Pictures of my Life
MONDAY UPDATE
See my new bedroom?  Notice how creative I got decorating?
I went to the market the other day and bought ribbon and buttons.
I have lots more room on the wall so send me some more pictures!
Or better yet come visit and take pictures with me to put on the wall!

And my favorite spot to sit on sunny mornings.  Notice how I have purposefully removed the back cushion so as get get the full effect of the sunshine.

And if the sun refuses to shine I can turn on my Butagas Heater. 

I had never heard of one before but it is a good thing.

The backside of my Butagas Heater, just in case you didn't quite see how it worked,

such as myself when I first saw the thing.

 

And finally back in my room, my electric heaters.  Actually the one on the ground was in my room when I arrived, the one on the boxes belongs to a roomate who is out of town for awhile, but I am convinced it heats the room a bit better and it has less of a fire hazard.  This come from experience as the back of the brown chair you see had a bit of a melting smoking moment the other night...

__Winter Spice__
Honestly, today started out rainy, cold and dreary. I stayed in bed for as long as I could rationalize. Then I huddled in my bedroom not wanting to go anywhere. But I have made an agreement with myself to go somewhere everyday. It may just be to the little grocery store down the road, but I will go somewhere everyday and talk to someone...So that being said I remembered the fancy Starbucks not far away and remembered that it was nicely heated inside. So in search of warmth I bundled up and went for a taxi ride.

So thankful I did!

First, you can see the picture of my fabulous Winter Spice Latte with Soy. I LOVE it when coffee places suggest a new drink! I don't know why but it makes me happy and I always try what they suggest, otherwise I get the same thing everytime.

 

Next, you see the fancy Starbucks where I enjoyed my afternoon of feeling warm and studying.  This is the upstairs room and only one small section of it - I know impressive and perfect for studying.

 

And the best part of the entire afternoon, other than getting out of the house, feeling warm, enjoying coffee with great service, and finally getting a good start on my Arabic studies...I made a friend! We chatted for a long time and she helped me study and learn some new Arabic words.  Then when I was about to ask for her phone number, she offered it and asked for mine!  Perfect! So after all it was a very good day.

Happy Monday
Enjoy a few pictures from out and about walking yesterday

My street

Landmark - always know I am getting close to home when I see this - and that I am going in the right direction...

 

Just one of the joys...I haven't been in but just love the name

 

Street to buy just about anything you are wanting; food, bags, boots, coats, phones, electrics, random plastic anything...

Lots of random shops like this, never know what you will find inside

And my favorite - the same hotel landmark from before, BUT at night it lights up!  The lights are constantly changing color and I see this every night!  It really is the little things that make a girl happy.

Waking up early and new stuff

Not normally a morning person, my body has decided since moving here to wake up ready for the day at exactly 7am.  I am sure it will wear off just in time for me to start class and need to be up at 7am.
Today I decided to try baking in my new kitchen.  I bought some zucchini last night, along with some apples, and was very proud to ask the price and understand it all in Arabic!  It's the small things that make me happy.  I was also excited to use my new cupcake pans  - thanks Mom!  I am convinced the bunt cake design sticks less.

Also got to use my new measuring cups and measuring spoons - that are just so cute and colorful!

 
In a little bit I will jump back into my language review for the day.  I love school and was so excited to buy a few new school supplies!  I love that I can get everything princess and sparkly to add to all the fun.

Picture Monday

Land of Olives

The View

Hi!

The Dead Sea - I went swimming in this water!  Well I went floating - and loved it.

  MERRY CHRISTMAS 

This year I celebrated Christmas Eve Eve with friends here at my parent's home.

We decorated a lot of yummy cookies, took pictures and enjoyed opening White Elephant gifts.

Cookies for Everyone!

Celebrating Yalda
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Yalda is an Iranian celebration on the longest night of the year.  Some of the traditions include eating pomegranate, watermelon, and nuts.  Along with reading of poetry and telling of stories throughout the night.  Until finally the long night is over and light overcomes darkness.
"Because Yalda is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize many things in Persian poetry; separation from a loved one, loneliness and waiting.  After Yalda a transformation takes place - the waiting is over, light shines and goodness prevails."

"Group Picture"

I love being around people who like getting their picture taken!

Family Time

Henna Addict

 
One of my new favorite things is henna art and learning how to tell stories of truth using henna art.
I have been able to have a new story written on my hand just about every week that I have been here.  I love being able to share the stories (very quickly) with the cashiers at stores and restuarants.  As cashiers seem to be the people who notice the henna on my hands.
This is a picture of peace and hope in Christ

Waiting for the henna mud to dry on one of my favorite stories of the prophet Elijah.

This morning I shared the story of Abraham and Sarah

Sorting and Packing

I am so happy that the sorting and packing stage is getting done.
The mounds of stuff that had overtaken my room have now been contained into luggage and manageable sized piles.  I got some old friends to pose with my bags and while taking the pics noticed my little friends are not so very cheerful looking.
Maybe my Jennifer doll is having horror flashbacks from her first trip across the ocean.  The trip that forever changed her life when her arm was smashed into a footlocker and badly broken.  And just so you don't have to continue wondering, no Jennifer is not going with me this time, she will stay here safely waiting in my cedar chest.

So MUCH to LOVE

Enjoying the Sights of Canada

On Saturday, I enjoyed the beautiful day hiking the trails of Stawamus Chief.

We were given one rule - no turning back. We all finished the hike and were very happy to be able to say we reached the highest peak.  It did take about 7 hours total and my muscles are still complaining about it loudly, but it was a great day with some amazing views to enjoy.

Pictures from the day...

A Time for Everything...
Once again it is time for goodbyes and new adventures. I did not realize until the goodbyes started last week how much I LOVE it here! I know I even surprised myself. I have been working so hard to be patient and I have been so focused on getting back overseas I took for granted the many blessings I have been given while here in Longview. I had the best job ever! Seriously. And who won't love a job where you are given roses on one of your last days? The client who gave me these had as his goal to see me cry. I held strong, he did not see me cry but I got pretty close. Today I had another goodbye lunch at Caring Pregnancy Center, I have learned so much from the wonderful women who serve and love others in that place. I am so blessed.

I'd Like to Go to Africa...Sallie Lanier

Today
I thought
I would like
To go to Africa

Yes, I will go to Kenya
And see if time
Has stood still
Where at least
The walk
Is on the ground
And all comes
To a sudden halt
At dusk

And sounds
Come from the voice
And travel a mile or two
And strength comes from
The Family
Near to you

Yes, today
I thought
I'd like to go to Africa

Found this in an old journal - Don't know where I originally found it but still love it.