What do you think?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Engagement Party
Awhile back I got to go to my downstairs neighbor's engagement party. Children- no matter how old- in this culture live with their parents until the day they are married! And lots of times afterwards, too. If not immediately after they are married then at least when they have a baby one of the mothers moves in for a year or more!
I was too shy to get up and dance with everyone. They were laughing and having so much fun, but when I am up there I feel like everyone is watching me. I'm not a good dancer anyway, and certainly not good at the dances they do here yet. But, now I regret it a bit because it is so much fun!!
Anyhow, the crowd of well wishers was large. The party begins with mingling and everyone sort of making their entrances. Then there are introductions of family members, and sometimes speeches. Then they put sashes on the bride and groom to be and people pin money or gold on the sashes as someone is announcing who gave how much! (My mother would be apauled!) They usually make enough to pay for all of the wedding expenses and sometimes honeymoon, too! (At the wedding they make enough to set up their home.) Then they pray for the couple. They they dance, and their parents dance. And finally the music starts really pumping and everyone gets on the dance floor. It is really fun.
Here are my pictures:
The bride to be- in the white dress.
The mother and father of the bride to be.
The whole family dancing.
The future groom on the left.
I was too shy to get up and dance with everyone. They were laughing and having so much fun, but when I am up there I feel like everyone is watching me. I'm not a good dancer anyway, and certainly not good at the dances they do here yet. But, now I regret it a bit because it is so much fun!!
Anyhow, the crowd of well wishers was large. The party begins with mingling and everyone sort of making their entrances. Then there are introductions of family members, and sometimes speeches. Then they put sashes on the bride and groom to be and people pin money or gold on the sashes as someone is announcing who gave how much! (My mother would be apauled!) They usually make enough to pay for all of the wedding expenses and sometimes honeymoon, too! (At the wedding they make enough to set up their home.) Then they pray for the couple. They they dance, and their parents dance. And finally the music starts really pumping and everyone gets on the dance floor. It is really fun.
Here are my pictures:
The bride to be- in the white dress.
The mother and father of the bride to be.
The whole family dancing.
The future groom on the left.
Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight
Well, its finally happened! I thought that it had already happened, but, lo, it had not. The summer heat has come! UGH! Its the kind of heat where you take a shower right before you go to sleep, and pray that you fall asleep while your hair is still wet and you are relatively cool! Its too hot to do anything. Pretty much all weekend we huddled inside and stared at each other! Yesterday afternoon Lucy and I slept for like 3 hours. I think I had actually passed out! Ha! You would think for a city this huge there would be something to do. NOPE! No pools, no water parks, no relief from the heat. We are bored to tears! Entertaining the kids all day long in the flat, while trying to regulate the amount of television they watch has proved difficult! Praise the Lord that we are in our new flat. It has more space, and is higher up, so sometimes we get a nice breeze!
All weekend I have been playing the "if only..." mind game. Like if only I was in Kentucky right now, We would be at the Nicholasville pool. Or If only we were in Marietta right now we'd be playing with Michelle and the kids. It is not a good game for me to play.
Anyhow, God is good, and we trust Him. Besides, this heat is enough to scare the Hell out of anyone!!! I am quite sure that Heaven will be in the high 70s and breezy a good bit of the year! Can't wait!!!
All weekend I have been playing the "if only..." mind game. Like if only I was in Kentucky right now, We would be at the Nicholasville pool. Or If only we were in Marietta right now we'd be playing with Michelle and the kids. It is not a good game for me to play.
Anyhow, God is good, and we trust Him. Besides, this heat is enough to scare the Hell out of anyone!!! I am quite sure that Heaven will be in the high 70s and breezy a good bit of the year! Can't wait!!!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Potty
One of the unexpected benefits of potty training Lucy has been that she cheers for me every time I use the bathroom.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Yirmiüç Nisan
Children's Day is on the 23 of April each year. It is a huge celebration that the mothers started talking about and preparing for in the first week of school. There are costumes, patriotic speeches, performances, and national pride in droves! It is really fun, and a special event for the people here.
Noah was in a special club that met during his last lesson time on Wednesdays. They learned traditional songs and dances as well as learned to play chess. And to be honest, I have no idea what else they did! But he enjoyed it. They got to do a special performance. Unfortunately, my video of it shows the sign with the school name, so I cannot post it. But here are some pictures. He did a great job, and looked so dapper in his little costume.
Callie's class also did a performance. They practiced for months, but it was a HUGE secret. Callie was ultra confidential about the whole thing. It was so cute. I did manage to get better video of her.
The kids get the day off of school. But because the performances and assemblies started to become such a big deal, and in reality, were more work than just going to school, they also give the next day of as well. A day to rest and celebrate being a kid. Parks, restaurants, and things that kids would enjoy are usually packed. Toy stores have special sales because families usually give gifts to the kids. It is a nice reminder to celebrate and cherish children!
Noah was in a special club that met during his last lesson time on Wednesdays. They learned traditional songs and dances as well as learned to play chess. And to be honest, I have no idea what else they did! But he enjoyed it. They got to do a special performance. Unfortunately, my video of it shows the sign with the school name, so I cannot post it. But here are some pictures. He did a great job, and looked so dapper in his little costume.
Callie's class also did a performance. They practiced for months, but it was a HUGE secret. Callie was ultra confidential about the whole thing. It was so cute. I did manage to get better video of her.
23 Nisan from Elizabeth on Vimeo.
The kids get the day off of school. But because the performances and assemblies started to become such a big deal, and in reality, were more work than just going to school, they also give the next day of as well. A day to rest and celebrate being a kid. Parks, restaurants, and things that kids would enjoy are usually packed. Toy stores have special sales because families usually give gifts to the kids. It is a nice reminder to celebrate and cherish children!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Yea Me!
I am so proud of myself! Yesterday I made some dip that my new neighbors loved! They practically licked the bowl clean. It may not sound like that big of a feat, but you have to understand the people here. They are notoroiusly proud of their food. They firmly believe that their cuisine should be the most popular in the world. When they talk about the "world kitchens" (did you know there was such a thing?) of which Chinese, Italian, and French are the most popular, they think that theirs should be right up there.
This should tell you how much they love their food... Of the three local families that we know that lived in America none of them ate American (or any other type) food while they lived there! One of the families was there for 8 years!!! In this city of over 17 million people there are maybe 5 Mexican/Spanish restaurants, and maybe 15 of each Chinese, Italian, and French. That's not much variety, folks!!
That's all to say that the people here love their food. And, I will give them credit- it is good! If I am going to be serving my friends, I usually try to limit the things that I make so they won't have to pretend to like it while desperately trying to force their kids to eat it so their plate will be clean. So I was shocked and happy that unless they are really good actresses, they really liked the dip I made for them!! Yeaaa me!
This should tell you how much they love their food... Of the three local families that we know that lived in America none of them ate American (or any other type) food while they lived there! One of the families was there for 8 years!!! In this city of over 17 million people there are maybe 5 Mexican/Spanish restaurants, and maybe 15 of each Chinese, Italian, and French. That's not much variety, folks!!
That's all to say that the people here love their food. And, I will give them credit- it is good! If I am going to be serving my friends, I usually try to limit the things that I make so they won't have to pretend to like it while desperately trying to force their kids to eat it so their plate will be clean. So I was shocked and happy that unless they are really good actresses, they really liked the dip I made for them!! Yeaaa me!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Celebrate Good Times
A few months ago we heard music outside of our apartment. Always one who loves any excitement, I looked out the window to check out the scene. There was obviously a celebration going on...
The kids and I raced downstairs- along with quite a few other neighbors- to see what was going on. A man in the building next door was getting married. His side of the wedding party was celebrating as they were going to pick up his bride.
I LOVE celebrations here. They are like they should be- simple, happy, and full of dancing, laughing, and food!
Its Party Time from Elizabeth on Vimeo.
The kids and I raced downstairs- along with quite a few other neighbors- to see what was going on. A man in the building next door was getting married. His side of the wedding party was celebrating as they were going to pick up his bride.
Wedding March from Elizabeth on Vimeo.
I LOVE celebrations here. They are like they should be- simple, happy, and full of dancing, laughing, and food!
So Cute
Out of the blue this morning, Noah gasped and said, "Oh, I get it! I bet Gamma is the Tooth Fairy!! She has a room downstairs that we are not allowed to go in. That is where she keeps the teeth. And she has a clock that rings when no one is looking. It rings every time a kid loses a tooth! Or... it could be PawPaw. He could use ashes from the fire place to make himself small, and fly off to collect the teeth!"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Back in the Saddle
Hepatitis, the end of school for me and the kids, moving, and Justin's parents' visit have kept me away from my computer and especially my blog. I have been chastized by Mom and Earlda, so now I am trying to get myself back in the habit of writing. I do realize that it is a great creative outlet for me to tell you my story. I have been going through my pictures and realize that I have A LOT to catch up on. Be prepared for weird stories peppered with cute videos and pictures of my kids and maybe a bit of my cultural learnings and bloopers. I am going to try to write daily. We'll see....
This is what I want you to know today:
We had a great time with Justin's parents. We dragged them around this city and tried our best to wear them slap out. There is a lot to see here! Also, we all went down to a co-workers home on the sea for a week. It was so fun and relaxing. Tom and Deb did great!! They ate whatever we recommended, were always up for adventure, were totally flexible (except when squatty-potties were involved!), had great attitudes, and loved on all of us. It was a great break for us!!
Here's an interesting tidbit... just after school let out, and we moved to our new flat I amused myself by watching the moms walking their little boys to and from Koran school each morning and their little girls to and from Koran school each afternoon. Did you know they had Vacation Koran school? Me neither? It was so cute to watch the kids carrying their family Koran with so much pride- always dressed in their finest, and the little girls wearing their headscarves for the first time.
Ok... thats all for now, but I promise to be back soon... ok, Mom?
This is what I want you to know today:
We had a great time with Justin's parents. We dragged them around this city and tried our best to wear them slap out. There is a lot to see here! Also, we all went down to a co-workers home on the sea for a week. It was so fun and relaxing. Tom and Deb did great!! They ate whatever we recommended, were always up for adventure, were totally flexible (except when squatty-potties were involved!), had great attitudes, and loved on all of us. It was a great break for us!!
Here's an interesting tidbit... just after school let out, and we moved to our new flat I amused myself by watching the moms walking their little boys to and from Koran school each morning and their little girls to and from Koran school each afternoon. Did you know they had Vacation Koran school? Me neither? It was so cute to watch the kids carrying their family Koran with so much pride- always dressed in their finest, and the little girls wearing their headscarves for the first time.
Ok... thats all for now, but I promise to be back soon... ok, Mom?
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Boxes are unpacked. A neighbor from downstairs came up yesterday and invited the kids and I over for tea. We were there for 3 hours. The night before our whole family was out playing on the street and meeting the neighbors. Justin sat with the men and had tea, and I sat with the women. We didn't come in until 10:30. Noah met a little boy across the street who is the same age and grade as he is. Callie has met a few girls, but they are mostly older. Every neighbor in our building has kids except two- and one of those two is pregnant. Lucy is attracting all sorts of attention again. The staring hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.
The move... so far, so good!
The move... so far, so good!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Moved
Hello... remember me? Yeah, we've been kinda busy around here. I am almost completely over my Hepatitis, and we moved on Thursday. Everything went great. The movers were amazing! You haven't seen anything until you have seen a young man carry a refrigerator on his back up 7 flights of stairs without so much as touching a wall. It was amazing!
I almost have all my boxes unpacked. We are loving our new place. Noah is especially happy to finally have his own space. His door has a key, and he keeps threatening to lock the girls (and us) out! We have hardly seen him. He is too busy playing in peace!!
Justin jumped through all the right hoops, and our internet was just connected, so I wanted to hop on here and let everyone know that we are alive and well- happy in our new home.
Please pray for new friendships for us!
I almost have all my boxes unpacked. We are loving our new place. Noah is especially happy to finally have his own space. His door has a key, and he keeps threatening to lock the girls (and us) out! We have hardly seen him. He is too busy playing in peace!!
Justin jumped through all the right hoops, and our internet was just connected, so I wanted to hop on here and let everyone know that we are alive and well- happy in our new home.
Please pray for new friendships for us!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I See the Light
I am on the upswing, Praise the Lord!!! Each day I have more energy. The only lagging symptom is itching. It is enough to drive someone crazy! But, that too is getting better. It is nice to have the distraction of moving to keep us busy. We hope to be in our new flat by the end of the week.
Friday was the last day of school country wide. They have a special ceremony, and then hand out the report cards. There is never a lack of pomp and circumstance in this country- they love ceremonies!! Callie had a great year in kindergarten. She learned so much and made some great friends. She also really fell in love with singing and dancing. Her class had a special teacher come in weekly to teach music and dance, and they did several performances. Now, that is one of the most common things that she plays. She is constantly working on a special show for Mom or Dad! She received "very good" in all things on her report card. She keeps us laughing, and is such a blessing to us.
Noah finished up second grade very strong. He got the equivalent of straight A's. He was in a special club in which he learned traditional folk dance, music, and games. He really enjoyed it. He makes friends really easily, and loves to play soccer and roughhouse! He is all boy!! We can barely get him to come inside for dinner now that it stays light outside a bit longer. He is a very good boy and deals well with being different. He is not afraid to go against the flow and is quite a leader. While it makes parenting a little tricky, we are so thankful that the Lord wired Noah this way. He is amazing!!!
Lucy is turning into a little chatter-box. I love to hear the things she says- it shows us so much more of her personality. She has a great sense of humor and makes hysterical faces. Her hair is still white-blonde. She gets a lot of attention because of her blonde hair and blue eyes. She loves to play it up and ignore people if they try to dote on her but flirt with them if they ignore her. I am quite sure we have a ham in the making! I think she is a bit spoiled by her brother and sister who would do anything for her. She is so lovely!
Friday was the last day of school country wide. They have a special ceremony, and then hand out the report cards. There is never a lack of pomp and circumstance in this country- they love ceremonies!! Callie had a great year in kindergarten. She learned so much and made some great friends. She also really fell in love with singing and dancing. Her class had a special teacher come in weekly to teach music and dance, and they did several performances. Now, that is one of the most common things that she plays. She is constantly working on a special show for Mom or Dad! She received "very good" in all things on her report card. She keeps us laughing, and is such a blessing to us.
Noah finished up second grade very strong. He got the equivalent of straight A's. He was in a special club in which he learned traditional folk dance, music, and games. He really enjoyed it. He makes friends really easily, and loves to play soccer and roughhouse! He is all boy!! We can barely get him to come inside for dinner now that it stays light outside a bit longer. He is a very good boy and deals well with being different. He is not afraid to go against the flow and is quite a leader. While it makes parenting a little tricky, we are so thankful that the Lord wired Noah this way. He is amazing!!!
Lucy is turning into a little chatter-box. I love to hear the things she says- it shows us so much more of her personality. She has a great sense of humor and makes hysterical faces. Her hair is still white-blonde. She gets a lot of attention because of her blonde hair and blue eyes. She loves to play it up and ignore people if they try to dote on her but flirt with them if they ignore her. I am quite sure we have a ham in the making! I think she is a bit spoiled by her brother and sister who would do anything for her. She is so lovely!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Good News and Bad News
Well there is good news and bad news....
Let's start with the bad so we can end on a good note!
We have been and continue to be sick! Two weeks ago my allergies were really giving me a rough time. Then, last Sunday my shoulders, neck, and head started hurting really bad for no reason. I figured that I had strained a muscle or something and just took it easy. Throughout last week the pain and allergy symptoms would sometimes be intense and sometimes be fine. Callie came home from school on Friday complaining that she did not feel well. She slept until the next morning and seemed to feel better. That Saturday we had a birthday party to go to. So the girls and I headed over even though none of us felt great. Well, Lucy barfed all over my neighbor'theres kitchen, herself, and me!! She has been barfing on and off since then. We thought that she was through it all- she hadn't thrown up in 36 hours. But last night she did it again. In addition my pain continues, as well as an occasional fever, and extreme fatigue! Yesterday, Noah and Callie each had a weird red spotted rash.
So... all that to say, it is like the plague has washed through here! Please pray for Justin- for health, strength, and patience while he is carrying much of the burden. I am going to the doctor tomorrow. Please pray for wisdom and a correct diagnosis, as well as the ability to communicate and accurately explain what I am experiencing! Please pray that Lucy will stop throwing up for good. Please pray for complete health for our family.
Now... the good news!
We found a flat!! We are so excited, and will probably move as soon as school gets out (another week and a half- YIKES!!). It is exactly what we were hoping for, and more! Praise Him!
My brother and his precious fiance have decided to plan their wedding for next summer so that we will all be able to be there! Can you believe their unselfishness and kindness? We are so amazed and blessed by them. Praise Him!
Finally, Lucy is potty trained! To be honest, I have been dreading potty training for some time because I could not use my standard method of letting them run around in the backyard naked for a few days until they get it. But, I must say Lucy was a cinch! Only the very first day was hard, after that she caught on quickly- even when we are out and about! Praise Him!
Let's start with the bad so we can end on a good note!
We have been and continue to be sick! Two weeks ago my allergies were really giving me a rough time. Then, last Sunday my shoulders, neck, and head started hurting really bad for no reason. I figured that I had strained a muscle or something and just took it easy. Throughout last week the pain and allergy symptoms would sometimes be intense and sometimes be fine. Callie came home from school on Friday complaining that she did not feel well. She slept until the next morning and seemed to feel better. That Saturday we had a birthday party to go to. So the girls and I headed over even though none of us felt great. Well, Lucy barfed all over my neighbor'theres kitchen, herself, and me!! She has been barfing on and off since then. We thought that she was through it all- she hadn't thrown up in 36 hours. But last night she did it again. In addition my pain continues, as well as an occasional fever, and extreme fatigue! Yesterday, Noah and Callie each had a weird red spotted rash.
So... all that to say, it is like the plague has washed through here! Please pray for Justin- for health, strength, and patience while he is carrying much of the burden. I am going to the doctor tomorrow. Please pray for wisdom and a correct diagnosis, as well as the ability to communicate and accurately explain what I am experiencing! Please pray that Lucy will stop throwing up for good. Please pray for complete health for our family.
Now... the good news!
We found a flat!! We are so excited, and will probably move as soon as school gets out (another week and a half- YIKES!!). It is exactly what we were hoping for, and more! Praise Him!
My brother and his precious fiance have decided to plan their wedding for next summer so that we will all be able to be there! Can you believe their unselfishness and kindness? We are so amazed and blessed by them. Praise Him!
Finally, Lucy is potty trained! To be honest, I have been dreading potty training for some time because I could not use my standard method of letting them run around in the backyard naked for a few days until they get it. But, I must say Lucy was a cinch! Only the very first day was hard, after that she caught on quickly- even when we are out and about! Praise Him!
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