Some Specialties

I thought I'd try to share a few of my new found specialties here...

1) Water sanitation.


2) Zucchini Pizza. (on flamingo plates.)


3) Staring out of my window for long amounts of time.


4) And I guess I should mention language study. L snagged this picture one afternoon- we might be using this in the near future as evidence for our language helper.

THE Castle

When the nationals here find out I'm new to the area, one of their first questions is if I've been to THE castle. They are very proud of it and some new friends took me last week. I thought I was meeting 2 friends, but we ended up with 8 girls! (This seems to be the norm at first.) It is a beautiful place, so enjoy the pictures.

First Festivities

We pass this neighborhood on our way to language lessons each day.


My new bedroom- most of you know I couldn't leave all my flamigos behind!


This is one of my favorite little ones here. As you can tell, she has to set me straight from time to time.


We were able to join in on a rooftop bonfire- with smores! (well, we did our best...but i think they were pretty good.) You can't get much better than Chinese marshmallows.


My friend and yours, Fulla. This is our culturally appropriate Barbie. Just wanted ya'll to know she was available before you started your holiday shopping.

We're here.

Sorry it's taken so long to update, but we did make it! We've been here 10 days and we've fit in so much in such a short time. We had some great people meet us at the airport, get us settled into our new apartment (pictures soon!), teach us how and where to shop, and a few key phrases. Today we had our second language lesson- my roomie and I are taking lessons together in the morning. The food here has been great and hot tea with milk is quite a hit. I hope to update with some pictures soon. Thanks for remembering us- we are reminded daily of how much we need it.

Last days of Training

I think handling this man-made raft can count as a good team building activity. Even if it is random, I'm sure we'll use our new knowledge in the future.


After 2 months, we really got to search out our new living quarters. I just thought this picture could mean I'm one step further in the journey.


We thought a picture IN the fountain would be better. It is bittersweet to be leaving these sisters and brothers, but more than worth it to know what they will be up to all over the world. Please remember us as we continue through this transitioning period.

Time flies...

This was taken in the train station after a day filled with lots of walking and turning of maps. Lesson learned: don’t trust the internet for directions to an embassy.

During our free time, we’ve been able to get together a flag football tournament. It came just as I began to miss my team of girls…go Dixie Dawgs!

WK 3

This week we got to celebrate Lindsay's birthday! I was told to pack a few Dr. Peppers for this time next year. I feel pretty special to be her teammate. She's great. Please remember us- ask for unity, humility, and a continued sense of humor!


I thought this would be a good one for Mom to know the conditions aren't too harsh here. (not really, but this was an option until maintenance gotta hold of it.)

Train 'Em Up

I hope this update can help you get an idea of what we’re doing around here! The picture is of me, Lindsay, my teammate!, and Brittany. We’re now entering our third week of training. There are about 400 people, but the kids outnumber us all- no complaints here. Our attempts to “redeem the time” have been full of classes, meetings, and planning. In a week, most of us will be finished with our ESL/EFL certification (English as a Second Language/ English as a Foreign Language). We’re learning more about the Middle Eastern culture and getting a few basics on the language. Some of us have been joining in with the sweet ladies that came to teach quilting. I’m also serving on the medical team, so we are preparing for our first clinic day next week.
Although it might seem busy, the focus is still the same. No matter the task at hand, we are daily reminded of our purpose to know Him and make Him known.

Come Along

I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you as I begin this journey. Thank you in advance for remembering me. What a joy it is for us to join together in this great task at such a desperate time. I will be refering to our country as the Shadowlands. Many are in the mere shadows of what is to come and what exists apart from this world. We have this invitation to know what is real. May we share it as we should.