A funny...

I've mentioned on other occasions how our family enjoys using nicknames and pet names...

Well...

We were getting in the elevator to go out to eat as a family. The Princess took over the job of pushing the buttons long ago. She pushed the ground floor, but the Prince was not on the elevator, yet. She kept letting the door almost close and then opening it until he came. Then finally, we're all on the elevator and she pushes the open door button one last time.

The King jokingly responded, "I'm hungry! Close the door, darn it!" and without missing a beat, the Princess responded, "I'm not 'Darn it.' I'm DARLIN'!" It took me a second to process her quick wit. I had to look away so as not to let her see me laughing, but not before I mouthed to him, "That's YOUR daughter!"

Cracked me up.

Olympics...

We can get some limited coverage of the Olympics...but, of course, we cannot understand much of what is being said.

My husband, however, can get internet on his phone and has turned into a junkie. After the alarm goes off and before his feet hit the floor, he's pulling up the latest. After the lights go out and before I fall asleep, he's pulling up the latest, and as often as he can during the day.

Yesterday while we were enjoying the nearly 80 degree weather while getting our exercise, he asked, "Would you like the latest Olympic update?" When I responded positively, he took on his best Bob Costas voice and said, "The Americans are facing...." and proceeded to give the update.

I laughed out loud.

He's a junkie...and I love it. :)

Good news!

We finally got word from Compassion International that our little boy, Maquel, was in an area moderately hit by the earthquake (meaning no fatalities, only structural damage and mild injuries). So, although they have not located our little one, he SHOULD be ok. We're still praying and hoping to hear something real soon, but in the meantime we are thankful for that bit of good news!

Sea life from vacation...

Check out this jellyfish!

One day there were nearly 50 washed up on shore. Not quite this big, but still...we should have known not to swim in that water. But that was only one day and we didn't see anymore. That's my foot...


This sand dollar was one of the larger ones we saw, but there were some as small as my little toenail...



This was the common size of jellyfish...the size of a good sized cantelope.





These two hermit crabs were about the largest ones we saw this year. Last year there was an evening when we saw about 250!



We watched them for awhile and then the round one pulled the big one away with the tide. "Come on honey. Let's get away from here!"




This was the smallest hermit crab we saw. That's the Princess' finger pointing to it. This the one that caused tears because I wouldn't let her keep it.





On our last night this was the jellyfish we saw as we were heading back to the resort. HUGE. About the size of a wheel on a car. Crazy.

I meant to say...

Earlier this week, Valentine's Day to be exact, we celebrated our 16 month anniversary of living here. We really didn't celebrate. It kind of came and went, just like V-day, with little fanfare. Which in itself is kind of amazing.

Part of me says, "Wow. We made it this far." Another part of me says, "How much longer?" At one point I was counting up the number of weeks that I survived this new life. I actually remember when it was 14 weeks, 22 weeks, 40 weeks (I could have birthed a baby) and then 52 weeks. I think that's when I stopped counting weeks and went to months.

But this month, I had to be reminded. What does that say? That I'm settled? That I was on vacation? That this is home? That I'm lost and don't know which way to turn? That I don't care anymore? Possibly all of them at one time or another can be said as true.

Without a doubt, having 16 months under my belt, the hardest part about this life is not the food, or the language, or even the culture. The most difficult thing is missing my peeps back home. What am I supposed to do with that? I have no desire to lose touch with family and friends, although it does seem more challenging to keep up with everyone. I don't want to miss out on the milestones, even if I can't physically be there. I don't want them missing out on my family's growth and goofiness. So, what do I do with that? If I plan to live here for any length of time, is it fair to keep being BFF's or should I let them move on? Is it selfish? Will it keep me from forming friendships here that are lasting?

Truthfully, I don't know. Over the years as we've moved, we naturally lost contact with people we treasure, but we haven't stopped loving them or praying for them or wanting the best for them. We just built new relationships that made the others harder to maintain. We still keep in touch, but we moved on and so did they. Do we still have great memories? Yes. Do we miss them? Yes. But is that the natural way of things? My mother is still best friends with her high school girlfriends, AND she has made new friends along the way. Relationships take time and energy.

Recently, it came to my attention that some think I should let my BFF's move on. Be in touch less. Let them have someone close to them they can actually touch. At first, I agreed for various reasons. But as I ponder it, I'm not sure.

I've told you the story of how God brought Pandamom into my life. An answered prayer. But I haven't told other stories of other BFF's. No less answers to prayers. The truth of the matter to me is that they are gifts to me and I am, in return, a gift to them. We sharpen each other. Relationships that suck you dry...well, let them go, but the ones that fill your heart with love and encouragement...the ones that challenge to be a better you...why let go of those? What would be the purpose in that? Why not hold onto the people who love you unconditionally; who make you laugh til you cry; who cry with you when your sad; who lift you to the Father?

Those...THOSE are the people I want in my life. Life is hard enough on your own. But when God gives you a gift, a treasure, of friendship...keep it close. Then give thanks to the One who created us to be in relationships and who saw fit to give you an extra portion.

That's what I have and I am eternally grateful for each one. I am a better person for the ways that Godly friends have poured into my life. Finders Keepers... :)

More vacation pics...

The token family picture. Taken at the restaurant pictured below. They had pretty good western food for really good prices and were just down the beach from the resort where we stayed. They also played cartoons. Our kids were glued to the TV. It was almost like being on a date because they methodically ate and watched TV and paid little attention to us.


This picture has us in it. You have to look closely. We're on the far left. The King and the Princess are more easily seen than I am. I'm wearing a blue baseball hat and looking down. This is on the front of their menu. Of course, we were celebrities...briefly. LOL.



See? Cartoons will do this to you! LOL.


Sweetness. The big brother taking care of the the lil'sis. We went ATVing as a family and switched out who rode and who drove and with whom. At one point I was riding behind the Prince and I looked over my shoulder to check on the other two. I had a nice view of my Love in a green shirt and khaki shorts with his straw hat and shades cruising down the road and just as I began to turn, almost as an afterthought, I noticed this tiny little hand on his stomach. Holding on, but not too tightly. Trusting her Daddy to take care of her. It was all I could see of her, but I knew she was having a ball.


On the last night of the homeschooling conference, with our kids participating in sleepovers, the King and I ventured out for a foot massage. We had discovered this impromptu market that had massages off to the side. The price was reasonable. So after getting the kids situated we ventured back out. It was getting late and the market was shutting down and packing up, but they took us on. We sat in the dark. With the sun down it was actually cool. I took refuge under a towel and read my Kindle until the outside lights went away. The King sat with his MP3 to his ear soaking in some easy listening worship music. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves until later the King realized he had been dessert or rather the main course to a whole slew of mosquitoes. I think the only reason I was spared was because I was covered. He has no less than 20 bites on his wrist and forearm. Incredible.


My man-child. He's no longer a little boy and not yet a man, but well on the way. I think he is more handsome every day. He was wearing his dad's hat and I thought he looked quite suave, so I asked to take his picture. He consented...knowing it would end up on the blog. :O)

Just to prove I was actually on this vacation...

Swensen's. Thank the Lord for them. We treated ourselves and enjoyed every bit of it.


The first time we ventured out into the ocean, I was walking backwards and leading the Princess out. Something stung me. My guess is a jellyfish. It got me good on the inside of my right thigh and then two more times on my left thigh, but not as intense. Do you know what they say to do for a jellyfish sting? It's kind of gross...and it didn't work for me. I was in quite a bit of pain from this relatively small sting. What finally worked was Aloe Vera and then eventually(once we were home) vinegar. We actually did some research on it once we got home and it seems that the jellyfish in this particular region are pretty scary. It seems I narrowly escaped a serious injury. Lesson learned. Truly.


A few of the highlights...more to come.

Some vacation highlights...

Last year after this same homeschooling conference we went to this resort...maybe you remember some pictures? We had such a good time we decided to do it again. After all, when you pay for airfare to be out of the country, you might as well make the most of it and stay out a little while longer, especially when the weather's so great!

Every morning there was a large "western" breakfast which we thoroughly enjoyed. We thought the resort was even better this year because they paid attention to what we liked. After the first morning, when they saw us coming, they immediately poured the King a fresh cup of coffee and asked if we would like an omelet. They brought the Prince his juice and the Princess her milk without asking. Very thoughtful.

They treated us like royalty (How'd they know!?) and we enjoyed every minute of it. As a matter of fact one of the guys I spoke to on a few occasions last year had been promoted. He remembered us which I thought was neat because it is a tourist resort and many people come through.

We walked on the beach alot. We love finding treasures and the Princess came home with tons. We had tears over the fact that I would not let her bring the hermit crabs home. We played with them and then left them. There were tons! and ALL sizes!

One of the great things about where we stayed is that...if you want to do it...for the right price, you can. The kids wanted to ride ATV's (I know. I know!) and with some hesitation and lots of rules, we let them. They loved it.

The Princess spent her time between the pool and the ocean. I had to make her cover up and get out of the sun. It was torture to her, but she endured. Ice cream is good motivation to get out of the pool. We all got a little pink, but we stayed slathered in sunscreen! After all, we are white folks.

The weather was in the 70's in the mornings and in the 90's by late morning. The King enjoyed having his quiet time out on the balcony. He was also such a good boy. He got up early and went running. He came back with stories about the little village down the way where all the fishermen were working...and how many CATS he saw! And all the puppies that he met who ran half the way with him. When we went ATVing as a family, we looked for them. We saw tons of dogs, but no cats. No fish, no cats. They were sleeping in the shade, I'm sure. You know how cats are!

There is something really refreshing about not having to wear a watch. We got up when we wanted, ate when we wanted (except for breakfast...that was over by 10:30), swam when we wanted, did exactly what we wanted and if that was nothing, then great! I had almost forgotten how much I love the ocean.

I have always heard "wind and waves" said together. Rarely, do I hear someone talk about the waves without referring to the wind, well, and the ocean.

I loved when the tide would go out and we could walk out on the sandbars really far away from the road. There might be knee high pools to walk through, but over all you could walk forever and still be in shallow water.

Out there, the wind would whistle through my hair and the waves would splash on my feet and legs. That's all I could hear at first, splashes...whistling. Then as my spirit quieted and really listened...I heard it. What they were made to do...glorify God. They did what they were created to do...pointed my focus to the Creator of all things. Every time. Every time I walked into the waves and just listened, I heard it. The creation singing to the majesty and glory of His name. And every time, a song welled up in me. I sang at the top of my lungs and I don't think anyone heard me over the song the "wind and waves" sang. Their song was more powerful at that moment. But I wouldn't care who heard me. At times, the Princess was at my feet digging in the sand and she would sing, too.

It was truly exhilarating and worshipful. I understand why some people HAVE to be outdoors. I could not get enough of it. One neat thing was that the song was different each time. One time I was singing as the sun was setting, "Indescribable, Uncontainable. You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name. You are amazing God!"

Another time, when there were no boats on the horizon and I was contemplating some things I had learned at the homeschooling conference, (The guest speaker was a PHD. Nuclear physicist. Christian. Gave great examples of how science supports the creation theory) and I was thinking about the depth of the ocean and all there is in it we don't really know. How could I not sing, "O the deep, deep love of Jesus. Vast. Unmeasured. Boundless. Free. Rolling as a mighty ocean, in it's fullness over me. Underneath me. All around me. Is the current of God's love. Leading onward, leading upward to thy glorious throne above."

The dictionary defines vacation as "a period of time devoted to rest, travel, or recreation." But there is so much more to it, if you let it happen. Rest? Check. Travel? Check. Recreation? Check. What about what happens to your soul on vacation...refreshed? Check.

A much needed break. Well spent. Again I say, my cup runs over. The only thing to make it better is if you were there to share it, too.

Home...

We're home, safe and sound.

We got a little wet, well, alot wet because it was raining, too. But we didn't melt!

And our dear friends (who fed the fish) came and turned on our heaters for us...so it was only 15 degrees Celsius in our apartment...not too bad.

Today is Valentine's Day.

I just want to give a little shout out to my brother and SIL who have been married for 19 years today and to my sweetheart who called me for a date 19 years ago today (I wasn't home to get the call, hence the aformentioned anniversary, but he called nonetheless)...and to my children whom I truly adore even when they are being twerps...and to...well, I could go on forever, but just insert your name in there, OK?

Give a little love today. It always comes back to you. :)

Travel day...

Travel days can be rough so we psyche ourselves up for them. They usually begin early and end late or at least late enough that you want to drop into a bed...any bed.

Today we leave our hotel in a few minutes (at 9:00) and head to the airport. It's an international flight so we have taught our kids what is expected of them (to be seen and not heard, basically LOL) so that we can think and pay attention to the signs that we can not read. :0) We must be extremely early, but we find that doesn't always guarantee your seat. Crazy stuff happens on this side of the world. Anyway, we hurry, hurry, hurry to get to checked in, through security (sometimes twice), go potty, and get to our gate. Then we sit...and wait. People CRAM onto the plane (as if there were no ASSIGNED seats) and we try to wait to be close to the last ones to board. After all, it's hot on there until they get moving.

Take off is my favorite part...settle in...and relax unless it's bumpy. In flight...not so bad usually. There's more I could say on that, but it wouldn't be uplifting...so I'll leave it at that. Because after all, our family verse this week is "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Ps. 19:14" So...I'm practicing. :) Let's just say they don't feed you hamburgers. :)

Land. Mass exodus. Hour and a half layover. No problem. Except that we have to change terminals. Hurry, hurry, hurry to find where we should be. We have not missed a flight, yet, but we have been the last ones to board. Absolutely don't like that feeling, unless it's my choice. Second flight is usually shorter because it takes us back into our country. Landing, getting through customs, getting on a bus ride and then taxi home, getting up the stairs and in the door! Whew! Made it. Fish still alive? Hope so.

Today, when we get home...we will have gone from mid 90's weather to mid-40's. Our house will be COLD! But we'll be in OUR BEDS.

Vacations are great! We love them and thank the Lord for them, but ask any mom...they can wear you out! We are so blessed today to have had a break from the cold, but we are also blessed to be going home.

Pray for safe travel.

A question...

Have you ever eaten at a food court so large that if you got separated from your family you'd have to get a security guard to help you...and you are the ADULT?

We have.
Twice.
Great food. Tons of choices! Great fellowship, but if I was by myself...lost is what I'd be.

I didn't know they had malls this big in this part of the world...crazy.

Not home, yet, but close...

Some tidbits...

Alot can happen in two weeks...for us and back home...

I love my husband for taking the time and effort to resurrect an old video camera for my daughter to be able to use (just because he loves her) and I love my daughter for tucking it away in her backpack. Pictures will be forthcoming...

Our homeschooling conference was VERY good. Aside from the educational aspect which was very good, the kids rekindled friendships they had begun last year and made new ones this year. They spent every waking moment with buddies and their cups seem to overflow! Sleepovers, games, swimming...great fun!

Our family vacation was sweet. Much to share on that at a later time. We enjoyed our time near the beach. We played and rested, ate good food and saw unique things.

We are on our way home and have stopped over in a major city where we have friends (who have recently relocated) that we haven't seen in a while. We're spending two days with them and will be home on Saturday. When I was growing up in a small town (Pop. 8,000 SAL-UTE! LOL.), I had no grasp of the world's size and though much has changed in the ways of transportation it still amazes me that I'm living on the other side of the world and able to see dear friends from the states. When I said yes to this new life...I thought I was leaving all of that behind. Just goes to show how good God is...He knows my need for people (like me) and continues to surprise me.

Also, while we were gone, I became a great-aunt (I think!) My niece had a baby girl...I think that makes me a great aunt. Anyway. My oldest brother is a hoot! He knows we (in our family) LOVE babies and cannot wait to get our hands on them...so he sent this picture to my mom with the caption, "Me, first!". LOL. Cracks me up. Look how tiny she is. Way to go TD, you did good, she is beautiful. Wish I was there to love on her...give her hugs and kisses from me. Love you.



Also, dear friends of ours have been waiting to get their hands on their new Haitian daughters. It's been a long road with many twists and bumps, but again, God is good! Finally, they are here and it's done. They have their forever family.

Look closely...do you see it?...it's a picture of God's grace and mercy...His love for us...symbolic it may be, but visible and beautiful nonetheless.



Well, we are off to spend some time with BJ and K. Might take me a day or two to get some pictures up for you, but I will. Coming off of a trip is always a little rough...you know, back to school, etc. This year we are coming home in the middle of a major holiday in our country...we'll see how it goes.

Lots of love from this side of the world...from cups overflowing with God's goodness and love.

Whew!

Traveled ALL day long, but arrived safely.

Met some old friends...receieved my KINDLE(!!!) and other things (thanks MIL/FIL) and took the kids swimming...

but...

I realized that no matter how prepared you think you are...you're not.

Why, you ask?

Who leaves to go on vacation and leaves their camera on the table? Ug. Oh well. I'll have to do my best with word pictures.

C U Soon.