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The Settled Wayfarer

A few thoughts and stories from a girl waiting to be home.

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Author: Abby Penick

I am a CNA in nursing school. I am married Travis, who is the love of my life. When I am not studying, I love taking pictures, making music, writing letters, kissing baby goats, and spending time with my friends and family. I grew up as an MK in Cambodia, and am an adopted Alaskan living in Illinois.

To my Fiance Before our Marriage

You ask me what I am afraid of...  That's exactly the problem: I don't know.  I don't know what the future holds.  I don't know what we will do. I don't know where we will be. I don't know how we will live.  I don't know if you will think I'm pretty in 10 years. (For … Continue reading To my Fiance Before our Marriage →

Abby Penick Uncategorized 3 Comments April 21, 2020March 23, 2021 1 Minute

With Both Hands.

There are two pictures in my journal: In one picture, it is dark out. There aren't any lights on the gravel path. We are in a cemetery. He is walking in front of me with a backpack on. He holds his longboard in his left hand. His dimples are showing, and his eyes are shining.  … Continue reading With Both Hands. →

Abby Penick Stories, Thoughts 4 Comments March 31, 2020 1 Minute

Just Three Words

Life is a gift. And she knows it. She knows it while she sits alone at her house. She rocks in her rocking chair. She dusts the picture frames. She waits for the grandkids to call. She paces the floor. She pulls out her husband’s old shirt and wraps herself in it. Life is a … Continue reading Just Three Words →

Abby Penick Thoughts 3 Comments November 1, 2019 1 Minute

not in me

A grizzled old fellow pulled up to my fishing shack in a bulky RV. I pushed open my shack window and looked up as I leaned out, “Can I get you a day use parking pass today?” I asked. He replied with an immediate yes. I told him the price and he gave me his … Continue reading not in me →

Abby Penick Thoughts 2 Comments October 30, 2019December 21, 2019 3 Minutes

Note To Self

What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Who would you talk to? What people would you reach for Christ? What job would you pursue? Where would you go? How much would you give? What would you say to your co-workers? What would you say to your friends? How many new dreams would you have? … Continue reading Note To Self →

Abby Penick Uncategorized 2 Comments September 25, 2019September 26, 2019 1 Minute

A Book By Its Cover

Sunrise at the fishing shacks They pulled up to my window. Their van was piled with fishing nets. I couldn’t see their license plate in the dark. The vehicle windows were tinted, so I couldn’t see inside either. One of the back windows rolled down slowly, and a mid-twenties woman leaned out. She wore fishing … Continue reading A Book By Its Cover →

Abby Penick Uncategorized 2 Comments September 5, 2019September 5, 2019 2 Minutes

Nursing: A Painful Process

I choked in a breath of air as I pushed open the door to the smoke room. In the far corner of the room I could barely make out my coworker. I moved across the room and sat in the cold chair next to her. A cigarette occupied the space between her full lips. She … Continue reading Nursing: A Painful Process →

Abby Penick Nursing stories, Thoughts 4 Comments August 22, 2019 2 Minutes

Mulling While Mowing

My mind whirred like the noise of the mower. I drove back and forth across the ball fields, making sure my mow lines were even. Thoughts rattled around in my head. I lost track of my straight mowing line and almost ran over a softball. Focus, Abby. I saw the company van pull up. My … Continue reading Mulling While Mowing →

Abby Penick Thoughts Leave a comment August 13, 2019 2 Minutes

A Promised Dance

He sat next to his buddy who was listening to the radio in the lunch room. His eyes followed me while I walked back and forth to each different hall. I had a laundry basket balanced on one hip, a stethoscope around my neck, and a medicine book in my free hand. A blood pressure … Continue reading A Promised Dance →

Abby Penick Nursing stories 4 Comments July 31, 2019July 31, 2019 1 Minute

MK: Who Am I, Really?

Even the Thai Ronald McDonald knows how to show respect...Thailand 2011 My younger sister and I sat at a coffee shop in Cambodia. Our caffeinated brains buzzed while we discussed what it means to transition through life as an MK. “Abby, I don’t understand what the big deal about being a missionary kid is. We’re … Continue reading MK: Who Am I, Really? →

Abby Penick Missions/MK stories 2 Comments July 28, 2019July 31, 2019 2 Minutes

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