Lessons

Thailand has taught me that:

…makeup is overrated (you’re just going to sweat it off anyways)
and deodorant is (HIGHLY) underrated.

…nightly showers are necessary,
and air conditioning is precious.

…it’s possible to spend 90% less on dinner (while eating it outside)
and enjoy it 90% more.

…sweet and spicy is the perfect combination
and fresh fruit is heavenly    

…it’s okay to get rained on once in a while
and it’s okay to sweat.

…our priorities are probably not as important
as we think they are. Neither are our problems.

…it’s okay to take a break
and stop
and rest
and enjoy

another new beginning

When I first moved to Kuwait, I never could have predicted that I would stay here for 5 years or that I would make so many close friends and experience so much...

And now, I can't believe that I won't be returning in August. I won't be teaching at the Academy next year and I won't be leading Bible study for the girls.  I won't visit Janina's on Tuesdays or attend church on Fridays amongst people from (nearly) every tongue, tribe, nation, land...no more K's Path, Bayt Lothan, Aboodie and Dalal...


How on earth did I come to love this place so much?

(And now that I'm nearly packed...how on earth did I accumulate so much STUFF?)

Here's to a new season in life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

dancing with Jesus

This picture was taken after the 8th Grade Graduation, on May 30th.  And I think it was the last time that I saw Pastor Jerry.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

I can’t wait to give you a big hug in heaven!

But I’m still going to miss you down here…

May 12, 1939 – July 14, 2011

HOME WHERE I BELONG
Pat Terry BJ Thomas

They say that heaven's pretty
And living here is too
But if they said that I
would have to choose between the two
I'd go home, going home, where I belong

And sometimes when I'm dreaming
It comes as no surprise
That if you look and see
The homesick feeling in my eyes
I'm going home, going home, where I belong

While I'm here I'll serve him gladly
And sing him all my songs
I'm here, but not for long

And when I'm feeling lonely
And when I'm feeling blue
It's such a joy to know that
I am only passing through
I'm headed home, going home, where I belong

And one day I'll be sleeping,
When death knocks on my door
And I'll awake and find that
I'm not homesick anymore
I'll be home, going home, where I belong