My Journey in Asia

Part Of My Heart

2011-01-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

I made a recent trip back to my former city, The Crossroad, to see my dearest Cnese friend, Millie get married. She looked beautiful and it was special for me to be there for her wedding. Millie is my former tutor and Sister. She came to f@ith about eight months after I had moved in country. She has been a faithful friend. It was an emotional trip for me as I visited many old friends, classmates, and teachers. I spent three years in this city and was blessed to build some deep and sweet relationships. Wherever you live and plant your life, there is no way to move without leaving some of those roots behind. It seems that in all of the places I've lived, a little part of my heart is left there and these places will always hold a special meaning for me. It was great being back at my old stomping ground again and renewing friendships. How good Father is to give me friends wherever He has me go and plant my life...if only for a season. Praize Him for how He blesses us with dear friends.

Fight...Fight...

2011-01-09T00:12:00.001-08:00

Living in another country is always interesting. I got on the bus one day recently to head downtown to do some shopping. As soon as I got on the bus and took a place in the middle of the aise, I heard these two women...one in front of me and one behind me. They were aruging. Sometimes in this culture, when people are talking, it sounds like they are arguing. Then, you find out they are just having a normal conversation. Well, after listening to these two women for just a little while, I realized they were really having an argument. They were speaking the local dialect and I could not make out much of what they were saying. Sounded like something very insignificant. The bus driver was even yelling back at them telling them to stop. The older lady behind me actually stood up and began spitting across the aisle at the lady. I was in the middle of this heated discussion and I wasn't sure what to do if a fight broke out. I started asking Father to not allow a brawl to ensue. The only word I could think of to shout was "ping an", which means "peace." These ladies argued the entire time I was enroute. Thankfully, I did not hear the Rocky theme song begin to play and a fist fight break out before I got off the bus. How wonderful to know that the Prince of Peace will come to rule and to reign in the future. I am definitely looking forward to that special day!

Celebrations

2011-01-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

O, Christmas Tree!!!

Christmas Day with special friends!

The mask of Sponge Bob!

Me and my lao wai (foreign) friends!

"Happy Birthday" to ME!

My yummy Birthday cake!

Me and my lovely cake!

Blowing out the forest fire!

Opening birthday gifts...always a treat!

Seeing off sweet folks at the airport who made
my birthday extra special!

Heart Friends

2010-10-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

You know the kind of friends I'm talking about...those friends with whom you can let your hair down with and just be yourself. I had the opportunity to go visit some friends of the heart for 9 days and it was just what the doctor ordered. We had so much fun catching up and just enjoying time together. Very grateful for the way Father has placed these people in my life and how He uses them to encourage my heart each time we're together. Thanks a bunch to both H families!

An Egg-stra Special Meal

2010-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Eating a meal in my host country can always be interesting to say the least. I always think that using chopsticks is no big deal...until today. Meals here usually include each person having their own bowl of rice. You usually order one dish per person, which you put in the middle of the table. Then, you each have your own chopsticks and just kind of take food out of the dishes in front of you and put a little at a time into your bowl of rice. Then, you eat out of your rice bowl. One of the cultural norms here between close friends is that during a meal you may take your chopsticks and take something out of one of the dishes in the middle and put it into your friend's rice bowl. It's like you're giving your friend an extra helping.

This evening, I was having dinner with my good friend, Victoria. We ordered a meat dish and then this small kettle of soup. The soup my friend ordered had a green leafy vegetable, mushrooms, quail eggs, and noodles in it. I was trying to be culturally appropriate and give my friend a quail egg. Let me just say that those suckers are quite slippery. I grabbed the quail egg with my chopsticks and reached over to put it in her bowl. Suddenly, the egg went flying out of my chopsticks and landed in her lap. Victoria is such a good sport. She just picked it up and threw it back into her bowl...no harm, no foul. She then picked up the quail egg with her chopsticks out of her bowl and ate it. We laughed so hard over that and she just kept saying, "It doesn't matter."

I'm thankful for a gracious friend and this funny story we can talk about for years to come. Note to self: practice using your chopsticks or stay away from the quail eggs!

Watermelon, Cantaloupe

2010-07-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

From my youth up, I was involved with choirs and singing in ch*rch. During those times, I heard that if you forget the words or lose your place, just sing "Watermelon, Cantaloupe" and no one can tell you aren't singing the right words. Last night, I attended a local ch*rch's Wednesday evening singing service, which lasted two hours. They did provide song books, but it was all in my host country's language. Needless to say, I did not know all of the characters. I did okay until they started singing more up-tempo songs. So, I found myself wanting to sing the "Watermelon, Cantaloupe" addition just so I could keep up with them. It was a blessing just to see these faithful and committed brothers and sisters singing praizes to the King of Kings.
After the singing time, some of them were headed over to a pryer meeting that would last from 10 pm until 5:30 am. May Father continue to bless the ch*rch here and may many more be added to their number for His glry.

Celebrating the 4th in a Foreign Land

2010-07-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Celebrating any American holiday can be a bit challenging when you live in a foreign country. There are no US flags waving around town. Daily life goes on and no one gets a day off from work. I saw no signs for fireworks being set off to celebrate our country's freedom (fireworks are just a daily part of life here, so it's not that special). There were no supermarket fliers promising great buys on hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, sodas, or other fun picnic treats. So, you have to make a concerted effort to celebrate, thinking on the meaning of this important holiday and trying to create some fun things from home as well. I was blessed to have the ingredients to make a yummy (if i do say so myself) cheesecake. I also found the things to make a pretty good cheeseburger. With my American flags waving inside and patriotic music playing, The 4th of July was celebrated in this foreign land from this small apartment. As I was thanking Father for our nation, the freedom to w_rship Him was what stood out the most. We have many wonderful freedoms, but the most important one to me is the freedom to w^rship Him. This privilege is one that parts of our world do not know. So, I celebrate our great nation and the freedom to give gl*ry to our King of Kings. I also pry that the people of this nation without this right would have the opportunity to hear about the One who can give them true Freedom!

Can You Ever Receive TOO Much Help???

2010-06-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

Going to the supermarket here in my host country is an experience all on its own. I do have the luxury of an indoor supermarket that is nice with stocked shelves. The import section in my new city is about the size of the Asian import section in my hometown. I now know how those Asians feel living in small US cities.

One area of the supermarket that I try to stay away from is the laundry detergent/health and beauty aids area. In other parts of the store, the staff just kind of let you look and don't try and make suggestions. But in this part of the store, they are VERY willing to make suggestions and tell you what they think is the best brand for the best price. On a recent trip, I needed to buy some body wash...very simple, right??? As soon as I walked up the aisle a swarm of employees started coming up to me and giving me their suggestions. I turned around and counted them. I counted eight women around me picking up bottles for me to try out and give my approval. This was a culture stress moment for me. I wanted to scream and run out (REALLY)! It was quite overwhelming. It was Father who helped me to calmly continue on my quest for this body wash and finally find a suitable fragrance. I politely thanked them ALL and headed for the checkout. Whew! Moral of the story...buy your body wash in a small store with only one clerk:)

A Visit To The Countryside

2010-05-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

After being back in my host country for 2 months and making friends, I had the opportunity to make a trip out to the countryside to visit a Sunday group. As I was sitting in the service, I couldn't help but think about the conditions and how so many Americans would not have sat for two hours on a hard bench with no back without complaining. Of course, I'm talking about ME. In my heart, I was complaing that I was so uncomfortable. Yet, I didn't hear the others there saying they were uncomfortable. They were just seemingly glad to be there. I can definitely learn a lot from this bunch. It was a blessing to see how they wrshipped Father with such a passion.

Following the service, we were invited to a member's home for lunch and some pryer time. These folks don't kid about prying. They get with it and it is fervent. They were so welcoming and such a blessing to me. It was an honor to sit with them and have fellowship. One of the things that came to mind during this time was the fact that Father is at work all over the world. Out in the middle of nowhere, there were people wrshipping Him. The world may never see or know them, but the King of Hven knows them and that's all that matters.

Traveling In My Host Country

2008-10-11T04:21:00.000-07:00

Travleing around in East Asia can always be fun and exciting. These pics are from a trip with friends out to visit different areas close to my city. There are always interesting places to visit and things to see. Thankful to see such a very different culture from different angles. Enjoy the pics!

Home grown electricity in the making!

Visiting an ancient city

Taking a rest in a minority group housing setting

The geographical center of Asia

Sitting in the middle of the geographical Center of Asia

Getting to the point at the geographical center of Asia

Supporting My Peeps!!!

2008-08-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Lady Bug and I anticipating the beginning of the Ceremonies!!!

Cheering on the US as our athletes were entering the stadium!!!

The Big Event

2008-08-02T02:21:00.001-07:00

As we prepare for the beginning of the Games, I wanted you to see a few pics of my city as we all get geared up for this exciting time for the world.

Visiting Friends

2008-08-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to another city, I had the opportunity to spend time with dear friends and receive encouragement and refreshement. So thankful for our time together.

A trip to Mickey D's!!!

How about a chicken foot to gnaw on???

Girl time!!!

Some camel hang out time for the small and the smallest!

I Came, I Saw, I Climbed!

2008-07-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip out of my city, I had the opportunity to visit with some precious friends. One day, they took me to this neat area with this good sized mountain. Well, we climbed the mountain, all 6,424 steps (exaggerating, well maybe...). My calves were so sore the next day, I could hardly walk. It was a great time and a wonderful opportunity to be out in nature.

I Feel the Need for Speed!!!

2008-07-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

July 4th proved to be a fun day with time in the park, a great meal at a local Tex-Mex restaurant owned by Texans, and the watching of Independence Day! As many of you know, I have felt the need for some time to be behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle. Well, that need was finally met through my trip to the park. It didn't last as long as I would have liked, just two laps, but it was enough to give me what I needed. Thanking Father for our nation, the many freedoms with enjoy, and the numerous ways He has blessed us!

Burnin' rubber!!!

Checking out the latest news!

Jack, Jill, and Lady Bug playing around!

This little girl workin' out in her beautiful white dress! Yikes! Get out that stain stick!

Me, Jill, and Lady Bug on the log ride!

Lady Bug hangin' out!

The result of the log ride...WET!!!

Goin' to the Mountains

2008-06-23T03:04:00.001-07:00

Our gang recently took a trip to some mountains close by our city and the day was just perfect. We enjoyed mountains, a waterfall and some other fun things along the way.

Isn't Father amazing to make such a beautiful display of water!?!?!?!

How about these mountains?

This water was EXTREMELY cold!

We took a horse pulled cart up close to the waterfall and the horse carts had their own parking lot complete with this really fancy sign that says, "Horse Cart Parking Lot."

K and C braved the icy water and let us know that they were "OK"

Is this a bus? NO! It only looks like one. It is a bus turned into a bathroom. Yes, it's true. Men on the left and women on the right. What will they think of next?!?!?!?!

Saying "Goodbye"

2008-06-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am learning that living on the other side of the world means that I have to say, "hello" and "goodbye" a lot more often and the "goodbyes" are never fun. Tonight, I had to say, "goodbye" to my dear friend, Matilda. She is heading back home soon to the US and then on to Canada where she will continue her studies in art and the Word. After seeing each other nearly everyday for the last two years, I will miss her greatly. She has become like family to me and after having experienced so many things together over the last two years, it was difficult to see her go. We've ridden about every form of transportation together except a yak. We've traveled together, laughed together, cried together, prayed together, and seen Father do some amazing things around us. I have been once again reminded that things always change. But, I am thankful that our Faithful Father does not change. Praise Him for that fact. Asking Father to bless my friend as she begins a new chapter in her life.

You Spent the Night Where?!?!?!?!

2008-04-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Matilda recently celebrated her 24th birthday and wanted to do something unusual. So, she invited some local friends and we went about 45 minutes outside of our city to stay in a yurt. A yurt is kind of like a big rounded tent that some of the nomadic minority groups have lived in and continue to live in today. I was expecting plain ole' tent camping. Yet, our yurt had the conveniences of a tv, dvd player, a piano, tables and chairs, and a coal burning stove. Pretty fancy, I must say. Maybe almost like RV camping, minus the bathroom. They also have a section that is a flat surface built up high covered with some type of material and that is where everyone sleeps. You just grab a blanket and pillow and find a spot. We had a great time eating, watching movies, playing games and seeing the surroundings. It's nice to get outside the city to a quiet place and relax a little. Thankful for this time of rest and refreshment.

Forgetting to pay....

2008-04-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

We have this great vendor at the front gate of our university that makes tortillas. It is great fun to watch him make them. They can make them plain or with an egg cooked inside. They are both delicious. One Sunday I was purchasing some to take for our fellowship time. I ordered them and then the girl bagged them up for me. I took them, thanked her and went on my merry way. I heard someone calling out. I turned to see what was going on. Little did I know that the shouting was for me. The tortilla man was rubbing his fingers together as if to say, "Where's my money?!?!" I was so embarrassed and quickly returned to apologize for my blunder. Everyone laughed as I paid and offered my apologies again. I don't know if I'm getting older or if living in a foreign country is making me more forgetful. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I can laugh about it and make others laugh in the process.

A Chirping Chick and an Ice Cream Truck

2008-04-11T20:24:00.001-07:00

My alarm clock finally bit the dust. From previous experience I have found that if you purchase an alarm clock from a vendor on the street it usually sounds like a time bomb ticking . So, I opted for an alarm clock from a nicer store where I usually shop. Usually, in the clock area, there is someone to help you select a clock and they also put batteries in it to let you hear how it sounds. Well, this time, there was no one around and I was in a bit of a hurry. So, I just selected one on my own and took my chances. After I returned home, I got out some batteries to get my clock going. As soon as I turned on the alarm, I realized that this was no ordinary clock. Most clocks awake you to the sound of a number of consecutive beeps that grow louder as it continues to go off. Well, my new clock begins with a sound like that of a chick chirping. It then proceeds to begin playing a song that sounds like it would come from an ice cream truck. To finish it off, when you turn the alarm off, a sweet little voice comes on and says, "Good Morning." I laughed my head off and had to let Matilda and Katie in on the fun. We all laughed together as we continue to be reminded that everyday is an adventure here in EA.

McDonald's, Monkeys, Elephants, and Airports

2008-04-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Me, Cocoa and Ronald

A monk buying a bird. Afterwards he set it free. Hoping that he may find true freedom...

Some young boys playing and singing on the street.

Matilda telling the elephant with her hands: "I got nothin'."

Didn't know that elephants smile!

This little guy had his breakfast, lunch, and dinner ready to go.

This little monkey wanted Cocoa's glasses

instead of the banana!

Just hangin' out!

Seeing the sights from the back of an elephant!

In the airport we found this bench that was too funny, so we had to act out the caption:

"For the old, tired, and pregnant"

Checking out the Pandas

2008-03-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

Me and a pic of a panda. It's as close as I could get to one:)

Tasty Bamboo!!!

This sign was too funny to pass up!

Some days I feel like this!

These guys are too cute!

This guy was just hanging out in a tree taking a nap. Not the most comfortable way to sleep, but he didn't seem to mind.

Recent Trip...

2007-10-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip outside our city we saw many beautiful sights. Check out the pics below.

Breathtaking scenery!

Can't take Kentucky out of the girl!

Pine trees and snow. Too much like Christmas!

Who needs a pooper scooper when you have a pooper catcher!

Choosing my horse for the next Kentucky Derby!

Father's amazing beauty in His creation!

When you gotta go, nothing can stop you!

Considering all His hands have made!

Riding on a horse pulled cart. A ton of fun!

Corn Anyone?

2007-10-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

In my host country the snacks here are different. When I think of our traditional American snacks, I think of potato chips, candy bars, snack cakes, candy, nachos, etc... You get the idea. Well, here it is not a strange thing to see people munching on sweet potatoes or an ear of corn while waiting on the bus or going shopping. I find such humor in this because it is so unusual. My friends and I recently took a bus trip to a nearby mountain ouside the city. On our return trip, we pulled up to a stop light. I looked out and saw a street vendor selling roasted corn. I saw one of our bus passengers open her window and yell out, "How much?" She actually bought two ears of corn through the window before the bus pulled out once again. She broke the ears into four pieces and she and three of her friends enjoyed a nice snack on our ride back into town. Cultural differences still amaze me:)

My Newest "Wild Hair"

2007-09-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Just got a new hairdo and thought I would share it. I've found a great salon with a wonderful hairdresser. You girls know what I'm talking about when I say that it's not easy to find a really good hairdresser that you trust. So, this is the result. It's much easier to fix and doesn't take as much time. I'm all about that. Thankful that Father cares about even the little things we need:)

Barnum and Bailey Has Come to Town

2007-09-22T02:09:00.000-07:00

Due to our lack of understanding the names of places here, it is just easier to name a restaurant something that catches our eye or something that happens while eating there. My friends and I have affectionately named this one particular restaurant "The Chick Restaurant.” We named it this because we were eating lunch one day in there when a small group of baby chicks waddled in and one of the waitresses had to shoo them out. I went with my friend Millie one evening to "The Chick Restaurant” for dinner. Millie and I sat a little close to the kitchen where there is a large fish tank with big fish swimming around. Talk about FRESH FISH!!!!! I was watching as one of the waitresses stuck her hand down inside the tank and began rooting around for a fish. We both began watching the girl go fishing. She pulled out a large fish and just let it fall over the side and drop down on the floor. I got so tickled that I couldn’t quit laughing. She proceeded to drop another one on the ground. I thought she was just not able to keep a hold on them, but later I realized that she was allowing them to drop to their death so that the kitchen workers could prepare them for someone’s meal. During this time, I looked over and saw a dog wander into the restaurant. He was taking in the sight of the fish falling to their death and he began sniffing out the situation. I couldn’t help but laugh harder as I thought of it being kind of like a three ring circus here. No one even batted an eye as the fish were flying and the dog was sniffing. It’s just a day in the life here...

Visiting Friends

2007-08-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to visit the A family in another part of the country, we had a wonderful time of fun and relaxation. Sweet friends, great fun, and GOOD TIMES!!!

Having Fun with the A kids!!!

In the market!!!

Part of our trip was on a train. I got the middle bunk!!!

Beautiful scenery!!!

Amazing Waterfalls!!

Spot For Dinner

2007-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip to visit some friends in South EA, we ran upon an unusual site at a supermarket. Spot was not being invited to dinner. Spot was going to BE dinner. It's all part of the adventure!!!

Mammaw Sleeping

2007-05-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you from the south, you recognize the term, "Mammaw." For others of you, it's what we might call the mother of our father or mother. While in SE Asia a few months ago, Matilda and I were taking a Tuk Tuk to see the city. Part of the ride included the driver stopping at some "tourist traps" (oops), I mean "tourist attractions" for 10 minutes to look. If we stayed for 10 minutes and looked, he received a free gas coupon. We obliged him so he might get some free gas. We went into this nice jewelry store. Immediately, as soon as we walked in, I noticed this little Asian Mammaw sleeping away in a chair. While I thought it was amusing, I continued on into the store to look around. Of course, Matilda and I walked into the store saying, "This is crazy, I'm not buying anything here." Yet, we left with both of us purchasing a new ring. Couldn't stand it! While waiting for my ring to be sized, the store staff seated us in the front of the store with a beverage to enjoy while waiting. Sleeping Mammaw was so close that I had to snap this picture. No one was even paying any attention to her and she was just sleeping away. With my warped sense of humor, I had to post this and let you see what I found so incredibly funny. The world was just going on and she was enjoying her snooze. Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, I can always look at this picture and get a chuckle. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

The Seat on the Chair Goes Round-and-Round

2007-05-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

While strolling through one of our favorite places to shop, Katie was looking for some hand weights. Matilda and I saw a couple of seats in this sports shop, so we decided to take a load off our feet. My chair was quite strange as the seat was totally disconnected from the chair itself. I sat down and after a few minutes saw that there was an ON/OFF switch. Being curious, I decided to turn it on. I was expecting some soothing massage and yet I received something totally different. The seat began to move in a very fast circular motion taking my lower body round-and-round. I felt like I was doing a hula dance on high speed. I couldn't get it to turn off. Finally after a period of time, I was able to switch it off and stop doing the hula. Matilda and I laughed so hard that we were crying. The Asians that were watching just looked at us with somber faces with not even a faint smile. They must have thought, "What in the world are those crazy Americans lauging at?" As I have said before, you never know what a day holds at "The Crossroad."

Blessed By The Son In The Sun

2007-04-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

A few pics to show some of my adventure during the month of February in Southeast Asia. Had a great time eating at many western restaurants, shopping, going to an aquarium, watching an American movie in English, riding an elephant, drinking from a fresh coconut, getting attacked by pigeons (read in the post below), walking on the beach, swimming, renewing friendships, and being blessed by a group from AK as they came to minister to us. I heard many encouraging testimonies of what Father is doing all around East Asia. We also had the privilege of being ministered to by the musical duo of Shane and Shane. They do one M trip a year and they chose to come and minister to us. We were blessed by their worshipful songs and their presence. I came away refreshed, renewed, and challenged to come back to my city with a new fervor in sharing the Son. Enjoy the pics!

Riding an Elephant!!!

Me and My New Friend!!!

Enjoying Hard Rock Cafe'!!!

Lovin' the Coconuts!!!

Attacked By Pigeons

2007-04-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Going to another country does not exempt me from having dumb things happen. While in Southeast Asia, Matilda and I were going to a museum. As we were lost, we began looking for a place with directions. We found this little map on the side of a building and were looking to find the way to the museum. A lady approached with a TON of pigeons around her. She proceeded to walk over to us and the pigeons followed. She crammed three bags of pigeon seed (I'm assuming) into my hand and three into Matilda's. She said to throw the seed out for the birds. Well, Matilda was the smart one and threw all of her bags down and ran like crazy. I, on the other hand, was a little slower in understanding that the pigeons would attack. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by pigeons. They were under my feet, flying around me and one even landed on my hand. The pigeon proceeded to scratch me as I tried to fling it off (imagine that). I was trying to throw the seed out, but just dropped the rest that I had and ran away from them. Then, the woman follows us and tells us that we owe her for the pigeon seed. We refused the charge due to the circumstances and the fact that she never told us of her intention. Later, as we drove by in a taxi, another clueless foreigner was having the same argument. The moral of the story is: "Don't take pigeon seed from strangers."

Back to the 80's

2007-04-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would have to come to Asia to experience the art of Karaoke. Well, I have been smitten. Give me my own microphone with music and words and watch out! Wilberta, Matilda, and I went to Karaoke with Sophie and her husband Wayne. You can rent a room with a couple of couches, tables, a TV, a Karaoke computer (for lack of a better term), and two microphones. Renting the room also included snacks: sodas, dried figs, peas, peanuts, and an unidentified substance that I did not venture to place in my mouth. We spent about three and a half hours singing, laughing, and building relationships with our new friends.

We all chose some songs to sing and kind of mixed the Mandarin and English up a bit. I felt like I had slipped back into the 80's for a short time as we found many songs from this era. It is amazing how long time can pass since hearing a song, but once it starts playing, the words come right back. I chose a few like, "My Girl," "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Copacabana." It was quite amusing to say the least. The videos that went along with it were varied with some being the original artists singing and some were of Chinese singers performing the songs. Who would have ever thought that Karaoke and friendship would go together so well.

As I am growing to love my new friends, I long for them to know the greatest Friend they could ever have. Hoping they will one day be among the multitudes that will surround the throne and sing to the One who is truly worthy of our praise.

Post Wedding Activities

2006-11-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

Following my teacher's recent wedding, my classmates and I were invited to stay for a traditional program. I was expecting some type of traditional dress, dance, and song. Well, that's not what I experienced. We were with the bride and groom when four of the groom's friends came into the room. One was carrying an empty two-liter bottle. Another carried some type of cord doubled over. And, still yet another picked up a house shoe close by. While laughing, they placed the bride and groom at two opposite ends of a coffee table. They made the groom sit backwards in a chair. They then proceeded to place a cigarette in his mouth and light it. They gave the bride several glasses of water. The object of this activity was for her to spit the water out across the length of the coffee table and try to put out the lit cigarette that was hanging out of her husband's mouth. If she failed, they would then hit the groom with the empty two-liter bottle, house shoe, and cord as punishment. Needless to say, water was everywhere, everyone was laughing, and the cigarette was not put out until it had almost gone out on its own. Can't say that I have ever experienced this game before, but it was quite amusing. Not sure if this would go over in the States as a wedding game, but they sure enjoyed it here. I was able to capture the moment with this picture as the bride was in mid-spit and the groom awaited the coming water. Everyday is an adventure here. You just never know what you will experience. Not sure that I will ever use this game after my own wedding, but glad I had the opportunity to see someone else participate in the fun activity and know what to expect if a two-liter bottle begins flying around following the ceremony.

Do Band-Aids Really Make Everything All Better?

2006-11-04T02:48:00.000-08:00

I attended my teacher's wedding a week ago today and was looking forward to my first chance at seeing all of the different cultural aspects. I had also been asked to give some wedding wishes to the bride and groom. As many of you know, I usually have things happen to me that make me feel like I am in a movie or something. I often wonder, "Do other people have things like this happen to them?" Our classes were to meet at our classroom building (a 15 minute walk) and then walk to the wedding (a 20 minute walk) together with another teacher. Well, the heels that I have aren't made for walking. Here, everybody is always carrying a bag of some type. So, I got the bright idea that I would wear my tennis shoes with my skirt and change once I got to the hotel. Women in New York do it, right? So, I took my heels in a bag. Well, I went to the classroom building and waited for my classmates to arrive. As stupid as I felt, I was much more comfortable than I would have been if I would have been wearing the heels. As we began walking towards the wedding, a friend yelled at me to come back to where she was. She told me that I had a huge hole in the back of my hose. This was no runner, my friends, but a full-fledged hole with runners going in different directions. And it just so happened that it was right at my calf. No way to even try to hide it. Well, I walked in the back of the group all of the way to the wedding. Tennis shoes, hole, and all. Then we got there and the bride and groom were in the lobby and immediately wanted to take our picture. I tried to hide my feet so the tennis shoes would not be in the picture. Then, I ran and hid so I could put on my heels. We went upstairs to the bathroom and tried to decide what to do with the hole. I had brought a Band-aid for my feet in case I got blisters. So my mind went to the fact that I had a Band-Aid that I could use. My friend helped me pull the hole together and I put a flesh-colored Band-Aid over the hole. No, I can't believe I did it either. Don't ask me why I didn't just take off the hose. After the whole tennis shoe, hole in the hose, and the fact that in a matter of minutes I would be standing in front of a room full of Asians, I was a little flustered. Thank goodness the tables were close together and the area where I was to make my short speech was not a horrible distance in front of the tables themselves. I wondered if they all thought. "Is this some new American style?" So, if you start seeing people wearing flesh colored Band-Aids over their hose on the back of one of their legs, it started here first. Band-Aids may not make everything all better, but they sure can help pull some things together.

Did I say, "Super-Size the Veggies?"

2006-10-07T02:47:00.000-07:00

While preparing for dinner, I had to purchase some vegetables. I did not ask for the super-sized carrots or onions, they just came that way. This is the biggest carrot and onion I have ever seen in my life. It is unbelievable how big some of their fruit and vegetables are in my city. They grow them big in these parts. Are veggies this big in Texas? We used the carrot and onion in dinner preparation. My guests enjoyed the food and we had great conversation afterward. As we read from the Book and discussed its application, I was reminded of how BIG our Father is. He is Big everywhere, not just in these parts or even in Texas. He has the whole world in His hands and He sustains it all. May my guests realize how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of the one and only "Big" G that has made them and has a plan for their lives.