“Everything you love is what makes a life worth living.”
~John Eldredge

Things I Love…
Rainy days
Sunshine
Green, green grass
Gerber Daisies
The Ocean—the sound, its vastness, the smell, etc.
Ice Cream
McDonald’s
God
My family
My friends
Children—everything about them—esp. Little D, H, C&C
Music of all kinds
Going fast
Motorcycles
Concerts
Dancing
Flip-flops
Baseball—and everything associated with it
STL Cardinals
The changing of the seasons
Snow
Chick Flicks
You’ve Got Mail
New York City
Starbucks
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Gap
Shopping
Pink
Blue
Green
Blue Skies
Fireside chats
Star gazing
My Macbook
My ipod
Skirts (with no pants underneath)
Bookstores
Magazines--InStyle, Real Simple, US Weekly, Time
Convertibles
Scrapbooking
Margaritas
Downey Simple Pleasures
Clean Sheets—hung on the line
Twizzlers
Charleston Chews Minis
Grilled pork chops & steamed asparagus
Laughing/ laughter
Candles
White twinkle Lights
Christmas
Dreams
Movie Star Sunglasses
Photographs
My nose ring
Bubble Baths
Hot Showers
Long drives—either alone or with friends
Gilmore Girls
Grey’s Anatomy
Dawson & Felicity
Deep Conversations
Doing Laundry—in a real machine
Pottery Barn Catalogues
Mountains
Art
Italy
Pepsi over ice
Good writing
Life
Grilled cheese & Campbell’s Tomato Soup
Packages sent from home
Staying up late
Spending all day on the water—in a boat or on jet skis or swimming
Lazy Mornings
South America
Central Asia
Starting out a story with, “Back in ‘Nam”
Traveling—seeing the world
Thinking outside the box
Acoustic Guitars
Children’s Books
Wireless Internet (the faster the better)
Wearing my hair down and not covering my head
Electricity
Playing tennis
Slumber Parties
Daring my friends (and vice versa)
Chili's
Staying up late
Sleeping in

This list was brought to you by a very bored Strawberry Blonde sitting hours on end in a training seminar.
This post was based on an idea seen by a fellow blogger
and
has successfully taken the author's mind off of her current situation.
THANK YOU!

It’s snowing here today. I’m in a different city. It hardly ever snows here in this particular place, but there seems to be a trend. Whenever I travel within this country… snow happens.

I’m not complaining. It has reminded me that it is still February. I just wish I wasn’t cramped into this small room and very bored with my 8 hour-a-day training. Uggh. Where’s Starbucks when you need it?

BUT apart from my lackluster training experience, I am enjoying seeing another part of this country. This city is what I would picture for a Central Asian nation, with a large influence coming in from its northern neighbor. The people look more Asian. Horses are used for the transportation of both goods and people. A delicious, round style of bread is sold on nearly every corner. And while I’ve only seen a small portion of this place, it's reminded me how incredibly diverse this country truly is.

It’s been a blessing to spend some time with some dear friends from my early days in Ktown who have been living in this city for a few years. They are always encouraging…always challenging…and great at asking good questions. I’m now praying that Dad will direct them to the Ancient City!

I’ve also been staying with a couple that, before now, I had only heard about from others. They are gentle spirits and hospitable beyond words. They are people who have lived through being held captive for 6 months, a massive attack of grenades and bombers, and the list could go on. Still they choose to live here. Still they choose to love the people who have caused them an infinite amount of pain and hardships. I’m humbled in the midst of these faithful saints and so very grateful for this time to learn from them.

Then on Thursday I’m hoping to go by road from here to Ktown with my Kazakh co-worker. There’s a bus that leaves early in the morning and depending on the weather and road conditions, we should arrive within 7-10 hours. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful trip and a fun little adventure. My thought: Why fly when you could have the possibility of being stuck in a snowed-in pass for several hours on a bus with hundreds of other nationals? Imagine the fun!

Stay tuned for more stories…

Last night a group of us were hanging out. It was Barista N's last night in the city, K had unexpectedly landed here for 24 hours on her way to Ktown, and I was successfully avoiding some guests we had staying at our house. (That's terrible, I know. But I don't feel like explaining the situation.)

Anyway, we started talking about food and restaurants we were missing from the States. (This kind of conversation occurs on a regular basis.) I made the comment that, very soon I would be eating McDonald's. I proceeded to say that, "Unfortunately, the McDonald's where I'm going does not serve Shamrock Shakes."

And that's when the crowd turned on me. First in disbelief. Then in laughter. Nobody in the room had ever heard of such a treat!

I went on to explain that every year, from mid-February to the end of March, McDonald's serves this incredible "shamrock shake" that's green and mint flavored. I told them this tradition has been dated at least as far back as my freshman year in college. The mob (aka my friends) then pointed out that that was a long time ago. I believe one person even went so far as to say, "You remember this because you were in college. We only cared about what came in our Happy Meals at that time!"

So, I'm old. Older than everyone in that room, at least. But I WASN'T making it up!

As this discussion continued, I forced A to get online and google "shamrock shakes McDonald's." I thought then my point would be made.

Wrong.

Then THEIR point about my age was only made stronger as this is what was written on some website...

In days past, when the world was young and light of heart, old and young alike could walk down Main Street in early Spring with the birds singing and the flowers just starting to bloom. Invariably, those walks would end at the quaint burger shop on the corner, the local McDonald's. And on those days in March, a special treat would await those who braved the drizzle: a tasty, frothy, Shamrock Shake. Oh yes, and what a treat it was. Peppermint flavored and colored green, the Shamrock Shake was a celebration of Irish heritage at its best. No green colored Budweiser or stupid pilgrim hat painted green for the change of season could compare to the purity that was the Shamrock Shake. So delicious, the whole family would climb into the wagon (or minivan, whatever) and each get a large scrumptious taste of St. Patrick's Day.

Alas, those carefree days are gone. McDonald's is no longer the 'shop around the corner' serving up a wholesome burger and fries while you hang with your high school gang. It's now some faceless, greedy, multibillion dollar, 39 cent hamburger factory. No, those days have past, and we must move on. The Shamrock Shake has gone the way of the poodle skirt and the Hammer pants. But we shall never forget thee, you taught us what St. Patrick's Day was all about and announced the coming of Spring to all who would listen.

---

Yeah. I lost the argument.

I did, however, prove that Shamrock Shakes do indeed exist. Mainly in Ireland and to this day in a limited number of locations. I guess, lucky for me, IL was just one such state!

SO the moral of the story is this...

Eat, drink and be merry.
For you never know when McDonald's will stop serving your favorite treat!

I hate cilantro. Hate it. And don't tell me that I should give it a try. I lived in South America for over a year. It NEVER grew on me.

Today we had cilantro in our lunch. I tried to pick around it but it was to no avail. And now...an hour and a half later, that flavor lingers on. Uggh.

So I just want it to be known that this is me. The Strawberry Blonde. Lover of coffee...all things creative...chick flicks...Cardinal's baseball...McDonald's...etc. Hater of cilantro.

Take me or leave me.

My thoughts are muddled right now as I've sat down to write about my experiences of this past week. I am not really sure how to begin or where to end. I feel as though every day has been full and worthy of expressing and sharing, yet somehow...words seem insufficient in this moment.


This week...
I spent 4 days out visiting 10 different villages with my 4 other national staff.
Man, I wish you all could see this place...these people. (And those of you who have only been in Ktown…there’s a whole other world that we’ve missed out on!) I found myself wanting to take a million pictures as we drove off into these seemingly uncharted territories. I refrained for cultural and relational reasons, but I just kept thinking how National Geographic would kill to get a glimpse of what I was seeing. But I am also confident, that even if I did get some shots, a camera wouldn't do justice to the beauty that was before my eyes.

Seriously. The landscape of this country continues to take my breath away. Of course, there’s the obvious beauty found in its rugged and desolate terrain. The way the mountains cut into the sky…the clouds that cover the road at a certain altitude…the river that rushes by as the snow melts from the beginnings of spring. But I tell you; it’s the faces of these people that have captivated my heart. Their espresso eyes…lines on their faces…toothless smiles. I found myself mesmerized a million times over this week.

This week…
I watched women hope--most for the first time in who knows how long.
After a thousand and one greetings and a mile long list of needs (clean water, doctors, medicine, education, jobs, cars, etc.), our team shared with these ladies the hope of empowerment. Instead of bringing a doctor to this village for one month or two, we’ll figure out the root of the problem (i.e. what’s causing them to be sick in the first place) and learn how to stop it. It’s education in its simplest form. But in the period of our hour-long conversation, I saw their countenance change and their spirits lift. There IS a way out of their suffering. There IS a reason to hope once again.

This week…
I moved to a new house.
This is the fifth time I’ve moved since November, and I’m happy to say that I think this is it for a while (barring any major outside issues that may arise). Lord, let it be so.

This week…
We moved to a new office.
Yes, that’s right. Not only did we move houses, we also pretty much simultaneously moved office buildings as well. Needless to say, things have been a bit chaotic and un-orderly for the past several days!

This week..
Our team has been wrestling with how to help a brother who has come to us because his life is being threatened because of his beliefs.
Man, they don't teach you about this stuff in college. There are no pat answers. But oh, how I wish there were. My heart aches at the realities of this nation. But I am also encouraged, because I know that HE is working in this place.

So that's a brief overview of my week. I'm exhausted and would appreciate your prayers.

Tomorrow we will be hosting a national couple for the remainder of the week and on Thursday, Lord willing, I will head out to another city for a week of training and then on to Ktown and then to see Trix in the desert region! :)

Yesterday.

I don't know what it was, but the world seemed to be against me. It probably all centered around the fact that I didn't have my morning coffee, but that's neither here nor there.

I was frustrated.
No electricity. Nosy government workers. No clean laundry. A dust storm in FEBRUARY. Interruptions.

Yesterday was just one of "those days."

And just when I had pretty much resigned myself to a day of accomplishing absolutely NOTHING and remaining frustrated in spite of my mental "10 Things For Which to be Thankful" list I made while walking home from the office, everything seemed to change upon opening my front door.

It was his excitement. His adorable face. Hearing him yell "LoLo!!" Those big blue eyes. The way he came running out with open arms to greet me. Sigh. It was exactly what my heart needed in order to remember that the world really wasn't/isn't all that bad.

Little D. The cutest 20 month old I know. And all the reason a person needs to smile.

So after asking permission from his mom, I took Little D down to the coffee shop (yes, we have one of those here). He went crazy for the donut holes. I went crazy for the double shot caramel macchiato. We sang "The Wheels on the Bus." We visited with N, our amazing barista. :) We looked at pictures in National Geographic. And on our way home, we bought naan. (The D's favorite!)

So what if I didn't accomplish anything? I had a date with Little D. And that...that made all the difference.

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 shared some great, exciting news on life in this place. :)

It's February, people! Can you believe it? I can't. Maybe it's because these past 2 weeks have felt more like March or April, what with the 70 degree temps and abundance of sunshine. Perhaps my brain just skipped past the last part of winter?

Nope.

It's back. Today the rain is pattering quietly outside my window and the temperature is a bit colder. I have Joe Purdy playing in the back ground. (If you're not familiar with him...you should be.) His song, "I Love the Rain the Most" is perfect for a day like this. If only I didn't have work and language lessons today. I could curl up with a good book...a steaming cup of coffee...and I might possibly be ambitious enough to make some homemade chocolate chip cookies. It would be great. If only.

I think I am in a dreaming mode as of late. Both day-dreaming (as my mind is full of random distractions) and big dreaming. And this disposition was only encouraged when, on Wednesday, our team spent the entire afternoon together reflecting and praying over questions such as the following:

If the Kingdom of God were to come to this city, what would it look?
How would things look differently?

It was a wonderful time. And one I hope that we continue in the future.

Visions and dreams are how He often works in this place. I wonder how come I rarely ask Him what His are for today?

News

Did you people know that my *ex* Harry just came out with a new album??? The same day as my friend Norah J too.

Now, I knew about Norah's upcoming premiere, but Harry? ...Well, I think he's still heartbroken and bitter about the break up.

It's ok. It takes time to heal. I understand.

(If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can find the answer in my September 2005 archives.)

Also, I just got an email from Derek Webb. How come when I see his name in my inbox, I think that he's somehow *personally* emailing me? Really. They need to change that.

Randomness

I'm back.

I'm sure some of you didn't even notice that I was gone, but I've been unable to sign in to blogger the past several days due to low power in the office. I really hadn't planned on leaving you all with that last post. I'm sure the few men that read this will be glad to see I've moved on. :)

SO...not a lot is going on. I don't have anything profound or funny to share. But here's the randomness that's happening in my world:

*I'm moving this next month...AGAIN. I'm pretty sure one person shouldn't move as much as I have in one year, but I guess that's life. Our lease is up in March and since there are all sorts of problems with the current location, we've decided it's best to look elsewhere. We've found one house and we'll probably know by this week if it's ours.

*Monday is a national holiday. This time we are on mandatory *lock down*. (Last year, this city went a little haywire with riots and shootings and what not.) I'm actually excited. Not about the potential for violence, of course, but about having a whole day to stay in and do nothing! ...Unless of course we get evacuated or something. That would put a damper on my "pajama day."

*The Crushing One has made it back to Ktown and soon she is going to come visit me here!! I can't wait! I miss her. Welcome *home* J-jan!

*In 42 days I will be hanging out with this person . Spring break, BABY! (In the M.E.! Who would have thought?)

*I've been hanging out on my rooftop (per my "To Do List in 2007") a lot this past week. It's been gorgeous here, weather-wise, and the sunshine was calling my name. A good cup of coffee...the warmth of the sun...the sounds of the city below. It does a heart good. I guess I'm making up for the Vitamin D deficiency of winter.

Now, the only thing better would be if I could go play tennis. :)

Ahh. Dreams.

MEN: Beware of the following contents!

OK, men, if you are still reading this, don't say I didn't warn you!

So I just had the funniest conversation with one of my national (female) co-workers.

I was walking back up the stairs to my office after talking with a couple of them, when I hear, "L, Do you have any good things?" "Good things?" I replied. "Yes, good things," she said while motioning to her abdominal area. "For females?" I said. "Yes," she responded.

Never in my life have I thought of feminine hygiene products as "good things" but I guess that's what they're called over here. :) It made me smile.

Afterwards, she asked me what I called them in English and then we proceeded to have a conversation about the personal woes of the female monthly visitor. We joked about PMS and how our backs hurt or how we get emotional. I told her sometimes I find it easy to cry. She said sometimes she likes to fight. We carried on with this conversation for about 5 minutes and afterwards I thought what a funny, bonding moment I just had.

Isn't it interesting how some things are the same...no matter geography or age?

Say What?

Language Learning. ...I'm at it again.

My tutor is amazingly gracious and our 2 hours a day together just seems to fly by. She speaks some English--which can be helpful and funny all at the same time.

Take for example, yesterday. During our lesson, she would say a word in English and I was supposed to translate. Then we came to this point:

Tutor: Sex.
Me: What?

Tutor: Sex.
Me: Sex?

Tutor: Yes. Sex.
Me: Ummm...Do you mean "sex" as in "gender--female or male?" (Me thinking in my mind--I hope she doesn't mean the other.)

Tutor: No. I mean the number.
Me: OOOHH. (With a sigh of relief and a giggle.) "sIx!"

Tutor: Yes, sex.
Me: ShIsh. (The number)


And besides all the fun conversation, I'm learning to read and write again. And I say "again" because I started this a couple years back, but I didn't get very far and I've forgotten most of it anyway. Today I was reading my first grade reader book and cracked myself up because I was totally sounding out each letter like a little kid.

I'm pretty sure I could do a commercial here for "Hooked On Phonics!"

No more "whole language" for me, Tricks! ;)

Anyway, you can click on the picture above to zoom in and see my new skills! Be impressed, people. Be very impressed. :)

I remember a professor of mine from college saying that there are certain books that he re-reads on a yearly basis. Spiritual classics, if you will. They were titles like: A Celebration of Discipline, The Pursuit of God, etc.

Well, this week I re-read "Blue Like Jazz" and I was thinking that that's a title that should be added to my list of annual reads. It was like catching up with an old friend. One who makes you laugh and think all at the same time.

I was also thinking that Donald Miller and I should get married. Of course, he'd have to change his name. (The first one.) Either that, or let me call him "D." He seems like the kind of guy who would be OK with that.

I'm sure if he knew me, we would make a great match.

So D, if you are reading this...call me. :)

I've been walking to work the past few days. As I walk, I like to imagine myself in that beginning scene of "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are on their way to work. Of course, I don't have a Starbucks within which I can stop and pick up my morning latte. And instead of being dressed in a cute little skirt and scarf, I'm covered from head to toe in a black chador. But other than that...the scene is EXACTLY the same.

The Cranberries' song plays in my head. The shopkeepers are pushing up the large metal doors to open their stores. I smell the scent of fresh, hot bread as I pass the breadmaker. A little boy almost runs into me as he has his nose in a book and is hurried on his way to somewhere. The sun shines brightly and warms me in spite of the cold air. I stop by the fruit stand to pick up a banana to snack on before lunch.

And in my mind...I am Kathleen Kelly. If only for the 12 minute walk to the office.

Today is my little sister's 28th birthday.

And here is a list of 28 things I love about her...
1. I love her naturally rosy cheeks and beautiful complexion.
2. I love her love of all things "reality show."
3. I love her impeccable sense of style...especially when it comes to shoes.
4. I love that she loves the Cardinals!
5. I love her flare for the dramatic.
6. I love that she can appreciate the "finer things" of life.
7. I love the secrets that we share.
8. I love that she radiates heat while she sleeps (opposite of me).
9. I love that when she was little, she could make friends within 5 seconds flat.
10. I love it that, at a young age, she learned that it was OK to be different than her big sister.
11. I love how well she knows pop culture.
12. I love the blackmail that we have on each other. (i.e. powder puff girl, past boyfriends, etc.)
13. I love her blog. (If only she'd write more! :)
14. I love that, even though she could be settled for the rest of her life, she's not afraid to keep running after her dreams.
15. I love that she's happily married to a wonderful man who cherishes her.
16. I love how she makes me laugh.
17. I love that she can cook and sew, and has known how to do both for a very long time. (I'm still learning.)
18. I love her sensitive heart and ability to cry.
19. I love that she didn't tell on me to mom and dad (all the time) when we were kids.
20. I love how we've moved from just "sisters" to "friends."
21. I love that she loves to dance...esp. at family weddings. :)
22. I love how she's not afraid to speak her mind.
23. I love the fact that she often knows what I'm thinking with just a look.
24. I love it that she stinks at math...just like me. :)
25. I love how smart she is any so many other ways.
26. I love how naturally beautiful she is.
27. I love how her eyes get lost in her smile.
28. And most of all, I love that she's my sister--a bond that can never be broken.


I still remember the day that mom and dad called from the hospital telling me you were born. I wanted to name you and I think they humored me a bit, until obviously their name won out.

I remember them bringing you home...your thick, dark hair, pink cheeks and beautiful blue eyes. I was mesmerized.

I remember teaching you how to ride a bike for the first time...or at least pushing you down that hill at the end of our street and hoping that you'd figure it out before you were hurt too bad.

I remember watching you fall off that slide and break your arm. Sheer terror had struck. (1.) Would you be ok? (2.) How much trouble would I be in?

I remember our family vacations...playing in our play room on Noleman St...swimming together in the summer...getting you all ready for your first dance...watching you graduate college...

I remember your wedding day and how stunningly beautiful you looked.

And for all of those memories listed (and the ones that didn't make the cut) and to the millions more to come...I just want to say thanks.
What an amazing gift I've been given to have you as a sister.
I love you, L. More than you'll ever know.

Happy 28th Birthday!!!!

Confessional: Every now and then I pull out an article of clothing that I have yet to wear in this country.

I put it on to find that it still smells like Downey Simple Pleasures.

And Downey Simple Pleasures smells so good...so comforting...so much like "home," that I want to take it off and put it away so that it smells that good...that comforting...that much like "home" forever.

…And just like that, it’s Saturday again.

It’s been a crazy week. I’m not going to lie. Last night I went to bed at 8:30pm and slept until 7am this morning. For those of you who know me, you know that’s not normal! I’m a night owl by nature, but lately (especially this week) I’ve been exhausted.

And you know that “To Do List” I had posted for 2007? Well, I’ve decided it’s a lot easier to write about things than it is to really live them. The first thing on my list was tested yesterday, when I was invited to a national co-workers brother’s wedding.

I wish I could tell you that I was thrilled to be invited and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to invest in these people and learn more of their culture. …I can’t. I didn’t want to go. After dropping H off at the airport that morning, all I wanted to do was unpack my things and finally settle into my own room. The introvert in me was screaming for some alone time, but the list I had written was telling me there’d be time for that later.

The list was right.

A few of us girls went to the wedding around 12pm and stayed until about 4pm. We even got to see the bride and groom (which doesn’t always happen unless you stay 7-10 hours). We danced for the small number of female guests (around 250 or so--I'm pretty sure they were impressed--Ha!). We ate a nice meal. We enjoyed the “fashion show” of the female attire. And I even learned two valuable lessons about this culture.

1. When at a wedding, the key to looking your best is this: Reapply…Reapply…Reapply! Your makeup that is. As if you weren’t wearing enough, it’s important (especially after you eat) to pull out your mirror, hairbrush and full-on makeup kit and reapply and re-do yourself. It’s even good if you bring a change of clothes and change after lunch into a second dress. This is your time to shine, ladies! Make a statement!

2. I figured out that this country’s motto, should they ever need one, should be this:
Without tea, the people will perish.
Seriously! My friends and I are always laughing as these people bring their tea thermoses EVERYWHERE! (As if you will ever find yourself somewhere without tea!) On the plane…to a wedding…wherever you go, don’t forget your tea!

All-in-all, I was happy that I went, but I was also happy to get home. I'm guessing I need a little bit of both in my life to keep me sane. Some going out and some coming home. One helps me appreciate the other.

Making a list...

2007
To Do's:
(I'm sure there are more to add, but this is a start.)

*Take every opportunity to invest in, & learn from, these people…even when you don’t “feel” like it.

*Kneel more. Bow more. Remember that you’re very, very small.

*Make one day a week “yours” and “His.”

*Live on less.

*Learn to make national food. You may not be here forever and there may be a day that you’ll come to miss it. Maybe.

*Take more photographs. (This place is too “photo-rich” to miss things.)

*Make a fool of yourself with language. It’s ok. You’ll have stories to laugh about later.

*Memorize one verse every week. Remember you want to be like Mary who “treasured up all these things in her heart” and not like the crazy old lady at the nursing home who can only remember curse words.

*Laugh everyday.

*Hug more. (Except the opposite gender. This culture won’t allow it.)

*Seek humility. Admit mistakes.

*Learn to live in the Ancient City. Enjoy it. This is the answer to your prayers.

*Make it a point to hang out on your rooftop. You can see the mountains...the stars…the
neighborhood….and for a bonus, you can even spy on your neighbors. ;)

*Don’t get mad at rickshaw drivers. They may very well be trying to take advantage of your foreign-ness. Remember: they have far less than you.

*Remind yourself regularly that it’s worth the risk. Always.

*Play hide & seek with a 4 year old at least once a week. You’ll laugh. They’ll laugh. The troubles of your day will seem meaningless in the end.

*Create. Create. Create. ...And then create some more. (Pictures, writing, scrapbooks, etc.)

*Be vulnerable. With others. With God. With yourself. You can do it.

*Find purpose in each day.

*Remember, you're going to be OK.

So what's on your list?

And the answer...

To all my friends who were concerned I may be moving to South America...or getting beat up...

Here's the answer to my year's theme.

2007=The Year of the Pinata

Also known as...."The Year of Undiscovered Contents--the surprises that come after life's kicked you around a bit."


(Thanks Felicity, for your inspiration.)

2007

2007
"The Year of the Piñata"

Any guesses as to why this theme?