Well, dear friends and loved ones...
Here's a pic of some precious friends of mine.
It is really a strange transition, living in another culture.
In the beginning, everything's new and different. You're always learning,
always making mistakes (we're still learning and making mistakes!).
Gradually, over time, things become more and more normal.
You feel more and more at home. You even start to forget what was
considered "normal" in your home country vs. your new one.
I was however, recently feeling less like an "American" in a couple
situations. Once was while going to the second hand market.
There is a family of stronger Muslims on our street. I stop to say hi
when the mom is outside. I really want to try to develop a relationship
with her. I know she sells clothes at the second hand market. So, I
needed something for Kya and went there to her spot specifically.
After telling her what I needed and watching them dump out a pile of
used clothes on a tarp on the ground, I then began picking through it
to find something suitable for Kya. I just kinda laughed inside at the
feeling inside of me saying, "What are you doing? You're buying used
clothes from a gypsy Muslim on the dirty ground for your daughter!!"
As I shook the feeling off, I reminded myself of this woman's state.
Knowing the reality of heaven and hell is enough to go through things
much more extreme than just this. All that matters is her soul.
Another time was when I stopped to visit these friends in the picture.
They were eating lunch and invited me in to eat with them.
They don't know God personally yet. While sitting with them in this shop,
they forcibly said again and again, "Eat! Eat!" which of course I did
and enjoyed the moment very much. Their lunch was bread,
peppers cooked in oil, cucumbers and a few chunks of cheese.
Once again, this feeling came over me that I've described.
They were so happy to have more than enough for me.
They even gave me some for Tim.
This is an ordinary poor person's meal here.

Kya's growing up! She got this certificate since it is the end
of her little school year. She still struggles with going sometimes.
I think it's hard because she still doesn't know the language well,
but it actually is the best source for her learning it well.
Also, without it, she would have almost no other "kid" time.
She has made her friends here.

Along with "graduating" her first year of any kind of school,
she just turned 4. We went to a little local zoo for her birthday.
It was really small, but fun. Here's Kya face to face with a monkey.

Here's a little unsettling visit with a lion. It was "unsettling"
because there was just this little wire cage between us and it.
I've never been so close to one before and was actually really
surprised by how powerful it looked. Also, you can hear it growl
at us in the video suddenly.

The girls racing a bear. : )

Lately, Kya's been into sharks. I have no idea why,
but that's what she asked for for her birthday, so that's what she got!

homemade paper wall decor

4 years old!