Joyful Journey

Like my mom, I'm a list maker. Mom had lists for everything . A list of what you need to take when you go camping. A list of typical foods she bought on a weekly basis. A list of food in the freezer. A list of everyone's birthday. A list of things to remember to do before you left on vacation. (Canceled the paper? Turned down the heat? Arranged for the mail?) David Allen had nothing on my mom. I've borrowed many of her lists. My camping list was started off of her list and modified for my family. There is a list of projects that I want to complete. A list of books I've loaned out. I have a list stored on my computer that is the basics of things that I take when I travel. It includes things that I don't use every time (i.e. sleeping bag), but it is a good, complete list, that if I'm careful to follow, usually means I have all that I need. Since I've begun to travel internationally, I have added a new section. It lists items like: tour book, destin...

We've been studying the life of Abraham over the last 6 weeks and as I was sitting in Bible study this morning, it hit me. At the end of our lesson, as a group we listed one word descriptions of Abraham. The group came up with faithful, friend (of God), okay we cheated a bit here, righteous, obedient, father, and a few others. But we did not include one that for me has great impact. We could call Abraham an expat. Now, a few years ago that would not have really meant much to me. But now, you see, I am an expat. (Or as my mom would jokingly say, "I are one.") An expatriate (or expat as we are commonly referred to) is a person who is temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of their upbringing or legal residence. Last year when someone asked why I had missed a large number of the Bible studies, a friend reminded her I was a first-year expat. That's all my friend needed to say. First-year expats always have many guests f...

I wanted to include a few pictures from the reception to give you an idea of the "finished" gym decor as well as the beautiful spread laid out by Jenny Forrest and crew. It is amazing how a few yards of tulle, some poles, some lights, a lift operated by Bob and Jonathan, and some branches in vases can transform a gym into a lovely setting for a wedding reception. So many of the hard-working ladies who prepared the food were friends of either Dawn's family or our family. Having them lovingly prepare the food was an added blessing. What I sampled was delicious! I didn't realize that as parents of the groom you don't eat much more than the bride and groom usually do. Maybe at Joel and Jenn's we should request a doggie bag to go! Ah, the things you learn from experience. And when the groom is a pilot and you and your bride are headed for the mission field, the most appropriate topper for the wedding cake just might be a small plane. Dawn and Steven had also ch...

Considering the fact that I mentioned Alea's birth in a recent post, I think it's time I include an update. Alea (pronounced A-Lay-A) was born on February 21st and is as cute as can be. Her mom and I met quite soon after we both moved to Switzerland, first in church and then later in the same BSF small group. It seemed clear from very early on that it was the Lord that brought us together. Our friendship developed quite quickly and we have enjoyed many long walks in the beautiful Swiss countryside together. I will never forget our walk when Kasey indicated that she thought she was pregnant. There had been a positive "early pregnancy" test result, but it almost seemed to early to rejoice. It's been so fun to walk alongside as Kasey has grown! It was very special to meet Alea when she was a day old and visit in the hospital. It's too bad that you can't see the view out the window. It is a breathtaking view of Zurichsee (Lake Zurich) and on a clear day,...

Slowly, but surely, I'm catching up on past events! I am really hoping that once we replace this computer and I dare keep it on more than 30 minutes at a time, I can keep more current! Of course, sometimes life take the place of blogging time... It was an amazing day. It did begin a bit early. I had been able to schedule an appointment with my hairdresser (Thanks, Heidi!!) to have my hair styled that morning, but it meant that I had to be in Cary by 7:15 a.m., which meant leaving the house at 6:45, which meant....well, you get the picture! Both Dawn and Heather's hairdressers work in the same salon that I went to, so when I arrived it was fun to see Heather "in process." Dawn had already had her hair completed and was on her way to the church. The day was cool and foggy initially, but it was evident that most likely, it would turn out to be a sunny day, which it was. We have not yet seen the photos from the actual photographer, but these photos are ones shar...