​No one prepares you for suffering. You walk tirelessly through a dark, narrow tunnel and at the end, you find no light. You're out of breath. You've been vomiting sarcasm, "Stay faithful, really?"

If you've read my articles from last summer, you know I spent most of 2022 dealing with a complication from my c-section in 2019. You can read Part One here, if you'd like. I had a rude awakening with pain and I learned the depths of suffering pretty fast. There were countless nights where I felt like I was crying out prayers to an empty sky. I was frustrated for a long time...but God has now moved me into a season of healing. I thought I would share with you what I've learned.

​In high school, I remember flipping through books that recounted mid life crises and hard seasons. I never read these "situations" carrying on for more than a couple months. It's deceiving. Suffering can exist for years and the after effects can be just as horrific as the pain. 

After my hysterectomy, I had a choice to make. I could continue in my suffering and walk heavy footed about never having a baby again or I could cut ties with my pain. When I checked in with myself, I learned I was actually feeling okay. Beat down sure, but I was healthy and ready to get back to the things I love.

One thing that was hard to walk through was knowing how I feel vs. how people on the internet feel when they share their experience. Directly after my surgery, it was hard to see which emotions were my own and which I had held onto from watching an a Instagram Reel. After separating the emotions I thought I was suppose to feel with the ones I was truly experiencing myself, I opened the door to healing.
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It was a painful two years and God did not rid me of my pain quickly. I do know however, that if my experience did happen suddenly and I found out day one my c-section was the problem, I would not have been brave enough to make the right decisions for my body.

Jesus is good, despite the suffering we to endure. I was not happy about the countless ER visits and surgeries, but it pushed my family and I back to Nebraska near our families and to find a new doctor. After all that has happened, how would we have survived this hard season without our families' support? God was writing a plan for us, just not the one I wanted. I like this verse about suffering...

1 Peter 5:10
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
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This month marks a year from my hysterectomy last August. I can say now, I'm ready to circle back and heal from the many hard things we dealt with back to back. The things I couldn't let myself feel because there wasn't enough time. I have understood too, that I can begin to let myself heal, when I am ready to. 

God has made it so clear for me. This is okay. ​You have been aching to travel again and continue working with hotels & tourism boards. This is who you are and wow, look, you made it back. Great job sweetheart.
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Thanks for coming by guys. I hope if you are in a season of suffering right now, just do your best to hold on. Survive the day. Reach out to Jesus. Let Him carry you. Everything has an end.

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I'm not sure where the summer has gone, but I ain't gonna let go of this weather yet! This summer I did a poll on Instagram of what you guys wanted to see and you picked 'Lakes & Trails!' Am I surprised? No. So, I collected my favorite lakes and trails in Omaha and wrapped them up in a guide for ya. Let's jump into it!

I love making it out to Mahoney & Platte River State Park, but sometimes I don't want to drive 20 minutes out of town. Twin Creek Trailhead is one of my favorite trails in Omaha! It is extremely safe, close to the Bellevue Berry Farm, and is super charming nestled against Papillion Creek.

This is trail reminds me of my small little hometown. While walking, you will see rolling hills, cornfields, steel rail bridges, and a glimpse of Bellevue. There are multiple spots to park along the trail, but the main parking lot is behind Culver's on 36th & Raynor Parkway. You could spend hours walking this trail, plus there are gorgeous neighborhoods nearby you can wander off to.

I love a good sunset at Lake Zorinsky. The trail is close to the water and it is in West Omaha, so I feel comfortable walking solo! This is another great option if you're looking for an evening walk, but not wanting to travel far.

Zorinsky has a pool & splash pad too! Prices are pretty affordable, 3-17 year old's are $5 and $6 for adults. I'd like to take my son, Trax, sometime. The pool looks super lowkey and relaxing!

Lake Manawa's Dream Land Park is probably one of Trax's favorite parks. Lately, he's been saying "let's go to the big park!" He means Manawa. It is magical, extra clean, and full of fun things to play with. The park is primarily made out of wood and that makes it feel even more like a fairytale book!

There is seating all around the park and it is fairly enclosed, so it's not easy for the little ones to run off. This park is adjacent to the beach access at Manawa. The daily park entry fee is only required for non residents of Iowa, which is $5!

TIP: I would not visit Lake Manawa for walking, we didn't seem to find many trails around the lake. I have swam here before, but not recently. I've seen a couple mamas post about reactions their kids are having after swimming in the water. So, please be careful and keep an eye on toxin levels before heading to this lake!

Lake Cunningham is a pretty lake northwest of Omaha. It is the perfect lake for laying out and for kayaking! Swimming is not allowed here, but that doesn't affect this gem of a place. Kayaks can be rented for $25 for two hours, which would be the cutest weekend date idea ever. They also rent out paddle boards and offer water yoga classes. Their rental shop recommends booking your boat rental 24-48 hours in advance.

I would recommend going with a friend, just to be safe. Recently, someone's car was stolen here, so please keep that in mind!​ However, I didn't feel unsafe or uncomfortable when I went a couple summers ago.
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Rent a kayak or board - https://neighborhoodoffshore.com/rentals

I used to say I would swim at Lake Manawa hands down, but the E.Coli scares lately have made me rethink that. That being said, we have swam at Branched Oak for years and have never felt sick or had a bad reaction! This lake is outside of Lincoln, in Raymond, Nebraska, but is definitely still worth the drive!

They have an awesome spacious sand beach and it's often pretty clean! We love spending the day here and it's not a bad deal to get in. $6 daily permit for residents of Nebraska and $12 for out-of-state vehicles. 

TIP: Get the Country Fried Steak at Ding-A-Ling Bar & Grill in Raymond after a long day of swimming. They have some killer food. This place is just a short drive from the lake too!

I visited Platte River State Park a lot when I was in college. It was so fun to climb their lookout tower, get some sun on the dock, and see the Platte River at sunset. Their also known for their waterfall, splash zone, and hiking trails lined with beautiful trees!

Daily permits are $6 and non-resident of Nebraska are $12 again. They have teepees to sleep in, cabins, and glamping cabins that range from $20 per night - $185. I would love to spend an entire weekend here sometime to explore every part of the park, because I know I have not seen it all! 

TIP: Louisville State Recreation Area is also nearby, which has giant inflatables in the lake and plenty of room to lounge on the sand. 

I totally thought I'd write this post in like two hours...I was wrong. It took me multiple weekends, lol. I just kept finding little gems in my photo gallery! I hope this guide helps you plan your last couple weekends of summer. It's not too late to kayak, have a Saturday swim, or hike some gorgeous trails!

​Now, I better go, Trax is pointing at the Manawa park saying, "Go after nap?" Told you it's cool. Alright, see you in September with another post! :)

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