A List

SO much has happened in the past two and a half weeks! Our life has been like a whirlwind! A really great and fun whirlwind.

Here's a random list of thoughts...

1. I went to the bank the other day and didn't even know how to deposit a check anymore! I felt like an idiot.

2. My brother's wedding was BEAUTIFUL and so much fun! We danced, laughed, and saw so many family members and old friends. I have never had so much fun at a wedding!

3. I am shocked at how foreign yet how familiar things feel.

4. Dryers are AWESOME! I had forgotten how wonderful and quick they are. Oh sweet mercy... I want one!!

5. Making choices is too overwhelming. There are way too many choices- regular, large, low-sodium, low-fat, shredded, new and improved, classic, quick cup, individually wrapped, snack size, family size, bite size, with bacon, sensitive, preservative free, etc. The list could go on for days. Ugh... what to choose!

6. Driving is one of the best things on earth!! I can run several errands in the same trip. Justin and I can carry on a conversation. Our family can listen to music. The automobile... THE. AUTOMOBILE. IS. AWESOME!!! Thank you Henry Ford. We rented a minivan for the summer and I may not give it back!!

7. I feel like my brain has taken a vacation. I cannot figure out wether it is because I accidently went blonde (another story for another day- involving not quite enough beauty shop vocabulary and a sexy male hairdresser) or if its because I am overwhelmed. But the blank stare is my favorite look these days!

8. Dear dresses, I love you! It is so fun to wear cute little dresses again. (Hey Mom, Bet you NEVER thought you'd hear that statement from me, did ya?!)

9. Foods that I had forgotten about- Cool Ranch Doritos, Fruit Loops, sausage gravy, barbeque potato chips, Sun Chips, Blimpie, Dr. Pepper, Bubblelicious Bubble Gum, Slush Puppies, Sourdough Bread, Country Time pink lemonade, granola bars, blue cheese dressing, banana pudding, cool whip, red velvet cake, rice crispie treats, and grilled cheese. I cannot imagine how I forgot about them, because... YUM!!

10. It has been so amazing to spend time with friends and family again. My heart and soul are so full!!

11. I am afraid that my kids will think this is what life in America is always like and never want to leave. I am pretty sure they will remember this as one of the best summers of their lives.

12. I might, too!

What has happened to me?

Before we moved overseas I could hardly slow down to the speed limit. Now I can hardly reach the speed limit!

Why have I slowed down so much in three years of not driving?

America

We have been in America for almost two weeks. During our time here we have eaten more than our fair share of pork products, camped with my brother and his family, given my other brother away in marriage, been to a wedding shower, tried our best to spend every waking minute with our precious family and friends, celebrated Justin's and Noah's birthdays, sent the kids to Vacation Bible School, driven our rental van with complete joy, gone to the funeral of an amazing man, eaten too much, and been spoiled rotten.

So far, so good!!!

We have adjusted to the time difference- for the most part. I just woke up from a two hour nap. Lucy slept through my brother's wedding- she was supposed to be the flower girl! The kids sometimes wake up at 6 am and other days wake up at 9.

I am amazed at how my brain has clicked back into "American Elizabeth" mode. One day I dropped the kids off at Bible School and went back out to the parking lot and got into my rental car. Problem was it wasn't my car!! Before we moved I had a silver Honda Odyssey, and that's what I hopped into! We are driving a blue Chrysler minivan! My brain is a little mixed up to say the least!!

Not much has changed here, but it all feels different. I know that's because I am different. I am surprised to find how much of the middle eastern culture I have adopted without even realizing it!

Most of all I am just so happy to see our loved ones again. It is a blessing!!!

Pictures to come... someday!

Leavin' On a Jet Plane

We are getting the plane right now!

Packing My Bags

I am far too busy packing my stuff and preparing my house to be vacant for three months. For some reason I feel the need to wash everything we own- rugs, curtains, bedding, Oh my! You name it and I bet its hanging out to dry somewhere in my flat!

Lots to be done! But, I wanted to take a minute to say thank you for praying for us.

Justin not getting that job a few weeks ago was a big shock and disappointment. But we know that God is working in us and for us. We have no clue what our next step will be, but we are not afraid because we know He will be with us!

Our disappointment is far outweighed by our faith. We trust the Lord!

"This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end."
2 TImothy 1:11-12

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21