Living it up in Cyprus!
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
Friday, August 31, 2012
I Had the BEST Day
Today was a fantastic day. It started out sort of ordinary, except that it's a bank holiday (I picked this term up from our British teammates and I feel so fancy when I use it!) so Justin had the day off work. Every Thursday Noah and Callie have guitar lessons down by the water. So we did our morning stuff and then headed down to guitar.
Callie had her lesson while Justin, Noah, Lucy, and I had a nice brunch at my favorite cafe. Then we swapped Noah and Callie out. We fed Callie and then had a bit of shopping to do for the picnic that we had planned for the afternoon.
Once Noah finished up we headed home to pack everything up and head out for our picnic. Since it was a holiday, I was worried that we might have a hard time finding a good spot at our favorite forest. So, we went on over and Noah found us a great spot. We got everything set up, and then Justin went to pick our friends up.
Once they arrived, the husband took charge of the grill, and did a great job at it. We ate all sorts of delicious food, drank too much tea, and chatted. The kids ran and played and built their own fire. They kept it going for a really long time and had a blast burning loads of pine straw. I think they cleared the forest floor!
After a few hours, our friends needed to leave. The husband's mother is ill and they needed to visit her for an hour or so before it got too late. So Justin took them home right quick and I got everything packed and cleaned up. (I see a pattern here! Ha!)
When Justin came back he said that our street was already starting to fill up with people again. Tonight marked 7 days since my neighbor passed away. Typically, Muslims will gather on the 3rd, 7th, 20th, 40th, and 50th days after one's death to read from the Koran and pray. After that they typically visit the grave on the 2 holy holidays.
Anyhow, my neighbors and I decided to go down for the 7th day reading. We, mostly Justin, got things cleaned up and put away from the picnic, and I put on my long skirt, long cardigan, and headscarf. Then my neighbors and I sat outside together with the other women while the Imam did the reading down in the building's parking lot with the men. I sat there praying earnestly that the Lord would move in my neighborhood. I was begging Him to come, and for dreams and visions to draw my neighbors to Him.
Afterwards, I got to sit with my neighbors and chat a bit. As we were talking, I got to boldly tell them the Gospel Truth and share from my heart about what I believe. I really felt the Spirit move on me, and I felt bold and courageous. In my five years here, I have shared all sorts of truth, bits of Scripture, and my beliefs, but I have never been able to share this much and this boldly. It was fantastic!
Please pray that Fatma, Ayşe, and Fetiye would not be able to forget what they heard, that the Holy Spirit would churn in their hearts, and that they would be hungry for more truth!
As if that wasn't enough awesomeness, once I got home I talked to my mom, and SHE IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!!!!! I am beyond excited!!!
Then, as if my cup wasn't already running, no spouting over, I got to relax and watch a movie with my sweet husband. We have traveled a lot this summer, and so has our babysitter, so we haven't had the opportunity for a date night in forever. So, this was a mini-date and the perfect ending to a great day!
Praise to the One who is Good and Able. Praise to the one who calls us out of darkness, lovingly washes us of our sin, and clothes us in righteousness!! Praise to the One who uses an ordinary day for His glory!
Please pray that Fatma, Ayşe, and Fetiye would not be able to forget what they heard, that the Holy Spirit would churn in their hearts, and that they would be hungry for more truth!
As if that wasn't enough awesomeness, once I got home I talked to my mom, and SHE IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!!!!! I am beyond excited!!!
Then, as if my cup wasn't already running, no spouting over, I got to relax and watch a movie with my sweet husband. We have traveled a lot this summer, and so has our babysitter, so we haven't had the opportunity for a date night in forever. So, this was a mini-date and the perfect ending to a great day!
Praise to the One who is Good and Able. Praise to the one who calls us out of darkness, lovingly washes us of our sin, and clothes us in righteousness!! Praise to the One who uses an ordinary day for His glory!
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: Poop Sack
This is one of those stories where I can now look back and laugh at the situation...
Today I did very little for foreign relations. I guess its good that I'm not an ambassador or representative for the government in any way. I guess its bad because I represent THE King. Well, except to greatly prove that God can (and does) use ANYONE!
Today marked the first day when Noah and Callie had school and I did not have language class. Lucy and I had the afternoon to get a few very important things done. (Aren't moms supposed to get to goof off when they finally shuffle all of their kids off to school?) First on the list was taking Lucy to the doctor. She needed her 18 month shots (now that she is 23 months!), and a health report for preschool. The health report included a throat culture and parasite test. If you have an animal, you may be familiar with this type of thing. It is not fun to deal with when its your cat. It is REALLY not fun to deal with when its your CHILD!! So, this morning when Lucy had a poopy diaper, I gathered a sample in one of my cherished ziplock bags and put it in my purse so I would not forget to take it. GAG!!!
Every time I passed that purse, I could smell it. So, finally I put the sample and bag inside a small plastic container. Again, the smell permeated. But, it was time to get the kids to school, and an hour after I dropped them off, we were going to the doctor. So, I had to just deal with it!
Thank God, Callie did start school today! She did great!! Lucy was starting to get a little nutsy, so I got her a juice box at the school store. While I was trying to get Callie settled, Lucy dumped the red juice all over herself! At that point I realized that I had left the flat without diapers or wipes! What kind of mother am I?!?!? I haven't left the house without diapers and wipes in 7 years!!
It did not take as long as I had thought it would to get Callie settled at school so Lucy and I had some time to burn. We walked up close to the doctor's office and grabbed a snack at a little cafe. If you read this blog, you know that Lucy gets lots of attention. Well, today it was in the form of a cookie. So now, the child had a very wet diaper and a juice and cookie stained face and dress. Nice! Oh.... and there's the wad of poop in my purse that is putting off a lovely smell! What a sight (or smell) we are!! So, I decide to go in search of a little store where I can buy some diapers, wipes, and maybe even a cheap little t-shirt or dress. I found a cute little outfit for a couple of bucks, but no diapers or wipes.
So we showed up to at the doctor's office looking clean. Well, except for the fact that I sweat profusely when I am nervous, and having to speak a foreign language to an educated professional makes me nervous!! So, the sweat starts rolling! But Lucy did great!! She is very healthy. Her height and weight are great- 12.8 kilos and 90 cm. She was even super tough for her shot. He gave it to her in the arm. Lucy just looked over at him and said "OW!" She sort of got the cry face, but didn't even cry!! Amazing!
Unfortunately, the doctor couldn't do the throat culture and parasite test. He said that I needed to take her to a lab. (I did not mention the poop in my purse.) By the end of our appointment I could smell that Lucy had produced a fresh sample. The doctor was so happy. He sent us straight over to the lab. Our doctor was nice enough to give me directions that I almost completely understood and write down the name of the place and what I needed from them. Then he called over to tell them I was coming. Well, except that I didn't have any diapers. So, first I had to search out a market and get the necessary diaper changing supplies. Then I had to find the place. After a little bit of searching, some nice gentlemen helped me find it. It was pretty easy to find since I was right in front of it!! Ha!!
I got into the office and assured the nice nurses that I was indeed the foreigner they were waiting for. They asked if I had a fresh sample. Apparently freshness is very important in poop samples! So I changed Lucy and handed over the entire diaper to the nice lady. You can imagine that I was sweating pretty profusely there as well! And, of course, the old sample was still in my purse! We finished up our business there and left to pick up some milk before we picked up Callie- whose school was to let out at 3:30 or 4:00.
The great news is that Callie had a great first day of kindergarten. She told me that "a lot of them kids cried like 2 year olds. OR maybe even 1 or 0 year olds!" She also told me that she made 3 or 5 friends and got to eat her snack, but did not get to play outside. Sounds like a great day to me.
We headed home and stopped at the pharmacy to get some medicine for Callie's ringworm, and then to the bakery to get some bread. All in a day's work!!
So, if you ever meet someone from the country where I am currently residing and they think that all Americans are extremely sweaty and even worse smelling (and not in the body odor sort of way, because that doesn't seem to get any one's attention here) it is because of me. I'm sorry!!
Today I did very little for foreign relations. I guess its good that I'm not an ambassador or representative for the government in any way. I guess its bad because I represent THE King. Well, except to greatly prove that God can (and does) use ANYONE!
Today marked the first day when Noah and Callie had school and I did not have language class. Lucy and I had the afternoon to get a few very important things done. (Aren't moms supposed to get to goof off when they finally shuffle all of their kids off to school?) First on the list was taking Lucy to the doctor. She needed her 18 month shots (now that she is 23 months!), and a health report for preschool. The health report included a throat culture and parasite test. If you have an animal, you may be familiar with this type of thing. It is not fun to deal with when its your cat. It is REALLY not fun to deal with when its your CHILD!! So, this morning when Lucy had a poopy diaper, I gathered a sample in one of my cherished ziplock bags and put it in my purse so I would not forget to take it. GAG!!!
Every time I passed that purse, I could smell it. So, finally I put the sample and bag inside a small plastic container. Again, the smell permeated. But, it was time to get the kids to school, and an hour after I dropped them off, we were going to the doctor. So, I had to just deal with it!
Thank God, Callie did start school today! She did great!! Lucy was starting to get a little nutsy, so I got her a juice box at the school store. While I was trying to get Callie settled, Lucy dumped the red juice all over herself! At that point I realized that I had left the flat without diapers or wipes! What kind of mother am I?!?!? I haven't left the house without diapers and wipes in 7 years!!
It did not take as long as I had thought it would to get Callie settled at school so Lucy and I had some time to burn. We walked up close to the doctor's office and grabbed a snack at a little cafe. If you read this blog, you know that Lucy gets lots of attention. Well, today it was in the form of a cookie. So now, the child had a very wet diaper and a juice and cookie stained face and dress. Nice! Oh.... and there's the wad of poop in my purse that is putting off a lovely smell! What a sight (or smell) we are!! So, I decide to go in search of a little store where I can buy some diapers, wipes, and maybe even a cheap little t-shirt or dress. I found a cute little outfit for a couple of bucks, but no diapers or wipes.
So we showed up to at the doctor's office looking clean. Well, except for the fact that I sweat profusely when I am nervous, and having to speak a foreign language to an educated professional makes me nervous!! So, the sweat starts rolling! But Lucy did great!! She is very healthy. Her height and weight are great- 12.8 kilos and 90 cm. She was even super tough for her shot. He gave it to her in the arm. Lucy just looked over at him and said "OW!" She sort of got the cry face, but didn't even cry!! Amazing!
Unfortunately, the doctor couldn't do the throat culture and parasite test. He said that I needed to take her to a lab. (I did not mention the poop in my purse.) By the end of our appointment I could smell that Lucy had produced a fresh sample. The doctor was so happy. He sent us straight over to the lab. Our doctor was nice enough to give me directions that I almost completely understood and write down the name of the place and what I needed from them. Then he called over to tell them I was coming. Well, except that I didn't have any diapers. So, first I had to search out a market and get the necessary diaper changing supplies. Then I had to find the place. After a little bit of searching, some nice gentlemen helped me find it. It was pretty easy to find since I was right in front of it!! Ha!!
I got into the office and assured the nice nurses that I was indeed the foreigner they were waiting for. They asked if I had a fresh sample. Apparently freshness is very important in poop samples! So I changed Lucy and handed over the entire diaper to the nice lady. You can imagine that I was sweating pretty profusely there as well! And, of course, the old sample was still in my purse! We finished up our business there and left to pick up some milk before we picked up Callie- whose school was to let out at 3:30 or 4:00.
The great news is that Callie had a great first day of kindergarten. She told me that "a lot of them kids cried like 2 year olds. OR maybe even 1 or 0 year olds!" She also told me that she made 3 or 5 friends and got to eat her snack, but did not get to play outside. Sounds like a great day to me.
We headed home and stopped at the pharmacy to get some medicine for Callie's ringworm, and then to the bakery to get some bread. All in a day's work!!
So, if you ever meet someone from the country where I am currently residing and they think that all Americans are extremely sweaty and even worse smelling (and not in the body odor sort of way, because that doesn't seem to get any one's attention here) it is because of me. I'm sorry!!
A House Built on a Firm Foundation
Well, Noah has it all figured out.
Today in the car he said,
"Mom, Dad, when I grow up I want to be a millionaire."
"Don't we all?" Justin retorted sarcastically.
"Do you know how I'm going to get my millions? I'm not going to play professional football or work or anything. I'm going to inherit it... from you!"
It seems that we've done a really good job sheltering our son from the cold hard facts of life!
Today in the car he said,
"Mom, Dad, when I grow up I want to be a millionaire."
"Don't we all?" Justin retorted sarcastically.
"Do you know how I'm going to get my millions? I'm not going to play professional football or work or anything. I'm going to inherit it... from you!"
It seems that we've done a really good job sheltering our son from the cold hard facts of life!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: 1 Year
After 5 years, this post on our first anniversary is still very TRUE!
Exactly one year ago we got off the plane to live in this country. I was heartbroken but excited. Throughout the entire two year process I kept waiting for something to stop us. I was quite sure that Jesus was going to come back, our new country was going to close to foreigners, or our company to say "no, you're not what what we're looking for." It never happened. We prayed and walked through each step, asking God to stop us if we took a mis-step.
So, I got on the plane KNOWING this was God's will for our family and at the same time expecting (needing) Him to show up in a big way. It was the scariest thing I have even thought about doing.
I think I must have been in shock those early weeks, running on adrenaline. The whole thing was so overwhelming. Looking back I don't see how we survived. Finding a flat, having work done, and setting up home from scratch- ridiculous!!! We must have been insane, or trusting God. Sometimes I think the two are quite similar! At least they feel that way!!
So, today, we are celebrating ONE YEAR. I simply cannot believe that we have lived in a foreign country for an entire year! Lucy has spent more of her life here than in America!
It has been one year since I have hugged my mom, one year since I've eaten sausage, one year since my kids have seen their grandparents, one year since I've been in a church service, one year since I've felt completely cool, calm and collected, one year since talking to someone was easy, one year since I flipped through the channels trying to choose what to watch, one year since I've driven a car, one year since I've been to Wal-Mart, one year since our clothes have been put in a dryer, one year since I wore shorts outside, one year since I could go where I wanted when I wanted and say what I wanted, one year since we felt financially stable, one year since the kids could go play out in the back yard, one year since we understood the culture, one year since we took this crazy leap for God.
In this year we have struggled with who we are and why we do things the way we do. We have started over in every since of the phrase. We used to joke about "becoming babies." It was a humorous thought until it was a reality. Not even being able to help Noah with his homework or ask where the bathroom is was not fun. Not understanding why people were doing what they were doing or what what expected of us was just the beginning of the extensive culture stress that we experienced. But after a year into this, we are beginning to feel more comfortable. We've got the city buses figured out and can speak decently. Life is beginning to feel closer to normal. We have an inkling of an idea of what to expect and how to act and what the culture dictates.
But, most of all, in this year of highs and very lows we have KNOWN that this is exactly where the Lord has called us to be. He has met us and provided for us in every way. He is good and faithful, even when following Him isn't easy or fun. God's first and best does not mean the easiest way. But, we trust that it is the best way. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. We can say it with firm faith because we have lived it. God is good to use us even though He could just as easily speak through a donkey. God is good to put us in a place with sweet neighbors who help us along and forgive our cultural mistakes. God is good to help our children be so flexible and learn so quickly. God is good to put us on a team with people we like. God is good to keep us safe and healthy. God is good to comfort our families in our absence. God is good to show us that there is more to life than carpool, Target, and Chic-fil-A. God is good to give us a purpose, a future, and hope. God is good to love us and redeem us, to meet us, and save us. Yes, we can truly say that God has overwhelmed us with His goodness. So, yes, at times this year has felt like torture, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. Because we have been in the palm of the Father. He has carried us and drawn us in. HE IS TRULY GOOD!
Exactly one year ago we got off the plane to live in this country. I was heartbroken but excited. Throughout the entire two year process I kept waiting for something to stop us. I was quite sure that Jesus was going to come back, our new country was going to close to foreigners, or our company to say "no, you're not what what we're looking for." It never happened. We prayed and walked through each step, asking God to stop us if we took a mis-step.
So, I got on the plane KNOWING this was God's will for our family and at the same time expecting (needing) Him to show up in a big way. It was the scariest thing I have even thought about doing.
I think I must have been in shock those early weeks, running on adrenaline. The whole thing was so overwhelming. Looking back I don't see how we survived. Finding a flat, having work done, and setting up home from scratch- ridiculous!!! We must have been insane, or trusting God. Sometimes I think the two are quite similar! At least they feel that way!!
So, today, we are celebrating ONE YEAR. I simply cannot believe that we have lived in a foreign country for an entire year! Lucy has spent more of her life here than in America!
It has been one year since I have hugged my mom, one year since I've eaten sausage, one year since my kids have seen their grandparents, one year since I've been in a church service, one year since I've felt completely cool, calm and collected, one year since talking to someone was easy, one year since I flipped through the channels trying to choose what to watch, one year since I've driven a car, one year since I've been to Wal-Mart, one year since our clothes have been put in a dryer, one year since I wore shorts outside, one year since I could go where I wanted when I wanted and say what I wanted, one year since we felt financially stable, one year since the kids could go play out in the back yard, one year since we understood the culture, one year since we took this crazy leap for God.
In this year we have struggled with who we are and why we do things the way we do. We have started over in every since of the phrase. We used to joke about "becoming babies." It was a humorous thought until it was a reality. Not even being able to help Noah with his homework or ask where the bathroom is was not fun. Not understanding why people were doing what they were doing or what what expected of us was just the beginning of the extensive culture stress that we experienced. But after a year into this, we are beginning to feel more comfortable. We've got the city buses figured out and can speak decently. Life is beginning to feel closer to normal. We have an inkling of an idea of what to expect and how to act and what the culture dictates.
But, most of all, in this year of highs and very lows we have KNOWN that this is exactly where the Lord has called us to be. He has met us and provided for us in every way. He is good and faithful, even when following Him isn't easy or fun. God's first and best does not mean the easiest way. But, we trust that it is the best way. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. We can say it with firm faith because we have lived it. God is good to use us even though He could just as easily speak through a donkey. God is good to put us in a place with sweet neighbors who help us along and forgive our cultural mistakes. God is good to help our children be so flexible and learn so quickly. God is good to put us on a team with people we like. God is good to keep us safe and healthy. God is good to comfort our families in our absence. God is good to show us that there is more to life than carpool, Target, and Chic-fil-A. God is good to give us a purpose, a future, and hope. God is good to love us and redeem us, to meet us, and save us. Yes, we can truly say that God has overwhelmed us with His goodness. So, yes, at times this year has felt like torture, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. Because we have been in the palm of the Father. He has carried us and drawn us in. HE IS TRULY GOOD!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: Our First Days
I was shocked when I ran across this post! It has all of our very first pictures. I don't even recognize the children!
This is the very first picture we took in this country. Justin took it of me holding Lucy on our co-workers balcony. We lived with them for the first three weeks we were here.
Some sweet coworkers took us out of the city for a picnic our first weekend. They knew just what we needed- a break from the culture, from acquiring massive amounts of stuff, from shopping and searching, and trying to understand. It was a much needed respite!
Callie posing in our new bathroom.
Noah posing on our balcony. This is where I keep my laundry rack and hang our clothes out.
The view from our front window.
Noah's first friend. Those early days were so tough. The kids couldn't communicate and were so frustrated. This nice boy, who lives in our co-workers' building, was patient with Noah's inability to communicate. They played together in the street for three solid weeks.
Callie trying to figure out the game the kids were playing so she could play too.
Noah sure did look handsome and was so excited about his new school uniform. Uniforms are the best thing ever!! He is posing with all his new duds on at our co-workers house.
We moved to our flat on Noah's first day of school even though the work man was not done with it. It was a mess. Dust, construction supplies, etc everywhere. Lucy was crawling and into everything. It was a very hard few weeks. We basically lived out of one room and kept the door shut so Lucy could not escape.
The absolute hardest day here was Noah's first day of school. EVERYONE was staring at us- shocked to see foreigners. Noah was so excited and hopeful. His sweet face in this picture says it all. He was a champ through it all. I just felt certain that I was leaving my baby to the wolves! Everyone was watching us, and I was trying so hard not to cry. It was the worst!!! But Noah's attitude was a gift straight from God!!! He loved school. He'd come home and we'd ask him if he understood anything. "Nope, not one thing!!" He'd say with the best attitude. If he had struggled those early days, I think we would have gone insane! Now, he's fluent and a natural leader. He didn't just endure the hard times he soared through them!!
When we first went to the park near our flat the kids would just sort of sit around because they couldn't join in with the other kids. Noah would beg me to ask the kids if he could play soccer with them. But, I didn't know how, either. So, I'd do my best with hand gestures and the "Momma Look"- like "if you don't let my kid play I'll hurt ya!!"
Callie started preschool. There was only one other little girl in her class. They bonded quickly. Callie's teacher loved to do crafts and projects. Callie ate it up! Also, her teacher would paint their faces, do the girls' hair, and even put makeup on them. It was truly paradise for Callie. Again, a miracle from the Lord!
This is how we ate for weeks! We didn't have any furniture except for beds! The funny thing is that we also didn't have any curtains (except in the bedrooms), so all of our neighbors watched us. It felt like we were the new entertainment for our apartment complex!!
When our flat was finally finished we had to scrub like crazy!
Lucy helped Daddy put together a few pieces of furniture from IKEA. Big help! I think she's chewing on the screwdriver!!
School opens and closes with an assembly. So every Monday morning and Friday afternoon the kids line up for announcements, sing the national anthem, and say a chant about how to conduct themselves.
The kids stuck together during those early days. They liked being around Lucy because she got so much attention. They kept each other sane then! They were their only English speaking playmates!
I learned to do my shopping in this weekly market.
Lucy's great disposition opened a lot of doors for us. She was always happy, always smiling, and would go to anyone! She got LOTS of attention!
She celebrated her first birthday here- away from friends and extended family.
And slowly... we have settled into life here. Learning and playing- things are becoming normal!
And, despite all of the odds they've overcome, these kids are so happy. They've adapted, even thrived. They speak both languages well. They relate well socially, and are doing just great!! We can truly say that the Lord's hand has been on us. HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Celebrating 5 Years Re-post: Migre, Migre!
In high school Spanish we used to watch a TeleNova to help us listen to conversational, albeit dramatic, Spanish. One of the funniest things was when the immigration officers would come onto the scene, someone would yell, "Migre, migre!!" and everyone would scatter.
Well, that was all fine and funny, until we became immigrants. Now we know just how hard it is to go through the paper circus in a foreign country for a residence visa.
We were reminiscing about our early trips to the immigrations office the other day with some friends.
Here is my post from our second visa acquisition trip back in 2008...
My day consisted of a visit to the the 7th layer of HELL- better known as the Ist. Police Department- Department of Foreigners. All five of us went to renew our residence permits. Let me tell you all about it...
First, you need to know that it is Ramadan. Muslims that are keeping the fast wake up before sunrise to prepare and eat a huge meal. To help everyone get up, a wonderful, lovely (NOT!!!) drummer bangs his drum loudly through the streets.... around 4 am. For this reason, we have been sleeping with our windows and balcony door shut. We have been trying to keep the fast, but cannot make ourselves get up at such a horrible hour of the morning. So, when I get up, I have a little breakfast. Justin on the other hand had been only eating the evening fast break meal called iftar. Now, you must know that the really difficult thing about a proper fast is that you do not consume any liquids, either. Remember... its hot here. NO liquid for 14 hours! So, my dear husband set the alarm on his watch so he could wake up to drink and eat a little bit. Unfortunately, the lovely dear forgot and took his watch off.... who knows where. So we had our own version of the Ramadan wake up call this morning consisting of Justin searching the flat for the alarm! FUN!
For our adventure to the other side, we had to get up and out early. So, an hour later our real alarm started going off. Again, the poor dear was too tired to properly deal with it, so we did the snooze thing for about half an hour until HE LOST THE CLOCK. How does that happen? So, by 6:30 we were all up and grumpy thanks to the obnoxious alarm that could not be found to be silenced!! What a great way to start the day. Especially this day!
We got ready and headed out to catch the bus. As we were approaching the bus stop, there goes our bus! We took a taxi down to the pier. As we reached the pier, there goes our ferry! I cannot believe this! We wait for the next one. Go across to the other side. Find a taxi. His meter is broken, so he has to keep stopping to fiddle with it. Finally, Justin just settles on a set price with the guy, and we were off!
All of that, and that's not even the start of our immigration experience! We were up late the night before trying to get all of the paper work in order. Ok... in all fairness, Justin was getting the paperwork in order. I was providing moral support from the couch by watching TV! You never know exactly what they are going to ask for. Last year we had to make 3 trips to the Police Department before we all had our permits. So, you just compile every possible document you can imagine (birth certificates, rental contracts, passports, old residence visas, bank accounts, letters, individual pictures, applications, etc.). All must have copies, but you never know how many, and some must be translated. Good grief, its a zoo!
We get there, get our number and go stand in front of our assigned window. The number system is not the same as in America, that's for sure. It takes forever. They begin one person's paperwork and inevitably they need a copy or a different document, so they have to go downstairs and get it. So, the clerk will begin the next person, and then the other person will come back. So, they get to but up to the front and continue their paperwork. Also, if your number has been passed, and you're not there, you don't have to start over. You just but up to the front and they'll begin your paperwork. It is a process of jockeying for position and praying that you have the right paperwork. Of course the clerks could care less. They are SO SLOW!!!
Everyone applying has to be present. So, I stood against the wall (in a space about as roomy as a hallway) and wrangled the kids while poor Justin played the waiting game. The kids did ok. I think that I said "keep your hands to yourself" 473 times, gave quite a few looks that could kill, and lost my religion four times, but what on earth can you expect for 5 HOURS!!! Yes, you read that correctly, it took us FIVE HOURS!!! IN ONE SPOT!!! At one point, Lucy was pitching such a fit, that an incredibly sweet lady offered to give us her number, but the clerk had already began our paperwork.
Towards the end of our process, the clerk asked Justin for the documents. Justin informed him that he (the clerk) had them. To which the clerk shuffled some papers, and replied, "they're not here. What are you going to do?" Well, not in English, of course!! That would make too much sense to have someone who speaks English in the Department of Foreigners!! Anyhow, after some intense panic (remember all of the documents that I told you we had to provide!?!?!) they were found, and our application was processed.
Then all you have to do is go downstairs, wait in a huge line to pay, take you receipt back upstairs, wait in another line, and give the approved application with the receipt to a different clerk. Then, we get to go back over and pick them up next week! Let's hope there is a nice long line. Oh... one little detail that I forgot to tell you in this long sordid tale is that the building is not air conditioned. So you are rubbing up against some savory smelling folks!!
The good news is that we get to live here another year. I think I will have about recovered from this experience by the time I get to go over and do it again!!
So... how was your day?
Well, that was all fine and funny, until we became immigrants. Now we know just how hard it is to go through the paper circus in a foreign country for a residence visa.
We were reminiscing about our early trips to the immigrations office the other day with some friends.
Here is my post from our second visa acquisition trip back in 2008...
My day consisted of a visit to the the 7th layer of HELL- better known as the Ist. Police Department- Department of Foreigners. All five of us went to renew our residence permits. Let me tell you all about it...
First, you need to know that it is Ramadan. Muslims that are keeping the fast wake up before sunrise to prepare and eat a huge meal. To help everyone get up, a wonderful, lovely (NOT!!!) drummer bangs his drum loudly through the streets.... around 4 am. For this reason, we have been sleeping with our windows and balcony door shut. We have been trying to keep the fast, but cannot make ourselves get up at such a horrible hour of the morning. So, when I get up, I have a little breakfast. Justin on the other hand had been only eating the evening fast break meal called iftar. Now, you must know that the really difficult thing about a proper fast is that you do not consume any liquids, either. Remember... its hot here. NO liquid for 14 hours! So, my dear husband set the alarm on his watch so he could wake up to drink and eat a little bit. Unfortunately, the lovely dear forgot and took his watch off.... who knows where. So we had our own version of the Ramadan wake up call this morning consisting of Justin searching the flat for the alarm! FUN!
For our adventure to the other side, we had to get up and out early. So, an hour later our real alarm started going off. Again, the poor dear was too tired to properly deal with it, so we did the snooze thing for about half an hour until HE LOST THE CLOCK. How does that happen? So, by 6:30 we were all up and grumpy thanks to the obnoxious alarm that could not be found to be silenced!! What a great way to start the day. Especially this day!
We got ready and headed out to catch the bus. As we were approaching the bus stop, there goes our bus! We took a taxi down to the pier. As we reached the pier, there goes our ferry! I cannot believe this! We wait for the next one. Go across to the other side. Find a taxi. His meter is broken, so he has to keep stopping to fiddle with it. Finally, Justin just settles on a set price with the guy, and we were off!
All of that, and that's not even the start of our immigration experience! We were up late the night before trying to get all of the paper work in order. Ok... in all fairness, Justin was getting the paperwork in order. I was providing moral support from the couch by watching TV! You never know exactly what they are going to ask for. Last year we had to make 3 trips to the Police Department before we all had our permits. So, you just compile every possible document you can imagine (birth certificates, rental contracts, passports, old residence visas, bank accounts, letters, individual pictures, applications, etc.). All must have copies, but you never know how many, and some must be translated. Good grief, its a zoo!
We get there, get our number and go stand in front of our assigned window. The number system is not the same as in America, that's for sure. It takes forever. They begin one person's paperwork and inevitably they need a copy or a different document, so they have to go downstairs and get it. So, the clerk will begin the next person, and then the other person will come back. So, they get to but up to the front and continue their paperwork. Also, if your number has been passed, and you're not there, you don't have to start over. You just but up to the front and they'll begin your paperwork. It is a process of jockeying for position and praying that you have the right paperwork. Of course the clerks could care less. They are SO SLOW!!!
Everyone applying has to be present. So, I stood against the wall (in a space about as roomy as a hallway) and wrangled the kids while poor Justin played the waiting game. The kids did ok. I think that I said "keep your hands to yourself" 473 times, gave quite a few looks that could kill, and lost my religion four times, but what on earth can you expect for 5 HOURS!!! Yes, you read that correctly, it took us FIVE HOURS!!! IN ONE SPOT!!! At one point, Lucy was pitching such a fit, that an incredibly sweet lady offered to give us her number, but the clerk had already began our paperwork.
Towards the end of our process, the clerk asked Justin for the documents. Justin informed him that he (the clerk) had them. To which the clerk shuffled some papers, and replied, "they're not here. What are you going to do?" Well, not in English, of course!! That would make too much sense to have someone who speaks English in the Department of Foreigners!! Anyhow, after some intense panic (remember all of the documents that I told you we had to provide!?!?!) they were found, and our application was processed.
Then all you have to do is go downstairs, wait in a huge line to pay, take you receipt back upstairs, wait in another line, and give the approved application with the receipt to a different clerk. Then, we get to go back over and pick them up next week! Let's hope there is a nice long line. Oh... one little detail that I forgot to tell you in this long sordid tale is that the building is not air conditioned. So you are rubbing up against some savory smelling folks!!
The good news is that we get to live here another year. I think I will have about recovered from this experience by the time I get to go over and do it again!!
So... how was your day?
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: Q & A
To celebrate 6 months in country I asked people to send me questions, and I'd answer them. (Yesterday's post referred to the questions that I got from my dad.) Anyhow, I thought it would be fun to revisit some of those questions...
we have lived in a foreign country for six months!! can you believe it? i was reminded of how foreign a place we live in when a group of a bout 40 young men were dancing to a clarinet-type instrument and a drum on our side street last night. i was quite certain they were celebrating our six month anniversary, but a friend (obviously wrong) said it was more likely their last hu-rah before being shipped out for their required military service. you decide! anyhow, it was quite fun, and boy did i want to go whoop it up with them. but alas, a woman's place is in the home, over the stove or with a cleaning rag in her hand.
but i digress. anyhow... six months! so i figured that it was only fitting to finally get around to answering the questions that you left on my feb. 14th post. i know this will be riveting. as, always, please ask whatever questions come to your mind, either by comment or by email. we've been here for six months and things are not so striking anymore, so i forget to tell you about them!! also, remember that our knowledge and experience is so limited, and that whatever i say is for the part of the city where we live (if that). as you go east, things change quite dramatically!
here goes...
max asked, " do people date? do married people date?"
well, max, i have noticed that here in the city courtship is quite similar to what we experience in the states. couples seem to be out and about, on dates. but, they are not nearly as physical if you know what i mean! physical relationships, even pda is extremely rude and shames a family.
i do not think that married couples date, or care to spend time away from their kids! if we are invited to tea, the children are always included, and trips to the movies, shopping, restaurants, and other date type outings are for families. the people here REALLY value children. when they have them, they do not seem to want to drop them off for others to care for. they enjoy being together as families- even extended families! unmarried singles live with their parents until they get married. my language helper is in her mid 40s and has never been married. so, she lives with her folks!
shana asks, "how is the health care? are you able to see a doctor whenever you need to?"
shana, so far i have nothing but positive things to say about the health care. whenever we have needed to see a doctor- school physicals, illness, etc.- it has been so quick and easy. the government does offer a medic aide type health insurance for really poor people, but of course, the care (we've heard) is not great. private insurance is also available here. although we (our family) have world wide health insurance, our visits have not exceeded the deductible, so we just pay out of pocket. i know this sounds horrifying, but is has been so inexpensive! i think we have spent maybe $250 on health care- that includes 1 school physical with lab work, 1 pediatrician visit with vaccinations, 1 dr visit with chest x ray, and an e.r. visit with treatment!! all of that with out any wait time!! so far, i am quite happy with the health care we have received!! we even have a german friend who chose to have his knee operated on here rather than in germany, the us, etc, because the health care is very good and extremely affordable.
jennie asks, "do you have mcdonalds? what do they serve? do they have bacaroni (how callie says it) and cheese?"
jennie, of course they have mcdonald's, we still live on planet earth!! they serve the exact same things, and it is heavenly!! well, except for breakfast. they do not serve breakfast. i think that's because mcdonald's breakfasts have so many pork products that once you remove that element, there's nothing worth eating! they also have the mcturk here. it is a burger patty and a chicken patty in a pita with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, and ketchup. the people here love mayo and ketchup. they use both on their fries and most sandwiches. mcdonald's is quite a bit more expensive than any other fast food style place (well, except the other american fast food places), so we don't eat there very often. but, when we do, this is what we get: 1 chicken nugget happy meal, 1 cheeseburger happy meal, 1 cheeseburger, and 2 #6 value meals- which is the double cheeseburger value meal- with a round of sprite. the kids love the happy meals here because you get to choose what toy you get!!
the only bacaroni and cheese here is the kind i make. i have two options- delve into my dwindling stash of kraft mac and cheese cheese powder or make it from scratch. of course the kids like the fake stuff so much better. here's something interesting... we can only find 1 kind of yellow cheese here. it is called burger cheese and it is sliced (but not individually wrapped). it tastes like a cross between american and cheddar cheese. it is kind of expensive, and i only buy it when i am going to make cheeseburgers or macaroni and cheese. other than that, its a zillion different types of white cheeses.
stephanie asked, "what are your favorite foods? are you able to fellowship with like minded believers?"
the food here is really good! the kids love pide- which is cheese on flat bread baked in a stone oven. i love börek- which is layers of pastry with different fillings like cheese, spinach, spicy potatoes, or spicy meat. justin loves döner- which the greeks call gyros. it is that meat that is cooked vertically on a spit. they shave it off and serve it with rice or in a sandwich. justin and i love çığ köfte. it is very fine bulgar with spices and tomato paste that is kneaded for an hour! you wrap it in lettuce and/or a very thin flat bread and squeeze a little lemon on top. We all love tish rice. it is basic white rice that is sauteed first then cooked in chicken broth. it is fantastic! the candy here is good- lots of hard candy and chocolate. the fruits and vegetables are really wonderful- fresh and sweet. oh yeah, bread. it is our staple.
we fellowship with one other family (almost) every sunday evening. they are the family that we came here to work with. we share a meal together and talk about a particular scripture lesson during the meal. then the kids play and the adults study it a little more in-depth. it is much like a small home group. i so miss corporate worship and a large fellowship, though!
heidi asked, "what do you say when people ask why you moved there?"
we tell the truth. we moved here for justin to join in a new business opportunity that exports tish handicrafts to the usa. sometimes we explain that it is a social enterprise that ventures to help poor families survive, and the we feel god opened this door for us.
lainey asked, "are grades the same? do kids go through 12th grade?"
well, lainey, they are similar. public school starts with first grade. a few public elementary schools have kindergartens. although, there are rumors that the government is about to start public kindergarten at all of the elementary schools. the elementary and middle schools share buildings, so you either go to morning or after noon school. at our school, the middle school is in the morning and the elementary school is in the afternoon. elementary school is 1st- 5th grade and middle school is 6th-8th grade. at the end of 8th grade the students have a choice to drop out or take a big placement test to see which high school they get into. there is a wide range from college prep down to apprenticeship programs. the college prep schools go through the 12th grade. the university entrance exam is quite difficult, and even students that completed the college prep high school may not get into university. we know a girl who has taken the exam 4 times and failed. now she is in a year long study course to prepare for the exam that is given every june! the pressure is intense!
grades are given numerically. 5 is the best and 0 is failing. students in our area are congratulated if they did not get any 0's!
chip asked, "does coca cola taste the same?"
chip, you are the coca cola corporate expert. maybe you could convince them to fly you over here for a little quality control! i love coke! i think that the regular tastes almost the same, but the coca cola light tastes more like coke zero than diet coke. it is not 0 calorie. i have heard that the sweetener is different, and that is why the taste is a little different.
anika asked, "what is your hardest daily task that wasn't any big deal in the sates? what ingredients do you lack for cake baking?"
talking!!! ha ha! i guess that may not count as a task, but i sure do miss flapping my gums! i would have to say that cooking is the hardest daily task. in the states you could turn it into a big deal, do something quick and easy, or go out. here you go out or you cook from scratch. since we do not have a car, i can only buy what i can carry home. which, means i am at the market about every other day. there are no frozen foods, or quick prepare (just add _______) type of things. we do have breakfast cereal. it is a little pricey, but a life saver. for breakfast and lunch we usually have yogurt, fruit, cereal, bread, and cheese. we used to have peanut butter but if you read my jif post you'll know that's a thing of the past! i try to make a decent dinner with vegetables, meat, etc. this has been quite a learning experience!! i thought that i was a from scratch cook, but every night is another story!! we have found hot dogs, so we have them about once a week! they do not compare to the yummy goodness of oscar mayer, ball park, or heaven forbid johnsonville!!! our fridge and cupboards are quite bare because you can't really stock up on perishables. the only thing that comes in a can is tomato paste and corn- which is unusually expensive. another weird thing about corn here is that although it isn't very good, it is a special treat! at the malls they have corn stands (as in plain old corn kernels in a cup) where we would have cookie stands! one small cup of corn is about 2 lira! another thing that i am not used to is that we do not import vegetables and fruits. so, what's in season is what's available. its not like in the states where you can usually get what ever you want you may just have to pay a little bit more for it or look in the frozen foods section. this summer i have got to figure out how to freeze, preserve, and can correctly!!
for cake baking i lack vanilla that tastes good (we only have a weird powder type) and baking powder. also, depending on what type of cake i want to make there may be more! i wanted to make callie a strawberry cake for her birthday. but strawberries are not in season, so no strawberries to be found! also, the sugar here is a bit more grainy so the two cakes i have made (thanks to my mom for sending cake mix!!) have had grainy frosting! i have to figure out what to do about that, or look a little harder for powdered sugar! also, i have yet to find food coloring, so no fancily decorated cakes!
my dad has some really good questions, but i am so tired of typing, and i seriously doubt that anyone has read this far. so, i will save them for another day! if in fact, you have read this far, i must apologize for my rabbit trails! once i get going about something, there is so much to tell! hopefully it is somewhat understandable!!
we have lived in a foreign country for six months!! can you believe it? i was reminded of how foreign a place we live in when a group of a bout 40 young men were dancing to a clarinet-type instrument and a drum on our side street last night. i was quite certain they were celebrating our six month anniversary, but a friend (obviously wrong) said it was more likely their last hu-rah before being shipped out for their required military service. you decide! anyhow, it was quite fun, and boy did i want to go whoop it up with them. but alas, a woman's place is in the home, over the stove or with a cleaning rag in her hand.
but i digress. anyhow... six months! so i figured that it was only fitting to finally get around to answering the questions that you left on my feb. 14th post. i know this will be riveting. as, always, please ask whatever questions come to your mind, either by comment or by email. we've been here for six months and things are not so striking anymore, so i forget to tell you about them!! also, remember that our knowledge and experience is so limited, and that whatever i say is for the part of the city where we live (if that). as you go east, things change quite dramatically!
here goes...
max asked, " do people date? do married people date?"
well, max, i have noticed that here in the city courtship is quite similar to what we experience in the states. couples seem to be out and about, on dates. but, they are not nearly as physical if you know what i mean! physical relationships, even pda is extremely rude and shames a family.
i do not think that married couples date, or care to spend time away from their kids! if we are invited to tea, the children are always included, and trips to the movies, shopping, restaurants, and other date type outings are for families. the people here REALLY value children. when they have them, they do not seem to want to drop them off for others to care for. they enjoy being together as families- even extended families! unmarried singles live with their parents until they get married. my language helper is in her mid 40s and has never been married. so, she lives with her folks!
shana asks, "how is the health care? are you able to see a doctor whenever you need to?"
shana, so far i have nothing but positive things to say about the health care. whenever we have needed to see a doctor- school physicals, illness, etc.- it has been so quick and easy. the government does offer a medic aide type health insurance for really poor people, but of course, the care (we've heard) is not great. private insurance is also available here. although we (our family) have world wide health insurance, our visits have not exceeded the deductible, so we just pay out of pocket. i know this sounds horrifying, but is has been so inexpensive! i think we have spent maybe $250 on health care- that includes 1 school physical with lab work, 1 pediatrician visit with vaccinations, 1 dr visit with chest x ray, and an e.r. visit with treatment!! all of that with out any wait time!! so far, i am quite happy with the health care we have received!! we even have a german friend who chose to have his knee operated on here rather than in germany, the us, etc, because the health care is very good and extremely affordable.
jennie asks, "do you have mcdonalds? what do they serve? do they have bacaroni (how callie says it) and cheese?"
jennie, of course they have mcdonald's, we still live on planet earth!! they serve the exact same things, and it is heavenly!! well, except for breakfast. they do not serve breakfast. i think that's because mcdonald's breakfasts have so many pork products that once you remove that element, there's nothing worth eating! they also have the mcturk here. it is a burger patty and a chicken patty in a pita with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, and ketchup. the people here love mayo and ketchup. they use both on their fries and most sandwiches. mcdonald's is quite a bit more expensive than any other fast food style place (well, except the other american fast food places), so we don't eat there very often. but, when we do, this is what we get: 1 chicken nugget happy meal, 1 cheeseburger happy meal, 1 cheeseburger, and 2 #6 value meals- which is the double cheeseburger value meal- with a round of sprite. the kids love the happy meals here because you get to choose what toy you get!!
the only bacaroni and cheese here is the kind i make. i have two options- delve into my dwindling stash of kraft mac and cheese cheese powder or make it from scratch. of course the kids like the fake stuff so much better. here's something interesting... we can only find 1 kind of yellow cheese here. it is called burger cheese and it is sliced (but not individually wrapped). it tastes like a cross between american and cheddar cheese. it is kind of expensive, and i only buy it when i am going to make cheeseburgers or macaroni and cheese. other than that, its a zillion different types of white cheeses.
stephanie asked, "what are your favorite foods? are you able to fellowship with like minded believers?"
the food here is really good! the kids love pide- which is cheese on flat bread baked in a stone oven. i love börek- which is layers of pastry with different fillings like cheese, spinach, spicy potatoes, or spicy meat. justin loves döner- which the greeks call gyros. it is that meat that is cooked vertically on a spit. they shave it off and serve it with rice or in a sandwich. justin and i love çığ köfte. it is very fine bulgar with spices and tomato paste that is kneaded for an hour! you wrap it in lettuce and/or a very thin flat bread and squeeze a little lemon on top. We all love tish rice. it is basic white rice that is sauteed first then cooked in chicken broth. it is fantastic! the candy here is good- lots of hard candy and chocolate. the fruits and vegetables are really wonderful- fresh and sweet. oh yeah, bread. it is our staple.
we fellowship with one other family (almost) every sunday evening. they are the family that we came here to work with. we share a meal together and talk about a particular scripture lesson during the meal. then the kids play and the adults study it a little more in-depth. it is much like a small home group. i so miss corporate worship and a large fellowship, though!
heidi asked, "what do you say when people ask why you moved there?"
we tell the truth. we moved here for justin to join in a new business opportunity that exports tish handicrafts to the usa. sometimes we explain that it is a social enterprise that ventures to help poor families survive, and the we feel god opened this door for us.
lainey asked, "are grades the same? do kids go through 12th grade?"
well, lainey, they are similar. public school starts with first grade. a few public elementary schools have kindergartens. although, there are rumors that the government is about to start public kindergarten at all of the elementary schools. the elementary and middle schools share buildings, so you either go to morning or after noon school. at our school, the middle school is in the morning and the elementary school is in the afternoon. elementary school is 1st- 5th grade and middle school is 6th-8th grade. at the end of 8th grade the students have a choice to drop out or take a big placement test to see which high school they get into. there is a wide range from college prep down to apprenticeship programs. the college prep schools go through the 12th grade. the university entrance exam is quite difficult, and even students that completed the college prep high school may not get into university. we know a girl who has taken the exam 4 times and failed. now she is in a year long study course to prepare for the exam that is given every june! the pressure is intense!
grades are given numerically. 5 is the best and 0 is failing. students in our area are congratulated if they did not get any 0's!
chip asked, "does coca cola taste the same?"
chip, you are the coca cola corporate expert. maybe you could convince them to fly you over here for a little quality control! i love coke! i think that the regular tastes almost the same, but the coca cola light tastes more like coke zero than diet coke. it is not 0 calorie. i have heard that the sweetener is different, and that is why the taste is a little different.
anika asked, "what is your hardest daily task that wasn't any big deal in the sates? what ingredients do you lack for cake baking?"
talking!!! ha ha! i guess that may not count as a task, but i sure do miss flapping my gums! i would have to say that cooking is the hardest daily task. in the states you could turn it into a big deal, do something quick and easy, or go out. here you go out or you cook from scratch. since we do not have a car, i can only buy what i can carry home. which, means i am at the market about every other day. there are no frozen foods, or quick prepare (just add _______) type of things. we do have breakfast cereal. it is a little pricey, but a life saver. for breakfast and lunch we usually have yogurt, fruit, cereal, bread, and cheese. we used to have peanut butter but if you read my jif post you'll know that's a thing of the past! i try to make a decent dinner with vegetables, meat, etc. this has been quite a learning experience!! i thought that i was a from scratch cook, but every night is another story!! we have found hot dogs, so we have them about once a week! they do not compare to the yummy goodness of oscar mayer, ball park, or heaven forbid johnsonville!!! our fridge and cupboards are quite bare because you can't really stock up on perishables. the only thing that comes in a can is tomato paste and corn- which is unusually expensive. another weird thing about corn here is that although it isn't very good, it is a special treat! at the malls they have corn stands (as in plain old corn kernels in a cup) where we would have cookie stands! one small cup of corn is about 2 lira! another thing that i am not used to is that we do not import vegetables and fruits. so, what's in season is what's available. its not like in the states where you can usually get what ever you want you may just have to pay a little bit more for it or look in the frozen foods section. this summer i have got to figure out how to freeze, preserve, and can correctly!!
for cake baking i lack vanilla that tastes good (we only have a weird powder type) and baking powder. also, depending on what type of cake i want to make there may be more! i wanted to make callie a strawberry cake for her birthday. but strawberries are not in season, so no strawberries to be found! also, the sugar here is a bit more grainy so the two cakes i have made (thanks to my mom for sending cake mix!!) have had grainy frosting! i have to figure out what to do about that, or look a little harder for powdered sugar! also, i have yet to find food coloring, so no fancily decorated cakes!
my dad has some really good questions, but i am so tired of typing, and i seriously doubt that anyone has read this far. so, i will save them for another day! if in fact, you have read this far, i must apologize for my rabbit trails! once i get going about something, there is so much to tell! hopefully it is somewhat understandable!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years Re-Post: The Forgotten Ones
I am still re-posting some of my earliest posts. This post was written just after the Lord really spoke to me. He gave me this glimpse into child labor and broke my heart. Yet, here I am now, 5 years into my life here, and i haven't been able to do anything about it. I'm still trusting that He has a plan for street children.
From March 3, 2008:
My dad had emailed me some questions in response to my earlier blog post requesting them. They were really good questions (not just the, is the sky blue where you live kind!), that require a bit of thought, so I am still thinking (sorry, Dad). But as I was walking the kids to school today I was struck with one of the answers.
My dad asked what is being done better here, and what is not. Well, here's what's not. As I have mentioned before, Noah's school is a middle school in the morning and elementary school in the afternoon. We were walking up to school, and just in front of it, where the middle schoolers were pouring out, was a boy. He was a trash collector- one of the people that goes through town before the trash is picked up and sorts through the dumpsters looking for things to sell or recycle. They pull big furniture moving dollys with a big tarp style bag on it to put their finds in. The thing that struck me today, was that as all the kids were coming and going from school, he was not. He was watching the kids so intently. It makes me tear up even now. He was young enough to be in Noah's class. Yet, education is not in the plan for him, it seems. And that is true for so many kids here. They work in their father's store, or at the covered market, or sweep the floor at the barber shop. They do not spend half of their day in the classroom. Please do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with hard and even un-pretty work. But not to have the opportunity to do more- to be more, it makes all the American in me want to stand up for justice! Man, what a privilege education is!
Lucy and I were headed home and I saw two more trash collectors- cigarettes hanging from their lips. They were maybe 12! They didn't have the innocent look of the boy in front of the school. They were jaded and sarcastic. I don't think anyone ever told them to "be all you can be." I wonder if anyone has told them about a god who is gracious and compassionate, full of mercy and slow to anger. I wonder if they know of the one who makes our burdens light. To be honest, I know that they do not know. That is why I am here. I have good news to share!!
From March 3, 2008:
My dad had emailed me some questions in response to my earlier blog post requesting them. They were really good questions (not just the, is the sky blue where you live kind!), that require a bit of thought, so I am still thinking (sorry, Dad). But as I was walking the kids to school today I was struck with one of the answers.
My dad asked what is being done better here, and what is not. Well, here's what's not. As I have mentioned before, Noah's school is a middle school in the morning and elementary school in the afternoon. We were walking up to school, and just in front of it, where the middle schoolers were pouring out, was a boy. He was a trash collector- one of the people that goes through town before the trash is picked up and sorts through the dumpsters looking for things to sell or recycle. They pull big furniture moving dollys with a big tarp style bag on it to put their finds in. The thing that struck me today, was that as all the kids were coming and going from school, he was not. He was watching the kids so intently. It makes me tear up even now. He was young enough to be in Noah's class. Yet, education is not in the plan for him, it seems. And that is true for so many kids here. They work in their father's store, or at the covered market, or sweep the floor at the barber shop. They do not spend half of their day in the classroom. Please do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with hard and even un-pretty work. But not to have the opportunity to do more- to be more, it makes all the American in me want to stand up for justice! Man, what a privilege education is!
Lucy and I were headed home and I saw two more trash collectors- cigarettes hanging from their lips. They were maybe 12! They didn't have the innocent look of the boy in front of the school. They were jaded and sarcastic. I don't think anyone ever told them to "be all you can be." I wonder if anyone has told them about a god who is gracious and compassionate, full of mercy and slow to anger. I wonder if they know of the one who makes our burdens light. To be honest, I know that they do not know. That is why I am here. I have good news to share!!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Celebrating 5 Years
In continuation of my celebration of 5 years on the field, here is a repost of my second ever post: "Celebrating 2 Months".
We have been here for two months now. This is the longest that I have ever gone without driving a car (since age 15). I totally love the public transportation. It is anything but convenient, but it is fascinating. I go to a language class on Saturday mornings- the only thing that I do by myself- down by the water. To get there I have to ride the busiest bus on the planet. I still holler "wait" when the driver starts to pull away and all the people have not managed to shove themselves on... what a rookie. The drivers are amazing. They can drive the big 'ol thing (one of those double kind that looks like two buses hooked together with a dryer vent hose), talk on their cell phone, make change for passengers, and navigate the absurd traffic. I love being stuck up front right by the windshield where I can see everything. We manage to get so close to cars and people. What fun. Sorry... enough of that rabbit trail ( I am bad about that).
We have been here for two months now. This is the longest that I have ever gone without driving a car (since age 15). I totally love the public transportation. It is anything but convenient, but it is fascinating. I go to a language class on Saturday mornings- the only thing that I do by myself- down by the water. To get there I have to ride the busiest bus on the planet. I still holler "wait" when the driver starts to pull away and all the people have not managed to shove themselves on... what a rookie. The drivers are amazing. They can drive the big 'ol thing (one of those double kind that looks like two buses hooked together with a dryer vent hose), talk on their cell phone, make change for passengers, and navigate the absurd traffic. I love being stuck up front right by the windshield where I can see everything. We manage to get so close to cars and people. What fun. Sorry... enough of that rabbit trail ( I am bad about that).
Anyhow, we've been here two months, and seeing as how I have just managed to get this thing up and running I felt the need to reminisce on what I've learned...
1. cobblestones are beautiful but quite bumpy
2. seat belts and traffic rules are over-rated
3. Americans should be glad that there is a $500 fine for littering
4. learning and functioning in a new language is way hard
5. people here are wonderful, regardless of what the media says
6. downsizing is a great thing
7. the kids don't miss a bit of their stuff
8. there is so much to discover in the world
9. roasted sheep heads are really gross looking, especially because they have crazy looking teeth
10. futbol is life
11. the weekly market is so fun
12. it is hard to help your child do their homework when it takes you forever to translate the simple directions with your giant translation dictionary
13. it is hard to make friends when you can't say much
14. it is fun to laugh at yourself
15. my neighbor is a fenerbache fan- it is one of the futbol teams here, and he screams during their games
16. women have it very hard here
17. joy is possible anywhere
18. kids are very flexible
19. it really is great to be where the Lord wants you to be
20. 40Lira of groceries is too much to carry home a mile and up 4 flights of stairs- especially when I have Lucy and the stroller, too
21. meat, fruits, and vegetables are really fresh here
22. the "building guy" (for lack of a better word- he is sort of the handy man) sells piping hot fresh bread daily, door to door, and it is fantastic
23. a headscarf is a great way to hide hair that does not like this humid climate
24. the call to prayer is broadcast from the minarets at every mosque five times a day- it sounds like nothing you have ever heard before- eerie but beautiful
25. old ladies will not so gently rap you with their umbrellas and tell you to properly bundle your baby if she is not dressed for arctic weather despite what the weather really is
26. your baby is public property
27. pedestrians or the smaller car have no rights and must be on the defense at all times (even on the sidewalk)
28. you must really keep up with the laundry if your kids wear a uniform and you only bought a few
29. "vat is your name?" said repeatedly by local kids is amazing annoying
30. whoever chose white button down shirts for Noah's uniform should be beaten
31. bread is the most essential part of the diet here- Dr. Adkins would be flogged
Truly I could go on. The past two months have been nothing but learning, and it feels like we've just made a drop in the ocean. The most exciting thing that I have learned is how to work my washing machine. After two months with the translation dictionary, the machine, and the manual, I think I've got it figured out. (ok, maybe no the most exciting thing, but it is up there on the list). Laundry and acquiring and preparing food are major parts of my day now. Come to think of it... they were before, too. I guess we're not that different after all.
Friday, August 24, 2012
5 Years!
On this day five years ago, our family landed in this country!!!
To be honest it's all pretty much a daze, and when I think about it I cannot imagine how we survived. It's like a dream... or nightmare. I must have looked like a wide-eyed crazy lady when I stepped off that plane into the Middle Eastern heat with a 10 month old, a 4 year old, a 6 year old, and 12 suitcases.
Anyhow, after 5 years of living life on a steep learning curve, we feel like we're getting it. Well, at least like we're getting most of it! Well... maybe more like we're getting more than we're missing.
Anyhow, the moments where we feel comfortable and like we understand what is being done and said far outweigh the ones where we are just lost and confused. Although, I must admit that I think Justin and I still suffer from a bit of culture stress. It feels like there is always this underlying tension of not being able to be completely at ease or feel like you really belong.
I am just so thankful to the Lord for His gracious provision throughout this adventure. He has really grown and stretched us in so many ways. But though it all He has been faithful.
We have a lot to celebrate after 5 years. Not the least of which being that we're still alive, and we're still here. Even more-so, we can celebrate the fact that we want to be here. This hasn't been a sentence that we are living out, but rather an opportunity that the Lord has given us! We have had to opportunity to share Truth with all sorts of people in all sorts of ways. We are sowing spiritual seeds and praying for a time of harvest.
I thought it might be fun to repost some things from the early days. I went back one day last week to read a bit and was just so thankful to the Lord at how far we had come! I have written 1,023 posts! At the risk of putting up a super-long post, here is my very fist post. It was from October 24th, 2007:
You know how in romantic comedies, which I love, everything ends up great in the end? The plot is always the same no matter how different the setting is. The girl shows up to something new, she doesn't look or act her best, and she can't function appropriately. But, by the end of the movie everything is perfect. She's figured it all out, and got the great looking guy to boot! All of this is just two hours!
Well, I've been in this new place a lot more than two hours, and I've got relatively nothing figured out!! I can say, "ekmek var mı?" Notice that the ı does not have a dot! The question, "ekmek var mı?" means is there bread? It is the first thing our curriculum teaches us.
So, anyhow, I can say it, and a few other things. My point is that in the movie that is my life (and as Donald Miller says, yes, you are in my movie, you play a wonderful supporting role, thank you!) two hours have passed and I haven't gotten things all figured out! But, you know how in the movie, they show quick little glimpses of the process the girl goes through to get it all together. In my movie, I had my first few glimpses last week. I thought of and spoke my very first sentence!! Not, the sentences and phrases that I've been taught. But, my very own! It had the subject and verb of my choosing and was conjugated correctly. Not only that, but the person I was speaking to understood me and answered!! Also, last week, we got our first piece of mail! I cannot tell you how wonderful it was. It was a birthday card for Lucy from my mom, but our entire family devoured it!! You have to remember that we have not seen or spoken to a real live American (other than our team leaders) in two months, so we are easily excitable.
So... it's a start- a glimpse at the possibility. I'll get there, it will just take a lot longer than two stinkin hours!!!
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