Up, showered, and waiting for the fridge repair guy.
Here they don't even bother giving you the dreaded 1-6 arrival time window. They just say, "I'll be there tomorrow." That could be anywhere between 8am and 11 pm.
UGH!!! I've got a life to live!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
This is Where Viral Videos Come From
You may or may not know that we have just finished up celebrating one of the two major holidays on the Muslim calendar. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were the "Sugar Holiday" that celebrates the culmination of Ramadan.
In addition to special prayers, religious activities, and visiting the graves of dead relatives, Muslims visit as many relatives and friends as possible. In fact, I was talking to a woman yesterday who had visited 19 different relatives in two and a half days! The other lady involved in the conversation had only visited around 10.
It is a time of social and eating overload!
Can I tell you a secret?
We planned our time in the States so that we'd miss the fasting of Ramadan, but be back in time for the fun of the Holiday!
I know... scandalous!
Anyhow, the point of my post (I promise there is one) is to tell about one of the weirdest things that has happened to us while visiting.
Yesterday we visited Noah's best friend's family. They are so sweet and we really enjoy spending time with them. The mom, Aysun, had cooked up a major spread, and fed us till we were stuffed.
(Have I ever told you that the people here love to force feed us? It brings them great joy to guilt us into eating until we roll out of their homes. All the while telling us that we've gained weight lately. It's fun!)
Anyhow, at some point during our visit, they turned on their video camera. Justin's grandpa used to always do this when he was growing up, but I'm not really used to being filmed randomly. So, there it was, sitting in the corner filming our time together.
So weird, right?
They were so excited to film us all together. At one point the dad even walked around the flat getting everyone there, lots by this time, on camera.
What do people do with this sort of footage?
Do they ever even watch it? Show their friends? Laugh at our language mishaps? Upload it onto YouTube? We can only hope to get as many hits as this hilarious video!
In addition to special prayers, religious activities, and visiting the graves of dead relatives, Muslims visit as many relatives and friends as possible. In fact, I was talking to a woman yesterday who had visited 19 different relatives in two and a half days! The other lady involved in the conversation had only visited around 10.
It is a time of social and eating overload!
Can I tell you a secret?
We planned our time in the States so that we'd miss the fasting of Ramadan, but be back in time for the fun of the Holiday!
I know... scandalous!
Anyhow, the point of my post (I promise there is one) is to tell about one of the weirdest things that has happened to us while visiting.
Yesterday we visited Noah's best friend's family. They are so sweet and we really enjoy spending time with them. The mom, Aysun, had cooked up a major spread, and fed us till we were stuffed.
(Have I ever told you that the people here love to force feed us? It brings them great joy to guilt us into eating until we roll out of their homes. All the while telling us that we've gained weight lately. It's fun!)
Anyhow, at some point during our visit, they turned on their video camera. Justin's grandpa used to always do this when he was growing up, but I'm not really used to being filmed randomly. So, there it was, sitting in the corner filming our time together.
So weird, right?
They were so excited to film us all together. At one point the dad even walked around the flat getting everyone there, lots by this time, on camera.
What do people do with this sort of footage?
Do they ever even watch it? Show their friends? Laugh at our language mishaps? Upload it onto YouTube? We can only hope to get as many hits as this hilarious video!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
An Important Anniversary
Four years and 1 week ago our family got on a plane and began the biggest adventure of our lives.
It was and probably will always be the biggest risk we've ever taken in life. Often times with great risks come great rewards...
even when the rewards sometimes don't feel like rewards.
Looking back, that time seems like a huge blur. I still cannot fathom how we had the guts to do it. I can remember being sure that Jesus himself was going to come back at any moment because I couldn't fathom that we'd really ever live this adventure.
He didn't come back (YET!) and here we are. Four years into this adventure... this new life. We've learned so much about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and who the Lord really is without the creature comforts and trappings of the West.
Life is different here- really different. It slaps me in the face every time we return from being out of the country. (For Pete's sake, I answered the door in shorts on our first day back!) Lots to learn and relearn all the time!
But, as in all things, we are blessed beyond belief to walk this road with Him. He is good, all the time, and has led us, carried us, and walked beside us for many years- not for a second forsaking us!
I just wish my local friends knew how great He is. I'll be here, letting the Lord tell His story through me, as long as I can!
Also at that time, people will say, "Look at what's happened! This is our God! We waited for him and he showed up and saved us! This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate, sing the joys ofhis salvation. God's hand rests on this mountain!"
Isaiah 25:8-10
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
Acts 4:7-9
It was and probably will always be the biggest risk we've ever taken in life. Often times with great risks come great rewards...
even when the rewards sometimes don't feel like rewards.
Looking back, that time seems like a huge blur. I still cannot fathom how we had the guts to do it. I can remember being sure that Jesus himself was going to come back at any moment because I couldn't fathom that we'd really ever live this adventure.
He didn't come back (YET!) and here we are. Four years into this adventure... this new life. We've learned so much about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and who the Lord really is without the creature comforts and trappings of the West.
Life is different here- really different. It slaps me in the face every time we return from being out of the country. (For Pete's sake, I answered the door in shorts on our first day back!) Lots to learn and relearn all the time!
But, as in all things, we are blessed beyond belief to walk this road with Him. He is good, all the time, and has led us, carried us, and walked beside us for many years- not for a second forsaking us!
I just wish my local friends knew how great He is. I'll be here, letting the Lord tell His story through me, as long as I can!
Also at that time, people will say, "Look at what's happened! This is our God! We waited for him and he showed up and saved us! This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate, sing the joys ofhis salvation. God's hand rests on this mountain!"
Isaiah 25:8-10
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
Acts 4:7-9
Monday, August 29, 2011
We're back. The kids and I arrived around lunchtime last Friday. It was a really long trip (as always), but they were so good. So was I, for the record. It was a fun adventure for us.
I was in my bed sound asleep before Justin even got up to our apartment with the suitcases!
After a few days in this time zone I think we're adjusted. I do find myself feeling sort of out of it and foggy in the late afternoons, but I doubt that I can blame that on jet lag! I'm pretty sure that's just me!
Tomorrow the big holiday starts. It typically lasts 3 days but since it fell on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday most companies just gave off the entire week- Justin's included. It's nice to have a few extra days with Justin around to settle in.
We'll also be doing tons of visiting this week. Let's hope I didn't forget too much!
I was in my bed sound asleep before Justin even got up to our apartment with the suitcases!
After a few days in this time zone I think we're adjusted. I do find myself feeling sort of out of it and foggy in the late afternoons, but I doubt that I can blame that on jet lag! I'm pretty sure that's just me!
Tomorrow the big holiday starts. It typically lasts 3 days but since it fell on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday most companies just gave off the entire week- Justin's included. It's nice to have a few extra days with Justin around to settle in.
We'll also be doing tons of visiting this week. Let's hope I didn't forget too much!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Headin' Home
It's my last day in the States. We've had such a good time. But now it's over... time to get back to real life!!
If you think about it, please pray for safety, sanity for me, and well behaved kids as we travel.
If you think about it, please pray for safety, sanity for me, and well behaved kids as we travel.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Today
The guy in line behind me at Wal-Mart tonight (10:30) was buying yarn and a case of beer.
That's an odd combination.
I guess it's no worse than my big Rubbermaid tub, 2 bottles of maple flavoring, 2 bottles of tangle spray, and 2 tubes of Burt's Bees lip balm.
Speaking of Wal-Mart, I have been to either a Wal-Mart or Target almost every day. That includes 3 different Targets and 6 different Wal-Marts. I guess it's safe to say that I love, LOVE, LOVE those stores!
Justin came home from Toronto tonight. He flies home tomorrow.
I had a mini-reunion with some sweet high school girl friends. It was so fun to catch up and laugh about the old days!
That's an odd combination.
I guess it's no worse than my big Rubbermaid tub, 2 bottles of maple flavoring, 2 bottles of tangle spray, and 2 tubes of Burt's Bees lip balm.
Speaking of Wal-Mart, I have been to either a Wal-Mart or Target almost every day. That includes 3 different Targets and 6 different Wal-Marts. I guess it's safe to say that I love, LOVE, LOVE those stores!
Justin came home from Toronto tonight. He flies home tomorrow.
I had a mini-reunion with some sweet high school girl friends. It was so fun to catch up and laugh about the old days!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Welcome to Canada
In honor of Justin heading to Canada (at 4 am Tuesday) I'd like to share one of my favorite Youtube videos with you:
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
What's Next?
I had a sweet friend ask me the other day, "Well, you've got your dryer and your car. What's next on your wish list?"
I didn't really have anything!!
Could it be that I'm content?!?! Wow! What a concept!
I didn't really have anything!!
Could it be that I'm content?!?! Wow! What a concept!
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Little Things
Of course the best thing about being in the States is the opportunity to spend time with our precious family and friends. But there are a few little things that we are loving every minute of.
For example:
air conditioning
traffic laws
no-litter laws
Chic-fil-A
people who bag your groceries at the the market
one-stop-shopping
understanding exactly what everyone is saying to us
big beds
slushies
consistent water and electricity
fun family activities
green- trees, grass, flowers
it is so easy to find and buy the things we need
grills
not having to worry about disturbing the neighbor below (Although my Dad probably wishes the kids would worry about this a bit more since he's downstairs! HA!)
huge washing machines
quick dryers
lots of space
church
It's funny what we take for granted!
For example:
air conditioning
traffic laws
no-litter laws
Chic-fil-A
people who bag your groceries at the the market
one-stop-shopping
understanding exactly what everyone is saying to us
big beds
slushies
consistent water and electricity
fun family activities
green- trees, grass, flowers
it is so easy to find and buy the things we need
grills
not having to worry about disturbing the neighbor below (Although my Dad probably wishes the kids would worry about this a bit more since he's downstairs! HA!)
huge washing machines
quick dryers
lots of space
church
It's funny what we take for granted!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Next Generation
As we were walking through the mall on Monday I leaned over to Justin and said,
"Are you thanking Jesus that we are not raising our kids in America!"
We were so shocked at the crazy looking and acting kids that were haunting the mall.
Raising third culture kids has its disadvantages but it does also have its advantages. We can sort of pick and choose from both cultures, and (hopefully) come up with our own culture for our family.
"Are you thanking Jesus that we are not raising our kids in America!"
We were so shocked at the crazy looking and acting kids that were haunting the mall.
Raising third culture kids has its disadvantages but it does also have its advantages. We can sort of pick and choose from both cultures, and (hopefully) come up with our own culture for our family.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Livin' the Dream
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| Rope swings over the creek |
 |
| Horseback riding |
 |
| Pretty little cowgirls |
 |
| Amazing scenery |
 |
| Meeting new friends |
 |
| and more new friends |
 |
| Playing in the waterfall together |
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| In some of God's most beautiful creation |
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| Beautiful!! |
Monday, August 1, 2011
Reminder
I wrote this post about a year and a half ago. But the recent tragedy in Norway has gotten me stirred up again.
Do you know that the media, across the world, especially the Muslim world, are calling that guy a Christian . Just like my Muslim friends would croak if you called them a terrorist, do you want to be grouped in with the Norway Terrorist. Remember... he's a "Christian!"
Do you know that the media, across the world, especially the Muslim world, are calling that guy a Christian . Just like my Muslim friends would croak if you called them a terrorist, do you want to be grouped in with the Norway Terrorist. Remember... he's a "Christian!"
Bad People do Bad Things
I have a friend who is constantly putting up "news articles" and other random things on Facebook (the culmination of all that is wrong with the world today) that have a distinct anti-Muslim sentiment. The headlines are things like Muslims Kill 4 in Quatar or whatever. Then she gets a host of comments from people about how evil Muslims are and that they must be stopped!!! May I please set the record straight?
Bad people do bad things, not Muslims! For every story you read in the media, thing you find on the internet, etc. about how Muslims kill people, you can find the same thing on this side of the world about Christians! Did you know that just like most people think that all people over here are real Muslims, the people over here think that all Americans are real Christians?
Would you like to be judged based on what is going on in America? Do you really want the people over here to think what they hear and see from America represents Christianity? Think about it...
This is what we are to them... Playboy, Desperate Housewives, raunchy videos, greedy, stupid, violent, obsessed with sex and money, murderers... the list goes on, and its not pretty.
Are the people who go in and shoot up schools or supermarkets a good representation of you? Are the people who bomb abortion clinics a good representation of you? Are the people who watch, produce, and/or export pornography a good representation of you? Are the people who abort their babies a good representation of you? Are the people who lure others into cults and eventually convince them to commit suicide a good representation of you?
Do you think this is an accurate representation of the truth of Christianity?
My point is that bad people do bad things. Life is full of choices for everyone of us. In following the Lord we must constantly choose to take the narrow path. To put others before us. To submit ourselves to God. (Islam literally means submitted to God.)
Unfortunately, there are many who do not make these types of choices. It's too bad, but it is their choice. Do you want them representing you, your country, and your faith?
My guess is no.
Guess what... my Muslim friends do not want to be defined by the bad choices that people on this side of the planet make, either. Since I have many Muslim friends that honestly fear God and submit themselves to Him, then i feel like I can speak for them.
Please stop judging Muslims based on the garbage that you hear from the media!! Normal Muslims are not like that. Just like normal Christians are not like the thousands of terror/murder stories that are coming this way.
Thank you and good night. I will step off of my soapbox now!
Bad people do bad things, not Muslims! For every story you read in the media, thing you find on the internet, etc. about how Muslims kill people, you can find the same thing on this side of the world about Christians! Did you know that just like most people think that all people over here are real Muslims, the people over here think that all Americans are real Christians?
Would you like to be judged based on what is going on in America? Do you really want the people over here to think what they hear and see from America represents Christianity? Think about it...
This is what we are to them... Playboy, Desperate Housewives, raunchy videos, greedy, stupid, violent, obsessed with sex and money, murderers... the list goes on, and its not pretty.
Are the people who go in and shoot up schools or supermarkets a good representation of you? Are the people who bomb abortion clinics a good representation of you? Are the people who watch, produce, and/or export pornography a good representation of you? Are the people who abort their babies a good representation of you? Are the people who lure others into cults and eventually convince them to commit suicide a good representation of you?
Do you think this is an accurate representation of the truth of Christianity?
My point is that bad people do bad things. Life is full of choices for everyone of us. In following the Lord we must constantly choose to take the narrow path. To put others before us. To submit ourselves to God. (Islam literally means submitted to God.)
Unfortunately, there are many who do not make these types of choices. It's too bad, but it is their choice. Do you want them representing you, your country, and your faith?
My guess is no.
Guess what... my Muslim friends do not want to be defined by the bad choices that people on this side of the planet make, either. Since I have many Muslim friends that honestly fear God and submit themselves to Him, then i feel like I can speak for them.
Please stop judging Muslims based on the garbage that you hear from the media!! Normal Muslims are not like that. Just like normal Christians are not like the thousands of terror/murder stories that are coming this way.
Thank you and good night. I will step off of my soapbox now!
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