Today Ben Schnell and I are leaving on a road trip around America.

Yesterday we were driving to the VM to get some lunch. For those of you who have been gone from Southern for a while, University Drive is blocked off because they're putting in a roundabout. So traffic is detoured behind the school on Industrial Drive. I was on the phone with Andrea, so I was a little distracted, and I started turning left onto Apison.

He started pointing to the right. I didn't know why.

"We're going to the VM," he said.

"I know," I said, turning on my left blinker.

"The VM is to the right," he said.

"No, it's not!" I insisted.

Oh dear. I think Ben will be directing this trip.


Look at all the people I get to visit!

July 28 - St. Louis, MO

I haven't seen my grandparents and cousins for years. And Natalie is driving the other way across the country and we're meeting in the middle!

July 29 - Lincoln, NE

That's my cousin, Jeanette. Family resemblance, eh? And I couldn't find a picture of Dylan Wren, but I did once ask a tag question about him on my leg.

July 30 - Camp Ida-haven?

Not sure if we'll make it to this stop or not, since it's 19 hours away from Lincoln. But we figure it'd be fun to hit up as many camps as we can. Friend here include Phillip Sherwood, Carl Canwell, and Kevin Ekvall!

July 31-August 1 - Hayden Lake, ID

I can't wait to see all these people that I love! And Camp MiVoden! Oh man..I'll also be seeing Ben Foote and Nick Livanos here too, but since they might be joining us for the rest of their trip, I'm not posting their pictures. I'm also running out of time and would like to start this journey.

August 2 - Spokane, WA

I love Emily Wilkens so so so much! It's been far too long since we've connected.

August 3 - Sisters, OR
I worked with Keith Bowman in Campus Ministries for a year, but apparently this was never documented in photographs. Nevertheless, I'm excited to see him at Big Lake - one of the top ten camps in the country!

August 4 - Wawona, CA

Andrea will be out visiting Donnie and Rachel. We're both super excited to check out Yosemite - and our vacations perfectly collide. Couldn't have planned it better! Hope some other Wawona friends are still around as well.

August 5-7 - Loma Linda, CA

Yeah! Mom & Dad! And Sarah in her brand new home!

August 8 - Grand Canyon, AZ
I'm so excited to see this place!

August 9 - Albuquerque, NM
More camping. Or maybe driving through the night.

August 10 - Bristow, OK

I'm looking forward to my second visit to Fisher Family Farms. This time, we're going to see a live production of the musical Oklahoma! complete with real horses and guns. Oh boy!

August 11 - Collegedale, TN
Ah...back to my temporary home for a few days until I head back up to Michigan.

Read More 8 comments | Posted by Miss Jehle

"You're too skinny to be eating all that cake and chips."

I turned around and smiled hesitantly at the man behind me in Bi-Lo's only open checkout line. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and looked like he was in his late 30s. Maybe the type who watches ESPN all the time. He was buying some painkiller and an ace bandage. I explained that my cart full of food was for a party, not just for me.

"Looks like there will be some underage kids at that party," he said. Before I even understood what his point, he started talking about how much you can tell about a person by what they have in their grocery carts. I guess I agree. I don't serve alcohol at the parties I throw. Maybe that should tell you something about who I am.

Then he started making jokes about his age, and I didn't really understand why. "I'm so old I sat behind Jesus in 3rd grade!" he said, laughing loudly. I gave him a less enthusiastic smile and started to turn back around, hoping he would get the hint that I didn't like his joke.

But apparently he thought he was quite funny. "Why are you wearing a whistle? Either you coach some children or you use it on all the guys who are stalking you."

I thought the words "Cohutta Springs Youth Camp" on my lanyard could have given Mr. Observant a clue as to which of those options was true, but I patiently and positively explained that I worked at a summer camp just down the road.

"I haven't heard of it. I just came to the area to start a business with one of my buddies. You'd think I'm a bad person if I told you what kind of business it is though."

I wasn't sure if that was an invitation to ask, so I didn't, and tried to turn away again. He moved closer.

"What are you doing when you're not working at summer camp?"

I considered using my whistle on him. Instead, I told him I go to school in Michigan.

"What part of Michigan? I was born in Michigan!"

Could the cashier be any slower? I like people, and I usually don't mind chatting it up with strangers, but something about this guy just made me uncomfortable.

Finally, after a few more cheesy joke attempts, it was my turn and I moved up to the checkout, thinking we were done.

"Don't mess up her change - she'll blow that whistle on you!" he said to the cashier. I smiled weakly.

After I paid, I grabbed the groceries from the bagger and made a beeline for my car. I noticed my bright blue Michigan license plate. What was I thinking, telling this weirdo where I live?

As I was unloading the bags into the back of my station wagon, I saw him heading across the parking lot toward me. I started searching for my keys so I could put them between my fingers and punch him in the face if he tried anything. Yeah, I've read those email forwards about creepy guys in parking lots.

"Hey Tiffany, Samantha, Allison.....?"

I assumed he was talking to me and reluctantly turned around. He was holding a postcard sized piece of paper and handed it to me.

"Come get a free drink at the coffee shop I'm opening. It's just down the road in Chatsworth - the Bikini Beani. Unfortunately for you, it's Hooters' style, you know, all the waitresses are Beani Babes and wear bikinis and stuff... But there's a drive through!"

Oh good. If I don't see it, I won't have to be offended and demeaned by it. In fact, maybe I'll even continue to support such an establishment after the drinks are no longer free.

Thanks...but no, thanks.