Big Phat Deal

While we were in America, we entrusted the care of our home to a close friend and welcomed him to stay the night if he wanted to. Upon our return, he informed us that he didn't spend the night because he was afraid of all of the bugs and spiders. We laughed, and thought to ourselves,"So what!! What's the big deal?!"

Well, here's big deal...



Steve's fat lip! He got bit during the night! There's really not much more of a story to this, but like a loving wife, I've just been looking for an excuse to post this picture of Steve!

My Cold Eggs

In Albania, it is the norm for a married couple to begin having babies a year or two after their marriage.

Steve and I are almost six years into our marriage, and we are still childless, by choice.

I am used to everybody here wishing me to have a baby (especially a baby boy). I'm usually able to shake it off by giving a polite "thank you," but since we've returned from America, the guilt trips have been heightened. A recent "lecture" went something like this...

"Don't you know that children are a blessing? Don't you know that a boy will warm your life and your husbands? Can you have babies? Do you need some medicine? Oh bo bo, it's just so shameful! You need to go make a baby boy!!" (and on and on!!)

My favorite came from a 73 year old woman I met for the first time this last week.

Her spiel went something like this...

"You do not have any children yet? That is so shameful! Children are a blessing! You know, your eggs are getting cold! You need to have a baby boy. You need to name him Angelino. And don't worry, I will take care of him!!" (and on and on!!)

Well, I'm sure one day, God willing, children will warm our household, but until we're ready for that step in life, these little guys are doing the job!!

A Cool Reward

Being a missionary is just flat out hard sometimes. It's easy to get discouraged, and it takes a long time to see the fruit of your labor. I try to find practical ways to help people, but most of the time, it goes unappreciated and sometimes even scoffed.

A few weeks ago, we had a very hot day. I had the brilliant foresight to bring an icy beverage along, as I knew I'd need hydration! I brought with me that day Crystal Lite lemonade...

As I was waiting at an unshaded bus stop, a weary woman was coming my way. She looked hot, really hot. She stopped to chat with me, but the entire time, I could tell that she was eying my bottle.

Seeing that she needed a cool drink, a passage from Mark came to mind. Mark 9:41 "And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded."

I thought to myself, "this is my chance to finally do something biblical! If I do nothing else of worth in this country, I can offer this woman a cup of 'water'!"

I selflessly handed over the rest of my lemonade, silently patting myself on the back and smiling, thankful the opportunity to practically serve someone in need.

My moment of self-praise was short lived, when the woman's face puckered and she nearly spit out the lemonade and handed it back to me.

"What is this?!!" She exclaimed. "Do you put this in cars??!"

I assured her it was lemonade, but my good deed was not received as I had hoped. So much for that eternal reward.

Luckily, I had another chance... Because I gave my first bottle away to the thirsty woman, I bought another water before returning on the HOT bus ride home. Sitting alone with my thoughts on the bus, I felt a tug on my hair. A little boy, about 2 years old, asked me for my bottle of water. Ah ha! I grinned and gladly gave it away...Redeemed!!

Pro 11:25 Generosity will be rewarded: Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.

The Inside Scoop

"Wow!!" "Praise God" "You're so lucky!!" "You must feel so blessed!"

Now these are exclamations you might expect when telling somebody great news, but these are the responses I get when I've told people about my appendicitis while I was in America!!

And although I find some humor in this, all of my well wishers have been absolutely right!

Here's something you may or may not know about me...I am terrified of doctors(dentists included!) and being in Albania has heightened that fear for me (I have heard HORROR stories about the hospitals here!!) Going to the hospital in this country is an absolute last resort for me, and praise God, I have not yet had to do this. Should anything serious ever happen to myself or Steve, we'd bum a ride to St. Luke's hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece about 3.5 hours away. Anyways, long story short...had I been in Albania, I would not have gone to the doctors, and if I did, by the time I would have made it to the hospital, for sure the appendix would have ruptured (apparently, I only a had a few hours before bursting).

So yes, I am INCREDIBLY grateful for my appendicitis in AMERICA! I am still praising God for this provision!

The entire process was quick and painless (with the exception of the appendicitis part). And, as proof of my former organ...I have pictures!!! People say that when you give birth, all modesty is thrown out the window...well, the same is true of appendicitis, because as I awoke from my surgery, all of my hospital visitors were looking at pictures of my insides...ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus included! And seeing as I only have about 5 blog readers, I might as well share the "inside scoop" with the rest of you too! Enjoy!