Beach Vacation

Here's a bit from our vacation to the Red Sea. Much thanks to the ladies here that are awesome photographers.


There she is- the Red Sea.


Our means of shelter. At some point in the trip, it earned the name 'The Circus Tent'. (Please take note of the Let It Snow windsock on top.)


We really made it a point to do nothing... it was great!


I got to enjoy a few strolls on the beach. (But wish you were there, Dad!)


Another joy to getting out of the city: Camels!




Walking down these streets was one of my favorite parts of our trip.


So many meanings.




We visited the fish market in the city. The boats are hand made and hand painted.


The enemy.
And fishermen in skirts.


I'm sure that my time wouldn't have been so amazing without these three girls. The fellowship with Him was much needed, as well as the fellowship with the Body.

Holiday Joy

Some joys of this holiday seasons:


Lights are always necessary (as well as a knowledge of the voltage changes, if you want to keep them…)


Christmas decorations- we inherited some of them from friends here and others from packages sent to us. Our presents from home are under it!


A couple of the girls here got together a Secret Santa system…I got the privilege of rounding up a few things for the cool girl, AP. Couldn’t have done it without Mom searching for the “perfect” Starbucks tea.


L got her very own Fulla doll!




We made a gingerbread house on Christmas Eve with the boys (much thanks to L’s Mom for the kit.)


What’s Christmas without the kiddos? I got to hear all about her Christmas dress.


He’s being a good steward. Let him be.


I got to wake up Christmas morning to this cool chick! She was excited about the Prince of Peace.


We got some pretty scary stocking stuffers, but something tells me this won’t be the last time you see these…




Nothing beats a good ole’ package from home! Thanks for remembering me!


Although this season was much different from the last, it was a blessed time. Today I was reminded of the verses given to me by my grandfather before I left. They spoke of the promise for those who leave home and family for His sake. “But he shall receive a hundred fold now in this time.” I realized how true it is that sisters and brothers have multiplied and what a joy it was to celebrate this Season, with family back home and others here. Hope your holidays were also filled with joy in His coming.

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.