When in Kenya

When in Kenya... Love So Much It Hurts

If you've ever talked to me for longer than about twenty minutes, it's very likely that we talked about Kenya. I have been enamored with Africa since the Lion King, and have been falling in love with it's people since middle school.

I am lucky enough to go to a church where my youth pastor is not only a pastor, but also the co-founder of a non-profit called Staff of Hope. Seeing the work they did and the pictures of the Kenyans they served tugged on my heart from a very young age. And so, even at 13 years old, I knew I had to go to Kenya.

From staffofhope.org- Please let me know if you would like to hear more about this fantastic organization- they do great work!

During my sophomore year of high school, I heard there was a group going to Kenya. 

I said, "I want to go to Kenya".

Jeff said, "Come on."

He must have been crazy. I was 15 years old, wildly immature, and probably more fascinated by the exotic nature of the trip than dedicated to service. I didn't know anything about Kenyan culture, food, or history. All I really knew is that I loved those people, and I had to go to Kenya. 

Looking back, I am abundantly thankful for Jeff's crazy response. In a way, it reminds me of how Jesus calls the disciples. Those dudes were seriously messed up. But Jesus says, "Come and see." How grateful am I that the Lord uses even the most broken of us.

So, on my 16th birthday, I left for Kenya. And man I was clueless. There's nothing in the world that can prepare you for the culture shock of leaving your suburban American lifestyle and traveling halfway across the globe to a country in sub-Saharan Africa.

The traffic was atrocious. Kids ran alongside cars in the street. The billboards were as tall as my house, and giant birds roosted in the trees.

Nairobi surprised me- people walked in the streets despite the awful traffic!

The differences didn't end there. As we traveled out of the city and further into the bush, things grew even more unfamiliar.

Goats and cows walked in herds across the roads, which bumped and twisted around small ravines. People walked wrapped in bright blankets, carrying tall sticks. Kids came pouring out of compounds to wave as you walked by. Dust billowed behind cars and came in clouds with the breeze.

"Traffic" out in the bush

At first, it was fascinating, and exciting. It was truly like nothing I had ever seen before. My heart leaped with the wildness of it all. The people were amazing, so friendly and full of life. But of course that was not all. I started seeing deeper into the lives of these people.

I met a man with three wives. I met a girl younger than me with children, and a husband the age of my father. I saw the tiny house of my friend and his many brothers; which they didn't even own. I saw girls walking to get water when they should have been in school, and women walking miles to receive basic healthcare. 

This Mama was one of three wives, and younger than me.

As I got to know the Kenyan people, my love for them grew. As I got to know their circumstances, I hurt deeply for these people I loved. My dear friend Kerby sent me to Kenya with daily notes of love and encouragement. One said (and I have it to this day) "Love so much that it hurts." Never have I understood this statement more deeply than I did then. My heart broke for my friends. I was so confused. Why would God give me such a deep love for these people if it only caused me hurt? I felt helpless to create change, thoroughly unequipped to help them in their suffering. 

I remember praying, "God, what would you have me do?!" It was a prayer of desperation, of anger and frustration. Had the Lord given me this love and hurt without reason?

My gracious God answered my prayer on that trip, although I did not realize it until this year. In the Nairobi Intercontinental Hotel, I heard the term "Public Health" for the first time.

Now, I have been studying public health for over a year. This August, I went back to Kenya. On my birthday, I met with a business contact in the Nairobi Intercontinental Hotel. We met to talk about AFRIpads, a side project I and my friend Dottie had been dreaming up while planning the trip. We bought 60 kits of reusable sanitary pads to take to the girls who live at the school Staff of Hope runs. These kits will allow the girls to take care of their periods for a year without having to spend money on expensive products. Girls that cannot afford these products often go without any sanitary product, and may even miss school for their monthly cycle. I learned about reusable pads in one of my public health classes, and was excited to be able to make them a reality for the girls.

Some of my Kenyan sisters at Oloile teaching us to dance! It is a privilege to know and serve these sweet girls.

Three years after my desperate prayer of "God, what would you have me do?!", I was finally doing something. I was able to give back to the Kenyan girls whose need weighed so heavily on my heart. This public health project, little as it was, was an abundant blessing to me. Six years after I first wanted to go to Kenya, and three years after having my heart broken by my love for the Kenyan people, it had all come together. The Lord had a plan for it all. Public Health. The Lord was using my passion and my future profession to serve those that I deeply love. 

God had been planning this all along, from the moment he set the desire to go to Kenya in my heart. From the time I was 13, the Lord had been planning my purpose and paving a way for me. As I sat in the Intercontinental Hotel on my 19th birthday, I knew I was right where God wanted me.

I truly believe this is only the beginning. The Lord has more for me in public health. His word tells us he will do "immeasurably more" than we could ever imagine. I don't know where He is taking me yet, and I tell myself daily not to run ahead on my own. For I serve a God who has made plans for me, "plans formed of old, faithful and sure".

Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!

 Erin

The Out-of- State Student Survival Guide

8 days. 3 finals. Amazingly enough, that's all that's between me and the end of my freshmen year. It's mind-blowing. This year has been a roller-coaster ride, and I can't believe it's almost over. I have no idea what to say when people ask if I'm excited to be home this summer. Of course I am, but I'm also far sadder than I ever thought I would be to leave school. Ohio State has truly become a second home.

So, let this post be a tribute to a year of loneliness, struggles, triumphs and joys beyond what I could have imagined. Whether you're going to school out-of-state, or just wondering how I made it though my first year, buckle up for what is looking to be my longest, realest post yet. Here's what you need to know.

1) You will be the loneliest you have ever been- pray.

The moment my parents left campus on move-in day, I was alone. Sure, I knew my roommate, but I'm pretty sure she could have fit the things she knew about me then on the front of an index card. As the days and weeks pass, you'll meet more and more people. And that's great! But there's a world of difference between a friend you met a few weeks ago, and the friends you've had for years and years at home. And you'll feel it. It'll hit you hard. Pray. Pray when get weird looks for telling a joke your best friend would have cracked up at. Pray when you feel like a stranger on your own campus. Pray when your heart hurts for someone who really, truly knows you, and you find no one. Because friends, who knows us better than our Father?

2) You won't fit in right away- pursue friendships anyways.

Sometimes the people you meet are nothing like you. Sometimes they are, but they've all known each other for years. Sometimes the people you thought were like you turn out to be totally different. Wherever you go to school, making new friends from scratch can be so hard. It takes work. Don't be discouraged. Run after new friendships boldly. Find a club, a sports team, or even a class that can connect you to people like you. You may discover that the friendships you end up making are way different from the ones you set out to make. That's okay! College is a sweet time to meet new people. This year, I've made friendships I know will last for a long time.

Thankful I found this gem of a roommate :)

3) You'll feel like a fish out of water- explore!

Beyond meeting new groups of people, you'll also be in an entirely new place! At the beginning of last September, I didn't even know how to get to the basketball arena. Now, I can point you in any cardinal direction, towards downtown, the Union, the 'Shoe, Bexley, the YoungLife office, and several coffee shops (winkwink) on a moment's notice. Especially if you go to a school in a big city, there's so much to see and do. Don't be afraid to leave campus! The Columbus Coffee Trail was one of my favorite parts of my year, mainly because of how Klaudia and I were able to see so many parts of Columbus we may not have found otherwise. There's still so much of Columbus for me to discover, and I know your city will have hidden gems to find as well. So get out there!

German Village

4) Long distance relationships are so hard- make them work.

Warning: don't skip this section if you're single. Regardless of your relationship status, you're going to be in a long-distance relationship. You're leaving dear friends behind, and I would hope those relationships matter enough that you want to maintain them at school. And you can- it's by no lengths impossible. But it is hard. Communication is so easily misunderstood by texting, and Skype calls are never going to be the same as actually hanging out. You will miss your friend every. single. day. 

But, every minute of work you put in, every time you stay up late on the phone, or put off homework to Skype, you will be so glad you did. Every bit of time spent on those relationships will be so, so worth it. The relationship may not last, I'm sure you've heard that one before. But I promise your relationships that are meant to last will, and they will be stronger for it. So send care packages. Have Skype dates. Send puppy pictures. Build snap-streaks. You'll be glad you did.

Relationship milestone- the 100 day Snapstreak

Here's a picture of me at a NC State football game with my friends!

5) You'll miss your parents more than you imagined- call home.

I know what you're thinking. "Not me. I won't miss my parents. I'm so ready to leave!" Listen to me: you're wrong. Nothing will make you appreciate your parents more than leaving them (sorry it had to be that way Mom!). You'll call your mom asking how to send a letter in the actual mail, or text asking about taxes and 'do-I-even-need-to-file-those-anyway.'  Beyond just the things they do for you, you'll miss them. Quite honestly, almost nothing makes me laugh as hard as Snapchats from my parents. I find excuses to text them about the most random stuff. I'm so glad they call me every Sunday, but if they didn't I know I would call home anyway. They still push my buttons, we still argue, but I still miss them every day.

Thanks Mom and Dad <3

6) Visits home will be the best kind of chaos- cherish them.

Going home is so exciting. You get to see your friends and family that you haven't seen in months, cuddle your dog, and eat home cooked meals. They are packed full of seeing every single person you've missed at school, and trying to visit every place you've missed in your hometown (shoutout to Bean Traders). They will go by so fast. Don't miss a moment. Get up early and stay up late. Take pictures! Do the things you've been dreaming about doing. Visits won't go perfectly. Being busy and tired can take its toll. You'll miss seeing someone you really wanted to see, and plans may change. That's okay- make the most of every second you have. Those memories will get you through to the next trip home.

Here's an actual picture of me with my friends- so thankful for Spring Break, and friends who go to school close to home!

7) Time will fly- savor it.

Like I said in the beginning, I can't believe the year is almost over. Move-in day literally feels like yesterday. I can't believe I made it though my first Ohio winter! It feels great to have made it though my first year- everyone says it's the hardest. But, my time at Ohio State is 20% over (5-year program whootwhoot). Pretty soon, this will all be over. I'll have to graduate and get a real job and pay real bills. I can't imagine a life like that right now, but it will really be here before I know it. Freshman year goes by so fast, and I don't think the ride will slow down much in the years to come. Really, truly, don't miss out. Don't wish school away when class gets hard, don't rush your way through school to get married and have a house and kids. For most of us, this is our only shot. Have a ball.

First football game- I can't believe this was so long ago!

8) You'll learn more than you ever have- be thankful.

I hope you're coming to school to study something you're passionate about. If not, I hope you find what you're meant to do. College has so much to offer- I have taken classes from Folk & Square dance to Case Studies of Epidemiology, and although I haven't loved every one, I've learned something valuable from them all. I hope you're thirsty for knowledge, and you soak it up like a sponge every day. Regardless of your major, or even the classes you take, you'll learn something. You'll learn about yourself, about who and what really matter to you. You'll learn silly 'adulting' things like how ridiculously expensive stamps are, and how to vote. Just like class, learning life things can be tough. You won't always 'get it' right away. Be thankful anyways. I can't think of another time in life where you learn and experience as much of the world as you do in your freshman year. The lessons you learn now will stick with you for the rest of your life. 

9) You won't regret it- go.

It's been a crazy year. It's been harder than I expected, but even better than I had imagined. I've met dozens of new people, learned new things, and seen new places. I've been shaken to my core and lonelier than I knew was possible. But when the Lord sent me to Ohio State, He sure knew what He was doing. I rest in Him, delight in fellowship and cherish my friendships more than I ever have. I've learned about God, learned about myself, and learned about life. So if you're on edge about leaving home, if you're not sure if you'll make it out there on your own- trust and go. It'll be the best decision you ever make.

One Line Coffee- Columbus Coffee Trail Stop 4

Annnd.... we're back with more coffee!

But before we get started, I have a confession to make. Remember back in my post about Stauf's when I bragged about how Ohio weather could be beautiful even in February? Well there's another side to that coin. Klaudia and I had an unwelcome visitor this weekend on the coffee trail- snow. That's right, now. In APRIL. It was ludicrous for sure, but the good news is, spring has finally decided to make an appearance, and we have temperatures above sixties this week!

But back to the important thing- coffee. Welcome to One Line Coffee in the Short North!

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but lately I've been feelin the B&W photos :)

One Line is right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the streets of Short North, but the location is a bit of a hidden treasure. Right around the corner is an adorable little park complete with a pond, a fountain, and gazebo. It looked like a great place to have a picnic or go for a walk on a nice day (i.e. not snowing). The shop itself is small, and bar is a circle right in the middle of the room, which doesn't look like the most efficient use of the space they have. However, there were more tables and seats than one would expect for a small space.

The atmosphere wasn't notably great or horrible. However, their customer service was above and beyond. The worker who took our order asked how our weekend was, and if we had any exciting plans for our day. My coffee came out beyond fast! Not one Line, but 3.5/5 Lines for atmosphere.

We ordered a donut. It blew our minds- and probably gave both of us cavities. We made it down to North Market later, and noticed that Destination Donuts was making the same kind, so I'm pretty sure they bring the donuts in from here. Either way, it was fantastic. and HUGE. It was 'Buckeye' flavor (naturally), and iced with chocolate and filled with an unbelievably light peanut butter frosting. Words cannot describe. Go buy one! 4.5/5 Lines for food.

Coffee! And tea this week, since Klaudia abandoned her usual selection of a mocha for a white tips iced tea. Her tea was light, ice cold, and the flavor came through really strong. I don't usually like tea, since it mostly tastes like water to me, but this one was great! 

My coffee was out of this world. I ordered their 'featured drink', a honey latte with brown sugar, grapefruit and sage. The combination is completely off- the- wall random, and it probably should have been awful. But someone at One Line really knows what they're doing, because it was utterly fantastic. Every sip, a different one of those five flavors presented itself to me, and I was so intrigued. I took 30 minutes to drink it as I savored every last drop. 5/5 Lines for tea and coffee.

Go to One Line. Order exactly this. You're welcome.

One Line was a great experience overall! I would for sure put my honey latte at the top of all the coffee I have ever had, and the food was sensational as well. It lacks the spaciousness necessary to make it a perfect hang out, but it's definitely worth stopping in! Overall, One Line Coffee receives 4.25/5 Lines.

One Line also had the honor of being our fourth stop on the Coffee Trail- a big benchmark, because four stamps means Klaudia and I got our free t-shirts! The Coffee Trail has recently expanded from 8 shops to 13- including Fox in the Snow!- so we still have a long way to go before we are officially done. However, with the end of the year and exams approaching, it may be a while before you see another coffee post from me. But, I want to hear about the coffee you love in your area- write me a comment about the best places near you!

From: http://www.cbuscoffee.com/columbus-coffee-trail/

Stay caffeinated!

Erin

Mission Coffee Co- Columbus Coffee Trail Stop 3

Hi friends!

It's been a while. Spring break was a welcome but inconvenient break from school, my coffee routine and blogging. Why inconvenient? because the weekend before spring break, Klaudia, our friend Bailey and I made the third stop on the Columbus Coffee trail- Mission Coffee! Without further delay, here's what we thought.

First, points for a chalkboard sign. Wanna-be hipster-coffee lovers just can't get enough of these things, and I don't blame them. Adorable. Their store front also featured a garage door turned giant paneled window which was great for letting in some natural light. But inside, it was dark. It was a cloudy day, which didn't help, but I swear I only counted like 4 light bulbs in the entire place. The lack of light made it hard to study and brought a somber tone to the atmosphere. Plus, seating was scarce and the shop felt cramped. 2.5/5 Missions for the Mission Coffee Co. atmosphere.

Focus on the good stuff :) Sign gets 5/5 Missions

But, we gotta stay positive- the coffee was good! I ordered a Chai Tea Latte (I know it doesn't count as coffee, but humor me), Klaudia ordered (you guessed it) a mocha, and Bailey ordered a cappuccino. I tasted them all, and they were great! However, they weren't cheap. Now I know a lot of small, local coffee shops can be at least a little pricey, depending where their beans are from. But this was next level. My coffee was around $4, and it wasn't the most expensive thing on the menu. Coffee from Mission Coffee receives 3.5/5 Missions.

Finally, food. My memory is a little fuzzy on this part (I apologize), and my pictures are less that sufficient. Klaudia and Bailey both ordered Almond Croissants, which they both enjoyed. I wanted a bagel, but they were out, so I ended up with a muffin of some sort. It was good as well! Food receives 4/5 Missions.

This picture speaks for itself! Delicious!

Mission Coffee wasn't exactly a standout in the Coffee Trail so far. Although the food and coffee were good, they were expensive, and the atmosphere took away from the experience. Overall, Mission Coffee gets 3/5 Missions. If you're around Short North and looking for Coffee, we recommend taking a trip just a few blocks over and visiting Fox in the Snow.

Thanks for reading! Peace 'n' blessin's friends.

Erin

Dunno if you noticed, but my pictures all have HofF logos now- all photos with this logo are mine or used with permission!

Stauf's Coffee- Columbus Coffee Trail Stop 2

Hey everyone!

Here's just a quick note for my readers from NC. For every person who commented "Oh you know it's cold there" instead of "Congrats" when I told you I was going to Ohio State-- Ohio is proving you wrong. Now I know this winter hasn't been typical, but its been beautiful. We've had consecutive days of 50-60 degree weather and sun, so HA.

That being said, Klaudia and I took advantage of a beautiful day last Saturday and went to our second stop on the Coffee Trail- Stauf's Coffee.

First, let me prattle on about German Village, because it's adorable. Unlike Short North, its spread out throughout a neighborhood rather than all on one strip down High Street. Its a longer walk from shop to shop, but much quieter. Plus, cobblestone streets are just the cutest. It's full of little artsy shops, restaurants, and a few local bars. Places to check out: Schmidt's (to eat), Helen Winnemore's (to shop), the Book Loft (to explore), and, of course, Stauf's (for your caffeine fix). Location: 5/5 Stauf's.

Stauf's. I don't even know where to start; I think I may be in love. 

Stauf's has the cutest building and a huge outdoor patio. Bonus points for extra seating and encouraging people to be outside on such a beautiful day! They lack the painted wall mural that we're used to for picture taking, but the building is honestly just beautiful. I love their signs, and the lines and columns on the exterior.

The inside is two large rooms with a teeny tiny hallway in between. The first room is packed full of stuff, and feels a little cramped when they get busy- which I'm sure they do often. They show off a shiny antique coffee roaster and burlap bags of beans as you walk in. The rest of the room is full of coffee and tea to explore and take home. You can take home bags of whole beans, or they have a grinder right there for you! Their coffee bar is also in the first room.

The room smells amazing, thanks to all these fancy beans

Once you get your drink (they were super speedy), you can walk out onto the patio or head into the back room. The back room is large, airy, and full of seating. There's chairs by a fire place, bar seating, and plenty of tables. Stauf's was busy, and the room was nearly full, but it didn't feel cramped at all, and wasn't too loud to study. Plus, their wi-fi was great! Overall, Stauf's hits the nail on the head with their space. 5/5 Stauf's once again :)

Peep the fireplace behind my adorable roomie :)

Their coffee continues their perfection. So. Good. Klaudia snuck down to Stauf's before I got the chance, but came back with me last weekend. Both times, her coffee was great. She had a Milky Way Mocha (yummm) the first time, and ordered an iced Mocha the second time, as it was much warmer. If you haven't noticed by now, Klaudia drinks pretty much just Mochas. But we don't judge. I got an iced Latte, which was also fantastic. Stauf's has found the perfect way to mix drinks so the richness of their coffee is complimented but not overwhelmed by whatever else is added. Our one complaint: we got disposable cups, even though we specified we were 'for here' and not 'to go'. Klaudia had this experience both times. If it seems like a petty complaint, that's because it is. Stauf's is, like Mary Poppins, "practically perfect in every way". 4.99/5 Stauf's.

Accordingly, their food was also awesome. They had the same Latte Muffin as Cup O' Joe, as neither makes their baked goods in house. Few coffee places do, but a good selection is always appreciated. And of course, Stauf's had just that. Klaudia had a blueberry muffin, and I had a cranberry-orange scone. Both earn 5/5 Stauf's.

Here's a picture from when Klaudia went without me- Milky Way Mocha, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Latte Pecan Muffin. Also check out the Columbus Coffee Experience card!

Stauf's has my heart. It's a little further away from campus than the other places we have been, but certainly well worth it. Not only can you have some great coffee and food, but you can study in peace and explore German Village after! If you're visiting Columbus, this is for you. Overall, 4.99999/5 Stauf's.

And, since I wanted to break out my nice camera, German Village is adorable, the weather was beautiful, and Klaude and I wanted to get dressed up... here's some pics of us just being girls :) 

Why yes, I will take your senior pictures or head shots! Until next time, folks.

Stay caffeinated!

Erin

the Post Office

In my blog description, I promised to share my struggles with coping in the scary adult world. Boy do I have a story for you! I decided to branch out a little from my coffee shop reviews to do a review ( read: exposé) of one of my first adult experiences. This experience took place in none other than the bureaucratized hell that is the United States Post Office.

Before beginning college, I received only the occasional package- perhaps a present from a family member, or an irresponsible online purchase. In college however, packages are a commonplace. Its a pretty disappointing week if I don't get a box of goodies from someone I know.

And, when you're 483 miles from your loved ones, you get to send packages too! I honestly loving sending packages more than I love getting them. Its a great excuse to buy anything you please in Target's dollar section without feeling guilty.

A month or so into college, my poor boyfriend got a cold. Not exactly a surprise when you live in close quarters with a bunch of other guys, but still truly tragic. Well, being the great girlfriend I am, I hit up Target and boxed up a bunch of 'get better soon' goods. That was the fun part.

I realized soon after that I was ill-equipped to send a package. I had received many a package, but I had never sent one! I didn't have any tape to seal my box, and I didn't even know where the closest post office was, or how much it would cost me. I did exactly what you're supposed to do- I asked my RA. She told me where the post office was, and sent me to the front desk in my building to ask for some tape.

This is when things get suspicious. The people at the front desk 'went to look' for some tape for about 12 seconds before informing me that they didn't have any. "Don't worry", they assured me. "They'll have some tape behind the counter at the post office you can use."

So, I trekked to the post office, the top of my box flapping pathetically in the wind. When I got there, I waited my turn in line and asked the man behind the counter if he had any tape I could use, and where the address labels were for the box. He narrowed his eyes at me before jabbing his finger twice, first at a rack of tape for sale, then at the labels, which were on a table behind me.

I pursed my lips a little at his rudeness, but picked up a roll of tape. "You can pay for it when you pay for your box," he said. I nodded, and stepped out of line to pack up my box.

"The next person who is actually ready, please step up!"

I packaged my box silently, seething. I couldn't believe anyone would have the nerve to say such a thing. This was not the end of my outrage.

I brought my taped up box back to the man, terrified of what he would say next. He weighed my box, and the price popped up on the card scanner in front of me. I handed him my roll of tape. He scanned it. $3.96

THREE NINETY SIX! FOR A ROLL OF TAPE! I had been robbed, hustled, and cheated by the United States government. And they wonder why no one sends real mail or packages anymore!

My day was ruined. I moped around my dorm, feeling the emptiness of my wallet and the cold grip of betrayal on my heart. But time does heal, and eventually the pain faded.

I ventured back to the post office a few weeks later with Klaudia in tow for emotional support. Contrary to my hopes and prayers, the rude man was there. As we waited in line, I watched a poor soul approach his register. "Do you have some tape back there I could use?" the man asked. I shook my head, full of sadness for this man who was about to be crushed by bureaucracy.

The post office man reached down under the counter. "Of course we do!"

My eyes bulged out. The vein in my neck started to pulse. My fingers twitched. Klaudia began laughing.

I left that day a changed person. I had entered the post office a few weeks before a young girl with an innocent trust in the fairness of government. I left a woman, a battled hardened warrior from my fight against the bureaucracy. I learned a valuable lesson that day. The adult world is a rough place. Government is not your friend. But, nonetheless, if you ever want a package from me....

None of these pics/ gifs are mine :)

Cup O' Joe- Columbus Coffee Trail Stop 1

Hey again! In yesterday's post I mentioned that Klaudia and I were embarking on the Columbus Coffee Trail over the next few weekends. Here's the link if you wanted to check it out: Columbus Coffee Trail. I'm super excited to explore Columbus, snag a free t-shirt, and most importantly, taste some great coffee!

Since Fox in the Snow (see last blog) isn't a participating shop in the trail, Klaudia and I have named it an honorary inductee. Our first real stop on the CCT  an easy one- Cup O' Joe in Lennox Town Center. COJ is close to us, and conveniently located right by Target! The location is truly prime for OSU students.

Cute wall murals are always a plus!

Although the location is great, the shop its self had nothing on Fox in the Snow. Fox in the Snow received 5/5 foxes for their shop, but Cup O' Joe only gets 3/5 Joes! The most notable feature is their fireplace, but even on a chilly February day, they hadn't turned it on! The seating inside is limited, but they do have a nice patio for when it is warm out. Also different from Fox in the Snow, COJ had WiFi! But it was slower than molasses most of the time, especially because the shop was crowded.

Now let's get down to the stuff that really matters: coffee. Klaudia ordered a mocha again, and it was delicious! Not too sweet, but still had the chocolate flavor we all crave. I ordered Cafe au Lait, made with their seasonal Winter Wonderland coffee. The brew was rich and flavorful, but I just didn't like the flavor of milk in my coffee- entirely a personal preference.  Coffee is good, but not great- 4/5 Joes.

FOOD! Although I seek out coffee shops to try their drinks, food really does matter. If I get hungry in the middle of a 3 hour study sesh, I want to have some sweet options ready and waiting! Cup O' Joe had a great selection. Klaudia ordered a Latte Pecan muffin. It was a great muffin, with a rather creative name- it was dotted with mini-chocolate chips and definitely tasted more like chocolate than coffee. Not that we minded- it didn't last long! Muffin gets 5/5 Joes!

A cup o' Joe and a chocolate chip pecan muffin

Cup O' Joe was a worthwhile stop on the coffee trail! Unfortunately, they didn't have any of the cards that you have to get stamped to document your visit if you're on the trail, so we're not sure if this one will count. Either way, I won't complain if we have to make an extra visit. COJ is a great place for coffee or food, but I'd recommend hopping over to Barnes and Noble to study there. No doubt it would be less crowded and have faster WiFi. Over all, COJ gets 3.5/5 Joes!

Thanks for reading! More coffee trail stories and other fun posts coming soon.

Coffee and Columbus

Since coming to Ohio State, one of the things I've missed most about Durham -aside from the people in it- is the coffee!  Coffee shops are hands-down my favorite place to study, chat with friends, and of course get my caffeine fix. My personal favorite is Bean Traders- if you're a Durhamite and you haven't checked it out, stop reading right now and go get a cup of coffee. Trust me, its phenomenal.

Typical BT date with the best friend. Missin' these days more than ever!

Around campus, options are limited. Starbucks doesn't come close to the taste or experience of locally brewed, locally owned coffee shops. There's only so much Starbucks you can drink without going into diabetic shock from the amount of sugar even in a grande. Besides, Starbucks is always unreasonably crowded with sorority girls and wanna-be hipsters. Campus coffee (if you can call it that) is similarly packed with sugar, and the service is even slower. My glimmer of hope, a little 'coffee bar' just of campus, turned out to be relocating. So began my search for the best local coffee in Columbus.

Coffee is a great opportunity for an Instagram post. I frequently scroll by pictures of latte art, selfies in coffee shops, and the especially offensive red Starbucks holiday cups. Fittingly, when I was trying to think of anywhere I had heard of to get local coffee in Columbus, I recalled an place I had seen in an Instagram post- Fox in the Snow Cafe.

I dragged Klaudia (that's the roomie for those of you who don't know) out with me on a particularly beautiful day. A sixty degree day in Ohio in January is more than enough reason to venture out. We took the bus and walked a short ways to Fox in the Snow, which is located a few blocks east of High Street in the Short North.

Their back patio features their totally Insta-worthy logo. So cute!

Fox in the Snow was simply adorable. The interior is lit by an entire wall of windows, and an old garage door turned window in the back gives a view of an outdoor courtyard. The shop is small, but has plenty of seating, mostly in the form of wood tables. It was bright, clean, and beautifully decorated. Klaudia gives Fox in the Snow 5/5 foxes for ambiance.

But...the coffee was meh. The mocha I ordered looked beautiful, but tasted nothing at all like chocolate. Perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing, but I wasn't impressed. Certainly it was no Bean Traders. True to the Klaudia Bucher rating system, this coffee receives 3/5 foxes.

Here's a picture of my beautiful, yet highly disappointing mocha

On the other hand, we ordered a doughnut. And it was FANTASTIC. Probably one of the single best things I have ever eaten at a coffee shop, and absolutely the best doughnut I have ever had. It was close to the size of my hand, and glazed perfectly so it wasn't too sweet or soggy. They had a variety of other pastries too, and they all looked delicious. 6/5 foxes from Klaudia.

Overall, Fox in the Snow was cute. They didn't have WiFi, so its not the ideal study spot, but its a great place to chat with a friend. Their employees were beyond kind. The prices were a little expensive (3.50 for coffee, 4 for giant doughnut), but it was worth the trip. Maybe next time I'll have better luck ordering their coffee. Overall, Klaude and Erin give 4/5 foxes.

But good news- although Fox in the Snow didn't meet the criteria for the best coffee in Columbus, I may be right on track. Introducing the Columbus Coffee Experience! The city of Columbus features eight of its best coffee shops for residents to try out. Visit four and try their coffee, and you can get a free t-shirt from the city of Columbus. Klaudia and I went to one today (post coming soon!) and we're planning on hitting up at least three more, if not all eight! I'm so excited to explore Columbus and try the best coffee it has to offer.

For now however, campus coffee will have to do.