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.

Off to Paris!

My family and I had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas in Turkey and now we are off to Paris for a few days. Our time in Turkey was very full and busy, with lots of touring and walking. We are all tired but happy to be together. Here is a brief recap of our time together, as well as some pictures… They arrived Tuesday evening about 2 hours late. Some dear friends of mine went with me to pick them and all their luggage up! We then walked around my old neighborhood - where I lived this summer - and did some shopping. We met my roommate and Turkish friend for dinner at a nice Turkish restaurant, and then rode the public bus back to my apartment. Wednesday we did a bunch of touristy things in an area called Sultanahmet - Basilica Cisterns, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Selma met us for lunch and it was great to see her. We also were able to fit in a visit to the Hamam, the Turkish Bath. This is one of my favorite things to do and I was thrilled that LB was willing to do it J For dinner that night we went to some of my American friend’s home, it meant a lot that they were able to meet my family. Thursday we flew out really early to go to Izmir for the day. We toured the ancient city of Ephesus, as well as Mary’s House, Saint John’s Basilica, and Artemis’ Temple. We enjoyed a typical Turkish lunch, and afterwards we were shown how Turkish carpets are made. My parents were quite impressed with them and made some purchases!
Christmas day we slept in and tried to recover from all our travels! Mom fixed our typical Christmas breakfast of cheese grits, breakfast casserole, and fruit. We sang Christmas songs, read the Christmas story, and then spent some time reflecting on Christmas and its meaning. After that we headed over to see my school and classroom. Kind of a strange thing to do on Christmas day, but it seemed to be the most convenient time. Mom cooked crunchy chicken, brown rice, broccoli, and jello salad for a late lunch/early dinner and then we did gifts!! I got lots of fun stuff - a new computer, clothes, Itunes gift cards, and some movies and books. We watched “The Christmas Story” and then skyped with friends and family back home. It was a truly great day.
Saturday was our last day in the city and the weather was beautiful. I took them on a cruise up the Bosphorus Strait - one of my favorite things about the city I live in! Had a quick lunch at a local place and then headed to the Spice Bazaar for some more shopping. We ended the day by heading over to Taksim area, going up in the Galata Tower, and then dinner at my favorite restaurant.

I am exhausted but looking forward to the rest of our vacation!

Jesus Saves.

For those of you that know me, you know that I love to sing and that I love Christmas. So during this Holiday season I love nothing more than singing Christmas songs! I love how special Christmas music is and I soak it up - since it is only played (at most) 2 months out of the year. I love the unique sound of Christmas music, and the joyful rhythm it carries. I love the lyrics and how they tell of the joy of the season. And I especially love the songs that portray the true meaning of Christmas - the gift of Jesus. I recently discovered this song from Travis Cottrell's Christmas CD.

There is no better message during this season than Jesus Saves. This is why we celebrate the birth of a baby born in Bethlehem. This is why we rejoice. This is why we have hope, and joy, and peace, and love. Hallelujah, Jesus Saves!! Go find this song right now on Itunes, it is totally worth it.

Jesus Saves
Hear the heart of heaven beating, "Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
And the hush of mercy breathing, "Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
Hear the host of angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King."
And the sounding joy repeating, "Jesus saves."

See the humblest hearts adore Him. "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
And the wisest bow before Him. "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
See the sky alive with praise, melting darkness in its place.
There is life forevermore, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves.

"He will live our sorrow sharing, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
He will die our burden bearing, "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
"It is done!" will shout the cross, Christ has paid redemption's cost!
While the empty tomb's declaring, "Jesus saves."

Freedom's calling, chains are falling, hope is dawning bright and true.
Day is breaking, night is quaking, God is making all things new."Jesus saves."

Oh to grace, how great a debtor! "Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
All the saints who shout together. "I know that Jesus saves."
Rising us so vast and strong lifting up salvation's song,
The redeemed will sing forever, "Jesus saves."

Here's to family and friends...

...It's good to be here again!!!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect this Christmas - living in a foreign country that doesn't celebrate Christmas, away from close friends and family. But with a little effort I've been able to really get into the Christmas spirit. It has been wonderful and so special. I've been able to attend a few Christmas programs at an international church, as well as a weekly advent service with some teachers. My students and I made green and red paper chains to decorate our classroom. As well, my roommate and I strung popcorn to put on our Christmas tree. Starbucks and Ikea are really the only two places in the whole city where you can go and see Christmas decorations and hear Christmas music - I have freqently visited both of these places :) And then of course I have had my ipod constantly blaring Christmas Songs - whether through my earphones or speakers. I love this season and I love singing these songs to anyone that will listen to me!

Celine Dion's "The Magic of Christmas Day" is one of my favorite Christmas songs to sing. It has fun lyrics, a fun beat, and is so fun to sing along to (as well as to teach to friends, my students, family, whoever!!)

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, It's the season to be jolly

And be thankful for all that we have.

All the lights and decorations, Put up in the anticipation,

Of the joyful celebration, That's on its way.

We're counting the days, 'Til it's time for Christmas day.

Oh and God bless us everyone

The good and the bad

The happy; the sad

Oh and God bless us everyone

Here's to family and friends

It's good to be here again

Some friends at Ikea - isnt the tree beautiful!!!

The classroom tree - with our secret santa gifts around it :) The kids were SO excited and asked every day when they could open their gifts.

So Much To Be Thankful For

I had a really great Thanksgiving holiday. Wasn't sure what to expect being overseas and away from my family - especially since last time all the Washburns were together it was hard on me. But I was fine and realized how much I have to be thankful for.

The week of Thanksgiving was insane with Parent Teacher Conferences and it being short due to the holidays (Thanksgiving and the Sacrificing Holiday) plus over half my class was out all week with the flu. Thursday I had a school until noon and then headed to the airport to get Julie!

Julie and I lived together for the first 5 months that I was in Turkey. She came in from London for the weekend and it was wonderful to see her and catch up on life. I can't believe she moved away almost 6 months ago. Time just flies! Anyways, we did Thanksgiving dinner with some families we are close to. It felt like a normal thanksgiving - delicious food, lots of people, and great fellowship :)

Friday we got to see our Turkish friend and then went over to Selma's house for dinner and game night. It was a lot of fun and I was really glad that Julie was able to meet some of my friends - girls that have moved here since she left. Saturday was a beautiful day in the city and we spent it having lunch by the water and then starbucks. Perfect.

During this season of thankfulness and anticipation over the coming of our King, I am constantly reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. My Family. Health. Good Friends. A Community here in Turkey. A Job I Enjoy. My Students. And most importantly My Savior! With all that said, I have decided to stay at the school another year. That means I'll be here through June 2011. It is kinda scary, but mostly exciting and I have peace about it. I look forward to all that lies ahead.