Belated

I found these pictures today on my camera, and I thought I'd share. They are from the last day of school.

On the last day of school the entire school (middle and elementary) assembles in the schoolyard for a little bit. The classes stand at attention in their lines (a daily routine). All sorts of people have things to say, and they make an especially big deal for the first graders since they learned to read.

After the assembly, the elementary classes are dismissed to their classrooms where they are presented with their report cards one by one. As always there is a lot of pomp and circumstance.



Here is Callie with her best friend Dilara.



This is Noah's classroom. The kids are sitting in their desks waiting to receive their report cards. Its a tense time!



This is Noah, Callie, Noah's best friend Baran, Noah's teacher, and me together. It was a little sad because Noah will not be returning to this school since we moved. In elementary school you have the same teacher and classmates for all 5 years. So everyone was pretty sad to see Noah go.

Can I just tell you that once again Noah got all 5's (just like all A's). To be honest, I was surprised because some of his papers were mediocre throughout the year. I cannot tell you how proud I am of this kid! He has weathered this transition like a champ. He has embraced the culture and language and thrived in it. To get all A's is awesome, but to do so in your second language... AMAZING!!! He is outgoing and friendly, rough and tumble. Don't bother to say anything bad about his favorite soccer team or he will trash talk you in any language! He is a fanatic!

Callie also did great. She really thrived this year in Kindergarden. She made lots of friends, was a leader in her classroom, and probably speaks the new language better than the rest of us. All of her classmates adored her. She makes friends so easily! She received a report card (although a little different) and got all "very goods." Since her class did so many productions we have really seen her become a lot less shy on stage. In fact, she loves to perform. She is still quite shy with adults and will hardly speak to them. They assume that she doesn't speak the language until they hear her motor-mouthing away with her peers!

Noah and Callie have done such an amazing job. They are so flexible, and have really overcome a lot. They are thriving here in all areas, and we could not be more proud of them!!!

Originally posted on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007


A day in the life


so, i've finally getting this blog thing figured out. it is hard to get in the habit of posting things on a regular basis. and, i am having a hard time getting my pictures to upload. i know that pictures and video will be far more interesting than anything i have to say!


my friend asked me what a typical day was like. so i figured that was great blog fodder! here it goes...

we wake up whenever the kids get up. that is anywhere between 6:45 and 8:00. the kids usually watch a little tv. we have breakfast- bananas, yogurt, bread, cheese, cereal, etc. Justin usually feeds the kids breakfast while i get ready. then we switch. he leaves for work at about 9:00. he catches the bus just down the street from our apartment complex. the bus is crowded and there is quite a bit of traffic, so his commute takes about an hour. his work day consists of study, errands- shopping for things we need, meting with people, artisans lane work, and language lessons.

the kids are in after noon school. so our mornings are flexible. noah usually has homework to do. and, i have chores like laundry, dishes, etc. lucy goes down for her nap at 10:00. we have to start lunch at 11:30 because it takes forever!! after lunch, the kids have to change and get ready for school. noah wears a uniform. since the time change (daylight savings) noah's school starts earlier. we have a really hard time getting up there on time. it starts at 12:25. so we try to be out the door by 12:15. we walk to school- it is about 4 blocks up town. each day school starts with all of the children out in the blacktop area. they are lead in a chant about how they will be good citizens, good students, etc. it is quite neat. then the bell rings, and they are off to their class. noah's best friend at school is named baran.

once we drop noah off, callie, lucy and i walk another block over to callie's preschool. we drop her off. sometimes, her best friend, irem, is waiting at the window for her. after we drop callie off, lucy and i usually go to the supermarket on the way home. since we don't have a car, i can only get as much as i can carry. on thursdays the pazar- the big traveling market that has everything- is on our neighborhood. i love to go there! anyhow, lucy and i run our errands then we head home. i play with her for a little bit, and then she goes down for a nap. two days a week my language helper comes from 2:30 to 4:30. otherwise i study on my own. also, i usually try to start dinner. lucy and i go back out to get the kids at 4:50. i have to pick callie up at 5:00. noah's school gets out at 5:40. so, either the girls and i hang around to get noah, or justin leaves a little early from work and picks him up. now that the time has changed it gets dark pretty early. but, if its nice out, we try to play at the park either before or after dinner. we eat dinner, then play or do whatever. we try to put the kids down by 8:30. then, justin and i study, watch tv, or work on our computers.

our weekends are flexible. we usually try to get out as much as possible. we meet as a team for dinner and worship on sunday nights. it is not the type of church we are used to, but basically we have a topic and scripture for the night. we discuss it with the kids over dinner. then the kids play, and the adults study the bible and discuss it further and pray.

so... there it is. not too exciting really! other than we are in a huge city on an amazing adventure.


POSTED BY ELIZABETH AT 10:11 PM

Originally posted on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007


Celebrating Two Months


We have been here for two months now. This is the longest that I have ever gone without driving a car (since age 15). I totally love the public transportation. It is anything but convenient, but it is fascinating. I go to a language class on Saturday mornings- the only thing that I do by myself- down by the water. To get there I have to ride the busiest bus on the planet. I still holler "wait" when the driver starts to pull away and all the people have not managed to shove themselves on... what a rookie. The drivers are amazing. They can drive the big 'ol thing (one of those double kind that looks like two buses hooked together with a dryer vent hose), talk on their cell phone, make change for passengers, and navigate the absurd traffic. I love being stuck up front right by the windshield where I can see everything. We manage to get so close to cars and people. What fun. Sorry... enough of that rabbit trail ( I am bad about that).

Anyhow, we've been here two months, and seeing as how I have just managed to get this thing up and running I felt the need to reminisce on what I've learned...
1. cobblestones are beautiful but quite bumpy
2. seat belts and traffic rules are over-rated
3. Americans should be glad that there is a $500 fine for littering
4. learning and functioning in a new language is way hard
5. people here are wonderful, regardless of what the media says
6. downsizing is a great thing
7. the kids don't miss a bit of their stuff
8. there is so much to discover in the world
9. roasted sheep heads are really gross looking, especially because they have crazy looking teeth
10. futbol is life
11. the weekly market is so fun
12. it is hard to help your child do their homework when it takes you forever to translate the simple directions with your giant translation dictionary
13. it is hard to make friends when you can't say much
14. it is fun to laugh at yourself
15. my neighbor is a fenerbache fan- it is one of the futbol teams here, and he screams during their games
16. women have it very hard here
17. joy is possible anywhere
18. kids are very flexible
19. it really is great to be where the Lord wants you to be
20. 40Lira of groceries is too much to carry home a mile and up 4 flights of stairs- especially when I have Lucy and the stroller, too
21. meat, fruits, and vegetables are really fresh here
22. the "building guy" (for lack of a better word- he is sort of the handy man) sells piping hot fresh bread daily, door to door, and it is fantastic
23. a headscarf is a great way to hide hair that does not like this humid climate
24. the call to prayer is broadcast from the minarets at every mosque five times a day- it sounds like nothing you have ever heard before- eerie but beautiful
25. old ladies will not so gently rap you with their umbrellas and tell you to properly bundle your baby if she is not dressed for arctic weather despite what the weather really is
26. your baby is public property
27. pedestrians or the smaller car have no rights and must be on the defense at all times (even on the sidewalk)
28. you must really keep up with the laundry if your kids wear a uniform and you only bought a few
29. "vat is your name?" said repeatedly by local kids is amazing annoying
30. whoever chose white button down shirts for Noah's uniform should be beaten
31. bread is the most essential part of the diet here- Dr. Adkins would be flogged

Truly I could go on. The past two months have been nothing but learning, and it feels like we've just made a drop in the ocean. The most exciting thing that I have learned is how to work my washing machine. After two months with the translation dictionary, the machine, and the manual, I think I've got it figured out. (ok, maybe no the most exciting thing, but it is up there on the list). Laundry and acquiring and preparing food are major parts of my day now. Come to think of it... they were before, too. I guess we're not that different after all.


POSTED BY ELIZABETH AT 12:22 AM
LABELS: TWO MONTHS

My First Post

Originally posted on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2007


A Glimpse at the Possibility


You know how in romantic comedies, which I love, everything ends up great in the end? The plot is always the same no matter how different the setting is. The girl shows up to something new, she doesn't look or act her best, and she can't function appropriately. But, by the end of the movie everything is perfect. She's figured it all out, and got the great looking guy to boot! All of this is just two hours!

Well, I've been in this new place a lot more than two hours, and I've got relatively nothing figured out!! I can say, "ekmek var mı?" See, I can even type it properly with this awesome computer (i love apple!!). Notice that the ı does not have a dot! The question, "ekmek var mı?" means is there bread? It is the first thing our curriculum teaches us.

So, anyhow, I can say it, and a few other things. My point is that in the movie that is my life (and as Donald Miller says, yes, you are in my movie, you play a wonderful supporting role, thank you!) two hours have passed and I haven't gotten things all figured out! But, you know how in the movie, they show quick little glimpses of the process the girl goes through to get it all together. In my movie, I had my first few glimpses last week. I thought of and spoke my very first sentence!! Not, the sentences and phrases that I've been taught. But, my very own! It had the subject and verb of my choosing and was conjugated correctly. Not only that, but the person I was speaking to understood me and answered!! Also, last week, we got our first piece of mail! I cannot tell you how wonderful it was. It was a birthday card for Lucy from my mom, but our entire family devoured it!! You have to remember that we have not seen or spoken to a real live American (other than our team leaders) in two months, so we are easily excitable.

So... it's a start- a glimpse at the possibility. I'll get there, it will just take a lot longer than two stinkin hours!!!


POSTED BY ELIZABETH AT 11:15 PM
LABELS: A GLIMPSE AT THE POSSIBILITY

Remembering

Two years ago today I swallowed my tears, tried to stop the "ugly cry" in the middle of the airport, gave my Mom one last hug and got on a plane. We had no idea what to expect or what this journey would entail, but we were pumped and ready! We knew that the Lord had called us to this and even if it contained a lot of unknowns, God's best is better than anything I can imagine!

Two years ago today I tasted my last bit of America, spoke to my niece face to face for the last time, and had clothes that were put in a clothes dryer. We got on that plane full of sadness, but a little bit more full of excitement and adrenaline. We had no idea how long and short two years could feel!

Two years ago today our kids said goodbye to the only life they had known- their stuff, their friends, their language, and un-fazedly boarded the plane. For them this was just a new adventure. They had no idea how permanent feels.

Two years ago today I had to pare down almost everything I own so it could fit into a few suitcases and then watch and hope the I would see those suitcases again on the other side. I wish I had brought more shoes. They do not make my size in this country!

Two years ago today we tangibly trusted God in a way that we have never done before. It hurt and it was exciting. We sold everything. Actually, we practically gave it all away, so there was nothing to come back to, and no money to replace it. This place had to become home.

Two years ago today I could not image how hard this transition would be. We were all bright eyed and bushy tailed- full of hope and blinded by naivity. We knew two words of our new language: "hello" and "horse." You cannot get very far with that!

Two years ago today I couldn't stop dreaming of all the possibilities, but now, I must confess, I wonder if there are any sometimes. I know that God has not forsaken this place, but sometimes it sure does feel that way. The people here are so stuck in religion, that they don't have a minute to consider God, let alone allow their faith to speak to their hearts.

Two years ago today we showed up in this country ready to make a difference- to serve the poor, to be a positive influence in our community, and to share Jesus for any who asked. Lately I wonder if we have made a difference at all. A few more kids have gotten the opportunity to be educated, a few more families have been warm in the winter, a few more people have heard that God really does love them and deeply desires to know them, and hopefully everyone that we have come into contact with has learned that Americans are not at all like what they thought they were like. But is it enough? The task at hand is gigantic!

Two years ago today I could never have anticipated how much I would need God to show up in my life.

Two years ago today I could never have dreamed of how He really would show up and how He would carry me when it was all too much. He began the process of teaching me what I thought I already knew. He has shown me that it REALLY IS ALL ABOUT HIM. This is His story, and His country, and His people. And it is a privlidge to be His ambassador here. (Sometimes I forget that part.)

Two years ago today I couldn't fathom how I could love people who were so different than me. How I could learn to do things like they do, eat like they eat, talk like they talk, and enjoy it. I couldn't imagine the way that God would transform my heart of stone to His heart of compassion and love.

Two years ago today I thought that this would be easy and fun because it is what I was made to do. But now I've learned that some of the greatest callings are neither easy nor fun, but they are undeniabily better than all I could ask or hope for!

We have been in this country exactly two years and I have never loved or needed Jesus more!


Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 103 1-8

I've Got More

I was at my neighbors' house until after 12:00 drinking tea. Its already past 1 and I don't think I'll be able to sleep for a long time still! UGH! But the company was fantastic, and I am so thankful for a fun group of ladies to sit and talk with. (If you read my previous post... they LOVED the taco pile on!! I was shocked! Maybe they are just being polite!)

During Ramadan, obnoxious drummers go through the streets banging their drums at 4 a.m. to help everyone get up to eat and pray before the sun comes up. When our drummer comes to my door for his tip, I think I may have to kick him in his teeth!

I finally washed the sheets (its been 6 weeks, don't judge me!) that my mom pre-washed and sent me for my birthday. Now they don't smell like her anymore. Sadness...

Brain Dumping

I am going to dump the contents of my brain on you. This should be fun (and short!).

1. Here are some pictures of the gypsies stealing stuff that I took from my window. I LOVE gypsies!!




2. The poor kids were using large old plastic water bottles to sled down the steep hill next to us.

3. Ramadan started yesterday. Things are different during this time.

4. Everyone is totally sitting at their tables with utensils in hand anxiously waiting for the cannon to fire and signal the end of fasting for the day. As soon as the cannon goes off, they begin stuffing their faces like they haven't eaten in months. It looks like something from the Simpsons.

5. Because my Dad had some questions, here are pictures of our squatty potty. You can use the faucet and pitcher to manually flush. We are fancy and have a water tank on the wall that you can pull the string and it flushes sort of like normal.



6. The evening meal that breaks the fast is called Iftar. Tonight, my sweet neighbor brought a plate of their Iftar selections up for us to try. So I am about to return the plate with some selections from our Iftar meal. We had Taco pile on- sort of like nachos made with Doritos, taco meat, brown beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Their reaction will be priceless!!

7. The other day I made biscuits and made them try them. Their reactions were mixed. They swore that they were terrific, but their faces said otherwise!

Later

Dear Self,

I know its hard to believe now, but one day you will desperately miss being woken up by a little girl wearing her bathing suit backwards pretending to be a tiger and growling at you. Not quite the alarm clock that you dreamed of when you were younger, but truly one of life's sweetest things. Try to remember that!

You will even miss the two that come to snuggle and end up fighting each morning!

Enjoy this time, it is fleeting!

Love,
Me

Noah's thoughts on Uncle Paul's wedding...

N: I am going to stop the wedding and marry Aunt Melissa!!

C: Who gets to pick the ring boys' outfits?
N: I don't know, but I hope I get to wear a white tux!
C: Black ones look better.
N: But white ones are cooler!

Third Child Syndrome

The plight of the poor forgotten third child...





She has to read herself to sleep!





It's ok, Baby Girl! I am a third child, too! I feel your pain. I had to complete my own baby book!

Oh wait...

At least I had a baby book! You can't say the same!

Building

The entertainment for us this summer is the building project next door. Every day we anxiously wait to see what piece of machinery will show up, what strange thing they will doze, and how innovative the workers can be. For a country that only teaches rote memory and no problem solving in school, these workers sure do have to do a lot of problem solving!!

Case in point, the building next to us. They leveled off the front and back of the building to be a car port. But the side which would connect the two was too steep and narrow so they made it into steps. Now the building has a tiny car port in front and a lovely patio (?) in the back. And don't get me started on the front stairs and the strange places that they put concrete.

Our friends' building has an underground car garage. The only problem is that the road leading to it is too narrow for a car to be able to turn into the garage. So it sits empty! I think they should put a pool in there. They have a head start since it floods every time it rains anyway!

Justin and I have come to the conclusion that they don't have a plan or anything really. They just start digging and figure it out as they go.

High Five!

In the future I would love to teach English. Everyone is always asking us to teach them, or if they have a bit of English they like to practice with us. My neighbors across the street have asked me to tutor their son, and although I get this question a lot, I feel like the Lord is prompting me to follow up on this one. I really like this family and this opportunity would give me more time with them. So I have started to do some research on how and where to start. As a language learned myself, I have a good idea on how to go about it. So I was just browsing the internet for most used words and common greetings/ phrases. This is what I learned today:

When meeting someone formally for the first time, we shake their hand and say "How do you do?" or "Pleased to meet you."

"How do you do?" isn't really a question, it just means "Hello".


When young people meet informally they sometimes say "Give me five!" and slap their hands together (high five).
Generally we do not shake hands with people we know well.



This is so funny! Um... can you say inacurate?! I am from the south, we hug everyone- from those we just met to those we have known for years!

After reading this, I feel the need to high five a bit more seeing as how it's our national gesture and all.

Slap me some skin!!

Perspective

New Dishwasher

I got a new dishwasher.




She wasn't cheap.




She's a little high maintenance.




She spills water everywhere.




But, SWEET MERCY, she is the cutest thing on this planet!!!

Stuck

So, we had some friends over for dinner tonight. Their family is leaving the country in just a few short weeks. As the wife and I were in the kitchen trying to get the dishes put away and dessert ready we heard her 1 1/2 year old start screaming. Then the kids started yelling that he was stuck in the toilet! The kid had slipped on the floor of our squatty potty and gotten his foot stuck in the hole!!! Wow! I never knew that was even possible! He came out just fine, and I am sure that with a few years of professional counseling that he will get over his newfound fear of squatty potties!