On May 26th, C and I celebrated our ONE YEAR wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful day to reflect on the many life changes we have experienced in the past 12 months. We rejoice in all the Father has allowed us to experience in this past year and look forward to what He has for us in the many, many years to come. Thank you for your thoughts as we continue to learn what it means to truly serve, love, and respect one another as husband and wife.
About 2 hours ago, I dropped C off at the airport for his 2-week European adventure. He will be traveling with 39 incoming 7th graders to Western Europe for an intense soccer camp. His teaching times will only occupy him for an hour each day, so he will have plenty of time to find me an awesome gift. Just kidding! We are asking the Father that he will be able to dive deep into conversation with the new students as well as coaches, team guides, and the other teacher participating in the camp. To be honest, I'm jealously excited for him. Traveling as a team is an incredible way to have immediate connection with people, no matter the cultural or language barriers.
While he is investing in the lives of students abroad, I'll continue digging deeper into my friendships here at home. My friend Holly and I continue to meet on a weekly basis. What a gift she has been! An open door to friendship as well as an inside look into Arab culture and customs. We have very open discussions about family, education, current events, and life goals. Unlike most women in her family and friend circles, she is working on her Master's Degree. Many males in her family disagree with her desire for further education, but her husband is 100% supportive of her decision. Holly only knows of one other lady within her immediate social circle that has a Master's Degree. I encouraged her by sharing about several of my girlfriends who have Master's Degrees and continue to have a healthy marriage. Holly has to travel once a month for classes and has made mention of inviting me along for the weekend getaway. Now that would be a trip! (pun intended)
Besides Holly, I've made several friends through our local fellowship. Now that our Spring study sessions have completed, I've invited several ladies to our home for a wee bit of Chronological storying. This should keep my mind focused during C's travels. I also just received a text (at 12:15AM) from a new South American friend. Meeting and developing friendships with ladies from South America is not something I had anticipated in moving to the Middle East. I knew I should have paid more attention in Spanish class! There are surprisingly many families from South America residing here--think it has something to do with the OIL?? Not only that, but several instructors at the ladies gym where I'm a member, moved here from Spain or South America. No wonder the Latin Combo Aerobics class is such a challenge. This week I'll be connecting 2 South American ladies from the same country together as well as helping a Mexican lady find an English tutor for her daughter.
Thoughtful thoughts:
--THANK Him providing so much for us this year
--for C: rest while away; strength and patience in being with 39 7th grade boys; immediate obedience in whatever Father asks of him within these 2 weeks; joy in serving
--for E: dedication and discipline in preparing 3 stories; open eyes and ears to what the Father will teach me in the next 2 weeks; immediate obedience in whatever the Father asks of me; focus time to write
--for us: use our time apart to strengthen our marriage and our resolve to love and serve within the Middle East
Special Note: We will be returning to the US for 30 days in late summer. We would love to connect with as many of you as possible while we are in your area. Our families know a sketchy schedule of our travel plans and can fill you in when/if we will travel through your city.
