My adventure to the capitol!

I went to the capitol this weekend (about 6 hours away from me), and I think the story will give you a pretty good view of how life often goes here. It's a little longer than normal, but all you Schadenfreude fans get ready:

Wednesday
A pleasant trip with roomie A and a few guys from our city to pick up new teammates. We drove through the mountains, our van full of musical flashbacks to better years (at least for music, can you ever call jr. high 'better?'). When we got to the capitol we hit bad traffic because the city floods horribly. There were stalled out cars everywhere. It was reminiscent of FL hurricane season. We finally found open roads after driving in a big circle. Then we ate Pizza Hut and arrived at the house of good friend and teammate, B, where A and I crashed for a couple hours, hung out w/ B and slept. She will be featured again in later segments of the story so I've included a picture here:

*A quick shout out for B: she nursed me to health, played hostess twice as long as expected, navigated me through the capitol via cell phone at 6:30 am, introduced me to people I might be able to find a project through to work on and owns 10 seasons of 'Friends'...she's pretty much awesome. And her house has lots of tea and coffee! =^)

Thursday
I wake up sick as all get out (stomach issues, vomiting, ickiness galore!) so we spent the day in watching Pride and Prejudice (new version) and Friends. At this point I was beginning to contemplate a longer stay in the capitol. Many people here do medical work, but A, B and I happen to be three of the least medical people here so we called around since we're clueless. We were finding it humorous we would be stuck together when someone got sick...
Friday
Thought it better not to travel through the mountains for 6 hours sick (and the van was full) so thought I'd wait until Saturday to travel back with roomie A and her team's new folks who flew in this week. Luckily I was up to an outing so B and I went to the grocery store to pick up a couple things they can get here, but we can't get in my city. On our way down the stairs in the store B fell on some stairs, broke her pinky, popped it back into place and passed out from being so disgusted. I caught her head, and along with some help from women around she only slid down a couple more steps. Again, being totally non-medical and not knowing this city at all I'm thinking crazy things like: "What hospital would I take her to? Would she just be worse off for it if I took her? How long does a passed out person stay out of it before you begin to worry? Is there a DOCTOR in the house?" Luckily, she woke up after just 10 or 15 seconds. We sat there for awhile on the steps (totally inappropriate thing for women to be doing) and many people asked me if she was okay as they walked by staring. One woman even asked me, "Is she just tired?" Yeah. I decided to steal the line anyway. I purchased the groceries and by this time B was able to walk to a taxi and home we went. We (again, not medical) figured ice would be good and got that confirmed by a nurse too. At least I got some language practice telling everyone my friend sitting here with her head between her legs and me holding cold water on her neck was "just tired."

Saturday
Well, the van with roomie A left at 10, but I want to attend a political forum until 12 so looked like I would take the bus for me Sunday morning (Saturday afternoon was already full) which means I could still meet most of my obligations back home. I got to meet a few of B's connections (my main reason for coming was to scout out potential jobs), and enjoyed another extra day in the capitol. Then I went to an English conversation group at an institute and on to dinner. I got to eat sheesh tawook and falafel on this day. Yum! There is much more food variety here than in my city.

Sunday
I went to catch my bus this morning at the normally scheduled 30 minutes before departure.



*This isn't really my bus, I just thought you might want another picture. It's semi-authentic in that it's from here! Pay no mind to that funny writing (it's some other tourist's picture off the internet. I promise I do NOT know how to write like that).

I got out of my taxi and asked anyone who wasn't busy which bus goes to my city. After a couple minutes I thought I was on the right track. Nope! A group of young guys went running after a bus and the driver motioned closed and drove off! There went my bus home. I went to the other bus station (after having B talk to my driver on my mobile phone to figure out where it was), and they were all full too for morning and afternoon. I got back to B's house in one piece. My plan then was to stay until Monday and ride back with some people going to a city about 2 hours away and then riding a public transportation car to my city. However, B went out to run an errand this morning and learned that a South African couple we know was coming to our city today from the capitol so I hitched a ride with them and after three days of delays made it home! Ironically enough, I was reading Donald Miller's Through the Desert the last few days and the whole theme of flexibility and not being tied to a schedule seemed utterly appropriate. But it's great because we all live here so no one was offended when I had to call and cancel things because we all know it's how it goes.

This is the new life!

These are from my language lesson a few days ago. My helper and I made "mashee" - stuffed zucchini, potatoes and bell peppers. We stuffed them with ground beef, onion, tomato and SPICES galore. This is in my kitchen, and while we don't usually sit on the floor that's very typical here as kitchens are usually small and without much counter space. We peeled the veggies over the dust pan, crushed the spices in our mortar and pestle and stuffed the veggies on the floor. If anyone wants this recipe or the typical bean dish eaten for breakfast let me know and I'll email ya! It was yummmmmy!

Beach

My roomie K and I went to the beach this weekend and it was a marvelous get away. Food first - the pictures above are from a chinese restaurant and Pizza Hut. Can you imagine? So delicious! We stayed at a hotel one night that had a beach side pool and also beach access. We did get to eat out at the hotel restaurant without long sleeves or a bandana! This weekend I got to read a marvelous book, Redeeming Love, based on the book of Hosea set in 1850s California. I was yet again reminded of His constant love and acceptance of me. He indeed has taught me to love, trust and live. I felt my heart melting yet again, yet at the same time feeling sorrow at the stark realization of His pain at my rebellion and the price to redeem me. What rejoicing at His everlasting covenant with us has marked the last few days! It was a refreshing time physically and for my heart.

PS The green tea picture above from the restaurant is for those of you who have been asking about my hair length...=^)

look mommie look!

Any of you who have spent much time with my family know cookies-on-a-stick. The first package I received here was a "cookie kit" from my mommie! My roomie K and I are going on a little vacation to the beach this weekend, so true to P. fam style I made cookies for the road trip! These are the first batch I've ever made by myself and they came out true to form (thanks mom for recipe, bags, chocolate chips, twist ties and baggies!). The only major difference was the crushing of the milk chocolate bars pictured above. Most crushing/chopping in the states doesn't happen with these tools, but here we use this almost daily for spices etc.


Our upstairs neighbors often send down plates of food for us, and we return them piled with goodies per custom here. Yesterday they sent us french fries, and today I returned the plate full of fries at lunch. I also sent up some cookies from the baking adventure. Late afternoon they sent down this cute little set up of tea for two to roomie K and I. It included a tray, two glasses, and a thermos full of yummy tea, and "cornbread." Hospitality at a new level!

FISH!

These are pics from one of my favorite places here. It's on the roof of a building in the fish market. You buy fish and bring it here -they fry it up in amazing seasonings and serve it with bread, french fries, veggies and dipping sauce on newspaper- yummy! (The large round bread is torn and used as your utensil to eat up!)

Happy S.A. Fest!

Hey Family!! Just wanted to post a quick note to let you know I'm thinking of you today as you 'reunion' in Michigan. Hope everyone has a great time, and I love you all!

HAPPY S.A. FEST!

new bling

These are baltos - we are commonly found in these long, black robes w/ colorful scarves and bandanas. Today I went to the market and bought a new one. My definition of "bling" has changed a bit in the last month! Below are pics of the ends of the sleeves on my new balto!



On a not so light note, I have been hearing sad news from the place that was my catalyst in getting to where I am now, and I am sad for my friends there. They've been through a lot the last couple years. Please ask that He will use this for good. For all of you who shared those times with me please know that I am lifting up you, our friends still there and our beloved city.

Mountain Lunch

A bunch of us went up on the big mountain for lunch at an outdoor restaurant and it was YUMMY! We ate for 2 bucks a pop and left quite satisfied and having enjoyed a gorgeous view. My roomie, A, and I in the middle pic probably enjoyed the bread a bit much! Considering this road, it's probably best I don't drive here (and taking into account my limited experience with the stick shift...!)

Bjork and my crazy flat...

Tonight in my house we were playing the lovely game of Phase 10 and listening to one of my favorite set lists – “jkids hit the road.” Along came a song called “Leaving on a Jet Plane” as done by Bjork and Jewel. So I announce to my roomies who were singing along, “Hey, this is Jewel and Bjork!” My roomie, K, says, “really?! That name is kind of dorky.” Oh the shock to my system – Bjork – dorky?!?! So I ask, “Do you know who Bjork is?” and K replies, “No, I don’t know who he is.” Again, shocked! We had many a laugh over that. And for all of you who love Bjork too, I did play some good songs for them to introduce. She has since informed me that sounds like a Swedish “man name” and her opinion hasn’t changed,. Oh well, I tried! Bigger fish to fry I suppose. Okay, now she wants you all to know she didn’t dislike the music, just the name. What’s in a name? Well, when it’s Bjork, apparently a lot because this has now turned into a long conversation about roses, smelling sweet, ESL (maybe they know ‘over there’ her name sounds like dork too), and name recognition. Hope your evening was stimulating as mine.

I told roomie A the power has been out for a long time and she said, well that all depends on what time it went out. Hmmm…think about that for a little while if the above wasn’t enough to keep you going for a long time. Now A is clamoring for an addendum (but just b/c she likes the word) so you know the above was very out context and she was in the middle of writing an email so wanted to give me a short and sweet statement to remind me that actually none of us can remember what time it went out. Now A says she must shut up while I’m blog updating or anything silly will make it on here.

I love my flat.

Roomie P says, “Khalos, enough” and breathed a sigh of relief at avoiding the above type paragraph devoted to her.

city pics

Some prettiness from a trip up one of the big mountains yesterday with a new friend and her family. I think they may get bigger if you click on them? Hope everyone's well.

The Spice of Life!

I've heard it said variety is the spice of life, and if that's true, my life here is spiicccyy! This top picture is from the spice market I visited early on in my time here. They are fun to walk around and pick out all the different smells, and of course all the colors are gorgeous. Aha - you did feel the metaphor coming...well, as I was looking back through pictures and saw this one I just had to share it and it got me thinking about community. Each of us has a different personality and through that certain attributes of our Creator shine through us. When they are all put together it's like a full prism - with every part. The same story at the spice market; every smell and color is different, but the blend when thrown together by Someone who knows what they are doing creates an irresistible aroma. They will know us by our love. Oh - and on to the second picture. This is me helping my roomie who wore flip flops on a day we ended up doing a bit of climbing steep cliff-like drop offs in a mango forest. So she wouldn't slip we helped guide her along holding her hand, letting her lean on our backs etc. to ensure she didn't fall. Some days around here it's me that needs the help, and some days it's another roomie or more, but again; they will know us by our love. The last picture - oh, there's not really a metaphor - it's just to say that if you're a cow with a rope around your neck and you find yourself in a position like this in front of a store your days, hours, possibly minutes are numbered. We get lean and fresh meat!

Language Lesson

Well...here's my outfit from today. We have to wear loose fitting clothes and today I didn't feel like wearing my big black overcoat thing so I chose this little outfit. Oh so fun- right? Weelll, when I showed up for language lessons my helper said - oooh...you're dressed different today; it's good. Then at the end when I was putting back on my overshirt and scarf she said, "You look like someone from Yugoslavia and fat today, but here fat is good. In America it is not good, but here men like their women like this." Ay! I had forgotten how bold this culture can be sometimes! Anyway - it was many laughs for me and my roomies when I came home.

Today was good too- got to hang out w/ all my US friends around here and we enjoyed each other's company a lot. I have been baking bread a lot lately and that has been yuuummmyyy. I think I've become the "domestic one" of the apt. Oh well- probably no surprise to anyone! Much love you all - miss you, remember you!

walking and climbing...

I thought some of you might be interested to see the "get up" as it were. This is a pretty common way you'll find me dressed. Today we went up into the mountains and saw a really pretty drop off. Then we had a picnic and climbed through a "mango forest." Yay for yummy fruits and veggies around here. It was a nice day to get out of the city and chill for a bit. I am feeling more at home here each day, but I'm still at that point of learning my way around etc. I'm learning more intensely here about Him being my Rock and Refuge - Ps. 62 resonates pretty deeply these days.

living and loving...

We dug into some peanut butter in Frankfurt airport to quench our hunger from the long travels. The mountains are beautiful. Things are going pretty well. I'll try to post some more pictures after a little trip tomorrow and about life and learnings. I'm enjoying practicing language with the random strangers and other people we know. I'm starting lessons Saturday, and I'm excited and nervous about that. Everyone here is amazing and welcoming!!

canoe...

So I had this experience this week that reminded me of these days (<--) in my life. When I was a little kid my grandpa, my dad, my older sister and I would take canoe trips down rivers in Michigan in the summer. They would give my sis and I bags of Cheerios and sit us in the bottom of my grandpa's historic restored hunter green canoe. The inside of this canoe is some of the most beautiful wood I have ever seen. For hours I would be mesmerized by the little swirls and ripples a properly maneuvered paddle produces.

My dad and I went out in my 'rents canoe this weekend and all that came flashing back into my mind as I saw the little swirls in the water then the drips coming off the end of the paddle creating little ripples in the water. We went back into the mangroves behind the condo and after tight passages we ended up in what seemed a magical little world in the midst of the mangroves. Then we came upon a little wooden bridge and turned to go under it. We came out into Tampa Bay on the other side of the mangroves from my 'rents house. I had no idea where we were headed the whole time we were making our way through narrow places and skillfully, or sometimes not so on my part, avoiding tree branches etc. However, when we came into what seemed a magical river trapped by the mangroves and then out into the Bay I couldn't help but feel special and loved for being taken to such beautiful and surprising places.

Now, you know this is going somewhere because I am me and well, that's how we do. But the whole time I was also thinking about being a child in the unshakable Kingdom and how He really does want to bless His kids and be made more famous through them. Often the journey seems confusing and we're asked to do things we don't understand (like reaching up grabbing a tree branch and being instructed to pull down hard because that will turn the boat the way it needs to go), but somehow when we're obedient we're led exactly where we need to be and along the way that often includes surprises that are beyond what we could have dreamed up to happen. It's time for us to look at the world, watch and be amazed! (that's from the Book!)

This is us in our neighbor's kayak a few days later. Let's just say more lessons, maybe for another day. Mostly - if you want huge muscles in your arms go get a kayak.

life is beautiful.

I was reminded today by someone that life is beautiful and our Father is good. And I have to say, indeed, that I agree. This picture is from my mommie's garden. Today was amazing outside and it was real good times for picture taking. There's a saying from Ecc. 11.7 that says, "Light is sweet; it's wonderful to see the sun!." Is that not beautiful? I have completely fallen in love with sunshine time even more over the last two months. The beautiful greens and other splashes of color when dancing in the sunshine are sweet and wonderful to see!

Other than being completely in love with my FL sunshine, which I am so excited I don't have to say goodbye to in 2 weeks - the sun is everywhere, I have been working on packing up my stuff and chilling with the 'rents. I have been learning a lot in my time in the word about patience and haste. Mostly, that there's one thing to be urgent about and I have got time to figure out the rest. The one thing? Check out the 10th section of Paul's letter to Rome!

wwweeeeeeeeeeee!

Oh yeah - went with the fam to the theme park this week. It was a great time of roller coasters, shows, animals and good food!!

My favorite ride may have been riding a camel. ;^) Does orientation ever end?!

More on life and learnings later.

HEY KIDS! I MADE IT!!! After my overnight bus from Richmond to Chinatown, NY, 2 subway rides, and a bus to NJ I have found my sister and her boy only to enjoy peppermint tea and strawberry banana cake!! =^)

We're going to hang out then road trip back to Ohio/Michigan...!

As most of you know, Amber has a hard time taking a ‘normal’ picture. I have indeed been mocked here for my goofy faces and comical pictures. However, I have faced serious competition as of late. One of the other kids up here in VA gets his game on when it comes to picture time. This was recently noted by our resident photographer when she was snapping the following pictures one day and said: ‘Why can’t you just be normal?’

Hahaha – as if that isn’t the begging question! She decided it’d be a grand idea to see if the brunette clan could mimic us in some of the silliness. So…the following collage is a result of 1-2-3 shoot! craziness a couple nights ago…
This is going to be a hard crew to leave behind. We have grown very close over the last few weeks. At the same time we know that we are heading off to do the most important thing and even these new found tight friendships are worth leaving. Ouch! It still stings. Today one of my main girls up here and I were riding in the car and neither of us even had words to describe all that. We just sort of sat there listening to random radio music and hurt beyond verbal expression with the grief of leaving yet another community. Transitions and goodbyes seem to be integrating into my life. Everyone I’ve met who works here tells me if I stick with this life I’m heading after it’s only going to become more and more a part of my existence.

I’ve also included a picture here of some of the grass time I was talking about in my last entry. We’ve had many afternoons out in the grass here reading the book and talking with Him and each other. Oh yeah, and of course there was frisbee involved sometimes too! I am from FL after all…

DC, creation, driving...

Yay for a picture? Little bro Lindy demanded one so I hope this suffices. I'll try to be posting more frequently with more pictures from my new home in a few weeks time. This is my cuz, Gina, and I in DC a couple weeks ago. A few of my girls that I met here in VA and I went down there for the day to catch a break and visit Gina.

The last few weeks have been incredible and overwhelming all at once. One of the biggest highlights has been my time in the Word. I've been reading through Job (yes, many people have told me I'm nuts for doing that at such a time in life, but alas, here I find myself) and have been struck most vividly by the concept of God's sovereignty and my fear of God. There's one verse that says the Almighty has made my heart faint. Ay! How true it is my friends! I spent 3.5 hours yesterday on a blanket outside in the sunshine looking at a blue sky, green trees and one frisky little ladybug who hung out with me for awhile. As I sat there I couldn't get over the awe and wonder of how creative and powerful is our Creator. I learned the story of creation this week to the point where I can tell it to people who are oral learners and that coupled with just a refreshment from God through His word I can't help but be childlike in my view of nature these days. It's been amazing to be so in awe.

Well, as training is all about gaining skills I decided to finally face the music and get someone to teach me how to drive a stick shift. Now, for those of you who know me, you can imagine my enthusiasm at approaching a mechanically involved process I am not familiar with and which has the potential to embarrass me. However, I did alright, and saw some beautiful farms and horses. I know, I live in a rural place right now, but I learning to appreciate it. So get that picture in your mind - beach girl from FL driving a stick shift pick up through rural farm land. I don't know how well I fit into the scene, but had a good time and a gracious teacher.

Another common theme that keeps coming up is Amber dying to herself, but today I was reminded again of how important it is that WE in Romans 5.3-5 (talking about suffering) is the pronoun Paul uses. I love that - we die to ourselves in community and we grow together. Life together is essential for this process and I'm thankful I have been able to experience that and hope that as I move that will continue.

Well kids, things are about to be crazy busy for awhile starting tomorrow, but I'll be posting and keeping you up on what's the happenings. Please let me know about life out there in the real world!! I love to hear from you - it's tremendous! =^)

shots! of all kinds...

Okay –pictures are the best so I threw a few in – 1. Gotta get lots of shots before moving – taking care of business. 2. snow?!?! I’m from FL – that was one crazy morning early on in my time here. 3. Jmay and I in January, Jmay’s dad and I on Monday

Do I only have on bandana?? These pics are demonstrative of my wardrobe as of late..oh well!

Hey kids – it’s been awhile since I have updated and so much has changed! I’m now living in rural Virginia getting ready for the big move across the ocean. The time here has been just incredible thus far. There are truly amazing people around me on a constant basis that I am thankful are here. We have been learning about the importance of “taking care of #1” spiritually as one of my dear friends likes to put it. Basically, we are going to be totally ineffective in loving people and speaking truth if our lives are not built on the foundation of Christ on a daily basis. We also had a pretty amazing time talking about worldview and culture this week (amber really digs that stuff) that reminded me of my favorite times in the poli sci dept at UF. The presenter for those sessions is jmay’s (a friend of mine in TN) dad so we had a great time hanging out with him.

Know that I miss you all and love to hear about life on your end! Have a wonderful day! =^)

My heart will choose to say...

My life is up and it is down
I try to keep both feet on the ground
Your love is all that gets me through
All I need on this earth is you

And I can hear your voice reciting:
"I'm here, I'm closer than your breath
I've conquered even death
I am still here
And just like I was then
You can't remember when I was not here"

Jesus, you're the author of my heart
Told me you wanted every part
And now my life and its demands
Are resting safety in your hands

And I can hear your voice inviting:
"I'm here, I'll never leave your side
My stubborn weary child
I am still here
Please let me lead you on
Your race is already won I am your God"
-Sixpence

I really don't know that there are better words for this week. He wants every part, and He is taking every part. However, I am His child and He is good! My race is won already. Wow. What amazing hope we have! I have to say, this week I have been shown time and time again how the love I thought I had that would go so far has crumbled like a whitewashed wall in a storm from God (see Ezekiel 13:13-16 for where the concept comes from in my head, even though it's talking about something a bit different). He has shown me the point my love ends and His begins. My endurance is short; my patience is thin; I am irritable and resentful towards people I love when things get hard. Jesus, however, provides a love that always endures, is patient, and is never irritable or resentful (I Cor. 13). May He continue tear down me and build things that will last! Some may say I am crazy to continue to ask for this after they have seen me this week, but I will continue to ask for refinement until I am totally His and He is my portion without question or hesitation. "He gives and takes away, but my heart will choose to say - Blessed be His name!" Also, just so you know I am also asking for a time of rest and to catch a break for a day or two if it won't change the process of refining me. Join me in that too please!

ps the picture is from jess and my drive home from st. aug. a couple weeks ago.

i heart the flu

might i just say...I HEART F.L.U.!! (my homegroup)

you kids sent me off so well tonight. a whole hg devoted to worship, taking communion all together one last time, letting me share my heart for a good while and praying for me...wow. thanks for letting me spill all my tears and crying with me in worship and the amazing scrapbook you assembled for me. what an amazing collection of memories to take on my journey. i loved your ralphie poems, and remember that miss wendi c. has the mac and cheese recipe so you won't be without! i know i'm leaving, but i can't let you miss out the amazing pasta just b/c i'm gone.

He gives and takes away, but remember ALWAYS - blessed be His name! Get mixed up, kids.

Why wouldn't you photo booth it at the oaks mall?

<-- So that's my lovely roommate who threw me a sweet awesome time with many friends last night at the FLU house! Thanks to all you kids for giving me one more chance to chill with you and see your beautiful smiling faces.

My trip wrapped up really well this week and based on above comments I guess you have correctly assumed I made it back to FL safely. The time at Union in TN was amazing and really God-appointed - there's no way to deny that after all I learned and saw there. I got to meet many of jmay's friends and she took me to class where I wascalled a heretic! (long story...union kids really aren't haters).

I am becoming more convinced with each day that passes and everyone I encounter that we need to press on in praying for God to mix us up, release His people from complacency and drive us to our knees. I have been inspired many times over the last few weeks to ask these things for my bros and sisters 'round the world. Press on kids...don't let up!

like a rockstar....

Hello my loves! I feel like I'm one of those rockstars on tour writing a travel diary today. Mostly just wanted to give a quick shout out and say that I made it to TN safely and am having a wonderful time w/ my roommate from the interview in VA that I went to in January (we call her jmay). Sunday I got to spend some good times w/ my girls in ATL. I even found 2 shirts in the sleepwear section at Target that are super cute and long so I'll be able to wear them when I move - yay!

I drove up to TN from Atlanta yesterday morning and hung out at Union for awhile when we decided it best to road trip more and head to Memphis to hang out w/ jmay's mom and little bro. And then last night I got to see a girls basketball game - the kappa delts vs. the non-greek girls who showed up and wore yellow and grey shirts. It was a hilarious display of air balls and struggles over the ball which began and ended with one girl on the floor clutching the ball in fetal position not willing to give it up. They did make some shots though - the final score was something in the teens to a single digit number.

The reality of only having one more week in Gainesville is a little strange, but I'll be so excited for that good time we're going to have Friday night at the FLU house and next week at the ox and around town. I love you kids.

I leave you with this that I found outside my door on an index card when I awoke this morning to someone making hot team (mmmm....can't beat that!):

"Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel."
-Proverbs 27:9

Sorry no picture today - I'm not doing this on my computer!

not about arnold palmer, not even in the least...

So, Conversation Wednesday was pretty incredible this morning. Pam, Wendi and I learned together more about pride and becoming ready for battle. We mostly talked about how we don’t need to defend ourselves in conversations or try to one up people with a better anecdote. That seems to be the way we communicate in America a good deal of the time- conversations become competitions. Over the last year this is something I have learned to reflect on more and try to consciously make the decision that it is okay if I’m misunderstood, and I don’t need to constantly maintain a certain perception of me (that’s a myth - as if we really could control what people think of us, but we sure try hard anyway).

We also looked at the Cave of Adullam (again – keep ending up there due to these girls and jmay) and some of David’s men who tasted some sweet victories on account of sticking it out through battles everyone else ran away from. The key words in all that to me have been that God brings about victory – NOT me, or my relentlessness….He allows us to taste victory and blesses our obedience with that. Anyway – we’re all pretty excited about this time of being trained up.

In lifegroup last night I was reminded yet again from Job of having a childlike faith. Should we accept some things from Him and not others? NO! We believe He is sovereign and will bring Himself glory. Hence, faith, trust – it’s a beautiful thing, kids.

On a lighter note, Jess, Wendi and I got to eat lunch together (our new friends didn’t show…) and ended up with quite a time of hilarity. Jess and I showed Wendi all our ‘stupid human tricks,’ and learned that Wendi is just so amazing in a thousand other ways she would max out on cool points if she had any tricks…oh well, some of us aren’t so lucky! Jess was pretty confident she’d be able to touch her nose to her elbow when I asked if she could and we spent quite awhile watching her attempt such a feat. She decided it’s going to take some training, but one day she’ll be in the Olympics for it! Once that stopped Jess invented a game: we flipped a coin and called heads/tails. The loser had to touch their nose to the other person’s elbow…hence the picture ^ up there.

Then it's sunrise Thursday, Muffin Friday. . . adventures to: St. Augustine w/ Jess (and E in spirit when we go to the fort!), Atlanta to see Jess D and E, and then…Union University in TN to visit jmay (my roomie from the interview I went to in VA in Jan) and other union kids I have come to love as of late.

<--- from the sunrise at my 'rents place...i've been enjoying the beauty of sunrise this semester. May light dispell darkness!

The name of this is “Standing Inside the Fire” because I don’t believe in sitting out on things because you are scared of getting hurt (well, sans group sports).

“We call them fools Who have to dance within the flame Who chance the sorrow and the shame That always comes with getting burned…Life is not tried, it is merely survivedIf you’re standing outside the fire.”

The last few weeks have been exhilarating, however very much along the lines of chancing sorrow to have danced within the flame, as it were. My kids here at UF are an incredible bunch, as are the atl girls, my new friends at union, the people who make up my history in Clearwater, etc, etc. The decision to dive into life and not settle for half-hearted friendship or love is making this time hard. Just to be clear, I have no regrets about becoming so intertwined with people or the decision to leave…it’s just hard. I have been reading a book about women workers where I’m headed and one recurring theme is the creation of a new identity as you move into a society very much segregated by sex, a different language and focused on community, and having to give up your old identity from the states. When I have thought about the concept of dying to myself in the past it has always been something I thought of as giving up selfish ambition, seeking my own advantage, pride, possessions, dreams, etc. Now I am realizing at this time in my life the calling to die to myself is cutting deeper – it is literally meaning – to die to me. The concept I have of myself and my individual identity is really important to me as an American. We spend countless hours devising this thing that we define ourselves as and that is to be relinquished. Am I willing to become anything for His sake? Even a different concept of myself? It was shared with me by a pretty wise chica today that there is an awful lot to each of us and that every time we give up something of ourselves there is something new uncovered and we will be amazed at the versatility God has given us. I find a degree of comfort and excitement in knowing that God is changing me – not just on the fringes, but fundamentally. At the same time, all of this is coming in one package and it’s a lot of change to think about at once!

The language practice at lunch w/ my new friends is going really well. We have fun and I have been able to share some neat things with them along the way. It’s been an awesome blessing the last week.

So while I find myself crying at some pretty random moments and I struggle through, I am blessed by many encouragers and warriors around me. Thanks to all who are constantly in my corner. You are indeed making a difference. I continue to wish for us to be even more mixed up by God and to be fighters like this:

Amy's gone
And time rolls on
How far? How fast? How long?
The last time we saw Amy
She was headed for the shore
Fighting off the volatile gray skies
She said now begins forever
And that no one knows their time
We bid farewell not knowing
That might be our last goodbye
Amy was a fighter
She cut like Casius Clay
She burned like a fire
Despite these rains
Where time was a question
She only knew one song
She's singing, "How far, how fast,
how long?"
Salvation is a fire
In the midnight of the soul
It lights up like a can of gasoline
Yeah, she's a freedom fighter
She's a stand up kind of girl
She's out to start a fire
In a bar code plastic world
When everything stops moving
And I stop to catch my breath
And ride my train of thought
All the way round
My thoughts return to Amy
And the fire she's begun
She came when we were freezing
And left us burning up
-Amy's Song, Switchfoot

22 and still kickin!

Had an amazing weekend in Clearwater w/ the 'rents full of fondue, laughs, and presents! Tomorrow I'm 22 - woah - sort sounds like an "adulty" age - eh? In any case, I'm still kickin' it like kid in many respects and that makes me happy. Here's a few things to enjoy about being kiddish:

1. Swings in the park
2. Not paying my own cell phone bill, etc
3. Skipping
4. Walking around barefoot w/o worry of disease, nails, dirt
5. Enthusiastic responses w/o fear of being too idealistic
6. Acquiring language w/o this crazy idea that I'm too old
7. Giggling like a little school girl with my best friend
8. Acquiring "best friends" by letting people cut me in line
9. Bringing in a grocery store cake for the class party w/ a Disney character on it
10. Pigtails
11. Singing loudly with no regard for lack of talent
12. Trusting
13. Being amazed and wide-eyed at the small things
And so much more...

what can't a little tulle fix?

okay - so as a lot of you know i am almost 100% moving to virginia for training in mid march and then overseas in may. yay! i'm excited, but also sad to leave the people here that i have come to love so much. i cried yesterday and today -this has got to stop! my precious roommate is going to be flying solo for six weeks in our place until the end of the semester. =^(

however, today (MLK day) we had an amazing day of hanging out, shopping, and concluded with quite a fun project. i'm taking my huge wall hanging that was over our couch so we needed to replace it - and all i can say is - what room can't be made better with two bamboo sticks and seven shades of tulle...?

ps - do you need some? - we have leftovers =^)

Yay!

Yay for New Year's being fun w/ kids from homegroup (the FLU) in Gainesville. We got out of work pretty early and then rang in the New Year - woo hoo!

Tuesday I'm off to the J'man conference so that's pretty much where I am as far as "the future." This week has been good not having to work since Saturday. Enjoying the beautiful city of Clearwater playing games and tennis w/ the family.

I hope everyone had an awesome break and is taking some time to relax before we bust out the study habits again. Much love to all, and FLU - can't wait to see you again!

ps - how 'bout them gators?! =^)

New Year's...

If anyone will be in town (g'ville, that is) for **New Year's Eve** festivities leave a comment and let us know. Jess and I will most likely be around and up for celebrating!!

Yay for 2006!

ornaments...

The newest additions to our wonderful christmas tree!

courageous in a mixed-up way...

I went home this weekend and hung out w/ the ‘rents.  I saw the narnia movie – wow.  Those are amazing books, and one sweet movie.  While I was home I also got to see one of my favorite people, Sharon (aka Jessica’s mom), and she gave a marvelous Christmas present, a CD by Julia Bloom called A human called woman, Reflections on being created female.  The following quote has been quite thought-provoking this week:


"They left their day jobs to witness the truth.  Maybe they're crazy, they're wasting their youth.  Or maybe very courageous in a mixed-up way.  Well I'm wishing you'd mix me up too, and blow your song through these dry bones."  

The song comes from, yet again, Ezekiel!  It’s rockin’ my world this semester.  

I am also very excited b/c our apartment building is doing a secret santa gift exchange/party – I think this makes my 7th year of doing one of these in some form or fashion.  Anyway, living in a ‘hood that acts like one is awesome.  I’m loving it this year.

I’m doing really well these days, though as my lovely roommate and I discussed on Sunday I need to get thicker skin for some situations – like ppl dissing Arabs.  Though I’m not sure if that goes against my philosophy of standing in the fire, being affected by things, struggling with the world around me and not tuning it out.  I’m debating the extent to which I should let things get to me.  Sometimes I feel it’s a catalyst for action, and sometimes just makes me upset.  That’s one thing I’ve been thinking about this week.

Pomp it up and check out these circumstances...

Congrats to the UF C/O 2005!!!!!

Kind of like a surprise party, they've decided to add me too!!

On December 17, 2005 I will become a college graduate - woo hoo!! Next semester I will be in good ol' gville studying Arabic and stuff w/ GCL, working and, of course, socializing w/ all my buddies for my last 4 months in town.

Thanks to all who have made this a beautiful experience.

Here's to useless degrees and being certifiably unemployable! =^)

Criser to Academic Advising, Stir and Repeat

okay, so today i went between criser hall and academic advising about a billion times. those suckas won't give me the money they promised me back in march. so for next semester it's pay for arabic (thx 'rents) or hurry up and graduate then convince my beautiful arabic prof to let me sit in on her class even if i'm not enrolled. one way or another - the study of my new favorite language will continue...!

on a brighter note, i have had an amazing wknd as far as ppl are concerned - got to hang out w/ matt from FLU, cassie, jess, wj, matt from chs, richard, FLU and Boo Ya kids, and today james and kids from class. james reaffirmed that i am a real person as he saw me crying on my way from my bureaucratic nightmare that is UF.

oh, and apparently i'm awesome - a benchmark kinda gal - weird.

if you're looking for new music check out voice of the people on myspace - they are local and hot - hip hop esque. my friend's in it and their shows are way fun - jess and i went out sat again and saw them at common grounds.

got my packet and plane tickets for my interview conference in january today!! one step closer to going over the ocean. yay.

here's to living and loving in gville rain! =^)

Nutter Butter Santa

Well, today in my mailbox was this special package from my aunt in Michigan and my sister, Robyn. My nickname is “Peanut” or just “Nut” to my sister, and so they made me these awesome Nutter Butter Santa cookies!!! So fun…

Albina Aina (our Christmas tree) is still alive and well.

I discovered yesterday there is one extra neighbor we didn’t know about and today my friends in Arabic class decided he’s a superhero named Owl Man. He will teach us everything we need to know, if I ever meet him

Go Gators, Albina Aina, 30E open for studying...

2 Words about yesterday: GO GATORS!!  34-7 over the Seminoles for my last game in the Swamp as a UF student.  Pretty sweet way to go out on the whole thing!!!  We had a blast at the game then made chicken wings (one of my favorite things on earth…woo hoo, go Dewitt w/ the cooking skills)

Thanksgiving was great – my parents came up to Gainesville and we made lots of food.  I had to work the Friday after – go retail jobs – but had the night off so we went to dinner w/ my roomie too then decorated the newest addition to our household  - “Albina Aina” – a Christmas tree (pictures to come soon)!!   Albina means “white skinned” in Italian (she only has on white lights) and Aina means “complicated delivery” in Yoruban (she was a bit complicated to get set up, though neither Jess or I would know since we only did the fun decorating and my parents set the whole thing up while we were at work).  Also, I only made it through the “A” names on www.babynamesworld.com (home to 11,000 names from around the world complete with origins and meanings – now you too can name your Christmas tree).

I woke up early this morning so had a couple hours before church started.  I sat downstairs and had an amazing time reading more from Ezekiel.  Between our candles, the pine tree smell from the Christmas tree, fresh morning air and my Earl Grey Green Tea I was on cloud nine!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving and remember as finals are approaching to call if you need anything – we’re around and our apt is open for studying and breaks!

Mending Wall by Robert Frost

An interesting poem from tonight's "Final Jeopardy" question, reminded me of current debates in Middle East conflict...

Mending Wall by Robert Frost

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,

And spills the upper boulders in the sun;

And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.

The work of hunters is another thing:

I have come after them and made repair

Where they have left not one stone on stone,

But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,

To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,

No one has seen them made or heard them made,

But at spring mending-time we find them there.

I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;

And on a day we meet to walk the line

And set the wall between us once again.

We keep the wall between us as we go.

To each the boulders that have fallen to each.

And some are loaves and some so nearly balls

We have to use a spell to make them balance:

"Stay where you are until our backs are turned!"

We wear our fingers rough with handling them.

Oh, just another kind of outdoor game,

One on a side. It comes to little more:

He is all pine and I am apple-orchard.

My apple trees will never get across

And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.

He only says, "Good fences make good neighbors."

Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder

If I could put a notion in his head:

"Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it

Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.

Before I built a wall I'd ask to know

What I was walling in or walling out,

And to whom I was like to give offence.

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

That wants it down!" I could say "Elves" to him,

But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather

He said it for himself. I see him there,

Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top

In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.

He moves in darkness as it seems to me,

Not of woods only and the shade of trees.

He will not go behind his father's saying,

And he likes having thought of it so well

He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors."

Foundations...

So I have continued to read Ezekiel and today chapter 13 jumped off the page at me.  Basically, God is warning against false prophets and has compared them to building a poor wall, whitewashing it and making people feel comfortable in their deception.  He promises to bring a storm to take off the whitewash and destroy the poorly built walls of false prophets and strip things down to their foundation.  I had two immediate reactions to this section.  First, I am reminded of the contemporary Pharisees to Jesus and how he referred them as whitewashed tombs – looking nice, but completely dead and lacking.  Second, my heart is immediately under inspection.  Who am I if all the whitewashing and poorly built walls of my life are stripped away by a storm and only my foundations are left?  I am scared to know, and at the same moment this is the thing my heart is longing for in an incredibly intense way.  There is a part in I Corinthians 3 about Jesus being our foundation, and how no matter who builds on it – Paul or Apollos- our foundation is Christ and that doesn’t change.  A good prophet builds firm walls for people without the need for whitewashing, deceit, cover up or scandal.  What kinds of walls have been built in my life?  What have I chosen to allow and aid construction for in my life?  What kinds of walls am I building onto other people’s foundations?  Will they stand the test of the fiery furnace? Will they withstand a storm of God’s judgment?  I believe that more than anything else I desire refinement by God.  While it sounds awful scary for the false prophets in Ezekiel, it has caused me to consider what is left after all the whitewashed crap is destroyed?  What am I left with?  The cry of my heart is still that of Ps 51 – I know that God desires truth in the innermost parts and so do I.  

I seem to be left with more questions than answers on this from Ezekiel, but I have feeling there is more to come on all this.  On a more practical note, these things are happening in my life.  I am being changed and disciplined by the experiences around me and it seems like I fail time after time, but somehow it’s getting better.  My lifegroup girls are amazing and are teaching me a lot about becoming the person I want to turn into.

Arabic, Coffee, Glory of God....

Okay- design to the left says "Amber Ruth" in Arabic...what a beautiful language. I am so enjoying studying Arabic this year. It's keeping me sane academically. Ana tahibuna ktir habibis!! I'm thinking about getting a tattoo at some point...let me know what you think of this design - I love it.

So I had a breakdown yesterday when I started talking with my wonderful roommate/best friend and another friend about moving away and leaving this life behind. Yikes! I just started crying...poor kids, didn't know what to do with me.

It's started to get cold again and I have kept up my habit of drinking coffee inside and outside as an afternoon ritual, often having random conversations in the backyard with our neighbors and Jess when she's around for it too. No worries, I am still a hot tea girl! I enjoy a cup every morning during my first hour at work.

The thought I have been dwelling on most that has stuck with me from Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell (ps - I much recommend you read this if you haven't) is that the "glory" of God is a phrase that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me all the time. What the heck do we mean by "glory"? John Piper helped me to understand glorifying God to some degree means enjoying God, delighting in Him (I have learned through experience there is a certain correlation between joy and obedience) and making a big deal out of God. Okay -then Velvet Elvis enters, and I think about the glory of God in creation to be understood as the weight or significance of God. You look around and you can see it - the weight of God is in each thing. His signficance fills the earth - hence, his glory fills the earth. Let me know what you think.

On a random note - we have twinkle lights, 2 wreaths and stockings - I caved in and let Jess have Christmas a little early...=^)

life, pictures of prophets, why inside the fire?

okay - so i set up this whole blog thing a couple months ago and have been waiting to "launch" it as it were until...i don't know...some catalyst came along that motivated me to make sure I am still connected with everyone etc. well, ladies and gents the day has come. latest news here is that i'm going to the journeyman conference in january to interview for a position to go overseas for 2 years - woo hoo!!!! i'll know for sure about everything in january, so feel free to be praying about that stuff.

otherwise, life is good and i'm excited. motivation for school is lacking, but alas what to do? this weekend was awesome. jess and i went to st. augustine with a friend from work thursday night and friday. we bummed around the city taking all kinds of crazy pictures and participating in your general sort of tomfoolery. i saw jarhead with my neighbor last night who was in the marines and did two tours in iraq. it was an interesting perspective to have on the whole thing. i've been learning a lot about the war, the military and my own judgments on these things.

i've been reading ezekiel lately - check it out if you haven't in awhile and thinking about how i want my life to in some way be a picture to people of God's vision for them. ezekiel and hosea both did this for the nation of israel in the old testament, and i want to be that willing. i know that means life might be really hard, but it's worth it. i want to be used to show His vision for people to understand his glory/significance. i know the first place to start with all that is the vision of me dying to myself, taking up my cross and following Jesus in new life. but even after this story of redemption my life shows i have just felt a need to offer my life to God to be a picture of a specific vision for this time, place and people.

as for standing inside the fire...garth brooks "standing outside the fire" is one of my favorite songs ever. i believe in risking worth getting hurt for the sake of community, love, friendships, and experience.