Gamma Jammas

Gamma sent jammies to the kids for Easter. It was really neat how the Lord once again showed himself in the arrival of this package. My sweet mom thought that she was on the ball and got a package out to us at the beginning of March. Unfortunately, she did not realize that Easter was so early this year. So we both figured that it would surely not arrive in time. But, can you believe that it came in record time? We were shocked when the doorbell rang on Saturday morning (yes, the Saturday right before Easter). What a blessing it was to receive this special gift from Gamma, and from the Lord.

Lucy

My sweet baby loves these crazy jeanie shoes that someone gave her. She always pulls them out of the dress-up box to wear. Today the glasses (with one lens) and the hat were an especially entertaining addition!

Easter Pics

Here is actual photographic evidence of flowers and trees! If I do say so myself, my family is beautiful!! I am so proud of them! Little Lucy is into everything! She is beautiful and charming. She has mastered the art of the coy smile and waves at people- truly heart melting! The big blue eyes and tiny bit of yellow hair don't hurt either!! Speaking of beautiful and charming, Callie is that as well as smart and hysterical. Everyone loves to squeeze her irresistible cheeks. She keeps us laughing! Noah is so smart, energetic and hard working! We are constantly amazed at his progress and attitude in school. He is a great student, and has really come such a long way in the few months he has been in school. He is still obsessed with sports. Justin and I are about the same. Still trying to find some measure of sanity and normal in this big life change. It is very overwhelming most of the time, but God is bigger, and we trust Him! Here are the pics...

BREAK

WE INTERUPPT THIS BLOG...
Sorry for the bloggy break, but we have been swamped with guests this week. I counted, and in total we had 28 guests!! So I am still trying to get my head above water!

Real Live Trees

Yesterday we went with our coworkers to a park on a hill overlooking the amazing and beautiful, historically important waterway that we live near. We had asked them to make the plans as we have hardly been out of our block, and therefore have no clue of the amazing things to be found in our city. As it turns out, there are trees and flowers in our city. They just keep them in a park, sorta like a zoo for things with roots. The park was beautiful-it had that smell, you know the one- like nature. Oh, how I miss it! It was so good to be there. We had a nice breakfast at a restored Ottoman home on the edge of the park. There was a park for the kids to act crazy at. All in all a good time to be in creation celebrating the Creator!

On THIS Day

Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.

After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, "Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, 'After three days I will be raised.' We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There's a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, 'He's risen from the dead.' Then we'll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first."

After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God's angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move.

The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.

"Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message."

Matthew 27:57- 28:7

Move Over Charlie's Angels

Today we played army. The best thing about army (or camping or house, etc) is that you get to drag everything you own into a small space to make a fort (campsite, house, etc.), and the furniture gets involved! It is a good time... well that is until clean up time. Then there is weeping and gnashing of teeth!!



Building the barracks



Noah protecting the fort. Notice his very real looking toy gun.



Mommy's Angels

The Sopranos = Good Language Lessons

Justin's language helper is a believer. He has been trying to learn english, and even takes some seminary correspon-
dance courses in english. Yet today he dropped the "f-bomb" several times, and other dirty words as well! As Justin tried to explain about cuss words, Nenak became confused. "But I watch "The Sopranos" and they talk like that. Isn't that American English?" he asked. Oh how sad!
I listed the American shows that we get here (in English) in this post.

A Tower With A View

Chocolate is Good!

Daddy brought home cookies with a chocolate center, and then dipped in chocolate. We liked them! Can you tell?

Because taking pictures of babies eating food is fun...

...and she's beautiful!!!

Number 522

Today I did something that I have been dying to do for quite awhile now. I got on a random bus to see where it would take me. Although it sounds quite terrifying, I had an idea (I thought) of the layout of our city, and I have enough language to figure things out. Plus, Justin was with me, and he has a great sense of direction. So, I went on my first real adventure!

The first thing that you need to know is that I still have not found the end of the city! As far as you can see, there are buildings and city! This place is vast, yall!!! I really miss grass and trees, and personal space!

Anyhoo, the unexpected thing I discovered on my adventure was the city wall. You know how you read about, like, city walls, and stuff in the Bible. Well, they are real! And they are amazing.It is amazing to read about places and people groups in the Bible as well as the history books (my required reading) and be living there! Even better than that is to see stuff that was there when Bible folks were there! Very, very cool!!

Next time I hop on bus Number 522 I am going to get off and investigate those walls. If I haven't mentioned it before, they are cool. Our bus wandered along the old city wall for several kilometers. We went through the wall at one point, and those things are thick! Eventually we reached the end of the line and had to get off the bus.
As you can guess, we had no clue where we were. But we just hoped on a familiar tramway and headed into the old part of the city- still on "the other side."









We decided to climb to the top of the tower in the center of this picture. I'll have to download the pictures, and tell you about it tomorrow. Right now, I have homework to do. There is a penalty for exploring during the time set aside for language study. YUCK!! I hate having homework again!!!

Read This

Blessed be the Lord—
day after day he carries us along.
He's our Savior, our God, oh yes!
He's God-for-us, he's God-who-saves-us.
Psalm 68:19-20

Boaz answered her, "I've heard all about you—heard about the way you treated your mother-in-law after the death of her husband, and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to live among a bunch of total strangers. God reward you well for what you've done—and with a generous bonus besides from God, to whom you've come seeking protection under his wings."

She said, "Oh sir, such grace, such kindness—I don't deserve it. You've touched my heart, treated me like one of your own. And I don't even belong here!"

At the lunch break, Boaz said to her, "Come over here; eat some bread. Dip it in the wine."

So she joined the harvesters. Boaz passed the roasted grain to her. She ate her fill and even had some left over.
Ruth 2: 11-13

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30

Hey Dad

So, I guess you are feeling pretty left out. Like I am answering everyone else's questions, but not yours. Well, Daddy-O, today is your day!!!

First, you asked what I do.
Goodness gracious, I ask myself this all the time! I am busy, yet I don't really accomplish anything!!! Here's a stab at my day. 7ish- wake up and do the morning routine with the kids- breakfast, get dressed, etc. Every day I have laundry to do. I try to stick it in right before we go to bed so that I can hang it out as soon as I am decent enough to step out onto my balcony. You may be wondering what happened to my awesome dryer- the drying rack with the fan blowing on it. Now that the weather is nicer, our clothes are actually drying when I put them outside. So, my "dryer" is not in use.

After morning chores (mine and the kids') Noah usually has some homework to finish up, and Callie needs to torture Lucy a little. Then if the weather is at all bearable we try to head out to the park for about an hour. Then we come in for lunch, Noah changes into his uniform, and we head out to school (12:15). I drop Noah off at school, then the girls and I walk around the block to Callie's preschool. After that, Lucy and I usually swing by the market to pick up whatever we need.

We come home, Lucy goes to bed (1:30), and I study, do chores, or (I'm afraid to admit it) procrastinate! My language helper comes three times a week- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That is hard core!! At 4:50, Lucy and I walk up to get Callie. We come home and I attempt to cook dinner while trying to protect Lucy (the living doll) from her captor (Callie- glad we didn't name her Grace!).

Justin picks up Noah on his way home form work (5:45). We usually eat dinner at 6:30. In the evenings we do Noah's homework (yes, it is a family affair as we all try to figure out what the heck it says), and spend time together. We try to start the kids' bedtime routine at 8:00 and have them in bed before 9:00. Then Justin and I watch TV, goof off on our computers, or I knit.

Friday and/or Saturday nights usually include an invitation to some one's house for tea. We try to spend a lot of time outside if the weather is nice. And, although our schedule doesn't sound hectic, it is exhausting. (I think it is mostly culture stress.) So, we try to rest and get caught up on study, work matters, chores, etc. Sunday evenings we get together with another believing family. We share a meal, study the Bible, and pray.



Next, you asked what I think about the cultural differences.
There are lots!!! But, deep down, people are people and we're all the same. We just go about things a little differently sometimes! I have struggled a little with the cultural differences in that I really do want to be a part of this culture, not just an outside observer- or an American in Tky. So although I am quick to jump on my high horse and judge people and/or how they do things it does not matter. I am not here to change people or the system. So, it does not matter what I think. I just need to get used to it! Easier said than done!!


In light of that, you asked what is being done better here, and what is not.
What is not...

I posted the other day about how I hate that children are not promised or required an education. I would love to see all children educated and told that their future is wide open.

Traffic! People here drive like maniacs! No traffic laws, road signs, or right of ways apply here. It takes some getting used to, and can be unsettling if you are trying to cross the street, or find yourself in a minibus or cab that is driven by an ummm... let's say- motivated driver.

Work. It seems like men fall into two extremes. They either work way too much- all day every day- or not at all. It seems like so many men are just wandering around. They are used to hard working women, so they let them carry the weight. Life is hard for the majority of women here. There is no concept of "girls' night out" or even getting a babysitter to get a break from the kids.

I think this applies to life in the city, not just here, but it is not good not to have trees and grass. I miss them a lot!!!

Justin says that building construction is worse. They are made of block and plaster with no insulation.

The government has LOTS of control over everything- meaning less freedom and less privacy!


What is better...

Families! People here love their extended families, their children, and whoever may happen to know or live close to their family members. Children are valued and cherished. Couples tend to space out their children by at least five years and each one is doted on like an only child. They are far more laid back about their behavior and don't expect them to act perfectly. They let kids be kids.

Hospitality. Trks pride themselves in their hospitality. They love to be with people and want you to come over a lot! They serve and serve and serve. They will give you, and especially the kids, anything that they think you like. So our kids never walk out of some one's flat with out something- which is so embarrassing since we have so many more toys than they do.

Really, there are a lot of things that are different, but not necessarily better of worse. For instance, I am tempted to say that public school are worse because I am not crazy about the number of kids in the classroom or the way they educate- emphasizing memory over critical thinking. But the kids here perform a zillion times better on standardized tests and are educated at a much higher level- especially in math and science.


When it snows, are there "no plow" roads?
Yep, lots! We don't get tons of snow, and the weather tends to change quickly so I guess they just wait for it to melt. That with the fact that plows are expensive and relatively new here make for lots of "no plow" roads. Oh... and some of the roads are so steep that the child in me is afraid the car will tip over backwards as we are going up. In other parts of the country, even places where they get lots of snow, the plows are folks with shovels!


After Kurban Bayram, do they clean up the lots where the animals were, and who does it?
Yes, they are cleaned up, but I have no idea who does it. They are private lots that sort of work like a farmers market. So the farmers load up their animals that didn't sell from the pen they rented and head home. Maybe they take a load of crap home with them to use in their garden come spring, maybe not. Perhaps the lot owner sells the crap to a fertilizer manufacturer or pays someone to clean it up or distribute it over the property. When I learn my crap, bulldozer, and fertilizer vocabulary I'll have to go back over and ask them. Until then it will be somewhat of a mystery.


I am sure by now, we've lost anyone who may have begun reading. So, it's just you and me, Dad. Ummm, Dad, are you there?


You asked about health care. I sort of covered it in this post, so let me know if that doesn't answer your question.


Last one: How is going to the market different from going to the grocery in the US?
It is so different! For me, the biggest way that it is different is that I do not have a car... and that in the US you don't see the animals hanging from the ceiling in the meat department. If its not out, they just go behind the glass and hack off the cut you want! Also, the butcher will prepare your meat any way you want- tenderize it, fillet it, grind it, etc. for free. I digress... anyhow, in the US, I made a weekly menu and then went to Wal-Mart once a week and loaded up on everything our family would need- groceries, household, and beauty (shampoo, soap, medicines). Here, I can only buy what I can lug home! We have a big box store similar to Wal-Mart, except ours has a lively spice section with big barrels of all sorts of spices, the aforementioned meat section, and other cultural oddities too numerous to mention. I have been there once to "stock up". It is nice to do one stop shopping, but so hard to get it all home and up our stairs. I have to get a taxi to take me door to door, and then I'm 10 lira poorer and still standing at the bottom of Mt Stairverest with a lot of heavy sacks.

Instead, I usually go to our local grocery. It is much smaller, and doesn't have quite the selection, but it is neat and clean, the prices are decent, and it is convenient. It is on the way home from Callie's preschool, so it isn't too big a deal to drop by daily (except that I have nothing on standby in the cupboard).

There are lots of little convenience stores that have the basics. The one closest to us is very good. The produce is fresh and they carry daily milk (as opposed to the long life shelf milk that most people here drink). They have all the necessities. It is just across the street, and I can send Noah over if we are out of bread.

Also worth mentioning are the fruit stands. I usually get my produce at the market or the corner store, but lots of people get theirs at their local fruit stand.

In our area the traveling bazaar sets up on Thursdays. You can find really great produce, cheap (in price and quality) clothes, and all sorts of other random things there. When the weather is nice I go, but more-so just to look than to load up. Most of the people have a market cart that is one of those two-wheeled things that old people sometimes use. I don't, and they set up quite a few blocks away, so again, it is sort of far to carry stuff.

Also, if I need any type of medicine that is a separate little store. As is any type of beauty product, make-up, etc. So, between all the different places I have to go to get the stuff I need it eats up a lot of time!!

I wanted to take pictures, but didn't want to look like the freak American taking pictures of stuff, so no pictures, sorry!


I love you, Daddy, and I miss you too much to think about, or it makes me cry! Oh... and if you haven't read down to the bottom of this, you're in trouble! My fingers are aching, and my computer battery is dead!

Ekmek Var Mı?

Hey Chip,
I named my blog "Ekmek Var Mı" because it is the first sentence, question really, that I learned to say here. It is the pattern for all question sentences, so I can simply remove the word ekmek (bread) and insert whatever I want. It basically means "Do you have any bread?". So I thought that it would be a great title for my blog- especially with the verse in John 6:35...
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

UGH!!!

Why on earth did I brag about our weather?!?!? As soon as I hit "publish post" the cold front rolled in! It is raining, and some say it will snow! Spring, come back to me!!!

Don't Ask Me!

The weather has been beautiful here for almost two weeks!! When it first began to warm up, everyone said that is was going to get very cold again. But, after two lovely weeks, I am beginning to doubt it!

We have been at our park as much as possible! I sure do miss my beautiful house with the huge backyard to play in!! This winter reminded me why we wanted that trampoline!

Anyhow, today as we were playing, a man asked me directions. Not only did I understand him, but I answered him!!! It did help that what he was looking for was very close! But still, another milestone for me!!!

Goodness, Gracious, Quakes Alive!

I just lived through my very first earthquake! Ok... so maybe lived is a little dramatic. How about, I just felt my first earthquake! We were meeting with our language coach when I felt a rattling feeling. It didn't freak me out at first because I have felt that feeling before near a quarry. But this one lasted, and lasted. It was quite small, but still, I could see my plant shakin'! I think I'm still rattling a little!

Call to Prayer

In a comment on this post, Isaiah asked if it was wrong to be at the park during the Call to Prayer. Since I have fielded quite a few questions about it, I figured it was perfect blog fodder!

The Call to Prayer is broadcast from the minaret of every mosque six times each day- sun rise, late morning (10:30ish), lunch time (12:30ish), mid afternoon (4:30ish), sun set, and evening (9:00ish). It is never broadcast at the same time because believers are adamant about not letting the time become sacred. The caller does it live in the mosque and it is broadcast for all to hear. It is in Arabic, so a large percentage of people in our country do not know what exactly is being said. Although, we all know it is something to the effect of "I bear witness that there is no god, but Allah, and Mohamed is his prophet. Make no haste towards prayer. Make no haste towards welfare. Allah is greatest, and there is no Lord except Allah." That is the faith statement of Islam.

Out of the six times, the very devout do their prayers 5 times a day. It is a set of sayings and positions called the Namaz. This video tells you how to do it (sorry, it's a little elementary, but its the shortest one I could find. The others are very long!).



With the exception of holy holidays, women do not pray in the mosque, only the men, and very few of them are able to do it five times a day. Again, only the very devout, the older- retired men, and the unemployed are able to be at the mosque all 5 times. Friday is the holy day. All male believers make the effort to do the Namaz at the mosque, usually at lunch time on that day. Sort of like all "Christians" go to church on Christmas and Easter.

They start by washing their heads, hands, and feet at the basins outside. Then they enter, and find a spot. The design of the carpet is like a bunch of smaller rectangular carpets, so you do not have to bring your own prayer rug. Then they are lead by the imam in the prayers.

We have been in shops before during prayer time, and the shop keeper was in the back corner on his own private prayer rug doing the Namaz. Also, one Friday I was at a lady's house for tea. One of the other women, excused herself and went into a back room to do it. I was at that lady's house one time and she excused herself, washed up in the bathroom, and did her prayers in the hall way, sort of out of my sight.

The mosques are social places and it seems like lots of older men are always hanging around outside. They are beautiful and inviting. Under the courtyards there are always public toilets, although you have to pay!

So, Isaiah, it is perfectly fine do normal things during the call to prayer. I try not to be walking through the mosque courtyard just before, during, and just after prayer time. I have seen other woman in the courtyards (especially beggars), but I am uncomfortable with it. On Fridays at lunchtime lots of things are closed for about 30 minutes. At the market, all of the men (butchers) are gone, so you have to wait around to buy meat.

I love the call to prayer. It is beautiful and eerie. You can get it on your cell phone or as a widget on your computer. I use it as my prompt to pray for all the followers of Islam to find true relationship with Allah (the Arabic word for God). My hope is that they would not just work and strive desperately, doing the right Namaz and acting the right way, trying to earn salvation. Instead they would understand that it is a free gift through Jesus Christ.

6!!

My mom took the previous test, and got a 6!! She says it is because she is morally opposed to "taking on" 5 years olds. That was not true 25 years ago!! I got my share of beat downs- completely undeserved- of course! It was my brothers' fault!

Doesn't Fit With our Theme

In the essence of love and sharing Jesus we took this test.
30

Justin doesn't think it fits with our theme. What do you think? Seeing as how we have a newly five year old in our flat and a six year old, this is a much needed skill! Take the test, and lets compare results!

I Am Filling My Children's Heads with Crap!!

Yesterday afternoon I went into the kids' room to wake Lucy up. It was time walk up to get Callie from school. We always play the radio or CDs while the kids sleep so that they won't even think of needing quiet sleeping conditions! Anyhow, today's particular selection was Sunday School songs. The song that was playing said:

"I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time.
I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time.

Since Jesus Christ came in,
And cleansed my heart from sin.

I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time."

I laughed as I thought about what a load of crap I am filling my sweet baby's head with. Yes, I LOVE Jesus, but heck no, I am not happy all the time. In fact, this has been the hardest year in my life, and honestly, I'm not happy most of the time! But I have peace in a loving and faithful God. Yep, He came in, and cleansed me of my sin, but He did not give me the lobeotomy I requested!!

I think that a lot of believers think that they have to be happy all the time so show other people that God is good. FALSE!!! God lets me be me, and that does not include faking stuff that I don't feel. Besides, He knows my heart anyway! The only reason to fake anything would be for others. And don't we all hate fake people??

"God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all.

Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored."

Romans 8: 4,6-8 (the Message)

Now, that's not crap... that's truth!!!

More Tidbits

Ok... so, I am sorry that this is becoming a regular feature on my blog. But you need to know that it is quite reflective of my life here. It is disjointed, random, and you never know what to expect! That about sums it up. I made the futile attempt at a calender- note that "before Elizabeth" livedby the calender. Now, I never know what is going to happen. It is part of the frustration and the joy- letting go of my need for control and structure. Random people are at my door daily, unexpected invitations are offered regularly, and friendly people abound. The proverbial saying is so true for me, "expect the unexpected!!"

As usual, I digress... Here are my tidbits for today:

I invited my neighbor over (the Jehovah's Witness) sometime soon. I really do enjoy reading truth with someone. My hope it that she'll realize that people did not become bad (ie- sin entered the world) in 1914- the beginning of the world wars. I believe that all people are sinful. We always have been, and we always will be. That is why we need Jesus. He is our Advocate, our Redeemer. He died on the cross to atone for my sin, and has made it possible for me to be in fellowship with God- creator and ruler of all that was, that is, and that is to come. What an amazing privilege to be called a "child of the king"!!

Callie is 100% better form her little stomach bug.

People here have no problem commenting about or asking what Americans consider rude topics. Such as, how old are you, how much did that cost, how much do you make, and (my personal favorite) you look skinny/fat/tired/sick. I get them all.

It is quite hard to give up privileges! In coming here, I knew in my head that I really did want to live like a Trk, not an American in Tky. In this endeavor I have realized that means giving up so many freedoms that I didn't even know I treasured. It is surprising how that silver spoon hurts when you pull it out- especially when you didn't know it was there! Adopting a new culture as your own means taking it all for yourself, the good and the bad. That has proven a challenge!

We just got home from spending time with a family that has "adopted" us. We really enjoy our time with them! I thought I'd tell you what our social endeavors are like... The invitation is posed for çay, Sunday brunch, or dinner. We have done all three. Çay (the Tish word for tea-pronounced chai) is usually early afternoon with ladies (2:00 ish) or in the evening (8:00) with families. Afternoon çay consists of tea, salads (egg, bulgar, potato), pastries, and sweets. Evening çay typically has three courses. First tea is served with pastries and sweets, then fruit is served, and finally nuts are brought out. It is a long and relaxed evening. The people here are night owls! They never go to bed before 12:00- including children and men who get up for work very early! Sunday is a great time for brunch. It is the rest day, so men are usually not working. It is not unlike a Sunday brunch in America. A long relaxed time to eat and fellowship. Dinner is also not too unlike we'd do in America when we have guests over. Dinner does include evening çay, and makes for a very long visit!! In all of these the woman hosting, and usually a friend or relative, don't even get to sit down. They serve the entire time. It is a lot of work to make sure that every one's teacup is full!

In other news...it is very expensive to live here! The exchange rate is finally going up a little, but so are the prices. Our currency is dropping. The recent inflation rate averages about 12%, and has been as high as 25% a few years ago! A gallon of milk costs about $7, a gallon of gas about $9, and ground beef is $12 a kilo! This city is very expensive!! We are fortunate that fruits, vegetables, and rice are quite reasonable. That is all most families are able to afford. So, please send me all of you good vegetarian recipes! I need 'em!

When people hear that Justin's business involves export of handicrafts, they love to show us what they can make in hopes that it would be the perfect thing to export to the U.S. So far, none of it is. I have one "friend" that I am quite sure is trying to get close to me in hopes that I will sell her stuff in the States. I abhor that!! So far we've seen knit booties for adults, poorly knit baby booties in colors such as black and orange, metallic thread doilies, and cross-stitch clowns to name a few. It is interesting!

Sorry for the randomness. That's all I've got for now!!

I'm Just Sayin...

When the bread man comes to the door with fresh hot bread, might as well get two loaves because I know the kids and I'll eat an entire one as soon as we shut the door!

I Did It!!

Today I was faced with the task of calling Callie's school, telling them that she is sick, and will not be there today. Even little tasks like this are huge obstacles for us! Can you imagine?!? Understanding people in person is hard enough, but on the phone is impossible. BUT, my friends, but today was different!! I used the phone to call the school. I explained who I was, and what the problem was, and fielded the questions in response!! I am so happy. It has been over six months, and I just had my first phone conversation- albeit brief! Hooray! This is going to be a good day- well, besides the sick little girl!

She is feeling a little better by the way. This is her quote for today...
C: I want some milk.
M: Honey, you don't have dairy when you're sick.
C: Who's he?
M: He who?
C: That name you said.
M: Oh, dairy? That means things that come from cows like milk, cheese (she nearly fainted at the thought of no cheese!), yogurt...
Noah: (from the next room) Meat! Meat is dairy!
M: Well, no, but we won't give her any meat either!

We Won, and Other Musings

I stayed up way too late last night watching my team win its way into the quarterfinals of the (European) ChampionsLig! They went into two overtimes, and ended in a shootout! This is a big deal!! It is the first time a team from our country has gotten that far! Everyone here is ecstatic!

You know how you get the full body pat down when you go to anything in America? That is not the case here. They welcome large signs, huge, in fact. I think you get a discounted ticket if you bring a banner the size of half the stadium! As this picture shows, flares, roman candles, and other fire stuff are welcome, too!! Surprising, but fun!! The fans at all matches are on their feet, chanting and singing the entire time! My neighbor yells so loud during the matches, that even if I was crazy enough to go to bed I wouldn't be able to sleep- it is a little un-nerving!!! Well, no more than the celebratory gunfire!!

In other news, Callie has come down with the barfys all the sudden! I think it must be going around her preschool. She always gives me the report on who was out sick. I guess its her turn! Please pray for it to run its course quickly, and to stop with her!!

My language helper is coming three times a week, and it is kicking my butt!! I am so happy, because I can understand a lot more of what she says than I could just a month ago. I am trying to cram in as much learning as possible before summer comes.

Our country has a player in the NBA. Maybe you have heard of him. They worship him here! They call him the Son of Tky. Since the weather has been really beautiful lately, I have noticed that more kids are playing basketball.

Lucy loves music. Every time she hears any type of beat or music, she starts shaking her little booty and dancing. I have got to get some video of it for you!!

I have been trying to upload some video that I took of Callie "reading" in her new language. It is so cute and fun to hear her! Unfortunately, our internet speed is too slow, even though the video is only a minute long. I'll keep trying. It is worth the effort!!

That is enough rambling for now! Blessings!

I'm a Wheel Watcher...

I have a confession to make... I love game shows! I can vividly remember sitting on the floor of my MawMaw's den and watching Wheel of Fortune. She and Grandaddy always solved the puzzle so quickly. I remember the first time I solved one before her- what a proud moment! Jeopardy, Deal or No Deal, Family Feud, Let's Make a Deal, etc. I love them all!

So, maybe you can imagine my delight when we flipped on the television and there was our country's version of Wheel of Fortune! The set was not nearly as fancy and the prizes were not so high, but basically it was the same. We have seen a few other familiar game shows adapted for Tish tv. They include 1 vs. 100, Deal or No Deal, Family Feud, and trivia/ quiz shows similar to Jeopardy and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

It's great language learning!

What Is Not

My dad had emailed me some questions in response to my earlier blog post requesting them. They were really good questions (not just the, is the sky blue where you live kind!), that require a bit of thought, so I am still thinking (sorry, Dad). But as I was walking the kids to school today I was struck with one of the answers.

My dad asked what is being done better here, and what is not. Well, here's what's not. As I have mentioned before, Noah's school is a middle school in the morning and elementary school in the afternoon. We were walking up to school, and just in front of it, where the middle schoolers were pouring out, was a boy. He was a trash collector- one of the people that goes through town before the trash is picked up and sorts through the dumpsters looking for things to sell or recycle. They pull big furniture moving dollys with a big tarp style bag on it to put their finds in. The thing that struck me today, was that as all the kids were coming and going from school, he was not. He was watching the kids so intently. It makes me tear up even now. He was young enough to be in Noah's class. Yet, education is not in the plan for him, it seems. And that is true for so many kids here. They work in their father's store, or at the covered market, or sweep the floor at the barber shop. They do not spend half of their day in the classroom. Please do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with hard and even un-pretty work. But not to have the opportunity to do more- to be more, it makes all the American in me want to stand up for justice! Man, what a privilege education is!

Lucy and I were headed home and I saw two more trash collectors- cigarettes hanging from their lips. They were maybe 12! They didn't have the innocent look of the boy in front of the school. They were jaded and sarcastic. I don't think anyone ever told them to "be all you can be." I wonder if anyone has told them about a god who is gracious and compassionate, full of mercy and slow to anger. I wonder if they know of the one who makes our burdens light. To be honest, I know that they do not know. That is why I am here. I have good news to share!!

When Dad's Away, This is How We Play

Noah showing off his skills.


Callie's turn!


Lucy slowly gets into the action. (Note to self: don't try to get a vertical shot- there's no rotate button for video!)


This morning I decided to take the kids over to a place where they could jump on the trampoline and burn some energy. Notice the man in the three piece suit with the white hat on the trampoline next to Callie. He owns, or at least runs this fun little business. It is a giant set of individual trampolines surrounded by a huge net and lots of pads. It is out in the middle of a huge parking lot. The price is 1.5 lira for 5 minutes, but he always lets us jump as long as we want. I think it is mostly because we are never there at a busy time. Anyhow, it is so much.

As a side note (Read: rabbit trail) the man's outfit is very typical. Even the garbage collectors wear dress pants and sometimes a sport jacket. The people here dress up quite a bit. They always look nice, regardless of their job or economic status.

The First Video

I finally figured out how to post video the other day. Here is the video that preceeded the one that I posted as a test. It is so cute. Callie has finally learned how to pump her legs on the swing, and she was so happy to show it off on a video for me! Listen closely to her sing before i start talking to her. It is so cute. She always sings (about weird and random things, of course!).

Justin is Hard at Work

Please get the decorations... streamers, balloons, and what-not. It is time to throw a pity party! Justin is hard at work in the southern part of our country. He is in one of the very ports where Paul (THE Paul) docked his boat long ago! Justin's feet (up to his little bottom) have dipped into the beautiful M Sea. So, start the party for Justin. We all feel so sorry for him, boo hoo!

Ok, so seriously, I am sure that it is a little depressing, because poor Justin is in meetings a lot. But, ohhh those precious breaks. That is the time when he gets to play soccer, frolic at one of the most beautiful places on earth, and contemplate life while sitting in the steam room. But, please, don't feel any jealousy (you can be sure that I am jealous enough for all of us- I won't even go into what I've been doing here in our little flat with 3 kids!!), this is of course a work trip. The ins and outs of business, work permits, and other legal blah blah are on the agenda. I think it's worth it to get to experience this place!

My only question is... When do I have to take a work trip?