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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sunday Sneak Peak

I am starting a new thing where on SUndays I put up a picture of some interesting part of my life. So if you have questions or want to see something in particular, let me know!!



Today's picture is of one of my best friends with her mother-in-law. She was the first person I met here. When we were walking around looking for a place to live she called down to us from her balcony and told us about the apartment across from her. It was locked so she had us come in and look at hers to get a feel for what it looked like. Her name is Dilek and she totally took care of me early on. She would show up at my door, say come on, and take me to visit friends. I jokingly called her my agent because she introduced me to so many people and watched out for me so much. She was not scared of the fact that I didn't speak the language. She was truly a God-send. Her friendship has been such a blessing!!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

We decorated for Christmas today. It took 15 minutes!!! No kidding!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

My Latest Email

Hey Guys!

I cannot tell you thank you enough for the cute card and chocolate!!! It came yesterday. Can I just tell you that NEVER in my life have I tasted anything as wonderful as those Butterfingers!!! I forgot what I was missing. Good thing I guess!!!

But now there is no turning back! I made a pact with myself and God that this summer while we are in the States that I will eat a king size Butterfinger EVERY DAY in hopes of being burned out on them by the time we return. I swear, never have I tasted anything so good. Sweet mercy! You are my Santa Claus!!!

The kids can have their fill of the Reese's Peanut Butter cups. They are dead to me now that I have tasted the heaven that is known by the name Butterfinger!

YUM!

Dare I say it again?


YUM!!!

Love,
Elizabeth

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gün

My neighbors are finally making efforts to get to know each other and me. I am so happy!! Most of them have lived in this building for about 10 months. So, they've had time to settle themselves in, and now they are looking to make friends.

We have started a gün every other Monday. Ladies get together in the afternoons, rotating whose flat we meet at. Everyone brings 50 lira and gives it to the host. It is the way women here save up money. Since none of them work, they can skim a bit from the budget to pay into the kitty every other week. When it is their turn to host they get 550 lira! They either use that money to buy something big (appliance, mattress, etc.) or a piece of gold.

Also, it seems like a gün is your chance to show off your cooking. The women make so much food!!! So we just sit around talking, eating, and drinking tea for 3 hours! It is so fun. 12 women in one room! Whew!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

PLEASE!!!!

Lucy: (yelling) This food tastes terrible!!!

Me: Lucy, please don't speak to me that way!

Lucy: (still yelling) This food tastes terrible, please!!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

The Best Part of Christmas

The best thing about Christmas for us is that we get to choose our own traditions. For everyone else here, it is just a normal day. But we keep the kids out of school, I skip school, we lock our door, and we hide from the world. We stay warm in our jammies, open gifts sent from America, eat yummy food, enjoy each other, and celebrate Jesus. It is extra fun because it feels like we are playing hookey.

I am so looking forward to Christmas this year. This weekend we will pull out our little "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree and put out a few decorations. The kids are so excited. It really is so fun to experience Christmas with them.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

School

The next course that I need at my language school has opened up. So it looks like December is going to be a busy month!!! My classes start on Wednesday. At least we know what to expect this time.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Christmas Quiz

What family traditions do you have for Christmas?

If you could do anything for Christmas what would it be?

What is the best gift you ever received for Christmas?

What is your favorite Christmas song?

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

What is on your Christmas list?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thankful

Today I am feeling thankful.

I have a lovely and safe flat to live in. My family and I are healthy. My husband loves our children and me. My kids are wonderful little bundles of personality and weirdness (in all the good ways). We have so many people that love, support, and encourage us. We have a Savior who numbers the hairs on our heads. He hears our every word and walks with us in this journey.

Life is good!