A Little bit of culture
We spent a fun night out

Riding Camels

Watching a puppet show

And enjoying dinner.

As you can well imagine Kara excelled at the dance lesson. I kept getting told to listen to the music and stay with the beat. There was also a play, a magic show, henna art, and more dancing - this is India. It was a fun evening with Kara as we left the boys at home.

Fun for the whole family!

June 14, 2008
Isaiah's Birthday!

I was so excited to be there for Isaiah's birthday. We decorated the room and surprised him with a fun Transformer themed party. Go Bumblebee. Then we decorated cupcakes, sang happy birthday and opened presents. Uncle Mark and Auntie Hannah had sent fun transformer toys for both boys.

I am back in North Carolina. I have had a wonderful summer traveling about the globe. So let me start from the beginning. The first week of June I traveled to India to see the DeLaughter family. The first week we jumped on the train and headed for the beach! Fun times. Enjoy the pictures - I will share more soon - I have about 400 pics from India, and just as many from my trip to Canada and Washington so there will be more - Letha

Out for lunch. So sad we can't go back to this restaurant. At least until the next visit to India!

The cutest boys anywhere! Enjoying the train trip.

North Carolina
I officially became a North Carolina resident this week. I have very mixed emotions about this move. Who would have thought I had become so loyal to Tennessee? The man at the DMV took my driver's license without a second thought, it was fast like pulling off a bandaid. But then I had to change my license plate. My Tennesse plate is sitting out in my room, a familar reminder of the good days. I know melodramatic.
Seriously I was dreading this occasion, not because I anticipated the grief of leaving behind TN. I was dreading it because it brought back all the encounters I have had with legal officials in getting visas and exit visas in Aden. So I had to talk myself into getting this task completed. I set the whole week aside, anticipating all possible hurdles. I got my packet of information together. I not only had my proof of residency, my social security card, my proof of insurance and my driver's license; I also had my passport, shot records, nursing license, mulitple proofs of residency and personal ID, they could make no excuse I wasn't prepared for.
So I arrived at the local DMV ready for a battle. The man at the front desk greeted me kindly, I was shocked. He asked for the required papers and gave me a number, no bribe asked for? I sat ready for a long wait, before I could even read over the testing material I was called back. This time to talk with a very nice lady! A lady working at a government office, who would have thought! She also did not ask for a bribe or even hint at it! She also spoke english. So nice. She was professional and quick. I was nervous about having to take the written test again, she encouraged me and let me know I would do fine. The amazement never ended.
So I did pass the test and went to the next station. This would be the test...time to pay...the man again was so nice, he took the money and even had the correct change in his drawer! Change! I would have never imagined this could be possible. And again just to emphasis, he also spoke english and did not hint at a bribe to insure proper paper processing. I got my picture taken and in less than one hour was walking out with my new drivers' license! Do you all feel my amazement? I was in shock! How could this process be so easy? I knew that registering my vehicle, now that would be a hassle. Wrong again - I arrived at the office prepared for anything. The lady gave me papers to sign, took my money and gave me a receipt! A receipt - again who would have thought? Then she handed me my new license plate, just like that - magic?
But..I did have to get my vehicle inspected in the next 10 days, of course this would be a hassle right? My car is older it won't pass the test. So I went yesterday morning - it took about 15 minutes and I now a completely legal - I have the sticker in my car window and the paperwork to prove it. I never would have thought it could be so easy. I like living in America today.
Sorry this is so long - I cut out so many details, but had to share some of my amazement with those of you who do read this blog
Enjoy Letha

I like math.

Seriously, I like math. I was so excited tonight when Heather had a math question for me. I stopped what I was doing and got out my pen and paper to figure out the fractions. You know why I like math so much? It has an answer. None of this essay, complete sentences, multiple options stuff. You are either right or wrong, you either know the formula or you don't. There is no room for any fluff.
On the other hand, all the classes I been taking over the last few months, they are not math. They don't use the same kind of logic that my mind works in. I miss math questions. From this rambling you may see how very excited I am that I have finished my first semester of graduate school. I don't feel any smarter, I am just realizing how smart I am not. I questioned myself this week. What am I doing here? Why did I ever believe it would be useful to get a masters? I am so ready to get on an airplane and get back to the people who hold my heart. The land God has given me a passion for. Yet, here I am.
I know there is a purpose for this semester and the next one to follow, I know I am continuing to be challenged and grow closer to the Lord. So tonight I will find my peace and purpose in God alone. Once again I am learning patience, I am learning to be still before the Lord, I am learning to be and not just do. This you cannot learn in any textbook or classroom. It is found only in daily walking with Jesus.

What has God given you a passion for? I think it is amazing to think that God has created me for a specific purpose and He has equipped me for that purpose by giving me a unique set of experiences, skills and interests. Dan the Animal man came to our class and shared with us his passion for animals. A passion that he uses to share the gospel message with hundreds. As you can tell by the pictures this was one of my favorite classes of all times. I love looking at and learning about how God's creation is so perfectly made. I sat there wondering why I had changed my degree from Biology to nursing. If you ever have the opportunity don't miss going to one of Dan's events. You can find more about his work at his website http://www.creaturesofcreation.org/ I forgot to bring my camera but thankfully my professor took pictures to share with us. Enjoy

Happy Mother's Day!
Didn't want to let the day pass by without sending a big thank you and lots of love to my Mom, and all the other moms who have made an impact in my life. Thank you for always giving of yourself and putting others needs before your own. Thank you for knowing how to simply love and being a constant example that I can look up to in so many ways.

Blessings
Just wanted to take a minute and share a few of the many blessings of the last few weeks.
1. Beautiful Spring weather
2. Good time with my friend Nancy and her husband (who helped get my computer back and running!)
3. Time with Mom and Dad in TN
4. Time with Bustrums in TN and NC
5. Safety in travel to and from Jackson, TN
6. Visited Union University's campus and was amazed by their quick rebuilding after the tornadoes.
7. Was excited to have the opportunity to visit with my former nursing professors.
8. My car went to the mechanic and he found and fixed the problem, something related to the ignition switch, so I no longer have to fear my car might randomly stop running while on the road!
9. Fun visit with Joanna on the way back to Wake Forest, and Heather's company on the 10 hour drive
10. Finished two major papers with the help of Dad and Kara's editing.
11. Bought my tickets to go to India in June! And got my passport back with visa, so I am ready to go!
It's always good to stop and think about all the many blessings recieved from God, and sometimes I am simply overwhelmed at His goodness to me. Letha

Meet my Nerd!
He may look small in the picture, but he has grown a lot, especially his head. Thanks Sarah for this fun birthday present. To explain to the rest of you all...this is my very own "grow your own nerd" he started out very small and has been sitting in a cup of water in my house for the last week as he continued to grow. My roomate found it amusing to call him my date or my boyfriend which I quickly reminded her was not true, He is just my nerd! Notice even his socks are not matching. Fun times - Letha

Meme
So Hannah MeMe'd me awhile ago and I was just sitting watching my roomate clean and not wanting to do my school work so thought I would answer.
So here are 6 interestingly odd things about me.
1. I have a sleeping issue. I used to think I could sleep through anything, but recently discovered since sharing a room for the first time in awhile that I cannot. I find myself most nights sleeping on the couch away from the noise of my peacefully yet loudly sleeping roomate.
2. I love to travel, yet hate to do new things by myself. So I haven't been as many places as I would like to have been.
3. I love to read and can be quite the critic yet have no skills for expressing myself in written word. I love research and gathering of information but totally freak out every time a paper needs to be written.
4. I love chic flicks especially musicals - movie was not made to be realistic, but to let you relax and enjoy some time out of reality.
5. My roomate thinks I am quirky because I won't let her double dip in the sugar bowl. I don't think that is so very odd.
6. My name alone is pretty quirkly. I know some of you may not think so, but everytime I am introduced, and I have met a lot of new people resently my name is always an easy topic of conversation. Where did it come from, what does it mean, is that Lisa? And so the mystery of the name will continue. Thankfully the Lethal Weapon movies have been pretty much forgotten so I don't get that comment anymore.
I am sure I am much quirker than this but my lack of creativity is becoming very obvious and I really should be doing something more productive.
I am not going to pass this on but hope it inspires another to write a MeMe blog.
Letha

Lamentations
So I have always been planning on writing a few entries on the many interesting and exciting things I am learning and studying here at school. Today seems the perfect day to begin, beings as I have tons of stuff that could be getting done and a paper that needs written. As you may be wondering about the title of this entry, Lamentations, I will explain. The paper I am supposively now writing is on Lamentations 2. How often do you read Lamentations? I don't very often, actually the only times I know for sure that I have read it is when I make a point to read the entire Bible, then I read it.
It is a fascinating book. I don't claim to be a great Biblical scholar or theologian, but I get excited about learning and I am learning bunches about the historal setting of Lamentations, the debate over who really is the author, the literary structure and form of the book. Did you know it is an acrostic? I never did.
The question that remains ungrasped for me is application. I can see a lot of ways I could take the text and make it "apply" to me, but I always come back to the thought, 'how dare I.' I have a very blessed life, I haven't experienced any great suffering, sure I have seen it and know people who have experienced it, but how do I relate to a people who have had everything they ever possessed or valued taken away from them and destroyed?
And this is only the surface question I have a lot more, and I love it! I know I would love to live in a black and white world where everything is clearly cut out and in its place, but I am learning to appreciate these difficult to answer areas. Areas where all I can do is trust God and his sovereignty, trust His purposes, and know without a doubt that I serve a God who is present, not distance. That I can go to Him will all these questions and work them out, slowing coming to a greater and deeper understanding of who I was created to worship.
Thanks for reading, Letha

The 10 hour drive was definately worth it.

I am having a great time here in Jackson, TN. The week is passing quickly, full of Easter celebrations, sunny days, and fun. Playing outside in the sun! Spring in finally here!
Easter Eggs

Cupcakes from Heidi!
The big girls always are good models for a picture, Tirza wasn't in the mood.

I miss the Middle East today.
I miss the hot sun and the burning wind. I miss the harsh beauty of the volcanic mountains and the soothing ocean. I miss the kids on my street. I miss the boys buzzing at the gate and the girl's innocent smiles. I miss my English classes and my students. I miss walking and taking debaabs. I miss the fruit dukan and my favorite fazulia resturant. I miss my friends. I miss them laughing at my Arabic attempts and loving me because I tried. I miss sharing thousands of cups of Shai. I miss sappy text messages. But most of all I miss my desperation and total dependence daily on Christ. I miss the peace that come unexplicably in difficult days. I miss clinging to the promises of God for survival. I miss thirsting for His word. Life here is good and pleasant but not full. I miss living daily aware of my purpose.

Pictures of my new home!
Here is the view out my front door and basically a mirror image of my apartment across the street.Here is my side of the room. Loving having Grandma's quilt to keep me warm!
And you step out of my room to the big room. Loving my rug from India.
And that is pretty much my new home. It is nice and snug and I have great roommates.

Just a note
to all of you who are still checking my blogspot to see if I will ever write something new. I have been loving life here in North Carolina. I would have never imagined myself coming here but it all seems to be fitting together. I love the emphasis my new school puts on understanding cultures and getting out of America and seeing and helping the rest of the huge world we live in. Today I am 27 years old. I had a wonderful morning with my roommate, we went and celebrated with good conversation over tea and scones. How very dignified after my pink, candy, cupcake birthday last year. I guess I am finally coming to terms with being an adult. So this was just a note to let you all know to keep checking - I have lots to talk about and will post a picture of my new home, as soon as I finally get around to taking one.

Responsibility

I am starting to feel like a grown up again. Not that I have a job or anything but I have gotten a lot of responsible things done this week. Like making sure my housing and scholarship is all finalized for school in January, applying for insurance, looking for a car, drinking Starbucks, and the big excitement for me - getting a cell phone again. I even had the opportunity to make sure I got good customer service. I am in the states now and expect that much. The story is the FedEx man tried to skip me but I was expecting the package so called to trace it. He had put in the computer that he had made an attempt at my house. Mistake, he got a written complaint and my phone arrived about 10 minutes later. Yeah, for the new take charge be an adult Letha.

I have also had another highlight this week. Now that the parents are back I got to be fun Auntie Letha again and take the two older girls to a movie. I promise I had way more fun than either of them at Enchanted. A must see for all who love the same kinds of sarcastic, sappy, chic flicks that I do. And just a few more pictures of my adorable nieces.

This is for all you Moms out there

Chill'in

Singing at A Union Christmas

Smiles

Making Christmas Cookies

I just spent a wonderful, busy week taking care of my three nieces. Now the girls were on their best behavior and did very good for me all week. Still, it was a very busy week. They never stop! I thought I was pretty prepared to take over for just one week of parenting duties. But let me tell you I was glad to hand them back over to the real parents on Saturday evening. We did have lots of fun as you can see in the pictures, but I am glad when my time comes to parent I will start with one. And I really did appreciate all the people who offered to help and who made a big deal about me playing the part for a week. Thanks for all the help and encouraging words. This was a week to store in my special memory treasure box.

Smile Tirza!

Since I last wrote...I have had a prayer tea with women at Northbrook, helped teach my nieces biology and have lots of fun with them in Jackson, became a fan of Barbie movies, spent an evening making crafts at the Girl's Club sleepover, been debriefed in Virginia, had a great conversation with a women on a Delta flight, went shopping with Heidi in Tennessee, got stuck in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, entered a new country and sadly did not get a new stamp in my passport, ridden the sky train, bus and sea bus in Vancouver, Canada, had Thanksgiving with family in Washington some of whom I haven't seen for more than 5 years, used my limited Arabic to visit with a lady who has recently moved here with her family, got my hair highlighted, worshiped in Arabic, used a microphone to share with 3 differenct groups about experiences from the last two years, seen my first snow in two years. And these are just the most exciting things I thought worth mentioning. To say it simply my life has been very full of blessings this last month. I can't even begin to start recalling and giving thanks to all who have filled my life with good things.
Letha

Hello Friends,

I was going to apologize for not writing like I promised, but I figured if you all saw the pictures you would understand why I just haven't found the time. I am loving being Auntie Letha again! Enjoy Sunday Morning Smiles

Princess Time

Dressed up for Trick or Treating

Silly Faces (Bria does much better at the silly. I think she learned it from her Dad)

Lots of Hugs

Remember
I just finished reading Deuteronomy and it seemed rather fitting as I am soon to arrive back in the land of wealth and plenty after a two years in the desert. As most of you know it seems like Moses is really trying to get the people to Remember! I want to remember where I have been the last two years so that I won't get distracted and turn from Christ Alone. Right now I am thinking how impossible that would be, but Judges seems to be telling me that it is easier said than done so... May I always remember
~ the long months in the heat without any sight of rain so that I can rejoice in every cold and rainy day
~the lonliness so that I will always appreciate company
~ God's Faithfulness, Comfort and, Peace so that I will keep going forward and enter all the doors that are opened before me
~That I did go to a new and scary place and I did find a job so that I will be courageous
~ The view of the volcanic rocks and the ocean so that I will praise God for His gifts to me
~ The caring people and friends who welcomed me into their homes and helped me to speak and understand Arabic, so that I will always pray for them and do likewise to others living in a strange land.
So many more, I could fill a book
Deut 8:17&18
"He did it so you would never think that it was your own strength and energy that made you wealthy. Always remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill the covenant he made with your ancestors."
11:22 "show love to the LORD your God by walking in his ways, and clinging to him."
31:8 "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you or forsake you."

I am so excited that in about a month I can...
1. Be with and get to know my nieces again
2. See and visit with friends and family in TN
3. Go shopping and buy new clothes
4. Wear jeans and be comfortable
5. Be cold!
6. Drive again
7. Go outside without my head covered or wearing my black abaya
8. Miss speaking Arabic
9. Walk down the street and not being the center of attention
10. Go to see a movie at the theater
11. Enjoy a cold cup of fresh milk
And the list goes on - the countdown has begun and I am so very excited about the next big step in this journey of life.

Awhile back Kara asked for more pictures. So I went out the other day and got some more of my neighborhood and house. Pretty exciting, but sights that I see everyday. Enjoy

Confession
I have to admit that I generally avoid reading the prophet books. It just gets so confusing between all the measurements, the beasts and trying to understand and apply it to my life now. I am more likely to be found reading the gospels or something by Paul. But since coming here the books of prophesy have come to mean so much to me. I love looking for prayers and promises to claim for these people here. Still I find myself putting off reading some books like Daniel. I have made for myself a bit of a timeline/schedule you may say to reading through the Bible. I was suppose to read Daniel last month, but got a bit behind and kept putting it off until yesterday. I was looking forward to the first six chapters. I had a book as a kid about Daniel in the lion's den and I can still see the pictures in my mind as I read the story. It is definately one of my favorites of all times (why haven't they made a movie about Daniel?). Anyways I got to the last six chapters and decided to get through them and I will admit I was as intimidated and confused as ever trying to work through the prophesy, BUT then I got to chapter 10 verse 11 and 12

"And the man said to me, 'O Daniel, greatly loved of God, listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up for I have been sent to you...Don't be afraid Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."

How amazing! Daniel is my hero today.

Do you know where and when these pictures were taken? And for another challenge who took the picture?

Hope these words are as encouraging for you as they have been for me. They are from one of my new favorite songs on my new Jaime Jamgochian cd, that I recieved from the wonderful group who kept giving and giving to us all on my trip.

You Are

More than I ever imagined

Deep within my heart lies passion

For who You are

The one who spun the stars so lovely

Set the universe above me

that's who You are

I want to see Your glory appear

I want to feel Your presence drawing near

God of Hope extraordinary

Matchless love there's no comparing

Abba Father always caring

You are

Peace that passes understanding

Peace that grows always expanding

In your hands my life a treasure

Yesturday, today, forevermore

That's who you are

When I stop to think of all Your wonder

Your mysteries I soon discover

there is more

of Who You Are

Do you have a favorite part of speech?
You remember the 8 parts of speech, taking apart and labeling sentences. I work a lot with those 8 parts of speech with my language students. They really are quite important. So, do you have a favorite? I do, well today I do (I don't think I usually have a strong opinion). I love prepositions. You know everywhere the squirrel (or lizard) can go. Or as I have my students learn - adds information regarding time, place and manner. Why do I suddenly had this love for the strange words called prepositions? Because of this quote I read by Saint Patrick. I was walking the other day and the words kept going to my mind reminding that I am not here alone but...
Christ shield me this day
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
behind me,
in me,
beneath me,
above me,
on my right,
on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ is the ear that hears me.

Who out there loves to read Francine Rivers books? I do! One of my favorites is her book The Last Sin Eater. I have always thought her books would make great movies and finally someone has done it. My roomate returned home yesterday and brought with her a stack of new movies - yeah! The one I am most excited about and watched last night is The Last Sin Eater, based on Rivers book. You all need to see it and tell others about it. We need to support quality movies that share Truth, so here is my effort. Now I can't say it was the best movie ever but this isn't a critique so I will leave it at that. I may be way behind the times and you all already know about this movie but if not I hope you can find it. It is definately a book worth reading and I enjoyed watching it on the screen. I haven't read the book too recently but what I remember the movie stayed pretty close the the original. Letha

Picture Time! I thought I was going to be alone all week, but PTL I have been blessed by a visit from friends. They came and stayed for three days and it was wonderful. They didn't let me cook but made all my favorite local dishes. Here are two of the many pictures we took. I am the shiny white face - my friends love my pale face they said I shined like the moon. I let them know that wasn't a compliment for me. The second picture is during my cooking lesson. I wasn't much help but had lots of fun trying. Enjoy Letha

The price of eggs...
So I have been thinking about this post since someone commented awhile back on the price of a papaya. I know living here is a lot cheaper than most places around the world but I wondered how the price of things compares to where you are.
So today I went to the local vegtable stand and bought
1 kilo carrots
1/2 kilo tomatoes
1/2 kilo onions
1 kilo bananas
A large handful of bisbas
And my total came to about 330 Riyals
I bought eggs last night and paid 200 Riyals for a dozen
I bought a new phone battery a few weeks ago and paid 1500 Riyals
I took the bus across town and paid 30 Riyals
Just paid the electric bill (it was extremely high because we are using a/c) 14000 Riyals
So how does this compare with what you are paying? The exchange rate stays about 198 riyals to the dollar.
Letha