We heard from our friend watching our flat that we have neighbors!
Our building is 7 stories tall with 2 flats on each floor. We are on the top floor, and the flat across from us has never been occupied. But, at some point over the summer a family has moved in. We joked that the only reason that the owner was finally able to sell it was that the "foreigners" across the hall were gone for the summer.
They don't even have a clue what's in store for them when we arrive back home in a few days.
Lets hope they are hard of hearing!!!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Signs That Our kids Are Not From 'Round Here Anymore
Callie: Look! I see the Eiffel Tower.
Me: No, Callie, that's a steeple.
Callie: What's a steeple?
********************************
When we are driving past a cemetery the kids get really excited about who will be the first to spot a "tent" (green funeral awning). They think its weird that people would be camping out near all those gravestones.
********************************
We have not eaten at McDonald's since we have been back.
*********************************
They call all playgrounds "parks", and think it is weird that so many people have parks in their backyards.
*********************************
They are freezing all the time.
*********************************
Lucy keeps asking, "Where's our home, Mama?"
Me: No, Callie, that's a steeple.
Callie: What's a steeple?
********************************
When we are driving past a cemetery the kids get really excited about who will be the first to spot a "tent" (green funeral awning). They think its weird that people would be camping out near all those gravestones.
********************************
We have not eaten at McDonald's since we have been back.
*********************************
They call all playgrounds "parks", and think it is weird that so many people have parks in their backyards.
*********************************
They are freezing all the time.
*********************************
Lucy keeps asking, "Where's our home, Mama?"
Friday, August 27, 2010
Home
We have less than a week until we head back home.
The funny thing is that when we are there home is here and when we are here home is there. To top it off... this summer our family mantra was, "Home is where we lay our heads tonight," because the kids were always so confused about where we were sleeping, going, or what "home" we were referring to.
It seems we've created this weird alter universe for ourselves where we aren't quite home anywhere! Is this what Scripture talks about when it says that this world is not our home?
The funny thing is that when we are there home is here and when we are here home is there. To top it off... this summer our family mantra was, "Home is where we lay our heads tonight," because the kids were always so confused about where we were sleeping, going, or what "home" we were referring to.
It seems we've created this weird alter universe for ourselves where we aren't quite home anywhere! Is this what Scripture talks about when it says that this world is not our home?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Must Write Post
So much is going on right now and with the busy-ness of summer I have certainly neglected my blog. But, really... where on earth can I start?
Finally I am making myself sit here and write. Something. Anything. Usually once I start, I keep it up.
For awhile.
There's no better way to cover a multitude of random topics than with a stream of consciousness list. My apologies.
1. Survivor starts soon and I am so bummed that we will miss it. After all these years, I still love that show. Shows that we have LOVED this summer are House Hunters International, Cake Boss, Extreme Home Makeover, Wipeout, and Say Yes to the Dress.
Intellectually stimulating, I know!
2. One week from today we will be on a plane heading back over to the Middle East. I am ready (or so I tell myself) but I am also nervous. This has been an amazing summer. We have been blessed with so much quality time with our family and friends. We have had so many fun adventures. We have so enjoyed our precious time with our family. I am nervous that the kids (and maybe me, too) will have a difficult transition back into real life.
3. It feels like cancer is at an epidemic level. Just this summer two dear friends have passed away from cancer, and several more are fighting it currently. When and where will it end?
4. On our return flight we have an 8 hour layover in London. We are weighing what will be the least stressful- trying to get out and explore a bit or staying cooped up in the airport.
I know it will be stressful either way. But maybe, just maybe, it could be possible to see something neat while being stressed.
Yes? No? Any tips?
5. I have not posted any pictures this summer. I promised I would. I guess that summer is not technically over until September 21.
6. I may cry when we have to turn our rental car back in. (As a side note- I have rammed into anything again!)
7. The Lord has blessed our socks off. We have been house-guests for 3 MONTHS now!!
Justin's parents have been more than gracious and patient to host us in GA for the majority of our time in the states and our dear friends the Walshes win the Host/Hostess award of the year. We were with them for at least 3 weeks while in KY. Both the Leonards and Walshes as well as other friends with whom we stayed have loved on us and served us so much. It is only by their kindness, flexibility, and un-selfishness that we have survived 3 MONTHS of being house-guests. Thank you!
8. Lord bless Justin as he tries to get our stuff packed, weighed, and ready to go.
9. The good-byes have begun. It is hell-ish!! This is the worst part of the whole over-seas worker experience.
10. To end on a positive note:
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
Finally I am making myself sit here and write. Something. Anything. Usually once I start, I keep it up.
For awhile.
There's no better way to cover a multitude of random topics than with a stream of consciousness list. My apologies.
1. Survivor starts soon and I am so bummed that we will miss it. After all these years, I still love that show. Shows that we have LOVED this summer are House Hunters International, Cake Boss, Extreme Home Makeover, Wipeout, and Say Yes to the Dress.
Intellectually stimulating, I know!
2. One week from today we will be on a plane heading back over to the Middle East. I am ready (or so I tell myself) but I am also nervous. This has been an amazing summer. We have been blessed with so much quality time with our family and friends. We have had so many fun adventures. We have so enjoyed our precious time with our family. I am nervous that the kids (and maybe me, too) will have a difficult transition back into real life.
3. It feels like cancer is at an epidemic level. Just this summer two dear friends have passed away from cancer, and several more are fighting it currently. When and where will it end?
4. On our return flight we have an 8 hour layover in London. We are weighing what will be the least stressful- trying to get out and explore a bit or staying cooped up in the airport.
I know it will be stressful either way. But maybe, just maybe, it could be possible to see something neat while being stressed.
Yes? No? Any tips?
5. I have not posted any pictures this summer. I promised I would. I guess that summer is not technically over until September 21.
6. I may cry when we have to turn our rental car back in. (As a side note- I have rammed into anything again!)
7. The Lord has blessed our socks off. We have been house-guests for 3 MONTHS now!!
Justin's parents have been more than gracious and patient to host us in GA for the majority of our time in the states and our dear friends the Walshes win the Host/Hostess award of the year. We were with them for at least 3 weeks while in KY. Both the Leonards and Walshes as well as other friends with whom we stayed have loved on us and served us so much. It is only by their kindness, flexibility, and un-selfishness that we have survived 3 MONTHS of being house-guests. Thank you!
8. Lord bless Justin as he tries to get our stuff packed, weighed, and ready to go.
9. The good-byes have begun. It is hell-ish!! This is the worst part of the whole over-seas worker experience.
10. To end on a positive note:
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Things I Miss About our Country of Service
1. When my children are singing "I Like the Toilet, Toilet" to the "Move it, Move it" tune no one knows how truly obnoxious they are since they don't speak english!
2. Minimal selections make market runs easier.
3. Sometimes not understanding every word that everyone is saying is a good thing!
4. No fancy things like dryers and fabric softener to "sissyfy" us!
5. The lack of Chic-Fil-A, Mexican food, and a car combined with the abundance of heat, stairs, and vegetables will hopefully help my clothes to fit again!
6. No political calls.
7. No air conditioning builds character.
8. Schedule, routine, and chore charts.
9. Kind friends who insist on sharing tea together as much as possible.
10. Blank boxes on the calendar.
2. Minimal selections make market runs easier.
3. Sometimes not understanding every word that everyone is saying is a good thing!
4. No fancy things like dryers and fabric softener to "sissyfy" us!
5. The lack of Chic-Fil-A, Mexican food, and a car combined with the abundance of heat, stairs, and vegetables will hopefully help my clothes to fit again!
6. No political calls.
7. No air conditioning builds character.
8. Schedule, routine, and chore charts.
9. Kind friends who insist on sharing tea together as much as possible.
10. Blank boxes on the calendar.
Monday, July 26, 2010
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER
So in an ultra-technical fashion that involved putting numbers on little pieces of paper, folding them up, and making Justin choose one we have a winner.
#2 Heidi!!
We are about to leave to go on vacation with my side of the family for a few days. As soon as I get back I will drop your prize package in the mail, Heidi.
Horray for my first give-away! WOOT!
My precious MacBook is at the shop getting all sorts of stuff done to it. So I am without a computer for a few days. Hopefully it won't cost as much as just buying a new one! Why do we make EVERYTHING disposable these days? Nothing is built to last more than a few years.
#2 Heidi!!
We are about to leave to go on vacation with my side of the family for a few days. As soon as I get back I will drop your prize package in the mail, Heidi.
Horray for my first give-away! WOOT!
My precious MacBook is at the shop getting all sorts of stuff done to it. So I am without a computer for a few days. Hopefully it won't cost as much as just buying a new one! Why do we make EVERYTHING disposable these days? Nothing is built to last more than a few years.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
500!!!
This is my 500th post! I cannot believe it! I had no idea that I had written so many posts.
I think it would be fun to do a contest. I am going to enter all the comments from this week into a random drawing and send the winner a prize pack with jewelry and cards from our company.
So leave a comment to enter!
I am so excited... my first give away!
In other news:
3 years of no driving have finally caught up to me. I clipped a mailbox and busted out the side mirror on our rental van. Oops! Justin thinks he can fix it easily! No harm done to the mailbox.
Please pray for our team mate. She had her twin girls two months early.
I miss our life and home in the Middle East far more than I thought I would. I have been a bit homesick for it the last few days. I am so thankful that the Lord has helped my heart fall in love with that place!
It has been so good to spend time with our family and friends. When we are away I try to make myself forget how wonderful they are so that I won't be so sad. So, this summer I have been trying really hard to enjoy every second with everyone, and to let my roots go deeper even though I am going to have to say good-bye again.
Thanks to our wonderful families, Justin and I have had the chance to get away on a few dates and it is marvelous! It is official- I love that man!!!
I think it would be fun to do a contest. I am going to enter all the comments from this week into a random drawing and send the winner a prize pack with jewelry and cards from our company.
So leave a comment to enter!
I am so excited... my first give away!
In other news:
3 years of no driving have finally caught up to me. I clipped a mailbox and busted out the side mirror on our rental van. Oops! Justin thinks he can fix it easily! No harm done to the mailbox.
Please pray for our team mate. She had her twin girls two months early.
I miss our life and home in the Middle East far more than I thought I would. I have been a bit homesick for it the last few days. I am so thankful that the Lord has helped my heart fall in love with that place!
It has been so good to spend time with our family and friends. When we are away I try to make myself forget how wonderful they are so that I won't be so sad. So, this summer I have been trying really hard to enjoy every second with everyone, and to let my roots go deeper even though I am going to have to say good-bye again.
Thanks to our wonderful families, Justin and I have had the chance to get away on a few dates and it is marvelous! It is official- I love that man!!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Please tell me how I have lived for three years without "The Price is Right!?"
I sat down today in front of the television and caught the end of pure viewing bliss!!! It made me so happy. Although since being gone prices have changed dramatically (or maybe I have) so I wan't even close with my bids.
Oh well!
I miss Bob Barker. He was the best!!
What time do Jeopardy and Family Feud come on?
I sat down today in front of the television and caught the end of pure viewing bliss!!! It made me so happy. Although since being gone prices have changed dramatically (or maybe I have) so I wan't even close with my bids.
Oh well!
I miss Bob Barker. He was the best!!
What time do Jeopardy and Family Feud come on?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
MOM
I keep finding myself answering to any kid who says, "Mom!" While we were over there, I was the only "Mom." But here, I'm just one of many!
Monday, June 21, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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
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
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