Who Cut the Cheese?

Upon our arrival back to this part of the world, we began restocking our cabinets and refridgerator/freezer.  Living out here requires planning ahead, being stocked in what you need, and being resourceful.  One of the first weekends we were back we drove into the big city to buy some butter and cheese.  To our horror and shock, Walmart no longer sells Land-o-lakes cheese.  There were a few imported cheeses from Switzerland and Holland, but the price was more than the Land-o-lakes (which was already very high), and let's just say it had aged nicely there on the shelf.

What are Americans to do if there is no cheese?  Buy it in bulk on the internet.

This week we purchased 20 pounds of cheese on Taobao, the local cross between amazon and ebay. My friend who helped me buy the 20 pounds of cheese can't fathom how huge it would be and it usually leads her to a fit of laughter every time it comes to her mind.  The glorious part of all this is that this cheese, once divided will be only a third of what we were paying in the big city!

I think today I am going to make pizza!!

Good Morning Cold

I know that every year that I have been here I have complained on the blog how cold it is here.  And while it isn't freezing or snowing or icing, it is just cold all the time, everywhere you go. 

Here is what we woke up to the other morning.  I was in the classroom preparing for the school day and this was the temperature in the room, as well as throughout the house.  54.  Thankfully this room is the only one with a heater, becasue who could concentrate on school with your teeth chattering. 

On the bright side, after 3 cold winters here, we decided we would buy 3 big space heaters.  And they make all the difference in the world!!

Fireworks Excitemnt

All around us New Year celebrations are in full swing.  Day and night there are firecrackers, fireworks exploding everywhere.  What are 2 boys to do, but join in the fun.  Yesterday, Rob and Hudson went bike riding after we finished school. They came back with the loud, long strand of firecrackers.  One of the things people do is hang these off of their balconies and light them.  This is all fine and good as long as your neighbors below know what you are going to do. 

Let's just say that 30 seconds after this video ends, there was a knock on our door.  We had scared our neighbors to death.  Imagine sitting comfortably in your living room and suddenly smoke, fire, and a lot of noise begins.  It would scare you too.  Rob apologized profusely and told them it wouldn't happen again.  And it won't.

 Rob and Hudson took a big bag of fruit to them a little later and apologized to them again for scaring them.  On the bright side, we made some new friends tonight. :)

Back East

It is so hard to believe six months could go by so quickly, but alas, it has come and gone. 

Our travel back to the east was uneventful.  We stopped in California for an 8 hour layover and were picked up by Krista and Phil for an enjoyable dinner on the Santa Monica pier.  We ate then took a walk down the pier.  It was a cold and windy evening, but an enjoyable break from the airport!

We made it back to our town 4 days ago, and were welcomed by our teammates at the airport. We had a great time visiting with them on the ride home.  We had lunch together at our favorite restaurant in town.  It was a good time of fellowship and laughter. 

Then the work began. Unpacking, cleaning, bleaching, reorganizing, etc.  A house that has been left for 6 months has a little recovery to be done.  Thankfully, our 2 local friends had kept it in good shape for us.  Jet lag helped me get up and get to work by 5am the last few mornings. And by 10 pm sleep was very welcome. 

Because of the New Year celebrations in this country, all of our friends have traveled home to their various towns for the celebration.  We are ready to visit and see them, but are thankful for this time to prepare and get settled.  It is great to be back, jet lag is once again visiting our home, but hopefully we will be back to "normal" very soon!

Last night we watched and listened to hours of fireworks. It is the most beautiful thing you could imagine, and amazing to think that an entire country could be doing this all at once!  If you ever have a chance to see this in person, you should take it!

Last days in America

I am fairly sure that goodbyes are my least favorite thing in the world!!  I am honestly glad they are over, the bandaid has been ripped off and the next thing to say is "HELLO!"

Here are a few fun pics from our last days in OK.

Rob and Tom. Not sure how I feel about this picture.

 Hannah and her friend who was her first friend on the first day of Kindergarten. It was very special to see them reacquaint this year.

 Hannah and her friends on their last night together.  They had fun eating at Chilis and going to a movie.

 Hudson bought this straw at the Cracker Barrel. It made it all the way home!

Christmas Programs

Christmas programs have always been one of my favorite things at Christmastime.  Even overseas, we have found a way to share the story of Christmas through song and story.  This year, it was so fun for my kids to both have a chance to participate in their school programs.  We had quite a crowd both weeks of all the family that lives in OK as well as friends.  A HUGE thank you to all who came to support our two kids in their performances, it really meant a lot to them and to us!! 

Hudson tried out for the roll of the shepherd in the 4th-6th play, and he got it.  Here he is in his performance last week.  

This one is a little fuzzy.....but he was singing with his classmates.  He is the one in the shepherd costume.  He was secretly very glad not to have to wear dress pants.

All of the 4th - 6th graders finishing strong.

And last night Hannah had her first choir concert.  Her jr. high choir did a great job!  I was such a proud mom!! 

Hannah has been really blessed this year with some great friends! Here are a few of them who also participtaed in the band and choir concert.  

My Favorite Carol.....this season

I love music.

This month as I have prayed, thought, and pondered this Christmas season, life around me, and the world in which we live, this song has really spoken so much to me.  Life in the States is hectic, crazy, and fast-paced.  I am looking forward to the week of Christmas to spend with family.  But in the midst of life, this carol has calmed my soul and helped me connect again with the One who came to heal and restore.

My favorite rendition of it, in case you were wondering, is from Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest: Christmas album.

May you have a blessed Christmas Season!

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.