Before
After
Noah finally got his hair cut! PTL!
It was the last thing on our to-do list before school starts tomorrow!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Hidden up in the Mountains
Our dearest friends have been begging us to come with them to their favorite get-away spot. Today we were all finally free and up for an adventure. We drove about an hour outside of the city and up a bit of a mountain. Finally we ended up at this amazing outdoor restaurant sort of place nestled between two streams and smack dab in the middle of a forest.
It was such a great day. The kids played, roamed, and got dirty to their heart's content. We sat and talked and laughed to our heart's content.
Praise the Lord for His beautiful creation and wonderful friends to share it with!
It was such a great day. The kids played, roamed, and got dirty to their heart's content. We sat and talked and laughed to our heart's content.
Praise the Lord for His beautiful creation and wonderful friends to share it with!
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| Justin and Mahmut |
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| A beautiful waterfall right by one of the seating areas |
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| Mahmut playing in the creek with the girls |
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| Lucy, Nuray, and me |
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| This boy LOVES hammocks. If there is a hammock, you can bet he is in it! |
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| Huge trout! |
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| Lunch/supper The homemade bread and butter, and the mushrooms covered in cheese were the best! |
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| This old man was picking figs. He told me he would share if I told Obama, "No War!" HA! |
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| There were lots of little waterfalls, and the sound was so relaxing! |
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| My beautiful princess exploring. |
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Things I Learned in the Parent Seminar
While the 1st graders are in their classes going through their introduction to school the parents have to sit through the Parent Seminar. Here are some of the things I've learned this week...
Children should take at least one bath a week, preferably two or three.
Children should eat 5 servings of bread and rice a day.
Children should learn to feed themselves. (Yes, most moms here totally hover over their children, to the point of feeding them well into their elementary years!)
Children's brains stop producing the hormone that makes them grow by 8 o'clock int he morning. SO children should wake up at 8.
Children should change their underwear every day.
Most illnesses come from dirty fingernails.
Children's clothes should be washed weekly.
Parents should have a set time each night to wake their child and take them to the bathroom so they don't wet the bed.
Parents should make sure that their children are able to use the squatty potty and wipe themselves. (I was supposed to work on the squatty potty over the summer with Lucy but I forgot! So, we've been in intensive squatty training these past few days! HA!)
Children should not hit their teachers.
I could go on and on about this seminar. But I will leave you with a question that one of the parents asked...
"Teacher, I heard that apples cause memory loss. Is that true?"
Children should take at least one bath a week, preferably two or three.
Children should eat 5 servings of bread and rice a day.
Children should learn to feed themselves. (Yes, most moms here totally hover over their children, to the point of feeding them well into their elementary years!)
Children's brains stop producing the hormone that makes them grow by 8 o'clock int he morning. SO children should wake up at 8.
Children should change their underwear every day.
Most illnesses come from dirty fingernails.
Children's clothes should be washed weekly.
Parents should have a set time each night to wake their child and take them to the bathroom so they don't wet the bed.
Parents should make sure that their children are able to use the squatty potty and wipe themselves. (I was supposed to work on the squatty potty over the summer with Lucy but I forgot! So, we've been in intensive squatty training these past few days! HA!)
Children should not hit their teachers.
I could go on and on about this seminar. But I will leave you with a question that one of the parents asked...
"Teacher, I heard that apples cause memory loss. Is that true?"
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
BFFs
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| Getting in her class line... so happy to see Dilruba. |
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| Praise the Lord for putting this friend in Lucy's class! |
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| Learning to line up and walk into the school. (Not quite paying attention to their teacher!) |
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Heart of the Matter
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, greed, stupidity, violence, 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!
Monday, September 10, 2012
So Proud of my Big Girl!
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| Sooo cute in her uniform! |
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| Lucy was so proud of her new backpack! |
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| So excited to start school |
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| About to walk into the schoolyard |
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| Already getting into her snack |
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| The excitement is building |
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| Getting settled in her classroom. Her best friend, Dilruba (next to Lucy), is in her class. Her teacher is the woman in the blue shirt with the big smile! |
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| My first grader! |
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky
Our hotel had a casino. At the risk of looking like a complete idiot because I have not clue about casino games, we ventured in. It was sort of fun just to walk around and see the games, lights, and free food! I couldn't resist a turn at the slots!
I was sad that everything is digitized. I didn't see any money pouring out of a machine, and that is what I was really hoping for! Once again, the movies have led me astray!
I was sad that everything is digitized. I didn't see any money pouring out of a machine, and that is what I was really hoping for! Once again, the movies have led me astray!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Beautiful Cyprus
Justin's company did an off-site workshop in Cyprus this week. Families were encouraged to attend and they made it super inexpensive. So, we decided to tag along with Justin. I was quite nervous about traveling with folks that I don't know too well. (I hesitate to call it going on vacation, because I have discovered that a vacation involves speaking English!)
Of course, there were some awkward moments, but over all, it turned out to be really fun! I LOVED Cyprus! According to the country that we live in, Cyprus is a country, but according to the rest of the world, it's an illegally occupied territory. At some point it was a British colony, so they drive on the wrong side of the road, the plugs are the huge British style plugs, and it altogether feels like a very different country. I totally expected an island extension of our current country, so I was pretty surprised at how different things were.
Another shock was that prices were super cheap! The taxis were all Mercedeses, and for about the same rent that we are paying, we could rent a stand alone villa with a private pool and sea-view! I think I hear the Lord calling me to the islands! HA!!
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| The view from our room |
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| The view from my lounge chair. Life is hard!! HA! |
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| I can't describe how beautiful this place was. |
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| The water was crystal clear. |
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| The hotel sat up on these bluffs and down off the side there was a swimming dock. Then a bit further down there was a beach. We spent most of our time at the pool because it's easier with the kids. But several times we went down to swim in the sea. The water was so clear and the waves weren't too high. |
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| Lucy and Callie playing with Justin's coworker and his wife. |
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| The unlimited food was not necessarily a good thing! |
This has been a summer full of travel and new adventures. It has been so fun to see more of our beloved country. Definitely a great summer!!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Remembering 2 Years
This was my 2 year anniversary post...
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
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
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: Looking Forward to Heaven
This is a re-post from October 29, 2008:
The other day I was in a market grocery shopping. Lucy was sitting in a grocery cart similar to the ones in America. We were waiting in line when a girl approached us. Well, not us, she approached Lucy. This girl was probably 12 or 13, although she could have been much younger. (People here tend to look much older than they actually are because of the difficult lives they lead.) She was very dirty, smelly, and possibly even mentally handicapped. She made a beeline for Lucy and just began caressing her head, rubbing her cheeks, and kissing her. You can imagine the scene... Lucy so lily white with cotton hair, bright blue eyes, and snowy skin and this girl. Quite the contrast! I had to fight the urge to recoil- to take my baby and run! Lucy gets a lot of attention, but NEVER like this. So, I stood there, maybe a little in shock, and watched as this girl adored, worshipped even, my daughter. As you may imagine , we were creating a little bit of a scene, but Lucy was unfazed, so I let it continue. After awhile I spoke to the girl. I tried to speak kind words and blessing to her, and bid her good day.
As I have recounted this event in my brain, the Lord has made it perfectly clear to me that I will relive this scene again some day. You see, when I die, I will go to heaven because I believe in God and that Jesus died to save me from my sins. But, that doesn't mean that I am not chock full of nastiness and sin. So, it will be me, dirty and unfit, worshipping the lily white Prince of Peace. It will probably be similar to the story in the Bible of the woman who washed Jesus's feet with her hair. The girl who was loving on Lucy was too busy adoring my daughter to notice how unfit she was to be touching her.
When I meet Jesus, I think one thing will be different. As I worship and adore Him, I am quite sure he will begin washing me, clothing me, and making me suitable to be in his presence. He promises to wash us white as snow. I have always thought that was a figurative phrase to talk how He cleanses us of our sin. But my experience with Lucy and that girl in the grocery store makes me think that there will be some real scrubbing that will need to take place as well.
“Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
The other day I was in a market grocery shopping. Lucy was sitting in a grocery cart similar to the ones in America. We were waiting in line when a girl approached us. Well, not us, she approached Lucy. This girl was probably 12 or 13, although she could have been much younger. (People here tend to look much older than they actually are because of the difficult lives they lead.) She was very dirty, smelly, and possibly even mentally handicapped. She made a beeline for Lucy and just began caressing her head, rubbing her cheeks, and kissing her. You can imagine the scene... Lucy so lily white with cotton hair, bright blue eyes, and snowy skin and this girl. Quite the contrast! I had to fight the urge to recoil- to take my baby and run! Lucy gets a lot of attention, but NEVER like this. So, I stood there, maybe a little in shock, and watched as this girl adored, worshipped even, my daughter. As you may imagine , we were creating a little bit of a scene, but Lucy was unfazed, so I let it continue. After awhile I spoke to the girl. I tried to speak kind words and blessing to her, and bid her good day.
As I have recounted this event in my brain, the Lord has made it perfectly clear to me that I will relive this scene again some day. You see, when I die, I will go to heaven because I believe in God and that Jesus died to save me from my sins. But, that doesn't mean that I am not chock full of nastiness and sin. So, it will be me, dirty and unfit, worshipping the lily white Prince of Peace. It will probably be similar to the story in the Bible of the woman who washed Jesus's feet with her hair. The girl who was loving on Lucy was too busy adoring my daughter to notice how unfit she was to be touching her.
When I meet Jesus, I think one thing will be different. As I worship and adore Him, I am quite sure he will begin washing me, clothing me, and making me suitable to be in his presence. He promises to wash us white as snow. I have always thought that was a figurative phrase to talk how He cleanses us of our sin. But my experience with Lucy and that girl in the grocery store makes me think that there will be some real scrubbing that will need to take place as well.
“Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
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