Well, it’s official…I am 13 weeks pregnant and officially have a baby bump! One morning last week, I woke up and looked in the mirror, and it was if the bump appeared overnight.
So here’s to the beginnings of my expanding stomach and our baby’s growth!
Filed under: Uncategorized on June 29th, 2008 | No Comments »
A few weeks ago we bought a gas grill from another expat family who is relocating to Australia. This is perhaps the most exciting purchase we’ve made since living here. One of the main reasons is because gas grills are particularly hard to come. I, Amy, especially miss cookouts and don’t particularly enjoy the temperature inside our house when I use our oven or stove.
Word spread quickly amongst our friends about our grill and last weekend we held our first official bbq. The day started with my language helper, my American friend, and me going to the market to buy everything we needed for our party. Oh how I wish I could take you all with me to this market. Lots of interesting smells (like fresh fish), more spices than you can imagine, and live chickens for your choosing. This particular morning we even saw 2 cow heads on display (though I’m not sure what you are supposed to do with those).
After we returned to our house, we spent a few hours preparing the marinades for the chicken and beef we purchased. Then after a quick afternoon rest, my friends returned again to help cook fried rice, cut watermelons, make cookies, and prepare everything for our guests.
Around 9pm, 4 of our language tutors and about 15 of their friends showed up ready to eat. Ryan of course was in charge of the grilling, and he did a great job! Everything was delicious and everyone enjoyed themselves. We are feeling more comfortable in the culture and in hosting guests. I am enjoying learning how to cook different dishes. I am also enjoying that is is completely normal and expected that female guests help wash the dishes. Especially when I realized we used over 40 cups!
Here are some pictures from our night.
the guys grillin’
the girls admiring their hard work
some of our guests
more guests
Ryan telling a joke
Filed under: Uncategorized on June 2nd, 2008 | No Comments »
Recently, we took a 3 day trip to the East coast to relax for a few days. We had a great time! The water was so clear - we stood in water up to our necks and could see our feet. We enjoyed a few days of snorkeling, laying on the beach, and reading. Ryan even went scuba diving for his first time and loved it! Here are a few pictures from our trip.
Filed under: Uncategorized on May 18th, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Last month, we were privilged to go to a friend’s older brother’s wedding in their village. We spent the night, helped prepare and clean up, met hundreds of people, and enjoyed being a part of their community for two days.
Amy helping to peel hundreds of garlic cloves the morning before the wedding.
Ryan helping to wash the pots and pans the day after the wedding feast. The others are standing watch for a potential ambush in a water fight.
Our friends were graious enough to let us pose in the honored bride and groom seats
Filed under: Uncategorized on April 17th, 2008 | No Comments »
Last week, my language helper told me she had a problem and wanted my help. I felt privileged that she would come to me. Immediately I began thinking of all the wonderful advice I could give her…what problem did she have? Did she want my advice about boys? Or school? Did she have a conflict with a friend? What could it be? Oh I couldn’t wait!
And here it comes…she and her friend wanted to learn how to apply makeup, and especially how to do “smoky eyes.” Oh, I thought…makeup. After I came down from my momentary advice high, I of course offered to help her and her friend. So we did what all women here would do…we set up a time for tea and beauty school 101.
It was a fun opportunity for me because I haven’t had the opportunity to use my products or skills in this area since we’ve lived here. In fact, when she asked for my help, she didn’t know that I worked for a cosmetic company in the States, so she was surprised to see all the “equipment” I had to share with her.
And needless to say we had a blast! I found out during our time that they had only worn makeup a few times in their life and they had never applied it themselves. When all was said and done, they felt and looked beautiful. It was very rewarding for me to see them come alive with confidence, and a little shyness too. I also had an opportunity to talk to them about our beauty both inside and out from God, which was special for me considering that’s why I ever started my cosmetic ventures in the first place.
I have a feeling we may be having more beauty classes with more friends in the future. Until then, here are two pictures of our time together.
Filed under: Uncategorized on April 13th, 2008 | 2 Comments »