as well. Landon and I are currently living in Lincoln, NE. We have been here for a year and a half now. It is funny how God works- neither of us were planning on, or even really wanting to, stay in Nebraska. But through a series of circumstances and events that only could have happened at the hand of a God who always knows what is best, here we are, and happy to be, even if we have to put up with the local cult, also known as the Huskers.

Landon graduated from Concordia University in Seward, NE in May and has continued his education at the University of Nebraska. He is working on his doctorate in the field of virology, the study of viruses. He is taking classes and then also conducts quite a lot of his own research, as well as aiding and learning with his co-workers. It has been a joy and an experience to get to know the various people is his lab. They are from all over the world! China, Zambia, Ireland, Brazil, and India are just a few places that are covered by this eclectic group. He enjoys his work and the challenges it brings. He is looking to graduate in 5 years. After that- who knows!

I am in my second year of teaching at Lincoln Lutheran Middle and High School. I teach 7^th and 8thh grade Social Studies, as well as head up the Drama and Speech Departments for both the Middle and High School kids. In November, I put on my first musical as “the one in charge.” The kids performed “Guys and Dolls,” and hit it out of the park. I was so proud of them. I enjoy teaching the Middle School kids, however, and plan on taking my 8^th graders to Kansas City this spring to visit the Liberty Memorial and WWI Museum. I am pumped! I am looking into grad school myself, and am planning on starting my Masters in education administration. Whew! Here goes nothing!

In spite of the host of activities in which Landon and I have been involved, the highlight of the 2010 year, hands down, was our wedding celebration on May 29. It was down in Austin, TX, and it was about 100 degrees that weekend, but it was the most perfect day. We began our life as one surrounded by those we love. Our honeymoon followed a month later, taking us down to an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It was paradise- except for the nude island. We discovered this very accepted, Jamaican reality 10 minutes upon arrival. It made for some humorous conversation starters!

Finally, Landon and I have two furry additions to our new family- our psychotic cat, Finch, and his arch rival, our puppy Scout. Scout is half rat terrier and half Scottie. She is a bundle of energy and great birth control. These two conclude our first Christmas letter together. We feel so very blessed by our Lord and Savior, whose birth we celebrate with you. May He continue to bless you and your family this Christmas, and always.

Love,
Landon and Mariel

Fast

Life sure comes at you fast! All I want to do is slow it down, but it only speeds up!

Nostalgic

I think I may have mentioned that as the leaves begin to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow and fall takes the place of summer, I tend to get a little nostalgic. I venture into my treasure trove of wonderful memories and pull out some of my favorites, mentally reliving them, smiling and even laughing at others- out loud, which tends to merit you a few curious looks from a few passers by. Nevertheless, I find one of my favorite hobbies this time of year is to sit outside, slowly sipping a cup of tea, feeling the cool breeze on my cheek, and listening to the rustle of leaves as I start to reminisce...

Mom and Dad- they have created so many amazing memories for me. I can't even nail one down as I am thinking about any particular one... Thank you.

I'm in Dublin, Ireland. It is between my junior and senior year of college and I have finally made it to another country to study abroad! I have spent many days and nights exploring this new place and it is a sunny, Sunday afternoon. I am a little homesick and I decline my roommate's invitation to go the farmer's market, choosing instead to nestle up in my bed, reading. A little later, though, Janna peeks her head into my room, announcing shes got a surprise! Blueberries from France, for me, and a cup of tea. The two of us sit in my tiny bed and talk of home and Harry Potter. Perfect.

I'm driving back up to Seward, NE from Austin, TX with Julia. We have both discovered a love of the new Twilight books and we take turns reading and driving- one drives, the other reads. It is nearing sunset and we pull off the highway and drive to a Starbucks where we refuel on delicious coffee confections and begin again!

I'm on a back country road in rural Nebraska with four of my closest friends. The stars are out and they are brilliantly bright. The five of us are laughing and crying over loves found and lost, college coming to a close, and all life's possibilities. We each sip a bit of wine and take turns telling stories and giving hugs.

Kim and I grab a bite at Cafe on the Square. We are there for each other. Sharing our own pain and holding the other up over coffee. We are sisters.

I'm visiting my grandparents in North Platte. They spoil me and we talk and laugh and play games. They build me up and encourage me. I drive back to Seward, renewed, though not quite ready to go back. I stop in Kearney and take in a movie, James Bond something or other. I call my Dad on the last leg and we have an amazing talk.

Rachel and I are dressed to kill at Magnolia's. We prance around the our small, shared room in heels and pajamas to "Single Ladies." We have complete days of talking in a British accent. We snuggle together and watch "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" on my laptop. We watch a full weekend's worth of "Alias." We go on adventures, photo shoots, scavenger hunts, road trips to Kansas City. Happiness.

I'm swearing off males in general my senior year of college. I am ready to party with the girls and enjoy my freedom! I meet a shaggy-haired, blue-eyed soccer playing transfer. We start out as friends. We sing together in the back of a car. We flirt back and forth. He convinces me to try the whole dating thing again. I do.

I'm in California for student teaching, but do so many more things while I am there. I go hiking, surfing, and biking with the Stahleckers. I sample wines and get treated to Disney Land with Faith and Ryan. I bond with my host family and fall in love with my future husband via letters, emails, and Skype.

Francee and I are at La Paz, after another productive day of shopping! We are sharing our joys and woes of teaching- each praying God uses us in the lives of our students. We go back to my house and watch some chick flick while eating some delicious concoction one of us has whipped up!It May 29, 2010. Finally. Everything is ready. Everyone is waiting. Joel and Aaron open the doors, my Dad takes my hand in his and together, we begin the trek down the aisle. Landon is waiting for me. His eyes are shining with excitement; mine are tearing up. Dad gently gives my hand to Landon and we begin the rest of our lives together on the most perfect of days.


Such wonderful memories. Such incredible people.

King of Anything

"I hate to break it to you babe, but I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?"

One of my favorite songs at the current time is "King of Anything" by Sara Bareilles. First of, the musical caliber of the whole album is awesome, but her lyrics are quite poignant. In the song above, the theme is about breaking through and making your mark on the world around you. To not be afraid of failure or the opinions of others. Such a theme is not uncommon in such a "self made" world, but I think it is one of which we sometimes lose sight.

Why is it that we focus more on the cons instead of pros? Why is it, that in a day of positive comments, we remember the lone negative one? We can consider ourselves defeated before we've even begun. What a waste of a perfectly good opportunity!

I have recently been finding myself feeling at a loss for how to answer certain questions, deal with specific situations, be all I can to everyone around me. I think some of it comes down to humility and trust. I am prideful. I think I can do all and be all. I fear failing others. I fear failing myself. Who do I think I am? God? Thank God I am not! Any good that comes out of rotten old me is form Him, and Him alone. Coming full circle, "King of Anything"is empowering. Eleanor Roosevelt once said that, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." However, we are free to be so only because of whose we are and the freedom we have in Him.

I ask that I do not pass up opportunities merely because of fear of the unknown.

Along the Way

Recently, a minor miracle has found its way to Lincoln, Nebraska. Summer has relinquished its hold on the weather and has finally made way for brisk and beautiful autumn. The leaves are beginning to change ever so slightly and the highs for the day are staying in the upper 70s. It is blissful...

This change in the seasons makes me nostalgic for one reason or another, and I find myself transported back to many and various places and times. Some memories go as far back as my time in Kansas City and family trips to Weston. Others are more recent, such as my summer spent in Dublin and trips to James Arthur Vineyard with the girls. (Sigh...) How time flies!

It also makes me think of all the people who have come into and out of my life, and the impact they have made on me and the woman I have become. I sit and can recall grade school teachers and classmates, high school coaches and sports teams, theater casts, old boyfriends, college professors, and all the friends along the way have helped to shape me. Good experiences. Bad experiences. Joys. Failures. Mistakes. Mile markers. What a journey it has been, and yet, there is God in it all, intricately weaving all of the events and people into the fabric of our lives...and I don't mean cotton!

24

I am a person who loves birthdays. I have always loved birthdays. I had two parents who made sure that even if there wasn't a lot of money floating around for My Size Barbies or those cars that operated by what had to be a beast of a battery and that a small child could actually drive, my Mom and Dad made sure that I knew it was my special day.
Thankfully, I didn't become a self-centered birthday basher. I love celebrating other people's birthdays, too. There have been themed tea-parties and black and white affairs, dinners out on the town, Vineyard excursions, and girls' nights out.Any roommate of mine know that I adore getting and opening birthday cards, and I relish watching others open their little masterpieces by Hallmark or Papyrus.

September has now rolled around and I still find myself eagerly anticipating the 29th. On that day, I will celebrate reaching the ripe old age of 24. 24 feels different. It sounds older. Age 20 marks finally getting out of your teens. At 21, you can legally drink. 22 was still college-aged and 23 was not only the age where nobody likes you (thanks to Blink-182), but also is that first year, usually, that you are thrust into the "real world," praying that you learned something useful for survival in college. 24 is different.

24 is almost mid-twenties. It is the age of most characters in popular movies or books, who are out in the world, making something of themselves. 24 seems like you have finally come into your own and are at least starting to figure out who you truly are and who you want to be, where you want to be, and how you want to occupy your time. Even if you are not quite doing exactly what you want, you probably have an idea.

Maybe I am yet naive and don't know what I am talking about. I do still have 27 days to go...however, I feel like I might be on to something. I am looking forward to turning nearly a quarter of a century old and still am getting excited to open birthday cards, though I know there will be less glitter and sparkles than there were 10 or 15 years ago. So 24, bring it. I am ready.

"Dream Big"

Rachel and I have this joke that involves dreaming big. Though we giggle and carry on, the truth is that setting goals and having dreams is an important part of who we are. It gives us something to work toward. It holds us accountable to our desire to be all that we can. It can, in essence, end up defining who we are. I have a few of those dreams and goals- things I would like to experience or accomplish on this side of heaven. They are each attainable, though some are much more difficult to make into a reality than others. Which ones are which? Only time will tell...

1. Visit all 50 states
2. Lead a European study tour
3. Write a book
4. Learn how to Salsa
5. Spend some time as a missionary
6. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia
7. Read a book while sipping coffee at a Parisian cafe
8. Eat Italian food in Italy
9. Learn to speak a different language
10. Own a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd
11. Tour Israel and see the places where Jesus walked
12. Adopt a Romanian orphan- I went on a mission trip there when I was 16 and was truly touched by the kids I met. Currently, the government is not allowing outside adoptions to take place. I pray that changes.
13. Watch a sunrise at the Grand Canyon
14. Have at least 2 kids and if they so happen to be a girl and a boy, name them Sophia Monet and Liam Nuckols
15. Grow old with Landon
16. See an opera
17. Meet a world leader
18. Scrapbook many of our major trips or experiences
19. Play matchmaker at least once
20. If God allows it, become a philanthropist

God tells us that He did not give us a spirit of timidity, so look out world! I'm dreaming big. And now I'm tired. Good night...

Visits...

Whew! That last one was a little long-winded, which is actually okay when one needs to fill up those last two and half minutes of class with something. I spoke of "Summer Mariel" being officially over, and one reason I was somewhat allowed to still be in partial "summer mode" was because of all the visitors that graced Hotel Olp in the first and last weeks in August.

Elaine and Fritz were the first to try out the...get ready for it... Guest Bedroom! They joined us in celebrating the marriage of Theron and Jessica. We explored the Farmer's Market and James Arthur Vineyard. It was a wonderful weekend, full of weddings, wine, and warm weather. How's that for alliteration?


Next came Kim! She popped in just in time for Rib Fest- a celebration of sorts that involves lots of deep fried anything and ribs and beer. What more can you ask for? We also did some gallivanting at the Sunken Garden and the roses across the street.

Finally, and I know she would say I saved the best 'til last, but Rachel stopped in on her way up to NYC for CPH. We did our alumni duty by spectating the CUNE alumni soccer game, and then made our way up the old, familiar steps of The Gallery. Rach's visit ended with a pork chop dinner, Cold Stone, and Julia Roberts.

I was able to catch a glimpse of Rachel and Todd on their way back up to Seattle, but I do believe the people traffic has stopped for a while. It has been so much fun getting to talk to, hug, and laugh with some incredible people.

To the rest of you incredible people out there, we now do have a vacancy...Want to make a reservation?

Jump Start!

August 18th marked the start of a new school year at Lincoln Lutheran, and mile-marked my second year in the never ending occupation of teaching. Even though I still had more places to go, things to do, and people to see- let's face it, the money had run out for such "frivolities," and I was, in a weird way, starting to miss my classroom and my kids.

Landon makes fun of me, but I still marvel at how summer seems to morph those middle school adolescents. The boys are shooting up and thinning out. The girls are putting all those media-blasted fashions into their personal practice. And me? I'm still the same, though chopping hair off did cause quite a stir the first week!

It was in my 3rd hour social studies class, and two of my 8th grade boys expressed sincere concern for my shorn locks. It went something like this:

(raised hand) Ethan: Mrs. Olp, are you going to grow your hair back out?
Me: Um, well, probably- yes. (3 seconds pause)
(raised hand) Elijah: Does you husband like you hair?
Me: Yes, he does. (5 seconds pause)
(slowly raised hand) Ethan: Why did you cut your hair?

And we wonder, ladies, why guys like the long hair? I have 8th grade boys asking their teacher why she cut hers off and are genuinely interested! I laughed for 5 minutes straight, after class got out!

This year I am also taking over the drama and speech department for the entire middle and high school- our school is grades6-12. The high school is preparing "Guys and Dolls" for November 19-21. We had our first week of practices last week and it was fantastic! I am so very excited about this production and this cast. They make my job easy and so much fun!

Even though I am glad to be back in the swing of things, I still sometimes lament summer being over. It was the best summer of my life! I married my best friend and celebrated in style with my friends and family. I spent a week in Jamaica, soaking up the sun and exploring a different culture with Landon. I got to be a part of and celebrate the marriages of my friends. Landon really introduced me to the World Cup and we joined the rest of the world in their futbol frenzy. I was able to see both of my families in Austin, TX and Green Bay, WI. And, finally, I was able to turn an apartment into a home for my family, consisting of a handsome, up and coming virologist and a demented feline.

It's back to work, though, and praying that God uses me to cultivate a passion for learning in my students. That I honor Him and glorify in my teaching. That my crazy goals and probably over-zealous planning are used by Him.

I still have a religion lesson to plot out and I need to block the scenes we're going over tomorrow at rehearsals. "Summer Mariel" is officially over. It's back to work!

I need a coffee...