Like a kid on Christmas morning.

That is me anytime it snows. Growing up in eastern NC, I rarely saw snow and so you can imagine the excitement it brings me! I can really only remember about 5 times in my life when we have gotten enough snow to go outside and really play in it - make snowmans, go sledding, have snowball fights, make snow cream, etc.

So when I awoke this morning to a winter wonderland, I was ecstatic! The snow was coming down hard and starting to cover the trees and sidewalks. It was such a nice surprise, especially since they werent calling for snow until tomorrow, and there was only a 30% chance of that happening!
My roommates and I made breakfast and then headed to the grocery store to get a few things. It was quite an adventure crossing the street with our grocery carts, in the snow. It was a dry, powdery snow and was glorious to walk in. Actually I don't think I have ever walked around outside while it has been snowing (it seemed to always snow at night in NC). After returning from the grocery store, I sat by the window with a cup of hot chocolate and just watched it fall. Big, beautiful flakes. I did some much needed grading and the Sunni and I bundled up and headed outside to play in it. We had a blast!! Both being from the Carolinas, we had a great time playing around. We ran around, made snow angels, threw snoballs and went sledding down our awesome hill - I am telling you, just like kids on Christmas morning. After about 45 minutes we came in and I made snow cream for everyone - it was delicious and I have some in the freezer for later. Here are some pictures from our very fun Saturday. I am so glad I didnt have any plans today and was just able to enjoy the snow. As I am typing this the snow is still falling - I wonder what tomorrow morning will bring :)

I just love my family!

I have a remarkable family – grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and siblings. This Christmas was extra special, even though I was not in NC and able to see my extended family. But I did get to see Mom, Daddy, Daniel, and Laura Beth. I am very appreciative to them all for coming to see me and their willingness to be away from America for Christmas. I am especially appreciative to my parents who made it all happen! (And I know it wasn’t easy for Daniel and LB to be away from their significant others either :)

It was so great to have my family here. I loved seeing them and showing them around my city. We had a wonderful time together and enjoyed every minute. Paris was fun - a beautiful city and lots of good food. I said goodbye to them in Paris and although it was sad, I think it helped that we left each other there. Instead of them leaving me in Turkey, or me leaving them in America – we both just left each other and went “home.” And I was so exhausted I was ready to be back home.

Here are a few pictures from our time together, we made some fun memories. It was truly a blast and I think the best part was just being together…catching up, hanging out, watching movies, laughing and laughing some more. It was been over a year since Daniel, LB, and I have been together – way too long!!

One Year Ago Today

I really cannot believe it has been a year, since I left my familiar and comfortable life in America. One year ago today, I arrived in this city. I have been here through each season, and celebrated many firsts - my birthday, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day only to name a few. This past year has brought on so many new experiences. For the first time in my life, I've missed a season of NCSU football. I've attempted to learn a foreign language and use it. I've been washing my clothes in a front loader and drying them on a drying rack - a long process during the winter. I've figured out how to cook in a foreign country and have to substitute ingredients. I've gone an entire year without driving a car and yet have no problems getting around this city. I've visited a lot of new places - Egypt, France, Germany, and other places in Turkey. I've learned how to stay in touch with friends and family through skype and email. I've moved three times in one year. I've started my first year as a teacher and learned so much. And I've seen my Father be faithful to a willing, yet feeble servant.

I look back over the last year and I realize how much I have to be grateful for:

- a family who loves me and released me with blessings to come here
- friends in the states that have made the effort to stay in touch with me and sent me notes and packages of love
- a job that I really enjoy and wonderful co-workers
- the kids I teach and their constant acceptance of me
- some dear families here that have looked after me and treated me like one of their own
- new friends here that make me smile
- a kind and gracious Father who has made it possible for me be content here

It's been a good year, and I look forward to the next year and half in this place.