The Thrill of the Chase...

So I know you all are dying to know if I met Jude yesterday. Unfortunately, the answer to that would be....NO. (Sniff, sniff) But if you know me at all, then you are probably aware that it wasn't for lack of trying.

You see, I had this great plan worked up in my head. And since there really aren't a lot of places for celebrities to frequent in this city, I figured my chances of finding him were pretty good.

In the morning I had figured out what I would wear...the best spots to wait for our celebrity sighting... what I would say when we met...what we would name our first child....etc. It was going to be perfect.

(Side Note: Kar-Kar, remember that time when I made you skip work to hang out with me so we could spend the day stalking...err, I mean, finding... the "Trading Spaces" crew {read: Carpenter Ty} in the 'Ville? Good times. Good times. This was very similar. :)

Anyway, about 4pm we headed over to the fancy hotel. We ordered some water and dessert and sat strategically in the center courtyard to ensure the perfect view of people's comings and goings from the hotel. We waited and waited, but nothing seemed to be happening.

The girls encouraged me to go ask the front desk if he was staying there and I reluctantly accepted. (Somehow, I'm always the one put up to such tasks.) I flipped my hair a bit and smiled a lot while asking for an address to a restaurant (you know, to warm the guy up to me) and then I popped the big question.

Scene 1:
Me: (Big smile, eye lashes batting) OK, I understand that you don't have that address. Thank you for your work in looking that up. Now, (leaning in) could you tell me if you have a guest here by the name of Jude Law?

Front Desk Man: Umm...who?

Me: Jude*Law.

Front Desk Man: (Moving over to the computer) What is the last name again? And how do you spell that?

Me: (Thinking how I can't believe he's actually going to tell me if he's here or not.) L*A*W

Front Desk Man: No. I'm sorry, Ma'am. We don't have anyone by that name here.

Me: Ok, thank you again.

End Scene

I walked away disappointed but not completely convinced that Front Desk Man was telling me the truth. Either way, we decided to move on to Plan B.

The 4 of us girls piled into the back of a taxi and headed off to a restaurant where many a journalist and socialite can be found. Maybe he was out having dinner?

Now, I won't bore you with the details of how we got lost, ended up on the other side of town, called for another taxi, and eventually found the location. But I will say, that my heart quickened a bit as we walked in to the restaurant. Expectancy was high, but my hopes were soon dashed as we realized that hardly anyone was there...and most importantly, JL was no where to be found.

It was a lovely restaurant setting though, so we all sat outside and had dinner by candle light while French music played softly in the background. (See! It would have been perfect for a date with Jude!)

By 10pm we were headed home, exhausted from the very long and crazy day of searching for a celebrity and I have resigned myself to the fact that I'm not cut out for this type of work.

Of course, now it's the morning after the excitement and disappointment, and I'm thinking that there's no sense in being a pessimist. After all, he may very well be on my flight out of the country tomorrow. Who knows? Hope springs eternal!

If that happens, trust me, you'll hear about it!

na mEsha

"na mEsha" literally translated means "it doesn't become." This can be used when one wants to say "it won't work"..."that can't happen"..."it doesn't fit"..."I can't pay that much"...etc.
Really, there's no English equivalent.

But here's a list of things that apply in this country:

*Batteries in your carry-on....na mEsha.

*Girls without head coverings....na mEsha.

*Electricity 24/7-365...na mEsha.

*Bacon & sausage for breakfast...na mEsha.

*Finding one guy for every five girls...na mEsha.

*Hassle-free airport experience...na mEsha.

*Staying at a wedding for less than 5 hours...na mEsha.

*Buying national clothes that fit right...na mEsha.

*Paying $40 (US) for a taxi ride from the airport...na mEsha.

*Going for longer than a month (a week for me) without stomach problems...na mEsha.

*Telling someone there's no more room when you've already got 7 people in a cab...na mEsha.

*(For me) Flying out of the country in less than 4 days...na mEsha.

*Keeping your feet from cracking in the summer...na mEsha.

*Having your white clothes remain white...na mEsha.

*Going longer than a week without experiencing a dust storm...na mEsha.

*Jude Law coming to Ktown...MESHA!!!!!!!!!
(Sources say that he came in today and guess who's going to find him TOMORROW??)

Horrible, No Good, Terrible, Very Bad...Week

I’m beginning to think that my week thus far could have been the source for Murphy’s Law should my week have been occurring whenever it was that Murphy wrote his law. Everything that can go wrong…will and has.

OK, maybe not everything. But a lot of things.

Saturday (the first day of the week for us here) B & J left for break. I was filled with possibilities and looking forward to having the house almost all to myself. (I say almost, because there’s another girl staying with me until we leave.)

Well, at 6am Saturday morning our electricity went out. No big deal, I told myself. It will be back on after a while. I got ready for work and left the house without further thought.

Much to my chagrin, after a very long and hot day in the village, I returned that evening to find that the power still hadn’t come back on. Our refrigerator had defrosted all over the floor and my guess was that I was in for an even longer night.

I was correct.

On Sunday I was supposed to have my community development staff over for lunch. It felt like 100 + degrees downstairs and I couldn’t imagine lighting the oven and cooking for the next 5 hours. So I called and canceled but rescheduled for Tuesday.

Later that day an electrician came to our house and fixed the problem. Electricity was back and things started looking up.

Monday I spent all day in the village again and returned that night to find our refrigerator had stopped working. Once again our kitchen was flooded with water and this time around it had nothing to do with electricity. The fridge needs repaired. This wouldn’t have been that big a deal except that I had bought tons of food (including thawed out chicken) for my meal on Tuesday. What was I to do?

At one point it came back on, but then went off again for the rest of the night. I just prayed that the food wouldn’t go bad and I would cook up the chicken first thing in the morning.

This morning (Tuesday) was quite stressful as hosting nationals is a pretty big deal. I spent all morning in the kitchen, cleaning, etc. and my staff arrived a little after 12pm. The lunch went well, they ate lots of food (whew!), and then they left.

If you are still reading this, you’re probably wondering what the big deal is.

Well, if you were to follow me into the kitchen afterwards, you would have seen me cleaning up. You also would have seen me trying to place the nice china tea cups on the top shelf, only to have the domino affect happen right before my eyes. Luckily I managed to save all but the pepper shaker which fell violently to the ground, breaking and leaving a heap of pepper all over the kitchen counter. Had you still been watching, you would have then seen me bend over to pick up some pieces only to stand up and whack the back of my head violently on the still-opened cabinet door. (I’m not joking, this scene could have been part of some slap-stick comedy act.) Obviously the word “grace” would NOT be used to describe me.

At that point, terrible thoughts filled my mind, a choice word may have come out of my mouth, and I decided to take a break. Naps are good for gaining perspective, I thought, as is a little Gilmore Girls.

But here's the good news...Have I mention that I’m leaving TOMORROW MORNING for break?

Yes, yes. It is time for some refreshment. I’m sure later on down the road I’ll re-read this post and laugh at how dramatic I felt my life had become. But that's going to take some time. And time away at Starbucks is just what's in order!

Girl Babble...

Lots of randomness going on in my head these days as I have 2 days remaining before I head out of this place for break. (Not that I'm counting or anything.)

And when I say "randomness," I mean...
*I'm thinking of getting bangs.*

Yes, bangs. NO, not the straight across your forehead kind, but the slanted, semi-longer, swooped kind. But I'm nervous. For several reasons:

1. I did this two years ago and liked it...the first time. The second time I went back to get them shaped up and the lady totally butchered my hair! My usual rapid growth hair seemed to take MONTHS to return to a style I actually liked. So I'm hesitant. Maybe I have some trust issues? So what?!
2. I'm not in Kansas anymore (not that I ever was, but it's the expression)--You see, where I'm going for break may seem like a playground for the rich and famous of the first world. However, the people who work there (and I guess "there" in this context means the places in which I can afford to frequent) usually are not. Therefore, communication and service is always a funny (and sometimes frustrating) thing. So do I trust the sweet Phillippino lady who barely speaks English, to understand what I mean when I say the word "bangs?" Hmmm...
3. Most of my life is lived in a place that requires me to have my hair completely covered. This can be seen as a positive or a negative, depending on the outcome. The positive being that if I despise my hair, no one else will have to look at it. The negative being that it's harder to keep shorter bangs pulled back and hidden from the world.

Now I know this is not an international crisis or anything, but what do you think?

Should I do it?

(Please Note: People who blog about hockey teams have no room to comment on what a waste of time this post was to read.)

Is it just me or is getting the stomach flu twice in less than a week and half ridiculous?!
I'm thinking it's not just me.

Maybe this is just my body's way of telling me it's time for a break?
Or maybe it's the fact that the room in which I play with the kids in SZ village is just dirt, rocks, and animal feces? (Sorry, I know that sounds gross, but it's truth.)
Or maybe it's just summer and germs are out in full-force?

Honestly, I don't have a clue what's causing this. But what I do know is that I am currently recovering from yet another day and a half of serious stomach issues and I would be very happy if this were it. Forever. Fin. khalAs shUd.

I also know that if I have to spend another night in the bathroom before I leave for break, I'm quitting.

Quitting what? ....That has yet to be decided.
This is simply a declaration.
And seeing as how it's nearly the 4th, I feel that's fitting.

(And no, K, I don't need to see a doctor! I live with one, ok?)

i need a blue-sky holiday...

Today our community development staff had our 6 month meeting. I won't bore you with all the details, as even I didn't feel much like being present. Yawn.

I, did, however want to share what was written on the English version of our meeting's agenda. (I know I shouldn't laugh as they are so kind to compensate for my first grade reading level in their language!) But here's what the agenda stated:

"5. Are the appalled employs satisfied from their jobs?"

I thought, "Oh boy! This is going to be fun!" as I highly doubted the "appalled" employees were satisfied with their jobs if they have to use that term.

I cracked a smile and then asked R what he meant by that word. He said that he was trying to say "employed employees." I told him that just writing employees was sufficient and then I explained the meaning of the word "appalled."

We all laughed.

Another day of fun in cross-cultural communication.

Excuse me as I'm sweaty and covered in dust as I type. (Not that you can see that or care, but just thought I'd give you the whole picture of this post.)

I just returned from another fun-filled day in the village where, today, I taught the kids to play "Duck, Duck, Goose" and "Red Rover." We even did a mixed game (boys and girls) for "DDG." (Yep, I'm a rebel.) The children loved it and it was great for me to see the boys and girls playing together.

When our time was up, we all headed back down the hillside to their homes and our vehicle. I pretty much heard giggles and laughter the entire descent. This was just what I needed.

Because...

Today I was also a bit homesick. Not in the sense of wanting out of this place, but in the sense that my family is all hanging out on the lake right now and I wish I was there too. Now, I know that what I'm doing is important and valuable--blah,blah, blah. But I also know that it's times like this that my choice to be here becomes a little more difficult. The cost a little more visible.

It's ok.

Right now I am just grateful for the laughter of those children. For whatever the sacrifice, they are precious reminders that...

IT'S WORTH IT.
THEY are worth it.
HE is worthy.

Last night I had a date with this little guy and his baby brother--who is not pictured because he fell asleep in my arms at 7:30pm. (I have that affect on men. ;)

Anyway, it was B & J's 15th Wedding Anniversary, so I offered to babysit so they could have a night out on the town.

We made popcorn. Ate junk food. And watched "Ice Age 2." (Aren't I the greatest sitter?!)

When the movie finished, D was already practically asleep on my lap. So I changed his diaper, brushed his teeth, and laid him in his bed. I'm pretty sure he was out as soon as I said "amen" to his bedtime prayer, so I don't think there was any need to worry that he'd eaten too much sugar.

Afterwards I went back to my room to read until their parents returned. I thought about how precious these little guys are and how grateful I am to be a part of their lives. I thought about how I may never have the privilege of being someone's "mommy," BUT I have been blessed several times over in being quite a few little someone's "LoLo." And that is enough to make one's heart very full.

So if you are one of those people who've allowed me the joy of being a part of your child's life...Thank You! My cup runneth over.

There are times when it seems as though my prayers are never going to be answered. Or, at least not in my lifetime. And then there are times when I pray and 2 hours later God shows up and totally knocks my socks off with His speedy reply and astounding goodness.

Today I experienced the later.

Yesterday I sent an email to the lady in charge of my finances asking if I could get $300 or $400 extra for this coming month, as I'm leaving to go on break.
This morning she had replied informing me that she could do that. However, she didn't know if she would then be able to give me the regular amount for August as the funds are low.

Great.

Enter "Not-So-Spiritual" me. (Luckily I was alone in my room.)

My mind immediately starts jumping to extremes. I wonder if I shouldn't be taking this break. I think about how I could cut down on expenses. ...I imagine that just as I find my fit in this place, I'm ripped off the field because I have no money. Etc., etc. etc.

AAAAAhhhhh!

And just at the point when my thoughts were totally out of control, I caught myself. Me in all my drama.

And so I sat down to pray. I tried to take those thoughts captive, but I was mostly just grateful that the Spirit intercedes for us when our words come out as a jumbled mess (as mine often do when I'm stressed). I conceded that this was totally out of my control and if God wants me here, then He will have to provide.

Fast forward with me two hours later when I arrived at the office to receive another email from the lady in charge of my finances. (You probably already know where this is headed, right?) Yeah.

The subject line was "WOW!" and the rest went on to tell me how a friend of mine had sent a check for $400. The exact amount that I had requested!

2 hours....$400...a few tears...and 1 awestruck "me."

This was my morning.

In Case You Were Wondering...

1. I'm feeling better.
Still not up to 100% at this point, but definitely on the up and up as I can actually keep some food in my system. Yay!
Note to Self: 3 days of eating next to nothing is a good way to lose weight, but not so good for the energy level.

2. My mom is the greatest.
For my birthday she bought me a subscription to InStyle magazine and has been sending them to me on a monthly basis ever since. Today, after several very hot and dusty hours in the village, I returned to find a package from her sitting on my desk. Inside was a copy of the June edition of said magazine, some pictures (Sis, the pic of you and the dogs on Easter is adorable!), iced coffee mixes, and a charleston chew (the best candy in the history of the world!) Suffice it to say...I love my mom.

3. My staff is becoming like family.
I know I give them a bad rap at times (i.e. our arguments over whether or not to build a bathroom), but they really are great. Today as I was/am still recovering from the flu, my staff took care of me as if I were their own. I'm thinking our arguments are helping us grow together. And when you add the teasing and joking in the mix...well, basically I feel right at home.

4. Accuweather should NEVER be trusted.
I made the mistake of looking online yesterday at our week's forecast. I was expecting to see much the same--Sunny and Hot--but instead found a drastic drop in the temperature posted for Friday. And when I say "drastic" I mean we go from 110 to 87 degrees for the high. I didn't really believe it, but it said it (as I checked multiple times throughout the day), and with all my heart I wanted it to be true.

Much to my dismay, I checked back today. Everything about that forecast had changed. It's now saying 100 degrees for Friday. Disappointed? Yes. Realistic? For sure.

Accuweather, I so want to quit you.

5. No, I haven't read the latest book by the author of the Kite Runner.
I've received several emails from people asking me this as of late. Unfortunately, my answer is always the same as there isn't a copy to be found in this city to date. SOooo...if anyone wants to send it to me (hint, hint) I could get you an address. :)

Can you guess how my weekend ended and the new week began?

Let's just say good times were NOT had by all.

I really feel like writing something tonight but my mind is somewhat blank. I think it was caused by too much "24" viewing last night and the fact that I read "Split Ends" in one sitting today. (I also kind of feel like I've spent too much time alone today and wish someone were here to hang out with me as opposed to me typing my thoughts out on the computer.) But I digress...

I love doing nothing on the weekends. Actually, I really love doing nothing on the weekends here. (If I could, I would be at Target or Starbucks or hanging out with friends as I type.) But here, weekends mean something different.

Here weekends mean that I don't have to put on my 5 layers of clothing to walk out into the sun-scorching heat. Weekends are days that I don't have to deal with people staring or making comments as I walk to my destination (unless, of course, I choose to go out). Weekends here mean that I don't have to flip on the switch in my brain that translates everything into the local language. Weekends here mean it's just me being me.

Short sleeves...no head covering...English all day...and nobody commenting on the fact that I'm a foreigner (as if I needed a reminder).

I love weekends. It's too bad they only come around 2 days a week. :)

Today...

We laughed.
We cried.
And we threw some awesome water balloons.
It was great.

As far as I know, they are letting me return next week which, I think, is a good sign.

So you are probably wondering what could be better than a day filled with laughter and water balloon fights?...

One that ends by me returning to my office to find an AMAZING package from BFF, that's what! Complete with the most perfect green purse, a new book, an US Weekly magazine, Twizzlers, and peanut M&M's (the "Tear and Share" kind--although I don't feel much like "sharing" today), Tricks proved, yet again, how well she knows me.
(Thanks Tricks! ...And K, for your note!)

This was the perfect start to my weekend.

Now I have to get home because Wednesday nights we are watching Season 5 of "24."
And I hate to admit it, but I'm shamefully addicted.

You know it's a good day at work when you get to toss around a soccer/volleyball with a 65 year old village lady. Of course, this happened indoors so as not to let the men see us laughing and having fun. But what do they care?!

From what I can tell, I'm beginning to cause quite the stir in DS village. The kids are anxiously awaiting my arrival. The mothers are asking me to teach them volleyball and how to play with their children.

And I'm left thinking one of two things:
1.This could be the beginning of the end.
Or...
2. This could be something really big.

As far as I know, all I've got is today. So why not make the most of it?

You want to know what's on tap for Wednesday (when I return to this particular location)?

...Water Balloons. :)

My weekend...

Wednesday: I started my weekend a little early because...
Little D turned 2! It was a great day filled with cupcakes, lots of toy trucks, a soccer ball, and a new tricycle to enjoy. Man, I LOVE this little guy!


Thursday: Homemade tortillas and tacos for dinner. Mmmm.

Friday: We hosted fellowship in the morning and then I spent the afternoon baking cupcakes, writing emails, and sewing up my head covering.

In the evening, my new friends (albeit temporary friends) came over for a night of great conversation, coffee and playing in the fountain!! Yay!

Now, it's back to the grind as a new work week is upon me...

No longer young and not that pretty...

I've been stalking the flickr scene as of recent. I am LOVING all the cool photography people are posting and the creative challenges you can find within.

One day I stumbled upon this group.

The challenge itself seemed simple enough.

Take off your makeup. Take a picture. Then post. The guidelines say you're supposed to do so without the help of editing. Yet by the looks of the posted photographs, I'd like to think that those people didn't really read the instructions. (Either that or they are just incredibly beautiful...or they've got really cool cameras...or they know how to make the most of their lighting...or ???)

I should probably stop with my excuses now and get back to my point (if I even have one).

So last week I was all inspired. I thought of how I really don't wear that much makeup so it shouldn't be that big of deal. I thought of how I live in this place and rarely "make myself presentable."

I was not afraid. This would just be the raw...*real* me. No big deal.

No big deal for some, maybe!

Let's just say I've had this picture for over a week and am still hesitant to post. But that's definitely me, alright. With no makeup. (And apparently no visible eyelashes, either.) Shhh....

But what I've found most challenging in completing this task has very little to do with my looks. (OK, that part is somewhat challenging. I'll spare you all the details of my critical self, but I thought I should insert utter honesty here.) I see this "me" everyday.

The challenging part has come in the form of questions.

Questions like:
Why is it hard for me to let people see this? Why do I care? What am I afraid of? A lot of you have seen this "bare" side of me before. And some of you have even seen worse (i.e. when I'm sick).

It's hard for me to unpack it all, really. There's so much here. So much I'm thinking about and growing in.

But I feel it for myself....and for His Body. This need to be seen. To be real. To come without pretenses and still be accepted. I see it in the world around me. This desire to be loved even when we are at our worst. To be known for what's underneath all those layers.

Imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone would literally "take off their makeup."

Frankly, I think we'd all see how very frail and broken we really are. Each and every one of us. We'd see those freckles...invisible eyelashes...aging lines...etc. We'd see that no one really has it all together. And that we are all just a little bit afraid that who we are will be based off of all that we are not.

I think it's a lie that Satan has used for a very long time to deceive God's children and His Body.

And so this is my challenge to you, my faithful readers...

Take off your makeup. (Literally and figuratively)
Go ahead.
And not just for yourself. But for those around you.
Post a picture. Share your heart. Be real.

The response might surprise you.

I'm growing more convinced the vulnerability begets vulnerability. And that *this* is exactly how God wants it to be.

May we encourage each other today in our strengths and our weaknesses as we grow together to become more like Him...

(Of course, every now and then, a little makeup can't hurt. After they've seen the real you.) ;)

Today I was the Pied Piper of SZ village.

I'm not kidding.

Everywhere I went, kids were coming out of the woodwork (or, more accurately stated, their mud homes) to play with me. It was as if I were playing some magical flute or pushing a snow cone cart (Oooh...now that would be a hit!).

But I wasn't. I was just available.

Available to tell stories...to teach songs...to play tag...and to love on these precious little ones who bring my heart so much joy.

It's funny to think that I wasn't really sure what to expect going into this time. Honestly, last week I caused quite the scene. And frankly, the men in this country aren't particularly keen on women causing scenes (or being seen, for that matter)...especially women of the foreign kind.

It looks as though all of that knee-work being done for me to have favor in the eyes of these people is being answered. And to top it all off, I think I may have already launched that kids program I've been dreaming of for the past 5 years...without even trying.

I love it when Dad surprises me like this!

Oh, that I would be open to His leading in the ebbs and flows, twists and turns of this crazy journey we call "life."

I still have nothing to say, but I thought I'd bore you all with some more randomness until inspiration strikes again.

*Right now I have my iTunes on shuffle. I didn't realize, but my music selection is extremely eclectic. And I'm finding it rather unfortunate that "shuffle" doesn't have a brain. I just went from the Indigo Girls to Chris Tomlin to some Christmas selection (oh how I wish it were time for that again). Anyway, that's NOT a good combination.

iTunes, I'm disappointed in you.

*Right now Accuweather says it's 102 degrees outside. On Tuesday it's supposed to be 110. I can hardly wait. ...For a break, that is.

*Speaking of which, I'm heading out of here in ONE month for a little vacation. I wasn't going to, but it's partly a team retreat (which means that part is paid for) and then I'm taking a few days at the end for alone time. I don't know who I was trying to kid, thinking I could be here for 8 months straight without a break?! Ha! I find that I'm already dreaming of air conditioning, Starbucks, short sleeves, and a hair cut. Just a little bit longer, I keep telling myself.

*I got in an argument/discussion with my staff today during our weekly meeting. They all want to build a bathroom for our use in this one particular village. It's going to cost approximately $100. Not that much, right? ...Right. Except there's principle involved.

When I asked them if the other people will be able to use it, they replied with a resounding "no."

You see, no one in the village has a bathroom either. They go out to their yard or the mountain or field or ??? And now my staff wants to come in and build one for ourselves, that no one else can use??? Are you kidding me?

They followed that up by telling me that next we will also build bathrooms for everyone else. That was, until I informed them that we don't have it in the budget to do so this year.

Grrr.

We are out there one or twice a week whereas the villagers LIVE under those conditions 24/7.

Of course, I'd like a bathroom as much as they would. But what kind of an example will this set??

Moments like these make me wish I could resign as their "boss" and simply be their "friend." They are really not going to like me if I tell them no.

Dear Void,
I need some advice.

*To end on a lighter note, you may have noticed I changed my blog header. Yep. Next thing you know, I'm going to be designing for Mac. (Ha!) Seriously though, does anyone know how to change the dimensions? It's rather large, I believe. But at least it's something different to look at. :)

So I really haven't much to say these days. I wish I did. I wish I had some profound words to share. Some deep insights into my soul to offer up to those curious enough to read. Some thought provoking ideas.

But I don't.

I've got nothing.

I am happy to report, however, that the past few days have been better than my last post would lead you to believe. So I thought I'd change things up on here a bit with a little list of the "GOOD"...

*After 3 days without electricity, our power finally returned. Thus, allowing me to turn on a fan. Which, in turn, allowed me to sleep at night. PTL!

*My friends from the coffee shop made the decision not to re-open. (That's the NOT good news.) BUT, in doing so, they had a little garage sale and I was able to buy a few things to make my room WAY more livable (not to mention, cute).

And since The Crushing One posted pics of her rockin' new curtains and The Creative One posted pics of her AMAZING house, I thought I'd give you a little insight into my room... (A & N-I thought you'd like to see how these things are being put to use.)

~The crate book shelf and olive green pillows...perfect for reading.








~The old door matched perfectly and makes a cool picture frame. (Not to mention adds a little color to my very WHITE walls. ---White walls not my choice, mind you.)






~And lastly, what was once used as a condiments table, is now enjoying this corner position and serving a mighty purpose as the place for "all things creative." Now all I need is a stool. :)





And there are other "GOOD" things I could post, but I think I'll save those for a different day. I'm really tired right now and am heading home for the night.

Thanks for dropping by...

This morning, after 24 hours without power and a very hot and restless night of sleep, I walked down to the kitchen to return some dishes I had left in my room the day prior. It was 5:30am and I couldn't sleep any longer.

Three steps in and the next thing I know I'm practically doing the splits. My foot had slipped on a huge puddle of water that appeared courtesy of the refrigerator defrosting. My leftover coffee from the day before was left dripping down the side of the wall and I found myself sitting in said puddle.

NOT the best start to my day. I wondered if it was too late to turn around and start over.

5:30am + lack of sleep + falling + spilled coffee= a not so happy strawberry blonde

But this, too, shall pass...

The Creative One left a comment for me on my last post, promising that she would go for a drive and to Starbucks, if I would go to the village here and sing songs with the kids and make them laugh.

T, thanks for the challenge and perspective. Today I did just that. (Well, ok. Not so much the singing part. But I did make them laugh hysterically as I chased them up and down the dusty path playing a wicked game of "tag" for over an hour.)

I now have a village of mothers who love me (even though they can't understand how I'm better with their children than they are since I don't have any of my own) and about 50 kids who were all yelling my name and waving goodbye as we drove away this afternoon.

Ahh, *this* is what I was created for.

This past week was difficult in many ways. And honestly, the rain continues to pour. But tonight, at least, my heart is full.

Imagining...

Right now I'm wishing I could get in a car and go for a drive.

By myself.

Somewhere other than here.

I'd pick up a Starbucks' Iced Caramel Macchiato on my way out of town. And as I pulled away, I'd roll down my windows and blare my music. Nobody would stare at me because I didn't have my head covered. However, they might stare because I'd be singing rather loudly to whatever came on my iPod.

I'd drive and drive until the cares of the world faded away. And then I'd stop.

I'm guessing my car would eventually lead me back to the patio on Broadway Place, where I'd gather around a fire pit with friends for the rest of the evening. Star-gazing. Talking. Laughing. Drinking. Eating. Enjoying.

Of course I know this is not my reality. But it's summer here and this is what I'm imagining. A girl can dream, ok?

So I was walking to the office this morning and I could have sworn I smelled someone brewing a fresh pot of Starbucks. I promise. Of course, I know this couldn't possibly be the case. But it got me thinking.

I bet if I were stranded in the desert, my mirage would be Starbucks coffee as opposed to a pool of water.

Frightening? Maybe.

Telling? Most definitely.

It's Saturday evening. I just finished the first day of our work week. My head is hurting and it's time to take de-worming medicine.

Some days I like living here more than others.

While the Crushing One was here, we took many a "walking tour" around town. Here's a sampling of what we saw...

On our way back from the mosque we passed by this elderly man squatting in a doorway. I wasn't going to ask, but he was too cute to resist. I went back and kindly requested his permission to take his picture and he said, "Why not?" He then asked what we were doing, walking back and forth every day. (Geesh, are we that noticeable?!) And for the record...it wasn't every day, just the two days prior.





If you were to walk down this alleyway, you'd find my house. At the end, with the blue gate. On your way, you'd walk under grape vines (on the left) and pomegranate trees (on the right). If you time it just right, the neighbors might even invite you in for tea or dinner or a birthday party of some random relative. I love this alley, for at the end, I always find refuge.


If you look to the right after you pass the blue glass shop, you'll see this street. With the blue sky peeking out from atop the mud tunnel, this is one of my favorite views in the entire city.







Last, but not least, we saw these three boys. They never let go, but one boy did look back to see what I was up to. Ahh, childhood. When the days seem to go on forever and life is really, really good.

Me and my shadow....










More to come when the sun stops shining and my shadow is gone....

Every day on my way to work I pass by two beggars. Two different men, sitting on two different street corners asking for money. Every day it’s the same. One has a bandage around his face—making me wonder if he even has a nose. The other is an elderly gentleman that quietly looks up as I walk by and meekly asks for a gift. This is their life.

Sometimes the needs in this place are overwhelming. Some days I find myself with my heart hardening because I just don’t know what else to do. Other days I’m so filled with compassion that I find myself wishing, if just for a second, I could track down some millionaire who could step in and give lavishly to these people. But the truth is, deep down I know that the needs of these people stretch far beyond the financial arena.

I remember two years ago when I was teaching at Ozark. I had asked WL to come and share on the issue of poverty and disease to my night class. Throughout our two hours together he repeatedly made one statement that stuck with me: I hate being rich.

I hate being rich.

Some of you are probably thinking that I need less support. (I’m not saying that!) But it's true…I’m rich. And every day in this place I’m reminded of it. Every day at least one person asks me for something. Give me a book…give me money…give me medicine…give me a job…give me food…etc. Some days I just want to scream, “STOP ASKING ME FOR THINGS!”

But I’m rich.

I’m rich because I’ve been educated and can read and write my own language. I’m rich because I have a roof over my head, an indoor bathroom, and running water. I’m rich because there is never NOT a time when I don’t have food in my kitchen. I’m rich because I have clean drinking water ALL the time. I’m rich because I can treat myself whenever sickness may arise. I’m rich because I am hardly ever sick to begin with. I’m rich because I have a family who loves me and supports me in this crazy work. I’m rich because I’ve got amazing people all over the world who are partnering with me to bring life to this dry land. I’m rich because I have the Word in my own language and have my own copy in hand right now. I’m rich (insert a million more reasons here)….

I’m rich and no matter how much I hate it, it’s a fact.

And so I find myself constantly on my knees, asking Dad for guidance in these matters. Asking Dad to let me see these people the way He does. Asking for compassion, instead of frustration. Patience instead of annoyance.

He’s working on me in this area. I hear Him speaking His words to me. Words like “freely you have received; freely you give.” Or “If they knew who it was they were talking to, they would ask for Living Water.” Or “And then He looked and had compassion on the crowd.”

It’s tough. It’s not in my nature. But it’s truth.

I * am * rich.

I just had to post a few pictures from my day yesterday. I seriously live with one of the cutest little boys in the world!

Today the Crushing One is coming (hopefully) for a visit. She was supposed to have come on Thursday...and then on Friday...and...well, we live in CA! So now it's the work week again and I guess we'll just have to fit "fun" in between working hours, IF she makes it today.

Randomness: Yesterday I was speaking to this lady at fellowship and she asked if I had any plans to leave on summer holiday. I told her no and her response was basically, "Good luck." I informed her that she was not very encouraging and she responded by saying, "I tried it once. Last summer. I made it to the middle of July."

Great. At least we've had a couple days break from the heat, so I'm feeling hopeful. Come August I may be thinking otherwise.

For all my scrapping friends...here's a picture of the page I did yesterday....

It's not a very good shot since I took it at night and used flash, but you get the general idea. I love creating things!

What are you working on these days?

(EDIT: I just came back to delete this picture of my scrap page. I decided against it. I don't know why, but posting this here makes me feel completely vulnerable. Why? I don't have a clue. Art can be so intensely personal at times. It's not like I wouldn't share this with you if we were hanging out. I guess it's just my choice. So this is me...sharing my art with the world!)



And last, but not least, here's another random photo from "The Loft." It's my new favorite place to be. (And yes, those are really my curtains.) :-)

Today the sky was overcast and the temps were much cooler than the balmy weather we've been experiencing as of late. I woke up almost giddy to find my room in shade instead of its usual sun-filled illumination. Cloudy days are simply perfect for a Thursday/Saturday at home. Cloudy days have this unintentional way of slowing me down. (Which is odd, when I really think about it. I tend to drink more coffee when it's cloudy/rainy so you'd think it would have the opposite affect. Hmm.)

Anyway, today was a slow day. To be quite honest, I enjoyed a whole lot of nothing-ness. Reading...writing...scrapbooking...watching Grey's and Spiderman 3. It's been lovely. Nothing too exciting, but refreshing all the same.

I think it's high time for a little musical update. :)

I know you all are dying to discover what I'm listening to these days. So your waiting is over.

Here's a little sampler of what's on my May Playlist...(By Artist and Song)
*The Last Kiss Soundtrack--OK, I can't pick one or two songs. I pretty much love the WHOLE album. What can I say? Zach Braff has great taste in music. :)

*Regina Spektor--Fidelity; Samson; On the Radio...I love her creativity and voice.

*The Weepies--The World Spins Madly On....Perfect to listen to while driving out to the village or around town. The world does spin madly on.

*Red Hot Chili Peppers--Snow (Hey Oh)...Fun, fun. This song makes me happy every time.

*The Streets--Fit But Don't You Know It ...This song is clever, but only listen to it if you don't mind a few curse words every now and then. (They're British. What do you expect?)

*Joshua Radin--Live Sessions--all of it...This guy is my new love. His music is the calm in the midst of my storm.

*Mat Kearney--Where We Gonna Go From Here...Excellent question, Mat. Excellent question. Let's start with a new album from you. How does that sound?

*Imogen Heap--Goodnight and Go...With words like, "Why'd you have to be so cute? It's impossible to ignore you," you can't go wrong. :)


I should probably also admit to the occasional Avril, Beyonce, Nelly, Will Smith, etc. that make it on to my list (don't judge me). You probably already assumed they were there anyway.

So what are you listening to these days? What's on the radio in the States (besides Justin Timberlake)? Anything new I should be aware of?

I just had a funny conversation with two of my male teammates after lunch. One was describing this girl as "fru-fru" and then, seeing as how I was the only female present for this conversation, he turned to me and said, "Don't worry, L. I don't think of you that way."

Hmmm. I know in his mind that was a compliment so I don't hold it against him. But he should have probably stopped there. He went on to further explain that he sees me as a "semi-psychedelic wanna-be." (H, I'll give you one guess who said this!)

A WHAT?

I had to ask for an explanation on that one.

Somehow he equates the fact that I don't take things for face value and that I'm a "thinker" and "smart" with being "semi-psychedelic."

My guess: he was digging himself into a hole, and couldn't find his way out.

No matter his point, two things came to mind from this discussion:
1. My teammates don't really know me all that well yet. --This isn't a bad thing. We only meet together once a week or so, and when we do, we are usually busy being "deep." They've yet to really see "Fun L" come out of the bag.

Plus, I've never been outside of the country with these people. I guess it's good that they think I'm "un-fru fru." But the truth is, if we ever went on break together, I think they'd be surprised. I'm girlie. I like the color pink....lip gloss...wearing cute clothes...and shopping, among other things. (I know. Those of you who know me are S*H*O*C*K*E*D.)

Which leads me to my second thought...

2. I'm different here. ---This also isn't necessarily a bad thing. I remember last summer when Kar-Kar told me that she loves the fact that I love the finer things in life, but yet I still choose to live in a place like the Ancient City. Or how one minute I can carry on a 45 minute discussion about the latest trends in head bands and the next minute you'll find me arguing my views of war and politics. This is me. Some times I think I have multiple personalities. (Think: Sybil. OK, don't. Watching that movie in Freshman Psych scared me.)

The point is, that I guess I have to change to live in this place. My dress, language, food, living conditions, independence, safety, etc.....none of it is the same. It can't be if I want to make a difference here. And you know what? That's ok. I'm learning (if ever so slowly) that those things don't define me. None of them are where I place my identity. None of these things give me value*or meaning*or purpose.

Donald Miller in "Searching for God Knows What" says this...

The circus, and I am talking about life now, really sucks. It feels like we all have these little acts, these stupid things we do that we all hang our hats on. The Fall has made monkeys of us, for crying out loud. Some of us are athletes and others of us are physicists, and some of us are good-looking and some of us are rich, and we all are running around, in a way, trying to get a bunch of people to clap for us, trying to get a bunch of people to say we are normal, we are healthy, we are good. And there is nothing wrong with being beautiful or being athletic or being smart, but those are some of the pleasures of life, not life’s redemption. –pg.175

So every now and then I need a reminder. A reminder that it doesn't matter what clothes I'm wearing. Or how far along I've come in learning this language. Or who thinks I'm funny. Or smart.

For those things? Well, they are just pleasures.

My redemption comes from Him. My identity is in Him. And you wanna know the coolest part?

Rumor has it, that HE's madly in love with me. Semi-psychedelic or not.

There's No Place Like Home

I just thought I'd write a quick post to let you all know that I've finally made it back to the Ancient City. It was quite the ordeal yesterday, as it often is in this place, but I did make it.

It's been nice to sleep in my own bed, take a long shower, open the SIX packages and TWO cards I received in the mail while I was gone, play with Little D, and prepare for a new week at work.

It's good to be back.

Low Expectations

I know I blogged earlier, but I've received word that the flight to the Ancient City is canceled for tomorrow as well. Several people have called to tell me, but I have yet to confirm it with the airlines. My guess?...It's true. I apologized to the only other female traveling on today's flight...telling her that every time I travel this happens. I don't think she was amused.

Tonight a group of us went to eat at the Turkish restaurant and then up to the InterCon hill. T, you will be sad to know that the swings are gone! YES, we were all very, very sad. In fact, we stood in silence for a few moments just staring at the empty space that once held something so dear.

The swings were one of the few places in this city where all of your troubles seemed to disappear. You could overlook the city and when timed just right, you could even catch a beautiful sunset behind the rocky edges of the mountains.

There we could let our head coverings fall off and feel the wind on our face as our hair blew freely in the breeze. The chains were so long you might have thought they reached all the way to heaven. With your eyes closed, you could even imagine that you were being pushed by God Himself.

It was a lovely place. Those swings.

Thanks for the memories, swings. You will be sadly, sadly missed.

Yesterday I was beginning to feel like I had had enough of this place. I was annoyed by the beggars, frustrated at the staring men, angry with the greedy taxi drivers, sick of the insane traffic, and impatient with anyone in between.

Honestly, there are days when I love this place and then there are days when I want to cry, scream and/or pull my hair out. On a really "good" day, there's quite possibly the combination of all 3 of those reactions running through my mind.

Today it was the combo.

I'm writing this post, not from the comforts of my own room, but the room I've been staying in for the past 2 weeks. After a very long morning waiting at the airport, they canceled my flight... for no reason!!! I tell you, there has not been a single trip that I have made in and out of this city since my return, where at least one of my flights was not canceled. Grrr.

For those of you who think I'm a saint for doing what I do, you should have seen me today. I was anything but!

I guess I should be happy that this gives me one more night to hang out with friends, but I think I'm really just ready to be "home." I'll try again tomorrow and keep you posted if it happens.

"I'm finished," she said as she took off her gloves and turned back to her desk. "For good?" I asked. "Yes," she replied. A huge sigh of relief and gratitude filled the air as this long and seemingly, drawn out, process of a root canal had come to a completion.

I felt like doing a little dance right then and there in the dentist's office. But seeing as how I could never even get her to crack a smile the entire time leading up to that point, I decided against it.

Instead I headed straight over to the airline office to book my return flight home. I went in...explained to the lady that I needed a ticket to the Ancient City...she asked when...and then without hesitation, told me that there were no seats available for tomorrow's flight. WHAT??

I kind of thought to myself that this wasn't even funny any more, but what was I to do? So I booked my flight for Wednesday which, on the plus side, means that I'll make it home just in time for the weekend. :)

What a crazy ordeal this has been! 2 weeks. 2 weeks since I left the Ancient City for a "3-4 day" trip! And to think that I was so proud of myself for not over-packing this time around!

But besides the pain and dental visits, my time here really has been a blessing. One that I wasn't planning, but one that I believe was an unexpected gift from Above.

Here are just a few highlights:
1. An afternoon that consisted of lunch at the Thai restaurant (my fave) followed by iced coffee and great conversation at K Coffeehouse with H.
2. Being silly with S. (You haven't seen half of our Photo Booth shots!)
3. Sharing music with J.
4. Movies, movies, movies (and the first season of Grey's Anatomy).
5. Sitting out by the fountain and garden of the fancy hotel at night with H and J.

I'm sure I could go on, but I think I'll leave it at that for now. My heart is encouraged and I've been refreshed just by being here. Who knew a root canal could bring such blessings?

Word of Advice: Never see a dentist that's having a bad day. It can only mean that a lot of pain will inevitably follow.

Good News: The mean dentist finished the root canal part of the process today. I have to wait a day and then she'll put the final filling in on Monday. (Hopefully I'll be back in the Ancient City on Tuesday.)

Bad News: My Beloved Cards have had a rough week. I'll give them that. If you don't know, one of their pitchers was killed in a car accident last weekend. At this exact moment, they are playing the Houston Astros and I just checked the score. I may or may not have cussed.


Feliz Cinco de Mayo...and National Scrapbooking Day! (How nerdy am I?) :)

Ramblings from an Insomniac

Another silly photo from photo booth. That little camera on my computer is way too much fun, I tell ya! Hours of entertainment.

This is the second night in a row that I can't get to sleep. It's 1am and I'm not in the least bit tired. Not good for my body clock but perfect for moon gazing (and catching friends online).

Right now the moon is shining so brightly through my window that I think I could read a book by its light. It's lovely. A few bright stars twinkle in the distance. Silence fills the cool night air. It's so peaceful. Moments like this remind me exactly why it is that I love the late hours of the evening.

Nothing much in the way of news from here. The last 2 days have been pretty low-key. Just chilling with friends...watching movies...laughing...listening to good music...reading books. Soon I'll be heading back to life as normal. I'm trying to enjoy the last remaining days of this "holiday."

Tomorrow (well, today actually) I'll be re-visiting the dentist. I'm hoping that I'm healed enough now for her to finish her work. We'll see! My teammates are threatening to open some packages I've received if I'm not back by Monday. :) It is time to get "home."

So it was interesting tonight as a group of us were sitting around talking about life in this place... how it changes us for good or bad. We were sharing how it's hard to fit in when we are back in the States, as both parties have a hard time understanding the life of the other person. Someone pointed out how even something as simple as dental work takes so much more work/thought in this place. I can't just call up the doctor and see her that day. No, I have to book a flight...get a place to stay...not know how long I'm going to be there...etc., etc.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. And I do have very dear and precious friends in the States that I love and connect with. It's just that sometimes these worlds are such a contrast. Often times I don't even take into account the variety of stress that I experience here. Why would I? Isn't this normal? It is for me.

This is my life. Weird, I know.

Fun Times with Photo Booth...

Remember that time when I thought I was going on a 3 day trip
and it turned out to be 3 WEEKS????

Seriously. I didn't pack for this.

I don't really feel like writing about my dental issues at the moment. All I will say is that I'm now here in Ktown until at least Sunday...maybe Monday.

I'm ok though. Just hanging out with friends. Line dancing. Watching movies. Drinking milkshakes. Life really isn't all that bad.

The Saga Continues

Scene from today...

Dentist: (Begins drilling or picking or pulling or something on the tooth) How's your tooth today?

Me: (Gauze plus two hands in mouth) umm...it's ok. It's really sensitive to pressure though. Like, I can't touch it or bite down on it or anything.

Dentist: Hmmm. OK. (Carries on drilling or picking or pulling or something.)

Me: (Flinching while mentally thinking that this pain is not real)

Dentist: Do you need anesthetic today?

Me: Well....ummm...(thinking that I can tough it out)...are you going to be working a lot on this?

Dentist: No. This won't take long at all.

Me: OK then, no.

Dentist: (Begin pushing right on the nerve)

Me: (nearly jumping out of my chair) YEAH, I need anesthetic!

Dentist: (Proceeds to work for the next HOUR and a HALF!!!)

Me: Mentally--Did she really ask me if I needed anesthetic? What kind of a question is that? You work for over an hour on my tooth and you think I don't need drugs???

And...SCENE.

*************************************************************************
So it doesn't look like things are progressing as nicely as I had hoped. The dentist said I need more time to heal before she can do the rest of the work. I have to wait until Thursday to see her again which means I may or may not be able to head back to the Ancient City on Friday.

Oh the joys of dental issues!

I guess it's also a good thing I like chocolate pudding and milkshakes. :)

The dentist had a cancellation today and was able to get me in earlier than expected. I think it took her all of 3 minutes to determine that I needed a root canal. She began the process this afternoon and informed that I had finished the worst of it today. At that moment I looked much like a stroke victim, with the entire left side of my mouth numb. I naively thought that it wasn't really all that bad and couldn't figure out what everyone was always talking about.

Now, 6 hours later, I get it. I'd do anything for another shot of Novocaine. My guess is it's going to be a loooong night.

FYI: Root canals hurt. A lot.

The end.

Will the real dentist please stand up?

It was a good thought. This idea that I could go to Ktown for a quick 3 day trip...see the dentist, get my tooth fixed, enjoy some quality time with friends, and return home in time for another week of work. Then reality strikes and I'm thrust into the knowledge that I am living within a country and cultural context that never seems to work on my time table.

And so I find myself still sitting in Ktown. Still waiting to see the dentist.

Apparently the phone number I was given to contact the dentist here was incorrect. I should have known when the man who answered didn't speak English, but I asked him 3 times if this was the dentist and 3 times he confirmed to me that it was. So, trusting this to be the case, I set up an appointment for Friday at 9am.

Friday morning I made my way over to the other side of town, found the office, greeted the guards at the gate, and was promptly informed that it was Friday and the dentist was not at work. I explained that I was told to come at this time and they asked me to call that number again and ask about the situation.

The same national guy answered the phone. We exchanged greetings. I told him I needed to see the dentist and that he had told me to come at that time. He then said that he wasn't at the office. It hit me in that moment, that perhaps, he was the dentist. (The foreign dentist I was/am planning to see is female.) I asked if he worked for this certain company and he said no.

Bummer. He was a dentist, just not the one I needed/wanted to see. So since Fridays are like Sundays and yesterday (Saturday) was a national holiday, I could not get through to the real dentist until this morning.

I now have an appointment set for tomorrow morning at 8:15am...I think.

On the plus side of all of this, I've been enjoying some quality time with friends. Late night conversations, coffee, eating out, bonfire at the "Shhh," DreamGirls, truthful moments of "kiss and tell." What more could a girl ask for?!

I'm just hoping my tooth doesn't fall out in the meantime! :)

I'm going on a road trip, of sorts, in the morning. It's a bit of a spontaneous adventure. Not one I had previously been planning (or even thinking about), but one that has been brought on by the fact that I'm having tooth issues. (Read: a little bit of my tooth fell out yesterday and since I've been avoiding the increased pain for the past several weeks, I figured time was running out.)

So yeah, I'm headed to the dentist. Only there isn't one in this city. (Well, at least not one I'd trust.) So this morning I booked a flight for Ktown and will hopefully be seeing the one and only foreign dentist in this entire country some time in the next couple of days.

I'm just grateful that I don't have to leave the country to get help!

In between my time with the dentist, I plan on seeing lots of friends!! (Yay!) I might even be too busy to write on this thing. (Gasp!)

Just when I've started becoming predictable, I go and throw a curve ball ;)....

"Honesty...is such a lonely word."

Anybody remember that old school Billy Joel song? (And don't worry, you don't have to be afraid to admit you all are as old as me. Well, at least some of you. :)

Anyway, it just popped into my head. Randomness. That's what I'm all about.

So here's my honesty...

I've been missing my friends lately. (I think I might have mentioned that a time or two these past few days.)

I hate to use the word "lonely" because, really, how can one be "lonely" when one's surrounded by people ALL the time? Besides, it sounds so desperate. So weak. So...like I need people. And we all know that tough girls like myself don't "need" people. Right?

Wrong.

I'm learning this. If ever so slowly, I'm learning. It's how we were designed. To live in community with one another and with our Father. It's just like my future husband (who still doesn't even know my name or that I exist) Donald Miller says, "We are relational indeed."

The other day, my dear friend T blogged about her own desire for community. I remember Little J and I spending hours talking about it and longing for it while I was living in JoMo. And I even think the "Patio Gang" has joked about it at times.

But what does this actually look like? And how do we get there?

And more importantly...When am I going to have a friend close by who'd be willing to go jump in the fountain with me late at night or do the Thriller dance at the drop of a hat??? OK, I'm just kidding. Kind of. But, no, seriously...any takers? ;)

I could have written about this yesterday, but for fear of looking like a total nerd (save the comments please) posting twice in one day, I decided to hold off. That does not, however, mean that my joy has wained. In fact, I'm still smiling as I type.

Technology is an amazing thing (when it works for you). And yesterday morning it did just that, as I actually got to video chat with some of my favorite people in the whole world. To say that it made my day would be a HUGE understatement. I think it made my week….possibly even my life! (OK, that’s an exaggeration, but you get the point.)

The thousands of miles between us seemed to disappear, if only for a few moments, as everyone sat around the fire pit, enjoying their spinach/artichoke dip, s’mores, and fun beverages (like my morning coffee)….catching up…cracking old jokes (Scott, the "tree" comments never get old, huh?) and some new ones (Janet-courtesy of Laffy Taffy)…sarcastic comments…awkward moments (thanks Pete for always trying to hook me up with the “nearest” eligible bachelor)...and laughter.

For about an hour, I was back in B/N. Man, it does a heart good.

I do have to confess, while I'm writing about my "mini-break from reality," that a dare was laid on the table. Unfortunately I was unable to complete it yesterday. I kept trying to think of ways to throw in a line from “Baby Got Back” into ordinary conversation, and while it was great at cracking me up on the inside, outwardly it just didn't happen. It probably would have been lost in translation, right? So I'm going to try and make it work when I'm around predominantly English speakers. I'll keep you posted. It *will* happen.

So that's it. That is/was the highlight of my week. Now if only I could transport everyone HERE. My life would be complete. ;)

Plans. Often times they are overrated.

Last night I arrived home from work early. I was feeling productive after running a bunch of errands so I thought I would go with that feeling and work out while I still had some adrenaline pumping through my veins. It doesn’t take much to unmotivate me from working out, so I thought I’d help myself out by avoiding temptation. (Remember our plan, Tricks? I’m trying to follow through.)

In the midst of my routine, thoughts ran through my mind as to how the rest of my evening would look. And I have to say; I was pleased.

5:00-5:30pm—Finish working out and take a shower
5:30-6:00pm—Make & eat dinner
6:00-??pm—Read, help J with the kids, and enjoy a leisurely evening at home.
9:00pm—Go to bed early so I can get up super early in the morning to catch the crew on the patio!

And for the most part, I was right on schedule. Until 5:30pm.

Knock on my door. (It’s J.) She informs me that one of the neighbors had just stopped by and invited us to her brother’s second birthday party. It starts at 7pm.

Me: (In my pajamas, hair wet, no make up) Really?
J: Yeah. She invited us all.
Me: OK.

Change of plans.

I got dressed. Put some makeup on. Helped J get the kids ready and by 7pm we were walking down our alley to the neighbors.

They were thrilled to see us.

The next 2 hours were filled with conversations, dancing, laughter, little boys with sharp objects (they actually gave the 2 year old the knife to cut his own cake!), more dancing, and pictures.

We left their house at a little after 9pm, just as they were insisting we stay and eat dinner. (Sometimes it pays to have kids with bed times. They are great for excuses!)

So like I said…plans are often times overrated. It’s the unexpected invitations that could make your evening something worth writing about later.

Guess what?

YEP, you guessed it...I'm smart! I figured out the problem with the profile pic. :) Whoot Whoot!

And guess what else?...I downloaded the clean version of Avril's latest hit, "Girlfriend." I'm rockin' out in my office as I type. (Thanks for the recommendation, Trix!) I'm a sucker for anything that sounds like it has a cheer in it. "Hollaback Girl" being a case in point.

And guess what else?...If all goes well, I will be hanging out on the Gaff's patio with some of my favorite people in the whole world in the morning (night for them) via ichat. It's the backyard season opener there in B/N and I can hardly wait!

Oh how I miss my friends. Seriously. Like, a LOT. I miss them. As in, "you can't even imagine how much," I miss them.

And lastly...guess what?... That's it. I don't have anything else for you to guess. :) But I am trying to figure out how to have some fun in this place. Life can be too serious at times. I get consumed with work and home and the dramas that come with living here. I need some form of escape.

Anybody have any ideas or dares for me? Something I can do and post pictures of or write about? (And yes, I'm fully aware of how I ended that sentence with a prepositional phrase. Bad. Very bad.)

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

So I've been trying to figure out a way to post a new photo in the "About Me" section, but have been unsuccessful up to this point. I'm going to try it here and see what happens. Sorry to disappoint if you thought I had some great, exciting news to share. :) I'm just really bored with all these old photos. AND...looking at that Starbucks pic makes me want to go there. I have to tell myself that someday I'll be enjoying my favorite location once again.

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OK...so I just tried it and it still didn't work. For some reason the URL's are not working these days. Anybody have any tips on this???

T.G.I.W.! It's the start of our weekend here and I couldn't be happier! Whoot Whoot!

It's been a long week. I'm ready for bed and it's...4:20pm. Is that bad? Although I just downloaded the latest Regina Spektor album and it's taking me to another world. (Thanks for all the new i-tune cards, people!!). I love it!

So today was *interesting* to say the least.

I came into work early, as my CDP staff and I wanted to run to the hospital to visit Sally before we left for the village. It took a few minutes of research, but we soon found out that Sally had been released yesterday. PTL! So we headed off to the "dE."

We arrived in DS and were setting up the room when, guess who walked in?....Yep, Sally! She was wearing a bright green outfit, sunglasses and a huge smile. She looked like a miniature movie star. I was thrilled. It was like seeing a completely different person than the one who lay unresponsive in her hospital bed just 2 days before.

According to her parents, the doctors had told them she had a tumor before looking at the x-rays. (Nothing like the medical system here, I tell ya!) After they examined the x-rays, they decided that she actually had typhoid...not a brain tumor. WHAT???

In that instant, part of me rejoiced while the other part of me was really ticked at those STUPID doctors!! Can you imagine the emotional roller coaster of this family?! Arrgh. It makes me mad just thinking about it.

BUT she's better. Sally is better! And here's the other cool thing...when her mom came into the women's meeting today, she thanked me profusely and then basically commanded me to pray for her again (in front of about 20 other women that had arrived previously). My co-worker said it might cause problems later, but I told her I couldn't refuse an opportunity to pray for someone.

So I did.

Now, I don't know what that means...or the effects of my simple words. But there are seeds planted. And I was obedient to the H.S. in that moment. (Who knows, I may be home sooner than you think! ...Ha!)

And then, beyond all of that, there were the conversations. Today, around the lunch table and again on the drive back into the city, serious discussions with my national co-workers took place. I can't go into the specifics of them here (And, no, none of them have changed their minds on anything), but they were open. And Truth was shared.

Looking back now, today just seemed like one of those days when His presence seemed so very near. And I don't mean the kind of nearness that fills you with peace...but the kind that makes you want to take your shoes off and bow. For I was almost certain that the burning bush must have been right around the corner.

Today seemed THAT big.