the good, the bad, and the incredibly good looking

A lesson in Turkish

2011-11-02T18:48:00.000+02:00

Turkish is what they call a gleutonus language. What that means is that there are all sorts of attachments to words in order to make a sentence. In English we have -ly or -tion that we can attach to a word, usually its just one suffix that is used but the Turkish language knows no bounds to how long they can make a word. It is not uncommon at all to see six syllable words in childrens books.

I don't have time to read that first one give me War and Peace

To really give you a lesson in the ridiculous lengths that a Turkish word can go to, the longest word in Turkish is

Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsinizcesine.

What that pants soiling length of a word means is "Like you would be from those we cannot easily make a maker of unsuccessful ones"

Here is how the break down happens.

Turkish	English
Muvaffak	Successful
Muvaffakiyet	Success
Muvaffakiyetsiz	Unsuccessful ('without success')
Muvaffakiyetsizleş(-mek)	(To) become unsuccessful
Muvaffakiyetsizleştir(-mek)	(To) make one unsuccessful
Muvaffakiyetsizleştirici	Maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileş(-mek)	(To) become a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştir(-mek)	(To) make one a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriver(-mek)	(To) easily/quickly make one a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriverebil(-mek)	(To) be able to make one easily/quickly a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebil(-mek)	Not (to) be able to make one easily/quickly a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebilecek	One who is not able to make one easily/quickly a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebilecekler	Those who are not able to make one easily/quickly a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimiz	Those who we cannot make easily/quickly a maker unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizden	From those we can not easily/quickly make a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmiş	(Would be) from those we can not easily/quickly make a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsiniz	You would be from those we can not easily/quickly make a maker of unsuccessful ones
Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsinizcesine	Like you would be from those we can not easily/quickly make a maker of unsuccessful ones

Commence crapping your pants now!

See, pretty rediculous. There have been plenty of times when I am saying a word and have to take a water break half way through. So many ways to attach things to words that it really makes me wonder how Scrabble works here.

Let's see that danimarkalalistiramadiklarimizdanmisiniz
on a triple word score...that adds up to 14,654 points

The Sun is Rising in My Heart

2011-09-14T11:21:00.000+03:00

Last week, the week before a week long vacation was crazy. I think that is how it always is for everybody. The week before vacation almost wipes us out so much that our vacation time is spent in a coma. Well, thankfully, mine wasn't that bad. There were no physical problems, delays, or packing troubles. For me, the Holy Spirit decided it was time to check my heart and reveal to me more of what's lying in the corners, hiding from me. I've been through this before and will go through it again, maybe next week. Anywho, it goes a little like this...
Team, leading a team, and getting what you asked for is a doozy. Months ago, I asked God to get me to a place where I have more room in my heart to reach out to people, more capacity to serve them especially when I feel like I can't anymore. I asked this knowing I would be leading a team of 8 to a foreign place and also knowing that I haven't led anything more than a small group. I asked this knowing what's come out of my heart in the past, knowing what I'm capable of.
Quick side note, years ago, I went through a time where God showed me what I'm capable of in a not so awesome way, the way of sin. Mind you, I'm a good girl, I don't have big sins that I've overcome to tell you about. My parents were awesome so I don't have major hangups that God has had to heal for me to truly live. Yet, the matter of the heart, inside the heart, deep and dark places no one knows about except yourself and God is a totally different matter. 1 John 3:15 gives us an example of the heart. I thank Him for revealing these things and showing me what I'm capable of without actually committing these sins. I can tell you more about that another time.
Back to it, I get extremely frustrated when I don't know what I'm doing. Even more, when I feel a certain way and have no concrete reason for it, it makes me feel foolish. No likes to feel frustrated and foolish. I admit feeling foolish and frustrated often results in anger, unforgiveness, irritations and all of that often projectiles onto others (poor Craig). When that happens I often get more angry, frustrated, irritated, and yuck yuck yuck. Welp, I realized what was happening and I told Craig. We prayed and I confessed and received forgiveness. I gave forgiveness and prayed blessings. The next day, we listened to an awesome sermon called the Un-Offendable Heart. SHEESH! After that, guess what? We prayed and confessed and received forgiveness. We gave forgiveness and prayed blessings. It seems so easy to type this all up and I realized I'm failling at describing it to you. I only hope you have experienced matters of the heart because only then do you know. Anyway, Friday rolls around and we are having simple church. During worship, I felt God was saying, "Lisa, everyday is a new day with me. No matter what you've done, what contents of your heart has splattered onto the ground. Don't you know that every MOMENT is a new moment in me. This next moment is new!!!" Wow! There truly are no words to describe that! I shared that with our team. I just had to they were burning me. THEN, God told me, "Lisa, the sun is rising IN YOUR HEART." He didn't say through or on but IN, WITHIN. This is funny but my first response was "oh no, something in my throat is blocking it." Weird, huh? I shared this with the team and we prayed over me. I again felt God was saying, "Something is coming, this is the beginning of what I am doing here, in your heart, in this team, in this town." We also felt that what wants to block it is fear. For me, it is fear of the unknown.
Which I know, some of you might snicker and think good grief, she's scared, look at what she has done. Well, I have to say, I have fear. I also have had naivite and youth and strength of the Lord. I also think that those who have no fear have no courage either. I mean why do they need courage. Courage and bravery are what results in the face of fear.
We prayed against fear, fear of the unknown. We prayed the truth. God wants the sun to rise in my heart and pour out of me. He gave me that picture and He will make it happen. Nothing can stop Him! So now, we wait!! We wait for what's next. I'm waiting with anticipation and dream about what will that look like! I'm sure what will come next will be full of more cleaning out the heart but maybe it will be a little easier as the sun shines on dark places.

"And, God, I welcome what's to come and welcome the sun rising, and welcome the new moments!!"

That was my week and this week is rest! Rest for the heart and soul. Time for the beach, Mediterranean Sea, movies, ice cream and time with my husband and team!

There are two things in this world that scare me. Nuclear wepons...and carnies!

2011-08-15T20:24:00.008+03:00

So, every night during the month of Ramazan there is a carnevale that goes on here. For those people reading this from Pagosa, it is just about as awesome as the 4th of July carn that comes to town. Let me tell you guys somethin' if you haven't experienced a Turkish carnevale you are missing out in life.

First things first, the rides. The flagship ride was one called the frisbee which was a giant wheel that swung you back and forth and around. It took me all of twenty seconds to get sick on this ride.

There were also bumper cars. In case you are wondering, yes, it is a great idea to bring your infant on the bumper cars with your other child driving.

Also, there was a concert for the kids going on which consisted of creepy imatation Mickey and Minnie Mouse dancing around and singing songs. I don't have any pics of this but believe me it was a bit creepy.

On to the games. There were really only two carnevale games that you could play, one was a ring throw game and the other a shooting game, but instead of winning stuffed animals, posters, goldfish, or sick rabbits (if you are from Pagosa) you win packs of cigerettes...totally awesome fun for the whole family.

Get a ring around a pack and it's yours!!!

Look closely and you can see that this kid won some cigs for his dad...nice!

I, unfortunately, was not able to win Lisa a pack of cigarettes.

Ramadan in Turkey

2011-08-10T12:01:00.002+03:00

Ramadan is is full swing here in Turkey. First thing I notice is how different it is here compared to Jordan. In Jordan, every restaurant was closed during the day for the month. It was illegal to eat or drink on the streets (even if you didn't get fined by the police, I think the dirty looks and comments from peers would be bad enough). Here, being a secular government, life and work goes on as usual. I would say that more people keep the fast than don't, but as one person told me "I don't do Ramadan in the summer", which I can completely understand. To go without water in 100+ heat sounds almost demonic to me. Our poor friend Ali, who is our language tutor, rides his bike to our house in the heat and can't drink a cool glass of water when he gets here. We have offered to have classes at his house but he declines saying "It's more enjoyable here, my mother isn't around always watching" Oh to be a teenager.
The thing I am always surprised by is how blatant some people are with not keeping the fast. I see people just munching on some food and drinking sodas right on the sidewalk, or in buses. Its crazy.
Fasting or not, Ramadan (its actually called Ramazan in Turkey, no idea why) is a special month of purifying yourself with God. Please keep the Turks in your prayers this month, the our Father would reveal Himself to those who seek.

closet

2011-07-15T14:01:00.000+03:00

Gettin' our Picnic on

2011-06-10T17:07:00.006+03:00

So as we are here in Turkey, a few cultural observations I have made.
1. Turks have a much higher tolerance for heat than I do.
2. They love them some picnics

Picnics are the thing to do here during the summer. Whether its grabbing a snack on a blanket in the park or spending the day out in the woods, the Turks are serious about picnics. Its so popular that I have met many people who speak zero English but somehow know the word picnic.
Lisa and I were invited by a friend of ours to go to his parents village and spend the days out in the woods having a picnic. What a great time we had! It didn't really matter that we don't speak much Turkish or that they didn't speak much English we all spoke the international language of the picnic. That is enjoy some food, relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Oh yeah, Turkish couples love to take cheesy pictures of themselves.

Living out of a Suitcase

2011-04-21T23:42:00.007+03:00

Well, it has been a super long time since we have updated. I'm not even going to worry about filling in what has been going on since last update. Instead let's look forward in the life ahead of us.

In exactly two weeks we will be going from

to...

and in the mean time we are gathering all of our worldly possession and paring them down to that which can fit into...

You would think this would be a stressful task, but as we have done this a few times in our lives Lisa and I are getting kind of good at it. Lisa's hierarchy of importance goes as follows: 1. Clothes 2. Pictures and frames 3. Zumba videos. Mine list is 1. xbox 360 2. underwear.

As we go through all of our stuff and past memories come back and its hard not to get nostalgic and want to take everything. I'm sure we look a bit like Steve Martin in "The Jerk"

Adoption

2010-12-13T23:22:00.005+02:00

This blog is a follow up to our newsletter. If you do not receive, let us know and we can put you on the list. I mentioned in the newsletter that Craig and I want to adopt and that I'd share more. Here goes...
Our friends, Andy and Rachel, had a desire to adopt in 2004 or earlier. After much prayer and discussion, they started the process to adopt a little boy from South Korea. Unfortunately, I don't know all the details of the beginning process. We enter in the story when a boy has been born and chosen for Andy and Rachel. The process had have a been about a year as we all prayed for this little boy to come home. As they waited, our little YWAM community of 60, prayed, fasted, and gave financial support with so much generosity not to mention emotional support to this family. I was completely in awe of that goodness. I felt is was up to me to take it upon myself to remind everyone to pray for this little boy. As the weeks went on, the news came that is was time to go to New York to get this child because someone was bringing him over. Andy and Rach asked Craig to go, film the meeting, and keep hep their nerves down. Watching the video was one of the most amazing things, I've ever seen. It was short and sweet but God moved in my heart and I knew from then on we were to adopt a child into our family. I believe it is one of the greatest ways to show love and such a beautiful picture of how God has adopted us into His family. It's amazing, also, because I don't worry about the when and how of this process for us. It doesn't matter to me that it could be one of great sacrifice. I'm honored that God has called Craig and I do be apart of it.
It's hard to type out such deep feelings and assurance on a blog. Here is a picture of the family shortly after they got their little guy.

Staff Retreat

2010-09-07T02:19:00.007+03:00

Once a year, my company goes to a retreat center. It is 4 days of playing games, watching movies, eating good food, eating yummy snacks, drinking coffee, playing games, eating yummy snacks, and repeat. I don't come home well rested but I do come back full to the brim. I'm stuffed with food and fellowship. Craig and I are both people people and hanging out energizes us and we feel the love. As much as I love good speakers and corporate prayer time it's nice to just hang out. Here are some pics!!

nerds

tearin it up

4 rambunctious cuties

brittney and anthem

cara and noah

2010-07-18T17:34:00.003+03:00

I'm reading The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje and I have not seen the movie. This book is lovely to me because it describes the vast, exposed beauty of the desert, speaks of Arab culture which I miss very very much, there is a quote that I relate to within my heart. "Born in one place and choosing to live elsewhere. Fighting to get back to or get away from our homelands all our lives." I think it's beautiful.

One of my favorite sites!

2010-05-23T15:51:00.000+03:00

The Pioneer Woman

2010-04-03T21:05:00.007+03:00

Hello Friends,
You may know or not know that I'm obsessed with the Pioneer Woman. I love her; her blog, her ranch, her cooking, and most of all her sense of humor. I smile at many many things. A good hearty laugh is another thing. The Pioneer Woman has made me laugh a good hearty laugh consistently for several months now. She obsesses with many things too, which is like me; food, husbands, our dogs, to mention a few. That's the latest with me and has nothing to do with what this blog was originally intended for but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Here is a pic of her cookbook and the pics above are of her recipes that I've tried.
She also inspired me to join this website and I've posted one recipe. Try it sometime and say yum or bleh.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/salads/salad-fusion/

What is God Up To?

2010-02-07T03:58:00.003+02:00

It's been a month since we arrived in Orlando, and if I do say so myself we have adjusted with ease. We are working with the School of Missions and have various other responsibilities that help this base run.
Upon returning, we wondered what God was going to do. We very clearly heard last May that we should work for several months and then join up with Y. I wondered why we should do this because we live by support of our friends and families (people who believe in us, our calling, and that God has a plan for this world). There was not one person who questioned us and God provided for us in Greenville in so many ways we felt truly blessed. Needless to say, I'm excited for this season and so far God hasn't disappointed. There is a Turkish Cultural Center that some friends told us about. We are taking Turkish language lessons for $35 a head, including books. WOW! What a leg up! We are enjoying that gift. On top of that, we have several people who have shown interest in joining us on this unknown, following God's voice, adventure to move to Antalya and start a ministry. I admit I had doubts we'd find anyone ever. Again, wow!
Now, I know, that we don't always see God at work. That sometimes it feels like our prayers hit the ceiling and there is no evidence of a greater being but I'll remember times like this, the proof of Him in my own life, and be able to continue believing that there is a God and He is Good and is up to something.

P.S. We have a new and beautiful nephew, Stephen Monroe born Jan. 24th.
I have a terrible cold and swallow garlic to boost my immune system.
Craig still sleeps by me despite the smell. Good old boy!!!

Back to It

2010-01-05T03:54:00.007+02:00

Hey Everyone! We are back in Orlando, FL, back in YWAM!! Whoo! WHoo!! We spent six and half months in Greenville and two weeks in Pagosa. Now we are here until God leads else where. Most of you know that we are hoping He will. Not because we want to leave our friends here but because the calling God has put on our hearts has only gotten stronger and stronger. We are now taking steps to towards that goal! Whooweee! Exciting. Meanwhile, we are working with the School of Missions and plugging into the base. I have seen God fulfill promises. I heard him speak to me and then move on those words and yet I still doubt. Sometimes I think I'm crazy. I'm afraid that He won't speak and we just look silly and lazy. Well, I say that thought is crazy. God does speak, He has, does, and will!
Anywho, we are here in Orlando now but I wanted to post some pictures of our time celebrating Christmas in CO. Here you go!!!

Do Blondes Have More Fun?

2009-11-08T19:27:00.012+02:00

Go to people.com click on styles, then makeover, upload a pic and have fun trying new looks. It's so fun and looks real. Ha! Which one do you like best? Personally I prefer the last one. :)

How about bob cut?
Or Ariel?

Sporting spikey and short

The best one yet!

Adoption, TGC, Religions

2009-10-12T17:29:00.003+03:00

Yesterday at church had me so pumped up at the end of it.
First off, worshipping God with other believers did something to my soul. During the time I thought about people who don't know church and how incredibly weird and scary we are to them but if they only knew who God is and what He did, they'd join in too.
Anywho, the sermon was about the prophet Jonah and first few verses of his book. God said go to Nineveh and preach. Jonah didn't want to go, not of fear or bad timing but b/c he didn't want those people to receive God's mercy. He wanted them to go to hell. Then our pastor confessed he at times is prejudice against other people groups, religions, etc. That He often is a Jonah. God convicted him last week and he really did a number on his heart, getting that junk out. He pointed out on stage that Christians often despise Muslims because of terrorist fears but it's not right and that God loves all religions and peoples. Jesus died for them all. Wow!
After that, we worshipped again and in moving with the Holy Spirit we repented individually for our sin and we then prayed for God to reveal himself to the Hindus down the road. Wowzers!!
Lastly, they interviewed two women who under God's calling have opened an Adoption Fundraising Center, where they interview their applicants, chose one, and raise the funds needed for the adoption. Cool, huh! Our paster then asked if you was adopted, have adopted, or want to in the future to come to the front and receive prayer. Craig wasn't with me but did that stop me? No, I went up by myself. Again, WOW!!!
Man, I'm still SO pumped up!!!!!!!!!

A Blessings Blog

2009-10-02T04:20:00.003+03:00

Hey Friends,
Lately, I've been so grateful and in awe of the God I serve. He always always always provides for us and this season in Greenville is no different.

We felt for the months of July through December we should pursue jobs in the city of Greenville to help our supporters provide for our move to Turkey. With such gratefulness, God brought Firestone and Glam Clothing Co. to us and we were hired.

The grand opening of Glam was August 1. Here I am with the Glam staff.

Craig in his Firestone uniform.

Wow, now we are employed but how to get where we need to be. Praise God, he provided a Ford Explorer for us and Craig drives that to Firestone. I, which I LOVE doing is, ride my brother's bike to Glam. It's a 15 min ride and I really enjoy the activity it gives. God knows me inside and out and knew that would bring me great joy! Another provision it has not rained on me, not once is several months. Go God!

Another gift of God that we never take for granted, our families. The Stubbs and the Branches are the best. I love spending time with them and believe I have the BEST family in the world.

The Branch Clan in June!

The newest Branch addition, Payton Jane.

My brother, Paul, and I in Pisgah national forest where the family went camping for a a few days.

Goofing around with Rose's birthday presents.

I love songs!!!

2009-09-24T00:42:00.005+03:00

Often when I come across a new song and I like it. I listen to it over and over and over again until it's memorized and Craig can't stand it anymore. :) Nothing moves me like music. Normally, there's something about them that speaks to me or makes me think of people I love or will love. I have been making a list of songs that I plan on singing to my future children (Lord willing).

Here's a few;
Chiquitita by Abba (for my girls)
Waitin on a Sunny Day by Bruce (for my girls)
Family Man by AP (for my boys)
Godspeed (Sweet dreams) by Dixie Chicks (for my boys)
Annie's Song by John Denver (for my Craigel)
If I Had Me Million by Pat Green (to me from Craig)

Forgiveness

2009-09-24T00:03:00.007+03:00

The past couple of weeks God has been teaching me a lesson of forgiving and asking for forgiveness. What was reiterated to me was the power of forgiveness. Whether you are religious or not, you have to admit the power of letting a grudge and bitterness go and forgiving the offender. It's wild and maybe painful, the release you feel and what you can accomplish with that. And to be forgiven is something so...there are no words. I know many of you think, 'well, what does Lisa know of being forgiven. She's so sweet." In the words of Andrew Peterson, "so you think i'm not a dirty rotten scoundrel through and through, well, lady, I've got news for you" and that news God reminded me of at church through Isaiah 53 (1, 3-6, 11)
Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, is was our pain he carried-our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him-our sins. He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way and God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong on him.
Our of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Sometimes I really feel there is a blackness in my soul that's really pretty horrible and hurts others. Thank God, he put that blackness on Jesus and Jesus took it knowing he would be glad. I'm free!!

Hanging with those Crazy Branches

2009-07-04T19:17:00.008+03:00

I love love love spending time with my in-laws. I enjoy visiting Pagaosa Springs and seeking the Rocky Mountains. This year we went for two weeks in June and it was jam packed filled with BBQ s, rafting, hiking, frisbee, and more. Mike and Berkey are the best at hospitality. They are truly hostesses with the mostesses. This year what stuck out the most was entertaining two little princesses. My nieces, Madeline and Addison are 3 years old and love Disney princesses. Berkey is a great seamstress and sowed two dresses, a Belle and a Cinderella. The girls were thrilled and knew that they were cute. Let me say, they are cute.
The Branches, like my family, sacrifice time spent with us because of the calling on our lives. It is a privilege to go into the world and tell people about Jesus, a blessing truly but giving up holidays, birthdays, and etc with our families is the hardest part. The Branches do so with such grace and support. We are so blessed!!!
Anywho, enough of that, here are some pictures from our trip.

before hiking 4 mile falls

the Branch clan (top row from l to r)Jenny, me, Craig, Coe, and Addy (bottom same)Madeline, Bill, Julie, Berkey, Jackson, and Mike

rafting on the San Juan

Cinderella and Belle

Since We've Been Back

2009-06-12T15:52:00.013+03:00

we arrived in greenville, sc.
below is a picture of my cousins and long time friends Sarah

went to orlando and charleston
here is picture of me strawberry picking and crystal being a picky picker.

arrived back in g'ville and visited with my brother, sister-in-law and our niece and nephew.

and enjoying our time here in SC

Crazy 8!

2009-05-05T09:38:00.003+03:00

Crazy 8! A little modified
For DarDar
8 Things I Look Forward To When Coming Back To The States
1. Visiting the Fam and Friends
2. Paneras
3. Getting to see all of my little nieces and nephews
4. Mexican Food
5. A dryer
6. Greenery
7. Target
8. Driving

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Played with Guy
2. Chatted with Corrie
3. Taught English Level 1a
4. Bought some students some coffee
5. Ate yummy Enchiladas
6. Listen to Craig mumble in the taxi
7. Watched some of Braveheart
8. Went to bed

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Draw, Paint, Create
2. Play the piano again
3. Play the mandolin
4. Play a sport with some ability
5. Own and fly a private jet
6. Own a small business
7. ADOPT-this will happen
8. Act in a movie or be the voice of a cartoon character

8 Shows I Watch
1. 24
2. 30 Rock
3. the Office
4. Lost
5. the Simpsons

the best of Jordan

2009-04-23T19:22:00.006+03:00

here's a slideshow that exemplifies our best times in jordan, favorite scenery, and good friends.

peeps and poops

2009-04-20T16:00:00.004+03:00

We took a Easter vacation to a southern city of Jordan called Aqaba. A GREAT place to relax and let the tension of the city roll away. The Red Sea sits there a beautiful blue color and invites you to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the world. Here's a picture of some of the crew that came with us. It was great to spend some time wrapping things up here with some of our favorite peeps and poops.

Visiting the Citadel

2009-03-23T16:17:00.005+02:00

Craig and I visited one of Amman's historical sites with the new short term team from Norway!! Beside are pictures of afternoon (far right, part of the dead sea scrolls) and below a little bit of info.

"The Hill of the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) in the middle of Amman was occupied as early as the Neolithic period, and fortified during the Bronze Age (1800 BC). The ruins on the hill today are Roman through early Islamic. The name "Amman" comes from "Rabbath Ammon," or "Great City of the Ammonites," who settled in the region some time after 1200 BC. The Bible records that King David captured the city in the early 10th century BC; Uriah the Hittite, husband of King David's paramour Bathsheba, was killed here after the king ordered him to the front line of battle." ---http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/jordan/amman/citadel.html

Mensef

2009-03-15T12:51:00.003+02:00

My favorite Jordanian dish is mensef. I might even go as far to say it is my favorite dish in all the Arab world and that's saying alot. Mensef is the traditional Jordanian meal. It is served at weddings, parties, and funerals and unlike anything I've ever tasted. The rice is served on a huge platter and the meat placed on top. Along with that, the yogurt, in a big stovetop pan is on the side. With a ladel you pour as much yogurt as you want onto your section of the platter. The real Jordanian eats with his hands but me, with a spoon. One recipe includes yogurt made from stone, white yogurt, rice, onion, saffron, chicken or lamb, and toasted almonds. Basically you all the above except almonds until it's done. The yogurt from stone gives it a earthy, creamy taste but that doesn't even get close to describing it. I guess you will just have to make a trip out here to know for yourself.

pictures of our trip to antalya turkey

2009-03-10T10:23:00.006+02:00

the was first a temple, then a church, then a mosque, then a church, then a mosque, then burnt

the old city

me and craigel

the only harbor into Antalya

set of stairs that most likely the apostle paul walked up as he entered the city

b-e-a-uuuuuuuuuutiful water

pebble beach

view from the apartment we stayed at, 10th floor with a very nice Welsh couple

Umm Zaytuna

2009-02-24T17:48:00.009+02:00

A friend of ours took us on a day trip outside of Amman the other weekend. We ended up in a little village called Umm Zaytuna. This little village is on a mountain where on a good clear day you could see the Dead Sea. It was so beautiful, looking down in the valley and seeing the desert. I think the desert is beautiful because of the exposed land. There is nothing to cover up the flaws, it's vulnerable. Anywho, on the mountain it was slightly green and a few flowers were blooming. We enjoyed ourselves so much, hiking around and having a picnic. We came across a little cave that is a stable. I was nervous to walk in it as first but nothing scary was there. It was really cool to see because I'm sure it's exactly like the stable Jesus was born it, down to the smell, and mountains much the same as the ones the multitude of angels appeared and sang at. I felt the story come alive in those few minutes in that humble cave. What a reminder of what Jesus did for us! Really cool!!!

Fat people unite

2009-02-20T19:59:00.003+02:00

The other day I was reading the Jordan Times newspaper, in which there was an article saying that about 80% of Jordanians are overweight or obese. This is about the same percentage as Americans. Yeeha, fatness loves company!
As the article progressed, they gave out a few hypothesis' of why Jordanians are becoming so fat (change of diet, lifestyle, etc.). What I found curious was what one professor gave as a solution to the problem, he said "All Arabs need to do is eat and live like they used to." Seriously, this is your solution! Let's just go back and live nomadic desert lifestyles, herd goats your whole life. Set your people back a hundred years, instead of educating them on nutrition and fitness.
I just found this whole thing silly, and realized that I could probably be some expert in this field of health...if only I wasn't so fat.

www.marcosuarez.com

2009-02-13T12:50:00.004+02:00

Hey Friends,
One of my friends is quite an artist. And I want to suggest you all go and check him out at www.marcosuarez.com

a nickname for craig

2009-02-07T11:01:00.003+02:00

We had some friends over for dinner last night. Loads of fun! Our friends are a family of four, Rob and Lia and their kids Levi (3) and Koen (1). The kids ran around the house like crazy and dived off our couch onto the bean bags. Craig made calzones which were absolutely delicious. Toward the end of the night, Levi was becoming even more comfortable with Craig, tickling him and wanting to poke his belly. We found this very funny b/c Levi began calling Craig "belly guy." What a great name!! We'll add it to the list: hotpants, crack, craigers, craigel, bantalone harr, (he wants me to add stud muffin) and now BELLY GUY!
Below is a picture of Levi. Cute!

2009-02-02T20:21:00.004+02:00

I went to a wedding a few months ago and thought I'd put some pictures of the event.

Quotes from Three Cups of Tea

2009-01-12T11:24:00.004+02:00

I am really loving this book called Three Cups of Tea by David Relin and Greg Mortenson. Greg Mortenson is a humanitarian who's mission is "promote peace...one school at time" in the poverty stricken villages of Pakistan.

Here are some quotes
on education:
"If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls."

on war:
"In times of war, you often hear leaders-Christian, Jewish, and Muslim-saying, 'God is on our side.' But that isn't true. In war, God is on the side of the refugees, widows, and orphans."

speech given by village leader after 9/11 (i love this):
"It is by fate that Allah the Almighty has brought us together in this hour. Today is a day that you children will remember forever and tell your children and grandchildren. Today, from the darkness of illiteracy, the light of education shines bright. We share in the sorrow as people weep and suffer in America today...Those who have committed this evil act against the innocent, the women and children, to create thousands of widows and orphans do not do so in the name o Islam. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, may justice be served upon them....Why have we not been able to bring education to our children on our own? Fathers and parents, I implore you to dedicate your full effort and commitment to see that all your children are educated. Otherwise, they will merely graze like seep in the field, at the mercy of nature and the world changing so terrifyingly around us. I request America to look into our hearts and see that the great majority of us are not terriosts, but good and simple people. Our land is stricken with poverty because we are without education, But today, another candle of knowledge as been lit. In the name of Allah the Almighty, may it light our way out of the darkness we find ourselves in."

have you ever had a shoogy boom?

2009-01-04T23:05:00.001+02:00

Happy New Years

2009-01-03T12:58:00.004+02:00

We had a small New Years party our at apartment that included yummy snacks, games, and auld lang syne. Quite enjoyable!!

We went for a walk...

2009-01-03T12:31:00.004+02:00

We went for a walk yesterday and as we headed down one of the many sets of staircases we saw a demonstration in the middle of downtown. Downtown was our destination. We knew immediately this was a march against the missle tirade in Gaza. This group of maybe 400 were in the middle of the street, standing and chanting. It looked a little odd because there was no police or any authority organizing this demonstration. As we descended some more, we saw that suddenly the crowd of 400 just dispersed running all directions like ants scattering to rebuild their home. We decided to go on and check all this out. After arriving, there was about 200 people still milling around. We spoke to an older lady and asked what was happening. She mentioned, "Gaza, Palestinians, police, and gas." We believe she trying to explain that the police threw tear gas into the crowd because in Jordan only government sanctioned marches are allowed. After this, several buses of soldiers pulled up, unloaded,and began patrolling the area. Everything seemed to calm down and we went on our way. It was exciting event to witness.

What a Trip

2008-12-29T17:17:00.002+02:00

Here in Jordan Lisa and I don't own a car, because of this we are either required to walk everywhere or take some sort of public transportation. Here in Amman there is a transit vehicle called a service taxi. They are basicly a car sized bus, they wait at one stop, wait for four people to fill up the car, then drive to the end of their route. The other day I was taking a ride in the service when two other guys joined me in the back seat. About half way through our route, the two men and our driver started arguing with each other about politics. The driver eventually became so angry at what the two men were saying that he pulled over gave me back my money and told me to get out so that he could fight the two other patrons. This wouldn't have been so bad, if the driver remembered about my heater I was taking home that I put in the trunk. So there I was in the middle of pushing and shoving and insults flying wondering how I should go about informing the driver about my predicament. So finally I busted in the fray and told the driver that I wanted my heater in the back, to which all three people stopped and stared at me. The driver opened the back and the other two helped me get the heater out, apoligized for making me carry it up the hill, and then preceeded to continue the fight. It was a funny snapshot of the overwhelming since of hospitality people have around here even if its in a middle of a fight.

2008-12-29T17:06:00.003+02:00

Just yesterday Israel began shooting missiles at Gaza again after a small break. Everyone is all riled up again. Normally, we don’t like to use our newsletters as a chance to share our political views but this conflict reminds me of growing up with older brothers.
No matter what I did as young girl, I could not stop my older brothers from coming into my room and reeking havoc on everything. I know I provoked them at times but sometimes I was innocent. Either way, I couldn’t stop them. I chose to get angry and hate them or cry and be bitter until all was forgotten. All silliness if you ask me now.
As I was praying for the families in Gaza that lost loved ones, I felt to pray for the two people groups like they were a family. It’s funny because they are. They have the same mannerisms, characteristics, values, and etc. I hear so many stories of how this particular family, generation ago, were Jewish and changed and vice versa. They are siblings fighting over dad’s inheritance. It’s silly and sad because innocent people loose their most precious lives for nothing.
I don’t know how to end this article except to ask you all to pray not for one side only because of whatever reason. All involved people need God and His help to get over the power struggle, bitterness, anger, and hatred. We need true peace that only comes from forgiveness.

2008-12-29T16:39:00.004+02:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!! We had a great Christmas with our friends in Amman. AND we had soup, Swedish porridge, rum balls, peanut butter balls, egg nog, wine, quiche, fruit. All so yummy!! We exchange gifts and listen to Christmas music. We missed our families like crazy though.
We don't have plans for the New Year yet, maybe dinner at Romeros or something low key.
Welp, here are some pics. Enjoy!!

thanksgiving and christmas parties

2008-12-18T14:27:00.007+02:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Friday this year instead of Thrusday b/c in Jordan it's not a holiday so Thrusday is a work day. If you didn't know Friday and Saturday is our weekends here. Yes, we had turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoe casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and more!! It was alot of fun!!

For Christmas, we have a company party with food, coffee, singing carols, bingo, and dancing. We threw a program/party for our students, with readings and songs. It was really enjoyable for us and the students.

For our Christmas eve and day, we will spend the time with the family that has formed here. Dave and Jeanette, Jer and Sar, and us. We each bring yummy food, drinks, and desserts that reminds us of traditions back home. I really love our time here and our friends.