I've been thinking about this for a while and decided that it is officially time to move on. In many ways, this particular season of life for us is about moving on and changes all over the place. So, it seemed appropriate that our blog be reflective of this as well. We heart community for life is being officially retired. We have started a new blog called Life on Purpose. We hope it will be a place to keep you updated with the changes happening in our life, stories about life, and of course lots of baby pictures. I hope it will also be a place for us to share how we are living life on purpose.
Thanks for being a part of this blog for the last 4 years, it has marked a significant journey for me (Erin) and one that isn't over yet, but has certainly expanded with the addition of family members, living overseas, and returning home again. We're excited about what is ahead and invite you to follow us on over to the new blog.
12.21.2009
12.15.2009
Dinner Again
So, I have a confession... just in the last few weeks I have started cooking dinner again. It had been a pretty long time. I cooked dinner when we lived in Iraq, but it didn't really count most of the time because it was usually something frozen you just had to heat up or something from America you could just mix on the stove. I did very little real get your hands dirty cooking. I mean, it has been a while. We have been pretty transient since August 2008 and that meant we didn't have a fully equipped kitchen for a while. Then when we finally did in Iraq I got pregnant and was too sick to use it for a long time. Since we've been back I have stayed clear of the kitchen for various reasons (huge belly, gallbladder attacks, etc.) and then a few weeks ago I realized how much I missed cooking.
So tonight I made dinner and it was a new dish for me to try. I found it on my ipod last night using the all recipes dinner spinner application. I love playing with my ipod in the middle of the night while I'm nursing Haydn - otherwise it is really hard to stay awake! Here's a look at the Chicken Piccata I made tonight. Everyone agreed that it was very tasty and overall pretty easy, but be prepared for a messy kitchen.
Here's a look at the chicken after it has been breaded
Here's the finished product
I served it with angel hair pasta and it was great! The only recommendation Jeff made was to wait to pour the sauce on until you are going to eat the chicken otherwise it gets a little soggy. Here's the recipe from the all recipes website
Ingredients
* 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon water
* 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dry white wine
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* 2 lemons - cut into wedges, for garnish
Directions
1. Flatten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness between plastic wrap or waxed paper. Mix egg and water. Mix bread crumbs, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Coat chicken with flour, dip into egg mixture and coat with bread crumb mixture.
2. Heat butter or margarine and oil in 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove chicken from skillet using tongs; keep warm.
3. Stir lemon juice and wine into drippings in skillet. Heat to boiling; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for garnish.
So tonight I made dinner and it was a new dish for me to try. I found it on my ipod last night using the all recipes dinner spinner application. I love playing with my ipod in the middle of the night while I'm nursing Haydn - otherwise it is really hard to stay awake! Here's a look at the Chicken Piccata I made tonight. Everyone agreed that it was very tasty and overall pretty easy, but be prepared for a messy kitchen.
Here's a look at the chicken after it has been breaded
Here's the finished product
I served it with angel hair pasta and it was great! The only recommendation Jeff made was to wait to pour the sauce on until you are going to eat the chicken otherwise it gets a little soggy. Here's the recipe from the all recipes website
Ingredients
* 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon water
* 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dry white wine
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* 2 lemons - cut into wedges, for garnish
Directions
1. Flatten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness between plastic wrap or waxed paper. Mix egg and water. Mix bread crumbs, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Coat chicken with flour, dip into egg mixture and coat with bread crumb mixture.
2. Heat butter or margarine and oil in 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove chicken from skillet using tongs; keep warm.
3. Stir lemon juice and wine into drippings in skillet. Heat to boiling; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for garnish.
12.04.2009
1 month old
I can't believe Haydn is a month old already! And at the same time it is hard to remember what it was like without him. Jeff and I can't believe what a good baby he is. I mean he's had like two bad days out of a month, I really can't complain about that. He is growing so much already! Jeff might not admit it, so I'll tell you the truth -
he got a little teary eyed the other night holding Haydn and reflecting on how much he has grown already. He used to fit perfectly in the palm of Jeff's hand and would just sit there and now he has outgrown it! I guess it really is true that your kids grow up too fast. Here's some pictures of Haydn's first month.
Here's Haydn in his first hour of life
Here we are hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house
This was Haydn's first bath. He pretty much hated it, but by his fourth bath he barely cried. Maybe we will like bath time after all.
This is Haydn's first Thanksgiving outfit that he wore for about 2 hours before he spit up all over it.
We took some Christmas pictures with Haydn... this one is hilarious!
We are abundantly blessed and it has been so fun to parent with Jeff - he is pretty amazing, being a Daddy is so natural for him. Looking forward to the second month and all of the firsts it will hold.
he got a little teary eyed the other night holding Haydn and reflecting on how much he has grown already. He used to fit perfectly in the palm of Jeff's hand and would just sit there and now he has outgrown it! I guess it really is true that your kids grow up too fast. Here's some pictures of Haydn's first month.
Here's Haydn in his first hour of life
Here we are hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house
This was Haydn's first bath. He pretty much hated it, but by his fourth bath he barely cried. Maybe we will like bath time after all.
This is Haydn's first Thanksgiving outfit that he wore for about 2 hours before he spit up all over it.
We took some Christmas pictures with Haydn... this one is hilarious!
We are abundantly blessed and it has been so fun to parent with Jeff - he is pretty amazing, being a Daddy is so natural for him. Looking forward to the second month and all of the firsts it will hold.
11.22.2009
no more gallbladder
Yep, it's gone and good riddance - I don't think I'll be missing it or the accompanying pain anytime soon. I'm feeling much better today than yesterday and I'm able to start feeding Haydn again. I can't quite pick him up yet, but I bet by tomorrow I'll be feeling good enough to pick him up and pretty much return to life as normal. I ate Chic-fil-a last night and drank a Dr. Pepper - it was fantastic. I've been eating salad and baked potatoes every day for every meal for about a month, so I'm looking forward to returning to the foods I have missed.
Haydn is doing great, he is SUCH a good baby! He did great on Friday while Jeff & I were at the hospital and has been great about letting his Agi take care of him while I'm recovering. Agi is the Cherokee word for Grandma and the name my mom picked for herself - I love it.
He is going to get his first real bath today - so we'll let you know how it goes... I'm pretty confident that he is going to hate it. In other exciting news for the day, Haydn's cousin was born today! His name is Cale Evan Dunbar and he weighed 7 lbs and 9 oz and was 18 inches long. Hopefully, we will get to meet him over Christmas when we head to Houston next. Just a few more weeks before his next cousin will be born!
Haydn is doing great, he is SUCH a good baby! He did great on Friday while Jeff & I were at the hospital and has been great about letting his Agi take care of him while I'm recovering. Agi is the Cherokee word for Grandma and the name my mom picked for herself - I love it.
He is going to get his first real bath today - so we'll let you know how it goes... I'm pretty confident that he is going to hate it. In other exciting news for the day, Haydn's cousin was born today! His name is Cale Evan Dunbar and he weighed 7 lbs and 9 oz and was 18 inches long. Hopefully, we will get to meet him over Christmas when we head to Houston next. Just a few more weeks before his next cousin will be born!
11.17.2009
surgery update
I'm scheduled to get my gallbladder out on Friday! Woo hoo! I never thought I would be this excited about surgery, but I'm looking forward to it. It is an outpatient procedure, so I will have surgery in the afternoon and hopefully be home by dinner time. Pretty amazing huh? The doctor thinks I might have a thyroid problem that caused the stones so I'm getting an ultrasound on Thursday to have that checked out. Hopefully it is something that can just be treated with medication.
Here is a cute Haydn picture for the day!
isn't that the cutest face you've ever seen?
Here is a cute Haydn picture for the day!
isn't that the cutest face you've ever seen?
11.12.2009
Week One
Well, we made it through the first week of parenting without any major problems and it was a pretty great week. So far we've had:
- approximately 80 dirty diapers
- 1 4 AM 'HELP, what do we do?!' phone call (thanks again Karen)
- 238 kisses from Daddy
- 2 sponge baths
- 0 uncontrollable fits of crying
- what feels like at least 300 feedings
- like 7 loads of laundry already
- lots of visits from family and friends
- 2 doctors visits with good reports
- 1 simultaneous pooping, peeing, and spit up incident
- 2 very sleepy parents
Here are some pictures from Haydn's first week.
Coming home from the hospital. Thanks Aunt Elyse for all the decor!
This was the much hated sponge bath
Haydn was so happy his Abby Teyze came to visit!
This is Haydn's burpy face. I'm kind of in love with it.
Stay tuned. More adventures in parenting to come...
- approximately 80 dirty diapers
- 1 4 AM 'HELP, what do we do?!' phone call (thanks again Karen)
- 238 kisses from Daddy
- 2 sponge baths
- 0 uncontrollable fits of crying
- what feels like at least 300 feedings
- like 7 loads of laundry already
- lots of visits from family and friends
- 2 doctors visits with good reports
- 1 simultaneous pooping, peeing, and spit up incident
- 2 very sleepy parents
Here are some pictures from Haydn's first week.
Coming home from the hospital. Thanks Aunt Elyse for all the decor!
This was the much hated sponge bath
Haydn was so happy his Abby Teyze came to visit!
This is Haydn's burpy face. I'm kind of in love with it.
Stay tuned. More adventures in parenting to come...
11.07.2009
Haydn Walker Priour
Hello! Sorry for delayed pictures. We just got home from the hospital a little bit ago. Our stay lasted longer than we thought it would. Let's just say I should have packed an extra pair of socks. Here is my 2 cents for my friends who have not yet had kids to help out the dad. Pack extra socks, make sure you have a comfy jacket and aleeve for your back. Dads you stand a lot so the aleeve is for your back. Now here are the much awaited pictures...
Friends meet our son Haydn Walker Priour. Isn't he just the cutest? I know I am biased but the nurses said he was cute too. =)
This is our first family picture!
Once Haydn was born we got a little bit of family time before he had to go to the nursery. Once we were there I was with him for about 4 hours while he was being checked out and hooked up to some machines. He was breathing really fast so he had to stay in the nursery for a while. His breathing has returned to normal but now they will be looking at an ekg to let us know about his heart murmur.
This is me and Haydn, I just had to put a pic of us up here. He doesn't look like me but I am holding out that he will get my blue eyes.
Here is another family pic!
This is Aunt Elyse. The first time she held Haydn she said, "Haydn I will get you anything your mom and dad say no to."
Dearest Auntie Elyse,
Thanks for all the help you have been. I like being held by you and I am glad you keep an eye on Uncle Stephen when he holds me. You don't have to anymore though, he is doing a great job and I like sleeping on him. Tomorrow I want him to change my diaper with your help. Now, for the stuff mom and dad are going to say no to. I want a trampoline when I learn to jump. When I turn 16 I would like a new car probably a truck like my daddy. I can wait till I am 18 if the laws change. I am sure there will be more stuff along way so I will let you know what else pops up that I want. O yeah, I love all my clothes you gave me thank you. I will try not to poop, pee, or throw up on you but I make no guarantees.
Love Haydn
Haydn day 2.
Here are some stats on Haydn for those who like that sort of thing.
- Born on 11-5-09 @ 9:06 PM
- 7lbs 5oz
- 21 inches long
- Hair on his head
- 10 toes and fingers (I counted in the nursery when he was under his heat lamp - that was the warmest I ever was in the hospital)
My Momma Loves Me
As some of you know the week before I was born my momma was told she had gallstones. She had several gallstone attacks before I was born and she and daddy were hoping that once I came out there would not be any more attacks because I would not be pushing on all moms organs. Today mom stated having gallbladder attacks again. It looks like she is going to have to have her gallbladder removed. Daddy told me that while mom was in labor she did really well. Once momma started pushing the nurse yelled WAIT and I was like nooooooooo I am ready to come out. But then I heard all these voices and mom was pushing again and I was on my way out. In less than 15 minutes of pushing my mom welcomed me into the world. I took one look at her after about 35 minutes and thought she was the most beautiful mom ever. I know I have kept her up a lot at night but she has been really patient with me. Sometimes I get to snuggle with her on my boppy while she is in bed.
Erin did a great job throughout everything. Please pray for her to not have anymore gallbladder attacks and that things will work out for us to get it removed quickly.
Hope you enjoyed the post!
Friends meet our son Haydn Walker Priour. Isn't he just the cutest? I know I am biased but the nurses said he was cute too. =)
This is our first family picture!
Once Haydn was born we got a little bit of family time before he had to go to the nursery. Once we were there I was with him for about 4 hours while he was being checked out and hooked up to some machines. He was breathing really fast so he had to stay in the nursery for a while. His breathing has returned to normal but now they will be looking at an ekg to let us know about his heart murmur.
This is me and Haydn, I just had to put a pic of us up here. He doesn't look like me but I am holding out that he will get my blue eyes.
Here is another family pic!
This is Aunt Elyse. The first time she held Haydn she said, "Haydn I will get you anything your mom and dad say no to."
Dearest Auntie Elyse,
Thanks for all the help you have been. I like being held by you and I am glad you keep an eye on Uncle Stephen when he holds me. You don't have to anymore though, he is doing a great job and I like sleeping on him. Tomorrow I want him to change my diaper with your help. Now, for the stuff mom and dad are going to say no to. I want a trampoline when I learn to jump. When I turn 16 I would like a new car probably a truck like my daddy. I can wait till I am 18 if the laws change. I am sure there will be more stuff along way so I will let you know what else pops up that I want. O yeah, I love all my clothes you gave me thank you. I will try not to poop, pee, or throw up on you but I make no guarantees.
Love Haydn
Haydn day 2.
Here are some stats on Haydn for those who like that sort of thing.
- Born on 11-5-09 @ 9:06 PM
- 7lbs 5oz
- 21 inches long
- Hair on his head
- 10 toes and fingers (I counted in the nursery when he was under his heat lamp - that was the warmest I ever was in the hospital)
My Momma Loves Me
As some of you know the week before I was born my momma was told she had gallstones. She had several gallstone attacks before I was born and she and daddy were hoping that once I came out there would not be any more attacks because I would not be pushing on all moms organs. Today mom stated having gallbladder attacks again. It looks like she is going to have to have her gallbladder removed. Daddy told me that while mom was in labor she did really well. Once momma started pushing the nurse yelled WAIT and I was like nooooooooo I am ready to come out. But then I heard all these voices and mom was pushing again and I was on my way out. In less than 15 minutes of pushing my mom welcomed me into the world. I took one look at her after about 35 minutes and thought she was the most beautiful mom ever. I know I have kept her up a lot at night but she has been really patient with me. Sometimes I get to snuggle with her on my boppy while she is in bed.
Erin did a great job throughout everything. Please pray for her to not have anymore gallbladder attacks and that things will work out for us to get it removed quickly.
Hope you enjoyed the post!
11.02.2009
Testing 123
Hello Folks this is just a test run for me to figure out how to post pictures to the blog. Have a great day!
This is the pic of a really large seagull I took in Turkey. They are bigger than the ones in Corpus!
Sometimes boys just need to get dirty!!
This is the pic of a really large seagull I took in Turkey. They are bigger than the ones in Corpus!
Sometimes boys just need to get dirty!!
11.01.2009
The End is Near
Well, we have an induction scheduled for Thursday. So, unless baby decides to make his appearance before then we should have a baby Thursday night. Everything seems to be going well with baby, he's just running out of room!
I'm very ready to not be pregnant anymore, especially since I found out last week that I have gallstones. I think I've had them for a while but now that the baby is pressing on everything my gallbladder is easily irritated. I've had 4 gallbladder attacks so far that last 4-6 hours and are ridiculously painful. I'm hoping that once baby comes and there isn't so much weight on all my other organs that my gallbladder won't be such an issue and I won't have to be so careful about what I eat. Right now I'm pretty much eating salads and baked potatoes. We will meet with a general surgeon a few weeks after the baby is born to decide if I need to get it out right away or if we can wait a little while so that Haydn can get a little older before I have to go through surgery. I've put Jeff & Elyse on update duty so they should be posting updates and pictures this week of baby Priour! We can't wait to meet him... we're still only mostly sure that he is a boy. We only had it confirmed once in Iraq and ever since then they've never been able to see anything. Soooo...I guess we'll find out soon enough! Thanks for all of your prayers, we really appreciate it.
I'm very ready to not be pregnant anymore, especially since I found out last week that I have gallstones. I think I've had them for a while but now that the baby is pressing on everything my gallbladder is easily irritated. I've had 4 gallbladder attacks so far that last 4-6 hours and are ridiculously painful. I'm hoping that once baby comes and there isn't so much weight on all my other organs that my gallbladder won't be such an issue and I won't have to be so careful about what I eat. Right now I'm pretty much eating salads and baked potatoes. We will meet with a general surgeon a few weeks after the baby is born to decide if I need to get it out right away or if we can wait a little while so that Haydn can get a little older before I have to go through surgery. I've put Jeff & Elyse on update duty so they should be posting updates and pictures this week of baby Priour! We can't wait to meet him... we're still only mostly sure that he is a boy. We only had it confirmed once in Iraq and ever since then they've never been able to see anything. Soooo...I guess we'll find out soon enough! Thanks for all of your prayers, we really appreciate it.
10.18.2009
9 months later
Sorry we've been AWOL for a while. We're going to work on keeping up with the posting especially as baby makes his arrival in just a few weeks! Anyway, here are some pics to show the progression of the belly - which has by now reached massive proportions... I mean it just can't get any bigger... can it? Please say no.
This is the first belly picture at 9 weeks
And here is 12 weeks
Here I am at 16 weeks
Here is 19 weeks
22 weeks
This is me & fife in Thailand. I'm about 28 weeks here
And this is today, going on 37 weeks!
It has been quite the journey - I never knew 9 months could take so long, but just a few more weeks... probably a few more pounds, and we will finally get to meet baby! We're so excited - none more so than me!
This is the first belly picture at 9 weeks
And here is 12 weeks
Here I am at 16 weeks
Here is 19 weeks
22 weeks
This is me & fife in Thailand. I'm about 28 weeks here
And this is today, going on 37 weeks!
It has been quite the journey - I never knew 9 months could take so long, but just a few more weeks... probably a few more pounds, and we will finally get to meet baby! We're so excited - none more so than me!
9.05.2009
We're Back!
After many hours of traveling we finally made it safely back to Houston last night. None of our luggage did...but when they started handwriting the luggage tags on the Iraq side of things I pretty much resigned myself to lost luggage. It should be here sometime today anyway. I've been up for several hours already and it isn't even 7 am - looks like me and my friend jet lag will have some time to get reacquainted.
In other much sadder news baby Daryan died yesterday morning in Istanbul after receiving heart surgery. He was in ICU for over a month recovering and finally gave up his fight for life. We are so sad and I felt a serious 'blow' to all of the hope we had been believing and holding onto for him. On the plane somewhere over the Atlantic I was just praying and processing and was really challenged to a resurgence of HOPE. Not just for Daryan's family as they grieve, but for all of the lives we have the opportunity to be in contact with in Iraq. We have a Hope that does not disapoint - not ever. Sure we feel disapointment keenly and we grieve things deeply, but we have Hope that covers all of the evil and hurt in the world. Let us be people who speak this Hope and live this Hope to those around us who are hurting. You can read more about Daryan here
In other much sadder news baby Daryan died yesterday morning in Istanbul after receiving heart surgery. He was in ICU for over a month recovering and finally gave up his fight for life. We are so sad and I felt a serious 'blow' to all of the hope we had been believing and holding onto for him. On the plane somewhere over the Atlantic I was just praying and processing and was really challenged to a resurgence of HOPE. Not just for Daryan's family as they grieve, but for all of the lives we have the opportunity to be in contact with in Iraq. We have a Hope that does not disapoint - not ever. Sure we feel disapointment keenly and we grieve things deeply, but we have Hope that covers all of the evil and hurt in the world. Let us be people who speak this Hope and live this Hope to those around us who are hurting. You can read more about Daryan here
9.02.2009
Change of Plans
Well, we decided yesterday after getting another ultrasound done and talking to our doctor that we would come home a week earlier than planned. We are leaving tomorrow night and will arrive in Houston on Friday evening. I'm sad we are missing the Northeastern part of our trip home to visit Elyse & Stephen but I'm really glad they will already be in Houston when we arrive!
Everything is fine with me and the baby, I have just been having some problems getting my heart rate and blood pressure under control so we decided it was best not to take any chances and go ahead and come home. I'm 30 weeks this week and Haydn already has his head down like he knows the drill already! I had a good talk with him about how he couldn't come before 37 weeks, so we'll see if he obeys... I'm counting on it! =)
Jeff has been helping me pack up our house today and has been singing most of the day he is so excited about going home.
Tonight we are going to break the Ramadan fast at the home of one of the first kids we sent for surgery in Turkey. His name is Serhang and he is inoperable. We have stayed close to their family and I'm looking forward to getting to say our good byes to them and pray for 11 year old Serhang. Jeff is going to the Bazar tomorrow to say good bye to all of his friends there. And then we'll be on a plane tomorrow night! Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone!
Everything is fine with me and the baby, I have just been having some problems getting my heart rate and blood pressure under control so we decided it was best not to take any chances and go ahead and come home. I'm 30 weeks this week and Haydn already has his head down like he knows the drill already! I had a good talk with him about how he couldn't come before 37 weeks, so we'll see if he obeys... I'm counting on it! =)
Jeff has been helping me pack up our house today and has been singing most of the day he is so excited about going home.
Tonight we are going to break the Ramadan fast at the home of one of the first kids we sent for surgery in Turkey. His name is Serhang and he is inoperable. We have stayed close to their family and I'm looking forward to getting to say our good byes to them and pray for 11 year old Serhang. Jeff is going to the Bazar tomorrow to say good bye to all of his friends there. And then we'll be on a plane tomorrow night! Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone!
8.30.2009
Journal Entries
I don't usually offer my journal for public viewing, but as we are preparing to finish out this year in Iraq (when we return it will be 2010) I have been doing a lot of looking back and processing about our time here so far – the good, the bad, and the ugly. One of the reasons I have kept a journal for the last 10 years is for times like these – when I need to remember and get an accurate look back over the last several months. It has been a pretty rough year, but I think we’ve learned a lot and grown a lot in ways that I hope will make us more successful in the coming years that we spend overseas. Below are some excerpts from my journal since we’ve been here because I want to give a real (well somewhat, I've been fairly selective in my sharing) glimpse of some of what the last 7 months have been like.
January
1/22: I can’t believe today really came – we are on the plane on our way to the Rock. It was sad saying good-bye – I still feel sad right now, but I also feel eager excitement and anticipation of all that is ahead for us.
Lord, I bring to you now all of my tears, all of my sorrow, all of my fear and tell you that you are the only one who fills me and that following you, even to the ends of the earth, is better Lord. It is better than home, better than comfort, better than family, friends and money. Jesus you are better than all of these things. Please rise up inside me, inside of these vacant places, I need you more than I can begin to imagine.
1/23: There is nothing to fear, but God alone and he is for us! God is my home – when I don’t feel at home anywhere else He is trustworthy. Lord, you will establish peace for us, since you have also performed for us all our works. Isaiah26; 12
1/25: What a great first day we had, Praise the Lord! I’m still feeling so excited about life here and getting settled and learning language. It was great with the team and I’m so encouraged by their confidence and ability here.
February
2/2: Well, we made it through our first really bad day here – thank you Jesus! I was reminded last night about keeping the first things first. It seems that here (as anywhere I suppose) there are so many ways to divide your affection and attention. There are dying children that need surgery, there are families needing updates from us on their child’s status, there is Kurdish to learn and study and practice... and everything seems so urgent. The only way to have any strength, energy, life, light and power to draw from is to be seeking first the Kingdom. Satan wants to distract us and keep us so busy that we miss it completely.
2/9: My first trip out to the villages was a success. The families we met with were wonderful and it was great to get to be involved actively with what is happening now in the life of PLC. It seems unreal that 2 weeks ago we were trying to figure out how and if we could send kids this quarter and here we are 6 days out from sending the first batch of kids. God really does laugh at the impossible, and it must be so that no man can boast… As hard as it is to see families who are hurting, I would rather be a part of this and deal with all of the hurt than to not be here reaching out, providing support, praying, hoping, and loving these kids and their families.
2/10: So, the water is back… but the tanks will only fill ¼ of the way full without a pump and we didn’t get any national electricity today – I guess it is always something. It will be really interesting to see what it is like living in America after this.
2/12: The water is gone again – and the $400 washing machine doesn’t work. I cried for about 2 hours tonight. I think I needed to be really broken and let myself feel sad (even though I still struggle with feeling guilty about my sadness)… It has been much harder than I expected to have a home that I can’t make work right. It would be easier to live with someone else than to have this be our problem every time something else breaks…In the midst of feeling guilty over my frustration and sadness I realized something – although the bible talks about rejoicing in suffering that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt. If I didn’t have to choose joy and there wasn’t anything to push my limits – then there wouldn’t be anything remarkable about joy would there? It isn’t as though my oldest child needed a heart surgery he might not be able to survive…but it is still my suffering this week. I’m humbled tonight by my own weakness. It will not be by my own willpower or ability that we will stay in Iraq.
“What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 1Corinthians 4:7”
2/15: Thank you Lord for the good reports on the children and their families. I pray that you will continue to comfort and strengthen them.
2/22: It has been 1 month since we left and today was a pretty bad day here. I feel kind of homesick tonight. I just miss my family and friends. I miss the comfortable things of America. I had my first recognizable moment of culture shock today – Lord, please help me to draw from your strength, I feel pretty weary tonight.
2/24: We made it through month 1, we have even made some pretty significant accomplishments, praise the Lord! Lord, let month 2 be twice as purpose filled, joyful, submitted. By your grace Jesus, only by your grace.
2/28: Thank you Jesus for the hope and encouragement I feel tonight. God please continue to speak to me about how I can pray for Jeff. I’m reminded tonight that you are ‘Not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with you.” Ps 5:4. You are only holy and righteous and whether you heal and save these children or not, that truth will not change.
March
3/2: Baby Honyar died yesterday morning. I’m not sure how to process it all other than to choose Hope. Hope has meant something special to me these days.
3/11: So, today is the day I found out that our whole life was going to change. That’s right, I’m pregnant! I still can’t quite believe it. I’ve said it enough times today that I thought it would sink in – but it still seems so unreal. I can’t believe we are going to have a baby!
3/14: Lord, thank you for your mercy and continued goodness in my life. I pray that you could continue to give me grace and wisdom to know how to take care of this baby growing inside me.
3/18: I can’t believe it is ending when it feels like it just begun. I’ve only been knowingly pregnant for 8 days and I’ve started to miscarry. One week ago our whole life changed – and we were so happy about that. I can’t believe how quickly I grew attached to this pregnancy, this future, this baby… and now it is all ending, just like that. There are no words to the grief that I feel about everything that could have been…
3/26: Lord, I don’t know how to feel – I’m hopeful and fearful. God you alone hold the power of life and death. The life of this baby belongs to you. God, let your will be done.
April
4/1: Well, it’s a miracle, we saw our little baby and it’s heart beat! Thank you Jesus, I’ve had so many feelings about all of this – of which you are well aware. Help me to rest and take it all one-step at a time.
4/6: Lord, help me! This has been so much harder for me than I ever imagined – the constant nausea and pains. Father, please give me the grace to be able to receive this joyfully and to know how to take care of myself.
May
5/4: Father, thank you for your Word and the life that it brings. Thank you for truth that sets us free. I pray for wisdom as I seek to be a better wife and teammate.
5/8: Oh Lord, it was another hard day where my circumstances just threatened to relentlessly crush my spirit. I wish I felt like I had fought for joy harder but I’m not sure that I really tried. At the end of this day I don’t want to feel hopeless or wonder how many more terrible days await me – I just need you.
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Ps 55: 23
5/11 Thank you Jesus for letting us see a healthy, squirming baby today with a good heartbeat. I just confess that you are in control and you are trustworthy.
June
6/4: God, I pray for Shad tonight, please give his body the strength to heal and let him recover from these procedures. God I pray for peace and comfort for his family and for Jeremy and our team. God we trust you and we are asking you to heal Shad, to give him life again.
6/16: “ From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever, let me take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Ps 61: 2-4
July
7/19: I think I’m finally ready to admit that the closeness I wanted with you (Jesus) that I thought was alluding me as a result of location isn’t any easier half way around the world. I don’t feel any closer, the light doesn’t seem any clearer and being obedient in big things doesn’t change all of the every day things that I am still disobedient in. Nearness to you and closeness to the Spirit doesn’t happen with out me…I know I can’t keep asking you to help me and expect that to produce results without my waiting on you.
We were out of Kurdistan on vacation for most of August and are getting ready to go home now so I don’t have a lot of entries relevant to this post for August so I’ll just end it here. It has been a really trying and meaningful 7 months so far and we are looking forward to coming back in January and doing this again with a baby! We’ll see if I can still find time to journal then… I’m not getting my hopes up.
January
1/22: I can’t believe today really came – we are on the plane on our way to the Rock. It was sad saying good-bye – I still feel sad right now, but I also feel eager excitement and anticipation of all that is ahead for us.
Lord, I bring to you now all of my tears, all of my sorrow, all of my fear and tell you that you are the only one who fills me and that following you, even to the ends of the earth, is better Lord. It is better than home, better than comfort, better than family, friends and money. Jesus you are better than all of these things. Please rise up inside me, inside of these vacant places, I need you more than I can begin to imagine.
1/23: There is nothing to fear, but God alone and he is for us! God is my home – when I don’t feel at home anywhere else He is trustworthy. Lord, you will establish peace for us, since you have also performed for us all our works. Isaiah26; 12
1/25: What a great first day we had, Praise the Lord! I’m still feeling so excited about life here and getting settled and learning language. It was great with the team and I’m so encouraged by their confidence and ability here.
February
2/2: Well, we made it through our first really bad day here – thank you Jesus! I was reminded last night about keeping the first things first. It seems that here (as anywhere I suppose) there are so many ways to divide your affection and attention. There are dying children that need surgery, there are families needing updates from us on their child’s status, there is Kurdish to learn and study and practice... and everything seems so urgent. The only way to have any strength, energy, life, light and power to draw from is to be seeking first the Kingdom. Satan wants to distract us and keep us so busy that we miss it completely.
2/9: My first trip out to the villages was a success. The families we met with were wonderful and it was great to get to be involved actively with what is happening now in the life of PLC. It seems unreal that 2 weeks ago we were trying to figure out how and if we could send kids this quarter and here we are 6 days out from sending the first batch of kids. God really does laugh at the impossible, and it must be so that no man can boast… As hard as it is to see families who are hurting, I would rather be a part of this and deal with all of the hurt than to not be here reaching out, providing support, praying, hoping, and loving these kids and their families.
2/10: So, the water is back… but the tanks will only fill ¼ of the way full without a pump and we didn’t get any national electricity today – I guess it is always something. It will be really interesting to see what it is like living in America after this.
2/12: The water is gone again – and the $400 washing machine doesn’t work. I cried for about 2 hours tonight. I think I needed to be really broken and let myself feel sad (even though I still struggle with feeling guilty about my sadness)… It has been much harder than I expected to have a home that I can’t make work right. It would be easier to live with someone else than to have this be our problem every time something else breaks…In the midst of feeling guilty over my frustration and sadness I realized something – although the bible talks about rejoicing in suffering that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt. If I didn’t have to choose joy and there wasn’t anything to push my limits – then there wouldn’t be anything remarkable about joy would there? It isn’t as though my oldest child needed a heart surgery he might not be able to survive…but it is still my suffering this week. I’m humbled tonight by my own weakness. It will not be by my own willpower or ability that we will stay in Iraq.
“What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 1Corinthians 4:7”
2/15: Thank you Lord for the good reports on the children and their families. I pray that you will continue to comfort and strengthen them.
2/22: It has been 1 month since we left and today was a pretty bad day here. I feel kind of homesick tonight. I just miss my family and friends. I miss the comfortable things of America. I had my first recognizable moment of culture shock today – Lord, please help me to draw from your strength, I feel pretty weary tonight.
2/24: We made it through month 1, we have even made some pretty significant accomplishments, praise the Lord! Lord, let month 2 be twice as purpose filled, joyful, submitted. By your grace Jesus, only by your grace.
2/28: Thank you Jesus for the hope and encouragement I feel tonight. God please continue to speak to me about how I can pray for Jeff. I’m reminded tonight that you are ‘Not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with you.” Ps 5:4. You are only holy and righteous and whether you heal and save these children or not, that truth will not change.
March
3/2: Baby Honyar died yesterday morning. I’m not sure how to process it all other than to choose Hope. Hope has meant something special to me these days.
3/11: So, today is the day I found out that our whole life was going to change. That’s right, I’m pregnant! I still can’t quite believe it. I’ve said it enough times today that I thought it would sink in – but it still seems so unreal. I can’t believe we are going to have a baby!
3/14: Lord, thank you for your mercy and continued goodness in my life. I pray that you could continue to give me grace and wisdom to know how to take care of this baby growing inside me.
3/18: I can’t believe it is ending when it feels like it just begun. I’ve only been knowingly pregnant for 8 days and I’ve started to miscarry. One week ago our whole life changed – and we were so happy about that. I can’t believe how quickly I grew attached to this pregnancy, this future, this baby… and now it is all ending, just like that. There are no words to the grief that I feel about everything that could have been…
3/26: Lord, I don’t know how to feel – I’m hopeful and fearful. God you alone hold the power of life and death. The life of this baby belongs to you. God, let your will be done.
April
4/1: Well, it’s a miracle, we saw our little baby and it’s heart beat! Thank you Jesus, I’ve had so many feelings about all of this – of which you are well aware. Help me to rest and take it all one-step at a time.
4/6: Lord, help me! This has been so much harder for me than I ever imagined – the constant nausea and pains. Father, please give me the grace to be able to receive this joyfully and to know how to take care of myself.
May
5/4: Father, thank you for your Word and the life that it brings. Thank you for truth that sets us free. I pray for wisdom as I seek to be a better wife and teammate.
5/8: Oh Lord, it was another hard day where my circumstances just threatened to relentlessly crush my spirit. I wish I felt like I had fought for joy harder but I’m not sure that I really tried. At the end of this day I don’t want to feel hopeless or wonder how many more terrible days await me – I just need you.
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Ps 55: 23
5/11 Thank you Jesus for letting us see a healthy, squirming baby today with a good heartbeat. I just confess that you are in control and you are trustworthy.
June
6/4: God, I pray for Shad tonight, please give his body the strength to heal and let him recover from these procedures. God I pray for peace and comfort for his family and for Jeremy and our team. God we trust you and we are asking you to heal Shad, to give him life again.
6/16: “ From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever, let me take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Ps 61: 2-4
July
7/19: I think I’m finally ready to admit that the closeness I wanted with you (Jesus) that I thought was alluding me as a result of location isn’t any easier half way around the world. I don’t feel any closer, the light doesn’t seem any clearer and being obedient in big things doesn’t change all of the every day things that I am still disobedient in. Nearness to you and closeness to the Spirit doesn’t happen with out me…I know I can’t keep asking you to help me and expect that to produce results without my waiting on you.
We were out of Kurdistan on vacation for most of August and are getting ready to go home now so I don’t have a lot of entries relevant to this post for August so I’ll just end it here. It has been a really trying and meaningful 7 months so far and we are looking forward to coming back in January and doing this again with a baby! We’ll see if I can still find time to journal then… I’m not getting my hopes up.
8.25.2009
Things I am looking forward to in the states.
-All the electricity I want
-Skeet shooting with friends
-Fishing with my dad and Allen
-Having a little boy =) who I get to teach the above mentioned and probably below mentioned things to
-Smoking briskets with the above mentioned people
-Hunting if I have a place to hunt
-Grilling steaks, fajitas, pork chops and chicken
-Making guacamole with Erin
-Eating lots of great food
-BACON!!!!
-Hanging out with friends who love me, you know who you are!!
-Talking stocks with John
-Restaurants I want to eat at
Jaliscos and Adriana & Jennets both breakfast
Waterstreet and a nice steak house like Ruth Chris for dinner
Joe Cottons, Rudy’s, Ninfas, Kitox, Jaspers, Whataburger, Papa Rollo’s, Chick-fil-a, Lee’s, Bush’s Chicken and SWEET TEA
I would love for Erin to come shoot skeet with me but after we saw GI Joe I don’t think Haydn will like the noise. I would also like for her to get to go fishing with me, my dad and Allen cause she is better than a good luck charm! I would also love for her to be able to smoke briskets but the smoke might be too much so she and Haydn will get the joy of eating all the great food that is grilled. I will try to remember that most people other than myself like more than just meat for dinner so maybe we will have some rabbit food also.
Friends, did I forget any good places?
-Skeet shooting with friends
-Fishing with my dad and Allen
-Having a little boy =) who I get to teach the above mentioned and probably below mentioned things to
-Smoking briskets with the above mentioned people
-Hunting if I have a place to hunt
-Grilling steaks, fajitas, pork chops and chicken
-Making guacamole with Erin
-Eating lots of great food
-BACON!!!!
-Hanging out with friends who love me, you know who you are!!
-Talking stocks with John
-Restaurants I want to eat at
Jaliscos and Adriana & Jennets both breakfast
Waterstreet and a nice steak house like Ruth Chris for dinner
Joe Cottons, Rudy’s, Ninfas, Kitox, Jaspers, Whataburger, Papa Rollo’s, Chick-fil-a, Lee’s, Bush’s Chicken and SWEET TEA
I would love for Erin to come shoot skeet with me but after we saw GI Joe I don’t think Haydn will like the noise. I would also like for her to get to go fishing with me, my dad and Allen cause she is better than a good luck charm! I would also love for her to be able to smoke briskets but the smoke might be too much so she and Haydn will get the joy of eating all the great food that is grilled. I will try to remember that most people other than myself like more than just meat for dinner so maybe we will have some rabbit food also.
Friends, did I forget any good places?
8.23.2009
Randomness in the mind of Jeff Pt. 3
Right now we are out of Iraq for a couple for a couple of week. I finally have time to sit down and write a blog post or maybe two. So here goes:
-The other day Erin and I were going to pick some packages up and she noticed a monkey on a leash tied to a light pole One doesn’t see monkeys everyday tied to a light pole especially ones eating carrots!
- I have grown accustomed to visiting the bazaar (large primarily outside market where one can go to find almost anything you need. I typically take a taxi into the less crowded part of the bazaar and then walk out of it when I am ready to leave cause there is lots of traffic in the bazaar. As I was on my usual route walking out of the bazaar I noticed an old man sitting in a chair sleeping waiting for someone to hire him. Since then I have seen him sleeping in his chair in the morning, at lunch time and in the afternoon. Personally I think it is bad business because I wouldn’t wake someone from sleeping I would simply move onto the next person. But then someone who thinks differently than myself might think I will hire the sleeping man he should be well rested. Any thoughts?
- A month or so ago every time I sat down to type something I kept hitting the comma key and it really annoyed me so I am happy to say that since I started typing this post I have not hit the comma key once on accident.
- Being here in Turkey has been great. I have had some amazing chicken (something I don’t eat much of in Iraq). And I had a McFlurry and a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. I really miss great ice cream. We are staying in a friends house that is located pretty stinking close to the water so it has been great to hear and smell the water. It reminds me of home and then I get to thinking that I’m going fishing in about a month with my dad and Allen. Having lived in Corpus most of my life I am accustomed to seeing seagulls, some that are big and other that are small but the seagulls in Turkey are extra large. I took a picture of one cause I figured people wouldn’t believe me.
- Back to Iraq. I with the help of a couple of our interns finished painting the upstairs of our house. That is a huge relief!
- We also bought new curtains that are thicker, heavier, and darker for our living room so now that room is a little cooler and much more tolerable. I am still going to get a larger split (a/c) someday, hopefully!
- Thanks to one of our interns, Josh, I have started to get into photography. Part of the benefit to living overseas is that you get the opportunity to see amazingly beautiful places. Now I am just trying to learn how to take a little bit better pictures.
- Hopefully I will take some great ones in Thailand and you will get to see them.
That’s about all I have for this post. I hope you leave comments cause that is my favorite part about blogging, getting to read comments people left.
-The other day Erin and I were going to pick some packages up and she noticed a monkey on a leash tied to a light pole One doesn’t see monkeys everyday tied to a light pole especially ones eating carrots!
- I have grown accustomed to visiting the bazaar (large primarily outside market where one can go to find almost anything you need. I typically take a taxi into the less crowded part of the bazaar and then walk out of it when I am ready to leave cause there is lots of traffic in the bazaar. As I was on my usual route walking out of the bazaar I noticed an old man sitting in a chair sleeping waiting for someone to hire him. Since then I have seen him sleeping in his chair in the morning, at lunch time and in the afternoon. Personally I think it is bad business because I wouldn’t wake someone from sleeping I would simply move onto the next person. But then someone who thinks differently than myself might think I will hire the sleeping man he should be well rested. Any thoughts?
- A month or so ago every time I sat down to type something I kept hitting the comma key and it really annoyed me so I am happy to say that since I started typing this post I have not hit the comma key once on accident.
- Being here in Turkey has been great. I have had some amazing chicken (something I don’t eat much of in Iraq). And I had a McFlurry and a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. I really miss great ice cream. We are staying in a friends house that is located pretty stinking close to the water so it has been great to hear and smell the water. It reminds me of home and then I get to thinking that I’m going fishing in about a month with my dad and Allen. Having lived in Corpus most of my life I am accustomed to seeing seagulls, some that are big and other that are small but the seagulls in Turkey are extra large. I took a picture of one cause I figured people wouldn’t believe me.
- Back to Iraq. I with the help of a couple of our interns finished painting the upstairs of our house. That is a huge relief!
- We also bought new curtains that are thicker, heavier, and darker for our living room so now that room is a little cooler and much more tolerable. I am still going to get a larger split (a/c) someday, hopefully!
- Thanks to one of our interns, Josh, I have started to get into photography. Part of the benefit to living overseas is that you get the opportunity to see amazingly beautiful places. Now I am just trying to learn how to take a little bit better pictures.
- Hopefully I will take some great ones in Thailand and you will get to see them.
That’s about all I have for this post. I hope you leave comments cause that is my favorite part about blogging, getting to read comments people left.
8.22.2009
back in Iraq
Just a note to say that we made it safely back to the country! I will try and post some more pictures of our time in Bangkok this week. It was quite a trek to get back here and in the future I will try to not travel internationally in my third trimester, but in just 3 weeks and 4 plane rides we will finally be home!
We returned just in time for Ramadan so that will be interesting, we've never been in a Muslim country during this time of fasting. It already seems so different. None of the restaurants are open during the daylight hours and lots of shops are closed for the 30 days of fasting. I'm glad we get to be here to experience a little of it and will hopefully get to break the fast with some of our friends and neighbors before we leave.
I was awake extra early this morning, half jet lag, half our electricity going off and as I was grumbling over the heat and lack of electricity I was reminded of something important that came out of our time at the conference....be thankful! The last 7 months in Iraq have been varying degrees of hard and harder and I let myself get so bogged down in it that I forgot to be thankful for anything! So, I spent time this morning being thankful that I had extra time to pray and read and remember the things God has done for us.
We returned just in time for Ramadan so that will be interesting, we've never been in a Muslim country during this time of fasting. It already seems so different. None of the restaurants are open during the daylight hours and lots of shops are closed for the 30 days of fasting. I'm glad we get to be here to experience a little of it and will hopefully get to break the fast with some of our friends and neighbors before we leave.
I was awake extra early this morning, half jet lag, half our electricity going off and as I was grumbling over the heat and lack of electricity I was reminded of something important that came out of our time at the conference....be thankful! The last 7 months in Iraq have been varying degrees of hard and harder and I let myself get so bogged down in it that I forgot to be thankful for anything! So, I spent time this morning being thankful that I had extra time to pray and read and remember the things God has done for us.
8.13.2009
Picture attempt 2
We'll see if the internet will be a little more cooperative tonight so we can show you some more pictures of our time here so far.
Here's Jeff in his hardcore ATV gear. He was the only one who went on the tour this day and since he had some experience the guide really took him off the beaten path. He had a great time!
Would you let this man take you up a mountain by yourself? I'm not so sure I would...
This is Jeff outside a temple that was on the side of the mountain
This is my elephant hug... it was a baby elephant.... it seemed harmless at first... until this...
He started putting me in a headlock and pulling me into his mouth...it was kind of gross.
Jeff's elephant kept trying to push him over so that the kids who were feeding the elephants could get closer.
Isn't this amazing?! This elephant is painting a picture of a panda bear! I gotta say, these elephants have some mad painting skills, I was totally impressed.
We went to an orchid and butterfly farm. The flowers were SO beautiful!
Enjoying the local public transportation. I can't get used to the cars driving on the other side of the road!
We went on a dinner cruise last night on the river. It was really nice and the food was great!
We have another day left of our conference and then we will head to Bangkok for a few days. We've had a really good time - I think we both just needed a chance to get out of Iraq and breathe for a while. It has also been pretty fabulous having pizza hut and eating bacon every morning for breakfast! I'll try and post some more pictures from the end of our trip before we head back to Iraq. In one month we'll be back in the states! I can't believe it! We are both looking forward to seeing everyone and having some time with our families.
Here's Jeff in his hardcore ATV gear. He was the only one who went on the tour this day and since he had some experience the guide really took him off the beaten path. He had a great time!
Would you let this man take you up a mountain by yourself? I'm not so sure I would...
This is Jeff outside a temple that was on the side of the mountain
This is my elephant hug... it was a baby elephant.... it seemed harmless at first... until this...
He started putting me in a headlock and pulling me into his mouth...it was kind of gross.
Jeff's elephant kept trying to push him over so that the kids who were feeding the elephants could get closer.
Isn't this amazing?! This elephant is painting a picture of a panda bear! I gotta say, these elephants have some mad painting skills, I was totally impressed.
We went to an orchid and butterfly farm. The flowers were SO beautiful!
Enjoying the local public transportation. I can't get used to the cars driving on the other side of the road!
We went on a dinner cruise last night on the river. It was really nice and the food was great!
We have another day left of our conference and then we will head to Bangkok for a few days. We've had a really good time - I think we both just needed a chance to get out of Iraq and breathe for a while. It has also been pretty fabulous having pizza hut and eating bacon every morning for breakfast! I'll try and post some more pictures from the end of our trip before we head back to Iraq. In one month we'll be back in the states! I can't believe it! We are both looking forward to seeing everyone and having some time with our families.
8.12.2009
Adventures in Thailand
We've been having a great time so far! Thought I'd post some pictures of what we've been up to.
This is from Jeff's trip up the side of a mountain on a 4 wheeler
Today we went to an elephant camp and saw a show and got to ride an elephant.
The elephants even played soccer!
Here we are on our elephant ride!
Unfortunately, the internet is not cooperating with me right now so I can't post any more pictures! But, I'll try again soon....there's some great ones of me getting put in a headlock by an elephant and Jeff looking really hardcore in his ATV gear.
This is from Jeff's trip up the side of a mountain on a 4 wheeler
Today we went to an elephant camp and saw a show and got to ride an elephant.
The elephants even played soccer!
Here we are on our elephant ride!
Unfortunately, the internet is not cooperating with me right now so I can't post any more pictures! But, I'll try again soon....there's some great ones of me getting put in a headlock by an elephant and Jeff looking really hardcore in his ATV gear.
8.10.2009
we're here!
Since we can't use our phones anymore just wanted to let everyone know we made it safely to Thailand. We are enjoying our time here so far and are looking forward to the rest of the week.
Unfortunately, I don't have my camera on me to post any pictures because Jeff has it and is 4-wheeling through the jungle right now. But we'll post pictures soon.
I got to see the doctor here (tidbit for you Dad) and so I'm taking antibiotics and hope to kick the 3 infections I have right now very soon! I'm feeling better already, so that is a good sign.
There is even more American food here than in Istanbul! I'm a little bit excited about it all. Yesterday I ate donuts, and Auntie Anne's pretzels, and then I had my second dinner at Subway and drank root beer! It was so fabulous. I have actually been dreaming about Subway and root beer for maybe the last 3 months - it was even better than I dreamed.
I'm going to Starbucks in a few minutes with some friends and plan to enjoy every sip! We have also been eating Thai food too, but right now nothing compares to good ol' American food. We are going to ride elephants in a couple days and we are going on a dinner cruise. I'm pretty excited. It has been a breath of fresh air and it has been really refreshing to gather with so many people from around the globe who are serving the Lord. It has been kind of overwhelming to worship with hundreds of people again, but it has been so renewing! Well, gotta go, don't want to be late for my Starbucks date!
Unfortunately, I don't have my camera on me to post any pictures because Jeff has it and is 4-wheeling through the jungle right now. But we'll post pictures soon.
I got to see the doctor here (tidbit for you Dad) and so I'm taking antibiotics and hope to kick the 3 infections I have right now very soon! I'm feeling better already, so that is a good sign.
There is even more American food here than in Istanbul! I'm a little bit excited about it all. Yesterday I ate donuts, and Auntie Anne's pretzels, and then I had my second dinner at Subway and drank root beer! It was so fabulous. I have actually been dreaming about Subway and root beer for maybe the last 3 months - it was even better than I dreamed.
I'm going to Starbucks in a few minutes with some friends and plan to enjoy every sip! We have also been eating Thai food too, but right now nothing compares to good ol' American food. We are going to ride elephants in a couple days and we are going on a dinner cruise. I'm pretty excited. It has been a breath of fresh air and it has been really refreshing to gather with so many people from around the globe who are serving the Lord. It has been kind of overwhelming to worship with hundreds of people again, but it has been so renewing! Well, gotta go, don't want to be late for my Starbucks date!
8.06.2009
Time in Turkey
We've had a really good time in Turkey so far, we've also had some unexpected time here, but more on that later.
We got to Istanbul on Tuesday and ate some delicious Burger King before we even left the airport. It was some kind of wonderful.
Haydn and I got to enjoy Burger King twice! We were supposed to fly to Bangkok last night but the airline canceled our tickets without notifying us so we were at the airport until 1 AM trying to get that sorted out. Now we are flying to Bangkok tonight instead. Kind of a bummer, but today has been relaxing and I did get some more BK.
On Wednesday we got to go to the hospital to see some of our kids who are still there after heart surgery. We got to go to cardiac ICU and see baby Daryan. They are hoping to be able to extubate soon but he is still in pretty critical condition, please keep praying. Here's Jeff next to the model of the hospital, I couldn't believe how nice this hospital was!
We had a great time taking Daryan's mom out for lunch and then for some time in the city away from the hospital. It was also pretty wonderful getting to go to McDonald's twice and get some ice cream! I'm not one to usually take pictures of my food...but I was just so excited to eat some American food. We even got some Starbucks last night while we waited at the airport.
Here are some pics of us from the roof of the house we were staying at. I almost forgot how beautiful Turkey is, we've really enjoyed our time here.
We had a good time on the roof playing with Emma & Micah.
And this is Jeff's new traveling shirt. One of his good friends bought this for him right before we left Iraq because he said that Jeff needed a new shirt for his trip. Isn't it something? =)
We've had a great time in Istanbul but are ready to move on to phase 2 of our trip. Inshallah, we will get on a plane tonight and then arrive at our final destination in Thailand tomorrow night just in time for all of the big events to kick off for the week. Please be praying for our health. Jeff is at the pharmacy right now trying to find some cold medicine for us. I just got rid of a parasite last week, then got an infection from the antibiotics, and now it seems we are both getting colds. I'm really ready to feel better - especially on vacation!
We got to Istanbul on Tuesday and ate some delicious Burger King before we even left the airport. It was some kind of wonderful.
Haydn and I got to enjoy Burger King twice! We were supposed to fly to Bangkok last night but the airline canceled our tickets without notifying us so we were at the airport until 1 AM trying to get that sorted out. Now we are flying to Bangkok tonight instead. Kind of a bummer, but today has been relaxing and I did get some more BK.
On Wednesday we got to go to the hospital to see some of our kids who are still there after heart surgery. We got to go to cardiac ICU and see baby Daryan. They are hoping to be able to extubate soon but he is still in pretty critical condition, please keep praying. Here's Jeff next to the model of the hospital, I couldn't believe how nice this hospital was!
We had a great time taking Daryan's mom out for lunch and then for some time in the city away from the hospital. It was also pretty wonderful getting to go to McDonald's twice and get some ice cream! I'm not one to usually take pictures of my food...but I was just so excited to eat some American food. We even got some Starbucks last night while we waited at the airport.
Here are some pics of us from the roof of the house we were staying at. I almost forgot how beautiful Turkey is, we've really enjoyed our time here.
We had a good time on the roof playing with Emma & Micah.
And this is Jeff's new traveling shirt. One of his good friends bought this for him right before we left Iraq because he said that Jeff needed a new shirt for his trip. Isn't it something? =)
We've had a great time in Istanbul but are ready to move on to phase 2 of our trip. Inshallah, we will get on a plane tonight and then arrive at our final destination in Thailand tomorrow night just in time for all of the big events to kick off for the week. Please be praying for our health. Jeff is at the pharmacy right now trying to find some cold medicine for us. I just got rid of a parasite last week, then got an infection from the antibiotics, and now it seems we are both getting colds. I'm really ready to feel better - especially on vacation!
Paintings for Haydn
couple weeks. Here is the finished product. His room will be done in
primary colors. Hopefully when we get back to Iraq we'll be able to
get the nursery more set up!
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