Justin had a Moroccan born German citizen in town for a few days. This man owns a business and may be interested in hiring Justin to expand the business into this country. Anyway, he stayed with us for a few nights.
He speaks several languages. His English is good but every now and again he asks the famous, "how do you say...?". He asked what a word for something that goes up and down irregularly is. When someone asks you this kind of question you usually cannot think of just the right word on the spot. So, we were guessing...
unbalanced
unstable
I then tried to convince him that the correct word was "catywompus."
I enjoyed hearing him try to say that one!!!
By the way, the word we were looking for was "fluctuating." We did finally figure it out. When he asked how to spell it Justin said, "I know theres an X in there somewhere."
I don't know if Justin will get the job.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Day in the Life
One of the most common questions that I got while back in the States was, "What do you do all day?"
This was a very hard question for me to answer because most of the time I feel like I have no clue. All I know is that I am usually fairly busy and whatever I do it takes all day to do it.
Here's what today looked like:
Justin left this morning at 4:50 am with a potential business partner to travel to another city.
9:45- Wake-up (I know. I know! I KNOW!!!) The Jet-lag and the Ramadan drummer are killin' me!
Hear the kids fighting. Break up the fight and discover that they made themselves breakfast. Lovely!
Clean-up their breakfast mess.
Shower and get ready for the day. Preform small self surgery involving sterilized fingernail clippers, a magnifying mirror, and some unwanted skin on face.
Make everyone else get ready for the day.
Fix girls' hair.
11:00- Start a load of laundry. Bring in laundry off of the racks on the balcony. Fold. Put away.
11:45- Hang out clean laundry.
12:00- Fix lunch. Eat lunch.
12:45- Leave the flat with the goals of dropping my cell phone off to be fixed and going to the outdoor market. Just 2 goals!
Minibus to phone store. Phone can't be fixed there, and must be taken to the service department. They provide address.
Minibus to highway. Squeeze ourselves out of the minibus. Several people have to get off just to let us out- its that packed!
1:30- Get in taxi. Give kids the look of death that says if you don't behave in this taxi I'll open the door while we're moving and release the offender into traffic.
I give the taxi driver the address of the service department. Yes! He knows exactly where that is located.
Famous last words.
2:30- After 20 Lira, several wrong turns, and stopping to ask directions a few times we arrive at service department.
Pull number 104. They are on number 89.
Put on fake smile and holler at children through clinched teeth every so often. Give the stink eye. Forbid getting any more water from the water cooler.
3:30- Number called. Approach desk, start sweating, try to explain problem with cell phone.
Learn that this service center does not service Samsung phones. Fantastic!! Get address of Samsung service center.
Contemplate who to strangle. Leave instead.
Walk up two blocks. Stop at bakery so the girls can use the restroom (because they drank all of the water in the water cooler.). Walk another block. Take the pedestrian walkway over the highway. Look at passing cars below from holes in bridge. Buy little bread snacks and juice boxes for kids. Wait at bus stop.
4:15- Get on the bus towards the area with the Samsung service center. Key fob doesn't have any more credit on it. Seat the kids walk back up the the front of the bus and fish around in my purse for change. Pay the fare.
Sit with kids who are still eating their snacks while everyone gives us the stink eye because it is Ramadan and they are fasting.
Contemplate the fact that by the time we arrive at the correct location it may be closed.
5:20- Get off bus. Ask for directions to Samsung service center.
5:25- Find correct place and draw a number. Remember to thank Jesus because the place is actually open until 6!!
5:30- Number called. Approach desk, start sweating, try to explain problem with cell phone. Girl takes it to the back. Comes back and says they can fix it while I wait. Another "Thank you to Jesus!"
Lucy tips over funky modern looking chair and everyone who was not already staring at us begins to stare at us. I want to die. No, I want to run far, far away to a land where children have nannys and women get free massages on Tuesdays.
5:50- Man returns with fixed phone. No charge. It actually works! Yet another "Thank you Jesus!"
Everything was erased off of it. I'll live.
5:55- Enter local McDonalds tired and defeated. Kicking myself that we have only been back in country for 5 days and we are already in a McDonalds. Eat. Kids are happy. I am happy.
Scratch going to outdoor market off of my list.
6:25- Arrive at bus stop. Check schedule. Just missed bus. Next one comes at 6:50. Refill key fob.
Try to keep kids from being hit by passing buses. Contemplate jumping in front of said buses.
6:45- Bus arrives. Drives leaves and locks door. Line forms.
7:00- Driver returns. Apparently angry with passengers for wanting to get on bus. Find seats.
Traffic is bad because every human in this city is trying to get home before the fast break meal at 7:35. Fasting people are grumpy!
Kids fall asleep. Lucy is on my lap. Callie is doubled over next to me. Noah is on my other side with his head flailing around every time the bus makes a turn. His mouth is wide open. I try holding his head while holding Lucy with my other arm. Blood ceases to flow all the way to hands. Sweating is profuse. People are staring.
8:30- Arrive at our stop. Wake children. Carry Lucy 2 blocks home. Try not to die.
8:45- Bathe kids. Read Chapter 2 of "Ramona Quimby Age 8."
9:30- Tuck kids in bed.
Think to myself, "Now, what the heck did I do all day? Really? Really! 1 thing!!! UGH!!!"
Eat a Snickers bar.
That makes 2 things!
This was a very hard question for me to answer because most of the time I feel like I have no clue. All I know is that I am usually fairly busy and whatever I do it takes all day to do it.
Here's what today looked like:
Justin left this morning at 4:50 am with a potential business partner to travel to another city.
9:45- Wake-up (I know. I know! I KNOW!!!) The Jet-lag and the Ramadan drummer are killin' me!
Hear the kids fighting. Break up the fight and discover that they made themselves breakfast. Lovely!
Clean-up their breakfast mess.
Shower and get ready for the day. Preform small self surgery involving sterilized fingernail clippers, a magnifying mirror, and some unwanted skin on face.
Make everyone else get ready for the day.
Fix girls' hair.
11:00- Start a load of laundry. Bring in laundry off of the racks on the balcony. Fold. Put away.
11:45- Hang out clean laundry.
12:00- Fix lunch. Eat lunch.
12:45- Leave the flat with the goals of dropping my cell phone off to be fixed and going to the outdoor market. Just 2 goals!
Minibus to phone store. Phone can't be fixed there, and must be taken to the service department. They provide address.
Minibus to highway. Squeeze ourselves out of the minibus. Several people have to get off just to let us out- its that packed!
1:30- Get in taxi. Give kids the look of death that says if you don't behave in this taxi I'll open the door while we're moving and release the offender into traffic.
I give the taxi driver the address of the service department. Yes! He knows exactly where that is located.
Famous last words.
2:30- After 20 Lira, several wrong turns, and stopping to ask directions a few times we arrive at service department.
Pull number 104. They are on number 89.
Put on fake smile and holler at children through clinched teeth every so often. Give the stink eye. Forbid getting any more water from the water cooler.
3:30- Number called. Approach desk, start sweating, try to explain problem with cell phone.
Learn that this service center does not service Samsung phones. Fantastic!! Get address of Samsung service center.
Contemplate who to strangle. Leave instead.
Walk up two blocks. Stop at bakery so the girls can use the restroom (because they drank all of the water in the water cooler.). Walk another block. Take the pedestrian walkway over the highway. Look at passing cars below from holes in bridge. Buy little bread snacks and juice boxes for kids. Wait at bus stop.
4:15- Get on the bus towards the area with the Samsung service center. Key fob doesn't have any more credit on it. Seat the kids walk back up the the front of the bus and fish around in my purse for change. Pay the fare.
Sit with kids who are still eating their snacks while everyone gives us the stink eye because it is Ramadan and they are fasting.
Contemplate the fact that by the time we arrive at the correct location it may be closed.
5:20- Get off bus. Ask for directions to Samsung service center.
5:25- Find correct place and draw a number. Remember to thank Jesus because the place is actually open until 6!!
5:30- Number called. Approach desk, start sweating, try to explain problem with cell phone. Girl takes it to the back. Comes back and says they can fix it while I wait. Another "Thank you to Jesus!"
Lucy tips over funky modern looking chair and everyone who was not already staring at us begins to stare at us. I want to die. No, I want to run far, far away to a land where children have nannys and women get free massages on Tuesdays.
5:50- Man returns with fixed phone. No charge. It actually works! Yet another "Thank you Jesus!"
Everything was erased off of it. I'll live.
5:55- Enter local McDonalds tired and defeated. Kicking myself that we have only been back in country for 5 days and we are already in a McDonalds. Eat. Kids are happy. I am happy.
Scratch going to outdoor market off of my list.
6:25- Arrive at bus stop. Check schedule. Just missed bus. Next one comes at 6:50. Refill key fob.
Try to keep kids from being hit by passing buses. Contemplate jumping in front of said buses.
6:45- Bus arrives. Drives leaves and locks door. Line forms.
7:00- Driver returns. Apparently angry with passengers for wanting to get on bus. Find seats.
Traffic is bad because every human in this city is trying to get home before the fast break meal at 7:35. Fasting people are grumpy!
Kids fall asleep. Lucy is on my lap. Callie is doubled over next to me. Noah is on my other side with his head flailing around every time the bus makes a turn. His mouth is wide open. I try holding his head while holding Lucy with my other arm. Blood ceases to flow all the way to hands. Sweating is profuse. People are staring.
8:30- Arrive at our stop. Wake children. Carry Lucy 2 blocks home. Try not to die.
8:45- Bathe kids. Read Chapter 2 of "Ramona Quimby Age 8."
9:30- Tuck kids in bed.
Think to myself, "Now, what the heck did I do all day? Really? Really! 1 thing!!! UGH!!!"
Eat a Snickers bar.
That makes 2 things!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Numbers
Pounds we've gained: 35
Bags we brought back: 5 Carry-on, 12 checked, 2 handheld
Time it took from our door in America to our door here: 25 hours
Security checkpoints we passed through: 5
Days till school starts: 14
How much we miss our families and friends already: a zillon
Bags we brought back: 5 Carry-on, 12 checked, 2 handheld
Time it took from our door in America to our door here: 25 hours
Security checkpoints we passed through: 5
Days till school starts: 14
How much we miss our families and friends already: a zillon
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Things I'd Forgotten
*The Ramadan drummer walks the streets beating his drum to wake everyone up for their last meal before sunrise (at 4 am). UGH!!
*It smells different here. Not better or worse, just different.
*My kitchen is narrow.
*Living in a flat means trying to live as quietly as possible.
*It feels good to walk places.
*The bus is crowded.
*Fresh hot Ramadan Pide is fantastic!
*Our friends and neighbors here are really kind.
*Our elevator is tiny.
*The Call to Prayer blaring over the loudspeaker from the mosques always reminds me that we are in a foreign land.
*All of the rules are different here.
*No matter how much it feels like you are about to die is the taxi, you never really do.
*The suitcases cannot unpack themselves.
*It smells different here. Not better or worse, just different.
*My kitchen is narrow.
*Living in a flat means trying to live as quietly as possible.
*It feels good to walk places.
*The bus is crowded.
*Fresh hot Ramadan Pide is fantastic!
*Our friends and neighbors here are really kind.
*Our elevator is tiny.
*The Call to Prayer blaring over the loudspeaker from the mosques always reminds me that we are in a foreign land.
*All of the rules are different here.
*No matter how much it feels like you are about to die is the taxi, you never really do.
*The suitcases cannot unpack themselves.
Friday, September 3, 2010
We're Home
We are home.
The trip was long and we are worn out. But everything went fine- the kids were as good as can be expected and all of our luggage arrived with no problem.
Jet lag and culture re-shock are setting in!
So much I had forgotten!
The trip was long and we are worn out. But everything went fine- the kids were as good as can be expected and all of our luggage arrived with no problem.
Jet lag and culture re-shock are setting in!
So much I had forgotten!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Pray for Us
In 30 minutes everyone will be here to help load up our stuff and take us to the airport. Our flight leaves around 9 pm. We have an 8 hour layover in London, and then another 4 hour flight to our final destination.
Would you pray for peaceful goodbyes, safety, all of our stuff to arrive, and sanity, please?
Would you pray for peaceful goodbyes, safety, all of our stuff to arrive, and sanity, please?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Baggage
We leave tomorrow. Throughout the summer I have been collecting things to take back with us.
Um... turns out its a lot! Bless Justin's heart, he is our packing master! Let's hope he can get it all in.
People are always curious what (new things) we are taking back, so I thought that I'd share:
peanut butter
seasonings- taco, chili, Italian
brown sugar
cake mix
books
shoes
winter coats
sheet sets
make-up
moisturizer
medicines
vitamins
lots of little gifts
paper shredder
ipod dock
underwear
socks
We are able to use a medium size Rubbermaid container to put things in. So we will end up checking our five suitcases and five Rubbermaid tubs.
Mercy!! Its a lot of stuff!!!
Um... turns out its a lot! Bless Justin's heart, he is our packing master! Let's hope he can get it all in.
People are always curious what (new things) we are taking back, so I thought that I'd share:
peanut butter
seasonings- taco, chili, Italian
brown sugar
cake mix
books
shoes
winter coats
sheet sets
make-up
moisturizer
medicines
vitamins
lots of little gifts
paper shredder
ipod dock
underwear
socks
We are able to use a medium size Rubbermaid container to put things in. So we will end up checking our five suitcases and five Rubbermaid tubs.
Mercy!! Its a lot of stuff!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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.
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