The National Museum of the Air Force

I promise this is the last post about our trip to Ohio!  I've been meaning to post these pictures for awhile I just hadn't gotten around to it yet.  I've written about my husband's eye surgery (our reason for going to Ohio in the first place) and about staying at the Fisher House.  The Fisher House was beautiful, but we did get cabin-fever since we were there for so long with a busy, little person so we were on the lookout for free/cheap activities.

Wright-Patt AFB is home to the National Museum of the Air Force which is FREE!  It took us about ten minutes to get there from the Fisher House so we ended up going about three or four times while we were in Ohio.  The museum is gigantic and not very busy so it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.  The museum is three airplane hangers full (and they are planning on building a fourth hanger in the near future).

From what I could tell, the museum is staffed by volunteers, most of whom are veterans.  Everyone we met was so kind, especially when they found out we were an Air Force family.  There were signs all over saying that food and drink was prohibited, but when our bags were checked at the beginning, they allowed us to bring in Hadden's drink and dry snacks, which was nice.

Hadden took full advantage of all the open space by running everywhere.

There were many simulators, which kept my boys busy.  The one above shows how the tail of the helicopter controls which way it turns.

Watching a recording of a Bob Hope USO performance

The sweetest little feet in the world.

Hadden's inspiration photo in case he decides to become an astronaut

These planes are SO much tighter than they look!  I think I'm too claustrophobic to ever consider a career in aviation.  

This is the tune of the Air Force song with the original lyrics:

"Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun,

Down we dive giving 'em hell from under, once we ride, battle is done!

Down below infantry men are marching, mixed in one hell of a row!

With scouts in the fore and bomber galore, Boy, what do you think of the Air Corps now!"

I was excited to see several signs like this one showing the history of women in the Air Force.  At the same time, many of the older planes we saw were decorated with pin-up girl images, so there was a bit of cognitive dissonance.

I had already agreed to review this book before our trip, so when I was especially interested to see Gold Star Mothers remembered at the museum.

These service flags always remind me of the Molly books (the WWII American girl doll) which is where I first learned of them.  

After awhile, Hadden ended up on Caleb's shoulders, which is usually one of his favorite places to be.

Hadden's absolute favorite part of the museum were these coin funnels!  I try not to carry a lot of change, so I was digging through the diaper bag and my wallet to find coins for him.  He probably would have stayed there all day if I had had enough coins to keep going.  :)

Eventually baby boy got tired and ended up conked out in the stroller so we just laid him back and let him sleep while we explored the museum in peace.

This is aerial view of the last hanger and it definitely doesn't do it justice.  If I were a better photographer, I would have taken a panoramic photo because this only shows about a third of the planes in that hanger.

Just a few more pictures!  I promise!

We also took a day and visited two additional exhibits, the Presidential exhibit and the Research and Development exhibit.  Both of these are located on base, which means regular visitors to the AF museum have wait until they have a bus going there.  Since we are DOD cardholders, we got to go on our own time.  I loved the Presidential side of the exhibit and seeing all the old Air Force Ones.

Hadden loved climbing up all the steps on the planes and I loved having him use up energy that way ;)

The passages through the plane were SO narrow.  In the beginning, I had Hadden in an Ergo and we fit, but it was definitely tight.

On Kennedy's Air Force One.  

If I remember correctly, the plane had been refigured since Kennedy had used it, but it was still a bit eerie thinking about Johnson being sworn in on that plane with Jackie next to him in a blood-spotted suit.

As always, Hadden found a place to wiggle and wriggle.  I have absolutely no recollection of what this little trailer thing was, but I DO remember Hadden walking through it about thirty times.  :)

I knew the AF museum would be a good place to release energy, but I wasn't sure how I would like walking around "a bunch of old planes" (my view before we went there) even though I really like most museums.  But we learned quite a bit about aviation, the Air Force and the military in general.  The next time we're in the area, we'll definitely be going back!

Books for the Journey: Women and Christianity

When I was an undergrad at our Christian college, I had a group presentation about women's roles in the Church.  If I recall correctly, we had about a month to prepare.  That sounds like a lot of time, but a month in the middle of college (with four or five other classes, extracurricular activities and lots of other homework assignments to juggle) goes by pretty quickly.  Our professor's goal was for us to take that month, do an in-depth study and emerge with a conclusion.  But a month isn't a lot of time to tackle a subject that complicated!

Up to that point, I had always been taught (and believed) that women couldn't be pastors or elders or have leadership over men in churches.  But I was beginning to question all that.  I saw the inconsistencies in hermeneutics, the incomplete arguments and knew there must be more to the issue than I had been taught.  But, unfortunately, it was a lot easier to just parrot the opinions I'd been given for years, find a few sources, make my powerpoint and take my easy A.

In a lot of ways, I'm disappointed with myself that I didn't go deeper then because I stood in front of a class and taught complementary views even when I had hesitations.  But to be fair, I think this issue (and many others) has been a lot more of a journey, than an assignment.  I've been researching and discussing this issues for several years now and, while I feel I've made a lot of progress, I don't think that the issue is closed to me yet.  I'm still learning from new writers and friends and still forming my opinions.  Perhaps I'll always be.

Last week I wrote a review of the book Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey, which sparked a fun discussion in the comment section and gave me a chance to pull all that knowledge I've been storing up.  As I responded to comments, I realized that I just kept recommending books, which is in line with my undergrad experience.  Majoring in psychology meant a lot of papers and even more references.  And it doesn't hurt that I just happen to like books. ;)  Because of that post, I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite books on women and Christianity.

I'm labeling this "books for the journey" because I want to encourage people to view it that way.  It certainly has been a journey for me, and, in talking with other people, I feel like that's a common sentiment.  I don't expect a complementarian to read my post about Jesus Feminist and immediately change their mind about women's roles in the Church.  But if something I write piques their curiosity and that curiosity causes them to pick up a book and that book causes them to reconsider, THAT is worth it to me.

So here are the books that have helped me on this journey of discovering where women fit into Christianity.  I'm not saying that I agree 100% with each of these books, but each has caused me to think and helped me develop a more robust understanding of feminism and Christianity.  It is VERY hard for me to write 3-4 sentence book reviews, but I'm just giving a quick summary to explain why I'm recommending it.

1. Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible's View of Women

Obviously, I liked this book.  You can read my whole review here, but I just say a quick bit here as well.  I appreciated Sarah's gracious tone and how she prays "for unity beyond conformity" (p. 5).  She advocates for "grace and kindness...especially for those who we believe are profoundly wrong" (p. 5).  If you're just beginning to research this subject, this book would be a good one to start with.

2. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Half the Sky is another great book to read if you're just beginning this journey.  And when you do get to the other books on this list, you'll see Half the Sky quoted over and over again!  Kristof and WuDunn explore how women all over the globe have been subjugated simply because of their gender.  Oh, and there's also a documentary by the same name if you feel like I'm listing too many books!  

3. Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women

This title is obviously a play off of Half the Sky, but it's on another important topic: women in the Church.  Carolyn Custis James encourages her readers to look at these issues through a global and historical lens, instead of simply through our American perspective.

4. A Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering Her Head, and Calling Her Husband "Master"

I read Rachel's book last year and loved it (although her first book, Evolving in Monkey Town, is still my favorite!).  Rachel spends a year examining (and living!) God's commands for women.  It's funny and thought provoking.  So much more I could say about this book, but I'll leave it at this: read it.

5. Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis

If you're looking for a book that goes in depth on the hermeneutics of women in the Bible, this is it.  It is very academic and I still haven't made it through, but what I have read has been wonderful.  It comes recommended by my friend and mentor, Marlena Graves, who is one of the most trustworthy people I know.

6. Good News for Women: A Biblical Picture of Gender Equality

I read this for a college class my senior year and it was the first book I read from an egalitarian perspective.  Until that point, I had always been taught from a complementary perspective, both implicitly and explicitly.  Groothuis' book gave me the confidence and the curiosity to continue on this journey.

7. ProLife Feminism: Yesterday and Today

 This is in my "to read" pile, but comes highly recommended.  Sometimes in conservative Christian circles, I think we see the word 'feminist' and immediately think of abortion.  And I think that's a dangerous correlation.  Certainly, there are many people who are both feminist and pro-choice.  But this book shows that there is a very strong history of feminists who are also pro-life.  (Side note: I hate the terms pro-life and pro-choice terms as they are misleading and inflammatory, but I am using them here because I think it is the easiest way to explain what I mean)


And if you're looking for something FREE that you can read right now, I recommend this article by The Junia Project dealing with I Timothy 2:12, which is one of the most confusing verses in this conversation.  And make sure you read the comments too!


Okay, it's your turn!  What books have helped you?

**This post contains Amazon Associates links

Whole 30 Easy-Peasy Tilapia Recipe

I'm a bit embarrassed to call this a recipe because it's really so easy and simple.  This is a quick meal that we whipped up last night when we started our second Whole30.  It uses ingredients that I keep on hand and is very adaptable, so if I do happen to be out of an ingredient, I can easily leave it out or find a substitute.

Start with two tilapia fillets and cover both sides with lime zest and a sprinkling of sea salt.  Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes.

While the fish is baking, make guacamole!  We use two avocados, lime juice (from the lime that was zested, but reserve 1/4 of it), tomato, red onion and salt.

When the fish is done, plate it and squeeze remaining lime juice over it.  Top with guacamole and dig in!

Oh man, for as many times as I say that I am NOT a photographer, I really need to say I am SO not a food photographer!!!  I don't do this meal justice, so you'll just have to give it a try.  And if you do, maybe take some better pictures of it?  :)

currently reading: Jesus Feminist

"exploring God's radical notion that women are people, too"

"I'll never fit in with Christian women..."

I said these hushed words to my husband as we left a small group one night.  

Looking back, I can see that it was kind of a silly statement.  The night had been discussions of children and cooking and clothing - things that I actually do enjoy, but they felt frivolous at the time.  I was missing deep conversation and connection.  During the long, lonely hours as a SAHM I was (am) mentally wrestling through all that I read on popular Christian sites.  

Why were these amazing debates taking place online and in books where Christian women spoke with strong voices and yet, when I went to Church, I felt like all the women talked about were recipes and kids and decorating and dieting?  Was the conversation only happening online?  

Reading Sarah Bessey's book, Jesus Feminist

, I'm realizing that I was wrong ( and that I should probably get used to that feeling).  I think that all over Christendom these women - strong women who want to challenge and to be challenged - do exist.  But maybe, like me, they're used to churches telling women to be "gentle and quiet", but not telling them to use leadership skills.  And they're used to churches with a "brain-check" at the front door next to the coat check.  And they're used to feminism being "the f word" in Church.  And so, like me, these women have decided to just take the easy route and keep their voices to hushed tones.

But what I'm realizing is that strong women who want more from the Church are all around me.  And I'm so excited to see where that takes me in the next year of hard conversations and growing friendships and women challenging women to do more and be better.

Whew.  All that was just an intro to my thoughts on the book.  I'll try to hurry up after this.  :)  

{I am a bit self-conscious about posting pictures of myself...and I am a Jesus feminist ;) 

 Also, if you didn't know, Sarah collected pictures of people with similar signs.

I didn't come up with this idea on my own. }

Jesus Feminist

 surprised me.  I expected Sarah Bessey's writing to be bold and scandalous and very heavy on research.  And it was, in some ways.  But what surprised me was how personal this book was.  Sarah wrote to ME.  Her words were like a thick blanket wrapped around my shoulders, cocooning and comforting.  She asks her readers to "lay down our ideas, our neatly organized Bible verses, our carefully crafted arguments" (p.1) and instead, invites us to a conversation.     

From the beginning, Sarah wrote gently and kindly and truthfully.  While many people might have negative stereotypes they associate with the word "feminist" (read: angry, bitter), Sarah's tone is completely different.  It was a bit off-setting for me at the beginning because this book was not what I expected.  If you're looking for a book goes through each verse pertaining to women and painstakingly proves (or disproves) why you should be a feminist, this is not the book you're looking for.  This book is about leaving our entrenched sides and coming together to see the Kingdom of God at work.  It was obvious that the book was well-researched, but it was not scholarly.  

I loved how Sarah used her own life stories (and those of her friends) in this book.  She writes of childhood and childbirth, marriage and ministry, hurts and happiness.  She combines stories and Scriptures and quotes and hard truth, and when it all comes together, it works.  It captured my attention and engaged both my brain and my heart.  

One part stuck out to me: "Often when a woman exhibits leadership, she's accused of having that Jezebel spirit.  I look forward to the day when women with leadership and insight, gifts and talents, callings and prophetic leanings are called out and celebrated as Deborah, instead of silenced as a Jezebel" (p. 92)  Yes.  Yes!  I wish this wasn't revolutionary in western Christianity, but it is!  And I too look forward to the day when women are celebrated as leaders, scholars and pastors in the Church.  

I've read criticism that Sarah's book didn't go far enough.  And I understand where those people are coming from.  In some ways, I do think she could have pushed further.  But I think she ended up with a gracious book that will speak to both sides and will start the conversation rolling in churches.  Rather than focusing on the minute details, Sarah looks at the bigger picture.  To her, being a feminist is being part of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Before reading this book, I was comfortable calling myself a Christian and a feminist.  But Sarah's book helped me delve deeper into the conflation of those, which I appreciate.  This is a book I plan to read again and will recommend to friends, both male and female.  I am already looking forward to the conversations that will take place because of Jesus Feminist

.

My rating: 5 stars

{Finished book on my little red desk}

If you've read Jesus Feminist

 (or read Sarah's blog), I'd love for you to let me know what you thought! :)

**This post contains Amazon Associates links

Caleb's Corrective Eye Surgery

My poor husband started wearing glasses at the age of seven.  SEVEN!  He played sports from a young age so he says, "I was *that* kid.  The one who had to wear goggles just to play soccer."  But it didn't stop him from breaking multiple pairs of glasses.  Eventually he got contacts and those worked well for awhile.  But the last few years his eyes had been dry and it seemed there was nothing we could do about it.  He tried switching eyedrops and contacts, but it didn't help.

From the time I met him, Caleb talked about getting LASIK so when he came home from the Air Force optometrist with information on getting corrective eye surgery, we decided to go for it.  At this point, the Air Force will do corrective eye surgery for any active duty member for FREE as long as you meet their qualifications.

Caleb was accepted on his first try, although we later learned that others had to apply two or three times to be accepted.  Here are the general qualifications the Air Force looked at when Caleb applied (there might be more, so be sure to check with your base optometrist):

1. He had more than one year of "eye history" recorded by the Air Force

2. He had more than six months left in his service commitment

3. He was not scheduled to deploy within a certain time frame

When we filled out the paperwork, we learned that the Air Force offers two types of surgery: LASIK and PRK so we had to decide which of those Caleb would want.  Then we had to choose a medical facility at which to receive the treatment.  Less than 10 Air Force bases offer this surgery so we had to use personal money to travel to the base.  Thankfully we were able to stay at the Fisher House at no cost to us.

Once we submitted the paperwork, they were ready to schedule us for a surgery the next month!  The surgery itself only takes about 20 minutes, but we had to stay at the base for about 10 days total while Caleb had pre-op and post-op appointments.

Caleb's recovery was very smooth.  He was in minimal pain the days after the surgery and just needed a lot of rest.  He used ice packs (well, frozen vegetables) once or twice a day, wore his sunglasses religiously and kept up on his pain medicine.  One week after the surgery we were traveling back to Nebraska and Caleb could see well enough to drive!

Overall we had a great experience with Caleb's corrective eye surgery!  His eyes will continue to stabilize over the next five months or so, but they are much improved already.  He will continue to use eyedrops for awhile and will have to wear sunglasses whenever he's outside as well.  Those seem like small sacrifices in the long run.  Caleb is so glad that he had the surgery.  I've since asked him if he would do it again and his answer is always unequivocally yes!

What about you?  Would you get corrective eye surgery if you had the chance?

On the Tenth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

Happy tenth day of Christmas!  We're counting up to Epiphany (the twelfth Day of Christmas for those of you not familiar with the liturgical calendar) because our little family is exchanging our Christmas gifts on that day.  But my husband's main gift to me was ready today and I couldn't wait to start using it.  He brought it inside this afternoon so I could get it all set up.

(still missing two knobs that are back ordered until next week)

I've been wanting a desk for awhile and checking Craig's List semi-often since I knew we didn't have the money for a new one.  Last week I emailed a few people about desks and ended up going to see one.  It was homely and worn, but I knew it could be improved.  So we brought it home, painted it red and added blue knobs!

I had no plans to have a red desk - the color is still growing on me.  I wanted a pale turquoise or coral, but when we decided to use spray paint (to speed up the process), I was limited on colors.  The desk is definitely a "pop" piece now - the first thing you notice when you enter the room and I do like that.  I'm still working on turning the area around my desk into my own.  I'd like to add a lamp and perhaps some more decorations.  But it feels freeing to have a space to myself.

The last time we talked, my writing mentor encouraged me to take time for myself - time away where I could focus and meditate and read and write.  I am still working on that.  But I think having a space to do that is one step in that direction.

The desk also inspired some Christmastide organizing, which is probably the best gift I could give my husband!  After I was filled the drawers, I started pulling things out of a nearby closet, purging most of it and redistributing the rest to its proper home.  And then I moved on to another closet dreadfully in need of some organization.  

All around, I feel like our home has become more abstractly spacious today.  It felt good.