:: Home ::

Home. To some, the word means relaxation. To others, maybe a bit of quiet and tranquility, family. At the moment, I'm enjoying both meanings, though "quiet" might be a stretch. Mozzies buzzing, the neighbor's macaws cawing for dinner, kids zipping around my chair on their bikes. Well, so much for tranquility. But I'll take the noise over absolute silence. 

Climbing over Dubai

My flight(s) went better than expected. Early Wednesday morning, I lifted my shade and took in one of the most spectacular sunrises I've ever seen. It was as if a rainbow was stretching itself across the top of the clouds. My camera was tucked away, but it gave me time to dwell on my amazing Creator. Baffles my mind that there are those out there who don't believe in God. Really? In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth. How simple, yet how complex. And to think that such a great God would stoop to care about me. Just meditate on that...

In my comfort zone...

Due to an influx of veggies from the garden, one of my first priorities was to clean out the deep freeze. After collecting a container of  ice, Brianna created a "snowman". When you never see snow down here, you take what you can get! Creativity in action, eh?

Someone lost weight while I was away...He looks great, don't ya think?

My siblings are still into the whole crazy jump thing.  Joel's broken arm didn't deter them much ;) okay, so I'll admit, I've done some flips myself, but only when there's a trampoline beneath and not only terra firma.

And lest you think we play/relax all day, think again. Life is far from dull. With a garden that is producing fruit like crazy, there's always something boiling in the pot. We've put up quarts upon quarts of sweet corn, carrots, green beans & butternut. Tomatoes will be ready soon (too soon) and whatever else is out in that maze. 

Goodbyes

My last full day in the States is drawing just about over and the final goodbyes will be said tomorrow. I detest goodbyes. Anyone with me on that one?? And those tear jerking moments when you have to say "see ya later", without knowing how long "later" will be...Yeah. Not fun. Bid adieu to 3 of my siblings on Friday, 1 on Sunday and 1 more to go tomorrow. Prayer's appreciated...gonna be a rough flight ;)

Jeremiah, Derek, Jon, me, Dyanna

Homework time for our Kindergartner.

Shout out to my sister, Dea, who's an amazing packer!!! And those bags are still underweight ;)

Christmas, Part 1

Merry Christmas! Belated is better than nothing, eh? The last few Christmases for our family have been anything but normal. This was Jeremiah's & my first Christmas away from home, though. A unique twist. 6 of us Stateside siblings were able to get together at Jon's house for a Christmas brunch.

Bachelor's attempt at decorating for Christmas...

Lots of laughter going on~

Girls provided the food and the guys covered the drinks.

  

We tried to contain the trouble-makers :)

Snow Days

Prayer! It really works...not that I doubted it, of course. This girl has been praying for that lovely white stuff that falls from the sky during the winter season.

Snow imprint from my niece's shoe.

 

 

2 munchkins who had way to much fun at my expense (hint: snowballs). 

First snowman of the season. 

Yes, I know my sense of style is awful...but after not seeing snow for 4 years... : )

 

Pursuit of Happiness

After 33 hours in transit, I finally reached my home away from home. Well, they say home is where the heart is and I'm beginning to believe it. Though Africa is my home, 4 little munchkins in Maryland stole my heart at first glance. Meet my nieces...Madelyn (right) Meredith (center), Mikah (left), and Moriah (pictured farther down). Their antics never cease to amaze me. Mikah's sleepy, "I love you, Tannie," melts me, Meredith's unending energy makes me slightly jealous, Madelyn's infectious giggle produces giggles laughs of my own, and Moriah's sweet-natured temperament keeps my sanity in check (it is possible, honest).

Got our first snow, much to everyone's delight

My sister babysits 2 other children on weekdays, creating a hectic, but rather fun atmosphere. Hence, the days fly by!

   

My sister, brother-in-law and nieces made the 3-4 hour trip up to my hometown in for a family Thanksgiving. All the stateside siblings, minus 1 were able to gather for pie that evening. Just a f.y.i....jetlag/reverse culture shock is brutal. Do not try to carry on a conversation when you're beyond exhaustion. Epic failure....you'd think I'd be used to this by now. 

Moriah Jayne. Love my girl!

Aron, Dea and I attended a church Christmas banquet one evening. Fantabulous time~

 

Mikah love wearing "silly hats". Even if it is a baby doll and not a hat. 

:: Dubai ::

Know how to confuse a blonde?  Try blogging from a Arabic country. Everything is backwards. Even the format on this thing. Utterly confusing! Anywho. I'm currently blogging from the normally sizzling hot Dubai, UAE. Only, it's 1 am and I'm ready to pull out the winter jacket. Desert temperatures??? 

.What I saw last year

When my sister and I flew though Dubai last year, we were able to view the palm island from out our plane window  The sights are slightly different this year. Hard green seats, a variety of suitcases, many nationalities (lots of American accents floating around...happy girl!) and the dreaded checkpoints. So far I've been able to avoid the full check stations. :) Apparently I don't look suspicious enough . 

.My view now

The main purpose for my trip is that gorgeous gal below. My childhood bestie is tying the knot and I'll be standing up with her. So excited. But between now and then, there's plenty of time to visit all those adorable nephews and nieces, oh, and the siblings of course. 

Time to board. Cheers to all.

:: Australia ::

In 2008, I traveled to Australia for a 6 week holiday for the wedding of a good friend. 2009, Mum also visited this continent. Apparently, our stories created a desire in Dad to go there. This month, his "dream" became reality when he finally stepped on Aussie soil. It was a quick trip (2 weeks), but lived up to his expectation, or so we hear. 

His first stop was Sydney for a few days, then caught a flight up to Cairns (pronounced "Cans"). 

His main purpose was to share Africa with the Aussie churches. Dad was able to preach/teach 15 times within 9 days. His messages for Cairns, Sydney a.m. & Sydney p.m. can be listened to via the links. 

Anyone up for some Kangaroo meat?

Meeting a Zimbabwean lady and fellow-shipping with new friends.

Many thanks to all those who opened their doors to Dad and made him feel right at home!

Apparently cows eat cars in Oz :)

And to leave you with some darling "cuteness"....

Adopted "grandkids" in Aussie land :)

Spring Snapshots

Spring has arrived in South Africa, bringing along with it massive thunderstorms and the tiny budding of flowers. The jacaranda trees are in full bloom all over our city. Simply gorgeous!



Our pastor's family visited us a few weeks back, creating smiles on many a face. Love these munchkins!

 

Baking with Ti-man. His expressions are priceless~

Tried my hand at Artisan bread. Definitely a keeper. 

Just before Dad's trip to Australia (next post), he treated us all to dinner out after church. Needing a bit of exercise after all that delicious food, we strolled through the mall, taking in all the Christmas decor. Most shops in our country close up at 6 (other than restaurants, of course) for security reasons. Anywho, while we waited on our meal, I graded a couple correspondence courses. I didn't realize that the waiter was watching till he asked, "What is the curse of alcohol?" (title of one course). Open door, anyone? You bet :)