tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59700744560960653402024-03-13T22:53:53.099+03:00TULIP TIMESOur thoughts on life, faith, family and everything in between. Hopefully deep enough to be interesting while light enough to be enjoyable.abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-5154943791012649272012-06-01T08:10:00.000+03:002012-06-01T08:10:27.594+03:00"Only be thou strong and very courageous"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Friday, May 11, 2012 </span></h2>
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<b>This Evening's Meditation</b></span></h1>
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C. H. Spurgeon</h3>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5970074456096065340" name="05/11/PM"></a>
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<blockquote>
"Only be thou strong and very courageous."—Joshua 1:7.</blockquote>
<img align="LEFT" src="http://www.spurgeon.org/images/o.gif" />UR God's
tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their
inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some esteem it a
small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God
thinks not so. From this text it is plain that our Master would not have
us entangled with fears. He would have us without carefulness, without
doubt, without cowardice. Our Master does not think so lightly of our
unbelief as we do. When we are desponding we are subject to a grievous
malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved
Physician. Our Lord loveth not to see our countenance sad. It was a law
of Ahasuerus that no one should come into the king's court dressed in
mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come
mourning as we are; but still He would have us put off the spirit of
heaviness, and put on the garment of praise, for there is much reason to
rejoice. The Christian man ought to be of a courageous spirit, in order
that he may glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If
he be fearful and fainthearted, <i>it will dishonour his God.</i> Besides, <i>what a bad example it is.</i>
This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which
soon spreads amongst the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes
twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up <i>Satan will be too much for you.</i>
Let your spirit be joyful in God your Saviour, the joy of the Lord
shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against
you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, <i>labour is light</i> to a man of cheerful spirit; and <i>success waits upon cheerfulness.</i>
The man who toils, rejoicing in his God, believing with all his heart,
has success guaranteed. He who sows in hope shall reap in joy;
therefore, dear reader, "be thou strong, and very courageous."<br />
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Well, Um Tulip needed this message today. Cultural Whiplash has descended into extreme frustration. Career, housing, and education for our children are all changing at this time. I have struggled with insomnia and anxiety, and have certainly not felt very strong or courageous. I am thankful for a God that does not see my struggle as a small thing, yet is ever present. If you are one of my few but faithful readers who prays, please pray this into my life, and any other friend you know who is discouraged. May we all reap in joy!</span></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-40322647654856637802012-03-23T09:00:00.001+02:002012-03-23T09:01:57.360+02:00Cultural Whiplash: Part IV Timing is everything<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With Abu Tulip traveling I haven't had much time for posting. Between a new boss at work, new grade levels to teach, three amazing boys at home to care for, water pumps breaking, choir rehearsals and my church responsibilities, things have been hectic. I mentioned to a friend the other day I usually shower on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. She laughed at how scheduled my week it. I was looking for (and found) a place to shower as we had no water at the house. Pure survival right now.<br />
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Abu Tulip was at this <a href="http://christ%20at%20the%20checkpoint/">conference</a> Bethelehem a couple weeks ago and you should watch this video. <a href="http://vimeo.com/38682306">I am a Palestinian Christian</a>. One bit of cultural shock for us in America was how many Americans do not know that Palestinian Christians exist, or believe they are an invented people. Many of my closest friends are part of this amazing, resilient people group and have all my respect for finding hope in the midst of conflict.<br />
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Teddy Bear turns six today, and it was also Mother's Day this week. I am in such awe of my three beautiful boys and how they are growing, learning, and the joy they bring to my life.<br />
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Last cultural whiplash bit was yesterday at the Mother's Day party for Linus' nursery school. I asked when it would start, as I had just gotten to the nursery a few minutes late from the scheduled time and needed to grab Teddy bBear from his kg classroom. "In 5 minutes" and "now" came out of the mouths of two teachers at the same time. "now" in Arabic bascially means 5 minutes.<br />
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Gotta go because I'm supposed to be somewhere "in five minutes". Um Tulip </div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-81779065445879593252012-03-01T15:11:00.001+02:002012-03-01T15:12:12.572+02:00Cultural whiplash: Part III<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Snow!<br />
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In Michigan, 1-2 inches of snow doesn't make headlines. We don't even think about it. Here? The city shuts down as if 3 feet of the beautiful, white, fluffy stuff has graced our neighborhoods. Abu Tulip used a squeegee to scrape slush off our porch and stairway. The roads (narrow, steep, etc) cannot handle even a little snow so we're hanging out at the house today. Glad to have time with my boys. I've been crazy busy learning the curriculum and adjusting to teaching 7th and 8th graders. Quite a change for me, but I'm glad to have a teaching assignment. We're teaching the 8th graders the song "We didn't start the fire". Hoping to reach the students with the song, have some discussions about the Arab spring and how we can contribute towards the peace process in the region. Ambitious? Yep. Worth it? Yep. ~ Um Tulip<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuzhpcZVBp9iK_qbMuwolKif3p0NNhFLEQdwU4QKsyoQtCHt8938BwtLZwnqE3NreWY06p8qG-irY-2V-5Wq_QhQ2ONM-ZvKAaBTdEg8SgtV4CQPJ85tIH9fP-FsJpWgJj3uVXFwBFp2j/s1600/snow+in+jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuzhpcZVBp9iK_qbMuwolKif3p0NNhFLEQdwU4QKsyoQtCHt8938BwtLZwnqE3NreWY06p8qG-irY-2V-5Wq_QhQ2ONM-ZvKAaBTdEg8SgtV4CQPJ85tIH9fP-FsJpWgJj3uVXFwBFp2j/s400/snow+in+jordan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-32122887419410457592012-02-09T13:28:00.000+02:002012-02-09T13:28:13.140+02:00Cultural whiplash: Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the vast difference in planning between my passport culture and adopted home. Here's an examplanation.<br />
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Oliver went to school in Michigan this fall for the first time. A couple weeks before school we went in and finished his enrollment papers, got information for the start of school, etc. We had a "back to school night" where he received all his supplies, folders, and the classroom was ready and neatly labeled. One thing he needed was a physical. The first doctor I called didn't have an opening until January (it was August). I was able to talk to a friend who got me in to see another doctor in October.<br />
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I had hoped to sign him up for little league soccer. I was told registration finished in June and there was no way he could be allowed in, even though we had just moved to the community. Planning is a must there. Time is rigid, and exceptions are simply not made. The benefit is I had clear information before starting school, and knew what to expect. Still, I was frustrated about soccer and getting him a simple physical.<br />
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Now we're back home. I tried to go to school the week before the new semester to get materials I needed for Oliver. No one around who could answer my questions. I also have taught at this school for three years. I tried to find out a little information about my job, as I was guaranteed a teaching job upon my return. No such luck. My key still worked, so I was able to bring some of my materials. We're now in day four back to school. I've been many hours organizing my files, preparing my classroom, and talking with staff. I've helped out in classes, and had a blast reconnecting with my old students. Still waiting on a specific job description. Oliver got his schedule and today I finished getting his books ready. Still haven't had to worry about paying tuition, as the school knows me and it will get taken care of soon. I needed to get him in for a dentist appointment. Called the dentist. "How about tomorrow?" Great. No worries, just name the time and he's there. We're also getting ready for baseball. Abu Tulip is a T-ball coach. Last year we were still adding new players two weeks into the season. Ahlan wa Sahlen! I'm frustrated by the lack of organization at times, but it's also a relief to just "go with the flow" and let things work themselves out. <br />
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Trying the remember the positives about both ways of doing things, and hoping for a great semester back at school.<br />
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~ Um Tulip</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-16378326794339910702012-01-28T09:29:00.000+02:002012-01-28T09:29:33.326+02:00Cultural whiplash: Part I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After a six month hiatus, I'm hoping to actually rejoin the blogging world. I've been following my faves all season, but didn't have the emotional energy to actually post. Reverse culture shock is a complicated bear. We just got back home after spending six months in the states. There have been so many things I've thought about posting, but haven't. Maybe I'll make good on my New Year's resolution to post about all my cultural observations.<br />
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Talking with a friend a couple weeks ago gave me the perfect title, and last night I found the perfect image. Cultural whiplash describes for me the experience of going back and forth from a lovely but overly WASP area of America, to our bustling city in the heart of the Arab world. Two lovely places that don't really understand each other, but places I love dearly, and am proud to call both home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7mX4LekSs513mxLX7y0YNvVY-qZO_Xr-bknpRUEVC5pznGlqaNo1G0trfp5FW3PjHfSriAjeN-2pC3ZmSKHWFPnvtiYB7Ld9UwA0YHFaAFEPxTsqpjoh3_5-zazpWmLboqoPfv10LEY1/s1600/angrybird+jordan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7mX4LekSs513mxLX7y0YNvVY-qZO_Xr-bknpRUEVC5pznGlqaNo1G0trfp5FW3PjHfSriAjeN-2pC3ZmSKHWFPnvtiYB7Ld9UwA0YHFaAFEPxTsqpjoh3_5-zazpWmLboqoPfv10LEY1/s1600/angrybird+jordan.png" /></a></div><br />
My boys became enamored with angry birds this past season, as it has inundated American culture. We have the card game by the makers of UNO, the plush toys, and a "real" game with plastic figures and beams so you can re-create the hit game played by young and old on smart phones, tablets, and computers. Last week the boys threw their plush toys off the top of the bunk bed to knock down structures, a normal fun activity for my kids. However, this time they told me they were playing "angry birds".<br />
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I still don't really understand why the birds are angry, but cultural whiplash is indeed full force.<br />
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~ Um Tulip<br />
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</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-66461634397520305972011-07-11T23:29:00.000+03:002011-07-11T23:29:02.085+03:00Switzerland or bust 2011We just got back from our long awaited family vacation to Switzerland. We had planned this trip in 2009, saving up money and time for our 10 year wedding anniversary. As life doesn't always work out the way we hope, last summer Abu Tulip's dad died suddenly and our summer plans changed quickly. This year has been an emotional roller coaster for us all, with loss overshadowing some great experiences of living in the Middle East. In just over a week we'll head for an extended stay in America. We're looking forward to being close to family, and curious about how the reverse culture shock will play out in our kids. As I won't be teaching this semester, I hope to take time to post more often and more than that, pause and reflect on the journey we're on.<br />
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Here are a few pictures from our trip. I wish I could post them all, but I honestly don't think my few readers really want to see them as much as I'll enjoy talking about them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kX8jweyFLDyriuxq5zxZCGXa0ulzLUTENUk_k0oMt4KPSEnVJjz5iohtKeK58nBKSOzAx5pCmdVmHXTH6VoPAS_k471O3nsjJ4HCl4zRU2m2MCMT8LIqbGUtYi9gzwQJ-KgVH38lXVRE/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kX8jweyFLDyriuxq5zxZCGXa0ulzLUTENUk_k0oMt4KPSEnVJjz5iohtKeK58nBKSOzAx5pCmdVmHXTH6VoPAS_k471O3nsjJ4HCl4zRU2m2MCMT8LIqbGUtYi9gzwQJ-KgVH38lXVRE/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The first night there we were blessed with a rainbow. I took this picture from the window of our room. Seriously. The reminder that God is faithful through every storm has stuck with me throughout our travels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN2szuUscuB_0pvMszwO9djgavyYp8jAssywVHDmC_t4Ik_ymiAnN9XvtH4q8RzYy3FnShunIeipGw3KV9KkaxQMSA1xYRzdlOeSSXaahCDGrJk7FlQM4HmWjZFW_OrPlC3KWfOb0TgQR/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJN2szuUscuB_0pvMszwO9djgavyYp8jAssywVHDmC_t4Ik_ymiAnN9XvtH4q8RzYy3FnShunIeipGw3KV9KkaxQMSA1xYRzdlOeSSXaahCDGrJk7FlQM4HmWjZFW_OrPlC3KWfOb0TgQR/s320/IMG_4829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We took a walk through the village after the rain cleared and came upon this covered bridge. I turned to Abu Tulip and said, "it's hard to even imagine evil existing after seeing this". Just a public road with such extraordinary beauty. The care the community puts in to tending to their gardens. No litter, no broken down benches. Just a small village that cares about creation and welcomes visitors to meander along the roads and take it all in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2lNOHQyc5Y-2p1nCBGqHtNZOiKVLWKjh2XSy6SAzyyzyhNcFT57QNYbQEp1awtPPO3l8bHXUa3u_UX3ZYwJbeou7BZBze-mVimpzlbJHM2hwwA7ZM75xgTTFZM_oqMteh6fjk6yL3_Yw/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2lNOHQyc5Y-2p1nCBGqHtNZOiKVLWKjh2XSy6SAzyyzyhNcFT57QNYbQEp1awtPPO3l8bHXUa3u_UX3ZYwJbeou7BZBze-mVimpzlbJHM2hwwA7ZM75xgTTFZM_oqMteh6fjk6yL3_Yw/s320/IMG_4863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few days later we took a train and then a gondola up the mountainside for a 6 mile hike to a lake. We were in First, and although the hike was exhausting with 3 boys, the views were breathtaking. We all earned ice cream from Migros Supermarket back in the village after that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWfc_NZGYuWWiI_kI_k9Ot3KJHoaLSUTZwie-egK-9xBUiuQ8dt5c2dYLrWQCodPeqNUX0QSjiNruZz642Lq_pRtKYLAMhhrYkh-p_3eF_DQqxCkns5OvEOKUhBEoFICLisdII3VGxVyz/s1600/IMG_5021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWfc_NZGYuWWiI_kI_k9Ot3KJHoaLSUTZwie-egK-9xBUiuQ8dt5c2dYLrWQCodPeqNUX0QSjiNruZz642Lq_pRtKYLAMhhrYkh-p_3eF_DQqxCkns5OvEOKUhBEoFICLisdII3VGxVyz/s320/IMG_5021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The second half of our trip took us to the village of Monstein, near Davos. This is the interior of a church built in the 1600s. the village currently has 180 inhabitants, and our Australian friends who liv<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TCnvIqO2pagqQhA40dG5oWexaT8OjeenlStFhxbmbGXIO974hi4OFA4CJyQX0De05G-olxmuCFpWtt0GbgEEhgu4TU4Q8tVSPUkdoOJYHx3XG5z_qeJuuGTJyYVs0LioCCzvX6zB38dY/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TCnvIqO2pagqQhA40dG5oWexaT8OjeenlStFhxbmbGXIO974hi4OFA4CJyQX0De05G-olxmuCFpWtt0GbgEEhgu4TU4Q8tVSPUkdoOJYHx3XG5z_qeJuuGTJyYVs0LioCCzvX6zB38dY/s200/IMG_5030.JPG" width="150" /></a>e there have built an amazing community. Each day people dropped by to chat, invite children over to play, or literally borrow a cup of sugar. I sat in the church alone for quite some time, just imagining what it might have been like to worship here during a particularly harsh winter some 400 years ago. We were up at an altitude that was likely unreachable many months of the year, yet the Swiss work ethic and determination has certainly paid off, making it such a prosperous country.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FqynLUzgCPb6JN_fMxO7cpGVgK8G-SKxuZgf6e7oy77hXll9MWlrjUpYPr5lMZwGBZfZuuTz97qujY7bQS13cUoxodY-giaFIBfbC6HXNs58Iu5KSIFUsEdvdTRHLZHUUeSkBbvuy9Xn/s1600/IMG_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FqynLUzgCPb6JN_fMxO7cpGVgK8G-SKxuZgf6e7oy77hXll9MWlrjUpYPr5lMZwGBZfZuuTz97qujY7bQS13cUoxodY-giaFIBfbC6HXNs58Iu5KSIFUsEdvdTRHLZHUUeSkBbvuy9Xn/s200/IMG_5022.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>A few patterns that caught my eye. I'm not an experienced photographer, and I just have a regular point and shoot camera. I'm afraid my pictures of the alps, while amazing to me, aren't near the quality you can find in other places. So often as we hiked around, rode in the trains, or just looked out the window, I'd comment that there was no way a camera could even capture the sights. Snow-capped mountains, green pastures, majestic peaks and deep valleys. After seven years of living in a desert country, it was a feast for the eyes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SCDV606GTQf4QbqB-U3IqVHh3b_JkcmGkq_qe0bOoM87ulR7OXs0QOvKOMLMreK05YYGHdgmqqrMhPitlJDaok_oCMoDIUeYur22oYvLySaHz5cCaTauknfJKVDPhtKeByqpkG8zfa_l/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SCDV606GTQf4QbqB-U3IqVHh3b_JkcmGkq_qe0bOoM87ulR7OXs0QOvKOMLMreK05YYGHdgmqqrMhPitlJDaok_oCMoDIUeYur22oYvLySaHz5cCaTauknfJKVDPhtKeByqpkG8zfa_l/s200/IMG_5029.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yGVQISh4Ck0atwATw_9JZ00NeiWcheQLyOYfMhFzDPT3YUYePHuQOLeMHsIep6fFlm87fmN_lBDrxsh7irGpCQ6FIXtgzpYsICl_znX13qIaXeRqMj5jlnMFw39HK6e1R-l578WeWS6s/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yGVQISh4Ck0atwATw_9JZ00NeiWcheQLyOYfMhFzDPT3YUYePHuQOLeMHsIep6fFlm87fmN_lBDrxsh7irGpCQ6FIXtgzpYsICl_znX13qIaXeRqMj5jlnMFw39HK6e1R-l578WeWS6s/s200/IMG_5028.JPG" width="200" /></a>These next few pictures show the ceiling of the church, stacks of wood ready for winter, cobblestone pavement, and a stain glassed window that is over 400 years old. As Teddy Bear told me on one hike, "Mom, there sure are a lot of mountains in Switzerland. Like 152 of them!" <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8a7XPlFyDyb-8sgfsdL4b_iCZsdX84hOC3gykXWvHtA9XwIm6if_fKEQk8cFdlFQITxbLhowEzeztCtRc_cirs2spEVXKP3kQXYi9MqwaSVmFDmDQX8rTrMzrm4_v7Zz0PqwULhmbcQt/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8a7XPlFyDyb-8sgfsdL4b_iCZsdX84hOC3gykXWvHtA9XwIm6if_fKEQk8cFdlFQITxbLhowEzeztCtRc_cirs2spEVXKP3kQXYi9MqwaSVmFDmDQX8rTrMzrm4_v7Zz0PqwULhmbcQt/s320/IMG_5043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One day we headed up to an alp, the green pastures high in the mountains where farmers take their cattle in the warm summer months. We made a small fire to roast sausages right among the cows.<br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCGZYROfPh48pawYYCgda5O5SqzlrglaUHsrqPaLDZZ9sNpPX03dsb8r5nl60on9gKIZuoTiWCiQjSBNJ0l1Wa69RT81iJk4BNPyJw1SMQYBacWr3XsfxTs5TBkTpqNNYXJnwFjusphDD/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCGZYROfPh48pawYYCgda5O5SqzlrglaUHsrqPaLDZZ9sNpPX03dsb8r5nl60on9gKIZuoTiWCiQjSBNJ0l1Wa69RT81iJk4BNPyJw1SMQYBacWr3XsfxTs5TBkTpqNNYXJnwFjusphDD/s320/IMG_5068.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Our final hike was from the Rinerhorn back over to Monstein. We rode the gondola up with our friends, and they went back home with our kids via gondala and car. Abu Tulip and I hiked several hours alone. We never saw another person, just continually took in the majesty of the mountains. We finished the evening with our anniversary dinner at a village inn. Traditionally Swiss food including, rosti, which is like hash browns, pork, veal, potato soup, and impeccable service. As much as we love our three active boys, having a few hours alone is a rare pleasure and it was great to catch up and reflect on the past year. It hasn't been an easy one, for sure. We are thankful for our three healthy boys, for the adventure of raising them in a bilingual / bicultural setting, and for the perspective that being American in the Arab world brings. We are blessed with many loving friends and family members, and a choir community that fills our days with singing and laughter. Our church communities teach us more about what we hope to be, and our continual need for grace. We are weary, and utterly dependent on our creator God for all things. If He created these mountains, with all their peaks and valleys, He is sufficient.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblFVHNm7gher8b0fCMjEHPTCk99GxGBERD0nrAK5cB9qIox_qb7f6NsTeXQKtyuYdzFOJPtORJsuGq6egC7UkOOhGY1KMdUL7FaDUYTvIFeJaIbvUOayT27lXag2dPx9IK4MNMTzNI0Ih/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblFVHNm7gher8b0fCMjEHPTCk99GxGBERD0nrAK5cB9qIox_qb7f6NsTeXQKtyuYdzFOJPtORJsuGq6egC7UkOOhGY1KMdUL7FaDUYTvIFeJaIbvUOayT27lXag2dPx9IK4MNMTzNI0Ih/s400/IMG_4955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-62013435510589220912011-05-29T18:38:00.000+03:002011-05-29T18:38:31.320+03:00Going to the farm and another concert you don't want to miss!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of the favorite activities of a lot of local families is to travel out of the city to the family farm. Usually this is a few acres of land owned by several family members collectively, and Friday afternoons are a perfect time to grill some meat, drink copious cups of tea, and enjoy time away from the busy city. We are blessed to have some local friends with a lovely farm not too far away. A couple weeks back we joined them for burgers. Spring is a perfect time to do this, as the summer has not yet scorched the land and the green is luscious. Of course, if you are allergic to the olive trees like me you better take some extra meds, but it's well worth it. I'm not a fantastic photographer, and have a simple point and shoot camera, but I'm super pleased with how my pictures turned out and so I'm sharing them with you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s6jM3WeP7iC-7XRt4g8xS-oWXDHhZS8_eefaKfs4VQyHdqnUsUxCxHBgVHiSMNSeEUn4me814Ba-ezQq3zYzpG2h0bFQ6XIKOvDkvpGpVxSc1X7VGLecG0cJHq5VhhbN4izW3V90dAgh/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s6jM3WeP7iC-7XRt4g8xS-oWXDHhZS8_eefaKfs4VQyHdqnUsUxCxHBgVHiSMNSeEUn4me814Ba-ezQq3zYzpG2h0bFQ6XIKOvDkvpGpVxSc1X7VGLecG0cJHq5VhhbN4izW3V90dAgh/s320/IMG_4613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is roasted hamli. What is hamli? Fresh garbanzo beans. The taste is a bit like fresh peas, and it's hard to believe these are the same beans we dry and make hummus out of. We bought them from a farmer off the side of the road on our way tot he farm. Super yummy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhyphenhyphenRDJqXOODkd4sy7M0FlCWoUj6ijGudGWRVOM3W9Gxu0SwAbbjnxM9Egk9nJGNw8MPTpeAUn5FW0KqEEwCvF0VT9M-zlMQJaXdgCseepEoQEJUWkNx8UOt2-_Q-bVwLbgRcwnioELZgW/s1600/IMG_4615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhyphenhyphenRDJqXOODkd4sy7M0FlCWoUj6ijGudGWRVOM3W9Gxu0SwAbbjnxM9Egk9nJGNw8MPTpeAUn5FW0KqEEwCvF0VT9M-zlMQJaXdgCseepEoQEJUWkNx8UOt2-_Q-bVwLbgRcwnioELZgW/s320/IMG_4615.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf_FbSBPxVxQJjni8NaIHj3ZCPctg1CS1zPMNulBoH_fptWbkcOfsH4_FejW0rPFjVgfZ4lLWnWjIWaFDJWPaGRbyyYkS1pSti1kr2QNpJQfMj7wmbJokwoSJfoUarwLwTNvN90s5wwwK/s1600/IMG_4616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf_FbSBPxVxQJjni8NaIHj3ZCPctg1CS1zPMNulBoH_fptWbkcOfsH4_FejW0rPFjVgfZ4lLWnWjIWaFDJWPaGRbyyYkS1pSti1kr2QNpJQfMj7wmbJokwoSJfoUarwLwTNvN90s5wwwK/s320/IMG_4616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The roses were falling of the stems and so beautiful. We took a bunch of petals home and they perfumed our home for a week.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzC360prR6HQuMW2FH8limKMKi5qX_Zmp_3SAu7MU190LpKzAPONcq0IRR4Rp5CxylQny7etPjC7ItnkvS7e0nthyGhDxDPicbRKrFEo8GNiDR_m0B1-FHGQY_rtUWHpDwpD4m4xqZaHO/s1600/IMG_4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzC360prR6HQuMW2FH8limKMKi5qX_Zmp_3SAu7MU190LpKzAPONcq0IRR4Rp5CxylQny7etPjC7ItnkvS7e0nthyGhDxDPicbRKrFEo8GNiDR_m0B1-FHGQY_rtUWHpDwpD4m4xqZaHO/s320/IMG_4612.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVZGrjVd27bhBuQoFj1OfsHEu_gkVt2-kLJJvZY0tgyCZ3LNKXJrsPTrJZGUjCQy_a8lFxPrH3qoEvAwmEwnxCznRggkgoVB6tUPunISbTQB4UwdvDsMGcxeElFOE4QcHPP2BfebrcwEz/s1600/IMG_4620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVZGrjVd27bhBuQoFj1OfsHEu_gkVt2-kLJJvZY0tgyCZ3LNKXJrsPTrJZGUjCQy_a8lFxPrH3qoEvAwmEwnxCznRggkgoVB6tUPunISbTQB4UwdvDsMGcxeElFOE4QcHPP2BfebrcwEz/s320/IMG_4620.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRFKKjPtrE_Cw7PShdax7JNZzLqXOxWLsH-2_nXz3pQneMONGHYzLE-M80T0NgTS8hUCI4Ex9Ro5XjwWOgJffBABpyabTzLZWmdO22BMXQKydRfItqGUiRnRzqdSYKqfGGoREFpmHiTw5/s1600/Arabic_Concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRFKKjPtrE_Cw7PShdax7JNZzLqXOxWLsH-2_nXz3pQneMONGHYzLE-M80T0NgTS8hUCI4Ex9Ro5XjwWOgJffBABpyabTzLZWmdO22BMXQKydRfItqGUiRnRzqdSYKqfGGoREFpmHiTw5/s400/Arabic_Concert.jpg" width="282" /></a></div> Grape leaves. Reminds me of a song we sang in choir - "Bayn iddawali". By the way, go to www.dozanwawatar.com for more info on our next concert, Lamma Bada. Arabic folkloric music with some great percussionists. Rehearsals have been so much fun, learning choreography and working with props. I love this choir and can't wait to perform next weekend. It will be an unforgettable concert.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY3Deb9HnIgaVfa9NpnwWaYA6lHZNtuHo8IOIClo96MZoSQt-ahQjHivJmcRj9URZ0OmRruxKfn4DZJ_rLf2Tu8MjZqav0cAdSL9jVoL_zb7cu0cnIeTQ28m3Eg0U2NwHkToE8qXRcYeN/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY3Deb9HnIgaVfa9NpnwWaYA6lHZNtuHo8IOIClo96MZoSQt-ahQjHivJmcRj9URZ0OmRruxKfn4DZJ_rLf2Tu8MjZqav0cAdSL9jVoL_zb7cu0cnIeTQ28m3Eg0U2NwHkToE8qXRcYeN/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> They grow their own mint. Try tearing off a few leaves and placing in boiling water for a perfect cup of tea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG86LN_O0LaXZGQd6Ij9d9xWVtBBEXiJXWrs7gBedqDcyHOfP8PhtgAtlm3KpffTz5Q0eaaJtCfEfXRw67BvuCrePr1wHn7cxjrLaBA-CzSuz7enb4cni0IecGSBZhy4csiR-jiuC41Ej/s1600/IMG_4631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG86LN_O0LaXZGQd6Ij9d9xWVtBBEXiJXWrs7gBedqDcyHOfP8PhtgAtlm3KpffTz5Q0eaaJtCfEfXRw67BvuCrePr1wHn7cxjrLaBA-CzSuz7enb4cni0IecGSBZhy4csiR-jiuC41Ej/s320/IMG_4631.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P30_Bb3OsK5ea_fZheNOjTn7IMCumqJvKs9m2rLcM4G4IySAoE8JquVNglmgLMVUI9SV5b7o4qCJhC6ZDkuxKH1Mysyqvw8dD7VvNH3yR7rOc383KSd4rJ7hEGryY8HH5Ggde0HXLTQM/s1600/IMG_4626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7P30_Bb3OsK5ea_fZheNOjTn7IMCumqJvKs9m2rLcM4G4IySAoE8JquVNglmgLMVUI9SV5b7o4qCJhC6ZDkuxKH1Mysyqvw8dD7VvNH3yR7rOc383KSd4rJ7hEGryY8HH5Ggde0HXLTQM/s320/IMG_4626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> The figs weren't ready to eat, but will be great later on.<br />
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Little olives just starting to grow. The blasted pollen from these trees are killing my sinuses right now, but you can't beat local olive oil!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think these are green cherries, but I'm not positive. Feel free to correct me.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-58875987044117813702011-05-17T18:58:00.000+03:002011-05-17T18:58:46.771+03:00Easter Holiday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Our holiday week started out with a bang, as it seems our darling two-year-old can't stay out of trouble. He got a hold of a chocolate candy with a hazelnut inside. One of those yummy chocolates I keep hidden away just for mommy, when she's having a rough day. Well, he choked on it, and while he was breathing, he continued to wheeze and cough for half an hour after. After calling my mom and my pediatrician, it was off to the ER. Both suspected the cause, a portion of hazelnut had aspirated into his lung.<br />
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A chest x-ray and breathing treatment later, we saw the pediatric surgeon who recommended a broncoscopy. So the Saturday before Easter we spent with Linus being sedated and having a large piece of hazelnut removed from his right lung.<br />
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He was up an running the next day, happily shouting المسيح قام - حقا قام "Christ is Risen - He is risen indeed" up and down the aisles at church. I am so thankful it wasn't worse, and while his antics continually put me on edge and the tantrums are wearing me out, I love my little blankie boy. <br />
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We took him to Petra the next weekend for a choir getaway and he enjoyed the view from the backpack. Despite the rough beginning, it was a great week of family time and visits with friends. We also made a volcano with Teddy Bear and Oliver, as Oliver has been learning about natural disasters in science class. The Arabic word for earthquake is so cool - زلزال "zilzal" and the plural even better "zilaazil".<br />
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Now I'm back to school and we're frantically finishing up teaching material and preparing for end-of-the year assemblies. We'll see if there's time for a few more posts this month!</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-83132919929930798912011-05-09T18:41:00.000+03:002011-05-09T18:41:50.697+03:00Easter concert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviS8jYqweRwomHS20KZ9MgyolNBIF6K2VOyreL3VcpigaEOtYJ1fvrFmLyUuJRdf9OTck9FGuHcJQv5Y7rcnsVS_8Uk8TLjZgmIAL31oDTYpx1VcT1QpmDaKBrzPaLmTaPZCUSBIxlBdR/s1600/Mozart%2527s+Requiem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviS8jYqweRwomHS20KZ9MgyolNBIF6K2VOyreL3VcpigaEOtYJ1fvrFmLyUuJRdf9OTck9FGuHcJQv5Y7rcnsVS_8Uk8TLjZgmIAL31oDTYpx1VcT1QpmDaKBrzPaLmTaPZCUSBIxlBdR/s640/Mozart%2527s+Requiem.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>So this Saturday we're performing Mozart's Requiem. It's a joint concert with the Syrian orchestra and choir and is going to be amazing. I am so excited to perform. Viva magazine did a big article on us and my picture is huge. I totally feel like a celebrity. If you haven't heard Mozart's Requiem you are missing out on phenomenal music. See the poster, find us on facebook, and read our revamped website <a href="http://www.dozanwaawtar.com/">http://www.dozanwaawtar.com/</a> for more information. Hope to see you there!</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-57950487302620806932011-04-22T13:53:00.000+03:002011-04-22T13:53:41.519+03:00Terrible Twos and a time to reflect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The past few weeks a been full of activity. Extra work at school, which included a cultural festival and successful IB visit. I've been so pleased with my students and the growth they've made this year. At home the terrible twos have set in, which means a lot of tears and tantrums. Linus turned two in February. I knew it was wearing me down, but didn't realize how it was affecting the big brothers until Teddy Bear made a sign and taped it to the door of the room where he was building a race car set. The two is backwards, but the message is clear. "No two-year-olds allowed!" After a pic of the sign is a pic of Linus, doing two of his favorite things, climbing and wearing his spongebob jammies. <br />
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This week we're finally on spring break. I'm definitely due for a week of rest and reflection.<br />
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These words certainly remind me of what this week is all about.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">How deep the Father's love for us <br />
How vast beyond all measure <br />
That He should give His only Son <br />
And make a wretch His treasure <br />
How great the pain of searing loss <br />
The Father turns His face away <br />
As wounds which mar the Chosen One <br />
Bring many sons to glory <br />
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Behold the man upon the cross <br />
My sin upon His shoulder <br />
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice <br />
Call out among the scoffers <br />
It was my sin that held Him there <br />
Until it was accomplished <br />
His dying breath has brought me life <br />
I know that it is finished <br />
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I will not boast in anything <br />
No gifts, no power, no wisdom <br />
But I will boast in Jesus Christ <br />
His death and resurrection <br />
Why should I gain from His reward <br />
I cannot give an answer <br />
But this I know with all my heart <br />
His wounds have paid my ransom<br />
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Why should I gain from His reward <br />
I cannot give an answer <br />
But this I know with all my heart <br />
His wounds have paid my ransom </div><br />
Thankful for my adorable children, and even more thankful for the cross, immeasurable grace.<br />
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~ Um Tulip<br />
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</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-43704801911515575242011-03-27T19:57:00.000+02:002011-03-27T19:57:35.206+02:00Happy Birthday, Spongebob<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My two year old is now singing Happy Birthday to Spongebob. Teddy Bear turned 5 this week and today was his Spongebob themed party. A good friend helped me make marshmallow fondant and we made the most amazing cake. I will never be able to top this cake, no matter how many more birthday parties I throw over the years.<br />
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One thing I love about Teddy Bear is how fun and at-ease he is with people of all nationalities. He has a knack for Arabic, and is a total boy. He's enthralled with light sabers, and his BFF bought him one for his birthday. The kids had a blast tearing through the house playing today. His invite list for his birthday party included people from six countries. Not a single child that came to today was 100% American, most were 50% this and 50% that. I guess at times I feel more comfortable with an international crowds. Abu Tulip has a scholarship to do some graduate study in the States next fall, and I'm worried about fitting in there. I love our international life, and the amazing people I meet on a daily basis.<br />
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Here is the cake, before and after the party.<br />
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Happy Birthday to my sweet 5 year old.<br />
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~ Um Tulip<br />
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</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-43134677888412132362011-03-13T09:53:00.000+02:002011-03-13T09:53:31.894+02:00Contradictions - or why I love living here.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since it's blog about my adopted country day and I have a huge to-do list today to catch up on life, I'm just going to link to a <a href="http://apricotstoday.blogspot.com/2011/03/nunsbikiniscamelsand-my-husband.html">friend's blog</a>. To peak your interest, the title is: Nuns....bikinis....camels....and my husband.<br />
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Life here is full of contradictions, and that's one of the reasons I love it. I love the mash of cultures and beliefs and the way we all live out our faith, whether we think we are or not. <br />
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Mammabean also posts her reasons to love it <a href="http://a-tale-of-three-beans.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
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I love that I can teach English at an Arabic school and be confident my three boys are getting an excellent bilingual / bi-cultural education, then head downtown to barter for curtain fabric and head to the western part of the city to sip a latte with my mother-in-law at Crumbs cafe. Then end the day with a choir practicing both traditional folkloric music and Mozart's Requiem. The day is sprinkled with two languages, laughter and more serious discussions of faith and politics in a region full of turmoil. I'm so thankful to be part of it all. And that all happened just last Monday.<br />
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We said good-bye to my mother-in-law Thursday evening. I can't write about it much now, because I miss her so dearly and my post would just be weepy.<br />
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That and I really need to catch up on stuff around the house.<br />
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~ Um Tulip</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-77520340038902988142011-03-03T19:07:00.000+02:002011-03-03T19:07:14.142+02:00Star Wars storms our home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Those of you with boys in the house probably know that Lego Star Wars is really cool. I had R2D2 underwear as a child, but not until recently did I realize the reprisal of Star Wars. Teddy Bear very proudly talks about Dark Vader, Light Savers, and the Storm Creatures. He also likes the "Teddy Bears that jump up and down a lot" (aka Ewoks). Isn't he adorable?<br />
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I had a lot of fun shopping at the Lego store in Columbus last month, and got all sorts of figurines and special pieces. Then I happened to walk buy a high-end cooking supply store and saw Star Wars pancake molds in the store-front. I couldn't resist. Here are the results.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuv_rGxU1XSkkj5K4VSNMeQN6p-7C0l15FdgAkdeW1x9OvKz9n3H5W5NWz64n3Pwa53KGqWu4IrjwBpSmxax5zJs-CMwnytKYx5AcwgfRTMnnPm_D3Gc0VboMN6Z5bJSpa-83tDGKtmVp/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuv_rGxU1XSkkj5K4VSNMeQN6p-7C0l15FdgAkdeW1x9OvKz9n3H5W5NWz64n3Pwa53KGqWu4IrjwBpSmxax5zJs-CMwnytKYx5AcwgfRTMnnPm_D3Gc0VboMN6Z5bJSpa-83tDGKtmVp/s320/IMG_4346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi079zKGOdJ739zpvKPURRGaGqN-Bh3dKOjE7fpI2jv2_PyNGGpAO3edi0c-sMuxsrUaLkxkypk2wsAXxN7SB86F2Pdchv3tsfu9EUsuCsvmBBtkZqjtwMQ_CPeS9HJPbJ0VGyVKsKC8bvK/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi079zKGOdJ739zpvKPURRGaGqN-Bh3dKOjE7fpI2jv2_PyNGGpAO3edi0c-sMuxsrUaLkxkypk2wsAXxN7SB86F2Pdchv3tsfu9EUsuCsvmBBtkZqjtwMQ_CPeS9HJPbJ0VGyVKsKC8bvK/s320/IMG_4347.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>If you spray the pancake molds with non-stick spray (what is that stuff made out of anyway?) they pop out okay. I want to do sugar cookies soon. They were a huge hit. The black / red / yellow lego structure is the "bad guys spaceship" and is shaped like a slice of pizza. It is on a hinge to open up sideways. The blue / white / grey structure is the colors the boys chose for the "good guys spaceship" and has a rooftop that opens to access the computer and stash of light sabers. The only question that remains is: who had more fun building the lego spaceships - me or the boys?</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-54218060449879637102011-02-26T17:01:00.000+02:002011-02-26T17:01:30.758+02:00God looks after the little things.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently Abu Tulip and I were talking about how insignificant our lives really are, considering the population of the earth and the conflicts befalling nations surrounding us. Yet it is at times comical how important the tiniest details matter to us personally on a daily basis. We are told God knows the number of hairs on our head. Although I am confident in my faith, I am still surprised at little miracles such as this morning.<br />
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Last night we went out to a restaurant for dinner. Abu Tulip just left for a work conference, and my mother-in-law and I are holding down the fort. It was a lovely "date night". Seafood ravioli. Yum. Afterward we stopped at an ATM to make sure we had enough cash for the week. The ATM was poorly lit, and as Abu Tulip opened his wallet a few things fell out. I bent down and found a credit card and a receipt. I didn't notice anything else around.<br />
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This morning we were heading out our road for Abu Tulip to drop us off at school and then return to finish packing his suitcase. As we pulled out, we noticed our neighbor waving frantically at us from the car behind. We pulled over and Z came up. "How's it going?" we asked.<br />
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Z is a young shab who is loads of fun and his mom makes the best maqloubi I've ever had. I learned a lot of Arabic from this family and they are dear friends. "Well," Z said, "my buddies and I were out last night and we stopped at an ATM. My friend found this credit card and showed it to me. It's yours! So here you go."<br />
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Dumbstruck, we headed on our way to school, marveling at God's intervention in our lives. That the lost card would be found by a good friend is beyond me. Had it been stolen, a lot of damage would have taken place before we would have ever noticed, especially with Abu Tulip traveling this week.<br />
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I guess I needed to be reminded of His care and concern. Thank you, Lord.<br />
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~ Um Tulip<br />
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</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-27527288536946193652011-02-21T17:06:00.000+02:002011-02-21T17:06:20.242+02:00A few pics for now.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2g7GyLpKz5AKaXl8r1wuEmBoUrSpxFFdVPydFxvtWRc56dDRzMAh-hINBdTqvWl0I7gXauq3zNhex4VGOR-cmFs-WlkrNRhLq-aLRmcCh94-74jsP5AQ0UiE3tyTAeNZ86DGQ31zN9Iw/s1600/IMG_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2g7GyLpKz5AKaXl8r1wuEmBoUrSpxFFdVPydFxvtWRc56dDRzMAh-hINBdTqvWl0I7gXauq3zNhex4VGOR-cmFs-WlkrNRhLq-aLRmcCh94-74jsP5AQ0UiE3tyTAeNZ86DGQ31zN9Iw/s320/IMG_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a>Still working on editing some photos and forming those posts. For now....can you name where this one was taken? Do you have any idea what "Best without taste" means?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O22Z9LJlfq9KuhBFrreYagEb1SBTxgubz7Rne45qEPikzikBP_lFzNwmoLnaVP5T0Td4bqh_xZ4yqvqN_lZs-8V0rKh13uk-ll1SPUnET245LYJybUl-bZAj6MCdIyNu6Xt9Db23t9ys/s1600/IMG_4384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O22Z9LJlfq9KuhBFrreYagEb1SBTxgubz7Rne45qEPikzikBP_lFzNwmoLnaVP5T0Td4bqh_xZ4yqvqN_lZs-8V0rKh13uk-ll1SPUnET245LYJybUl-bZAj6MCdIyNu6Xt9Db23t9ys/s320/IMG_4384.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>This one is of a family restroom at a nice hotel. Again, what were they thinking! As a mom of three boys, I have been in this situation before and let me tell you, I nearly wet myself the first time I saw this sign.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ovPBGDyjf3wAfSy72Zt69x7xjdveJsp6KVFJNdxY4AicxolUqZ0NJqFLH8E2my9fwuP9D4mFjSQnPj6t4G38BfC8KdhVA8ikXfJ5bWgVZ3MUSz8ZPgBP3pgi5M6OQwhnxcsxdqZ-Ee6Y/s1600/IMG_4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ovPBGDyjf3wAfSy72Zt69x7xjdveJsp6KVFJNdxY4AicxolUqZ0NJqFLH8E2my9fwuP9D4mFjSQnPj6t4G38BfC8KdhVA8ikXfJ5bWgVZ3MUSz8ZPgBP3pgi5M6OQwhnxcsxdqZ-Ee6Y/s320/IMG_4388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is just a shot of the lovely fabric my MIL and I got downtown for a great price. She's been busy this week making curtains for our living room. They are beautiful!<br />
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Teddy Bear made this valentine for us last week. I edited out the name of his best friend for privacy's sake, but I think it's adorable.<br />
More to follow. ~ Um Tulip<br />
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<span id="goog_436822127"></span><span id="goog_436822128"></span></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-48053093653268339762011-02-16T18:01:00.000+02:002011-02-16T18:01:38.628+02:00My Valentine's Day Song<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've been back from the states a couple weeks now, and have formed about 20 blog posts in my mind. However, we've been too busy getting back into school and then fabric shopping and choir rehearsals that I haven't actually posted anything.<br />
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Linus turned two, and the terrible twos are well underway. Pics of Elmo cupcakes need to be posted.<br />
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The pictures of our star wars pancake morning are ready to post, too, as soon as I load them.<br />
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For now, as I need to get back to the kiddos, I'll leave you with my current favorite song. We ordered the CD "Counting Stars" by Andrew Peterson off Amazon. Yes, we have yet to switch over to downloading MP3s. I can't get through the song "Dancing in the Minefields" without tears. <br />
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Valentine's Day was busy with work and choir so we didn't really celebrate, but this song reminds me why I married my best friend and I'm so thankful for the choice we made, now 10 1/2 years ago. <br />
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I was nineteen, you were twenty-one<br />
The year we got engaged<br />
Everyone said we were much too young<br />
But we did it anyway<br />
<br />
We bought our rings for forty each<br />
From a pawn shop down the road<br />
We made our vows and took the leap<br />
Now fifteen years ago<br />
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We went dancing in the minefields<br />
We went sailing in the storm<br />
And it was harder than we dreamed<br />
But I believe that's what the promise is for<br />
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"I do" are the two most famous last words<br />
The beginning of the end<br />
But to lose your life for another I've heard<br />
Is a good place to begin<br />
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'Cause the only way to find your life<br />
Is to lay your own life down<br />
And I believe it's an easy price<br />
For the life that we have found<br />
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And we're dancing in the minefields<br />
We're sailing in the storm<br />
This is harder than we dreamed<br />
But I believe that's what the promise is for<br />
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So when I lose my way, find me<br />
When I loose love's chains, bind me<br />
At the end of all my faith, till the end of all my days<br />
When I forget my name, remind me<br />
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'Cause we bear the light of the Son of Man<br />
So there's nothing left to fear<br />
So I'll walk with you in the shadowlands<br />
Till the shadows disappear<br />
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'Cause he promised not to leave us<br />
And his promises are true<br />
So in the face of all this chaos, baby, <br />
I can dance with you<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtTa81LyuQM">Dancing in the Minefields</a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">~ Um Tulip</div></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-25570803769545285202011-01-31T16:23:00.000+02:002011-01-31T16:23:20.051+02:00Flying solo - day 5 of Um Tulip's 8 day trip to America<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, I'm drinking coffee and the only sound to be heard is the ice machine in my parent's fridge. No need to yell at Oliver and Teddy Bear for sword fighting on the couch, no Linus begging for Spongebob, no vegetable sellers in the streets, or any other familiar sounds. I flew back five days ago to meet my new nephew, now five weeks old. As I joked with my sisters, this was the first time they beat me at something, I became an aunt for the first time, while they've all been aunts for seven years now! In reality, the new mom has beat me with her humility, my next sis has beat me with her generosity, and my youngest sis has beat me with her honesty. I have an incredible family.<br />
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Flying solo is was a totally new experience. I'm an expert at airports; packing and going through security with three little ones is now quite easy. Wandering through Heathrow for four hours with nothing to do is very strange, though. And what side of the walkways are you supposed to walk on in that airport, anyway? The airplanes were a third full, so I had a row to myself. I read, watched movies, and didn't have any juice or food spilled on me, not even once. No evil glances as my children screamed, no daring attempts to change a diaper during turbulence. When our plane got diverted from D.C. to Chicago due to snow, I managed the news with only a slight groan, and was able to hop on a different plane home, landing just five minutes later than my original itinerary. I'm working on a deeper understanding of the phrase "peace and quiet". <br />
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The new one is adorable, and while technically a "lazy sucker" is gaining weight and I had the joy of being present at his baptism yesterday. This was followed by a gathering at my sister and her husband's house with extended family. I hadn't seen my aunts, uncles, and cousins in 18 months, so I felt the reunion was just as much for me as for the newest member of our family. <br />
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One story I must share involves the adorable daughters of my cousin. After ordering girl scout cookies from the eldest, I showed her my local money. She asked me about the writing and pictures. As the currency shows our esteemed king, her mom shared, "They have a king and queen. What does our country have that they don't have?" She answered without skipping a beat, "freedom!" We all laughed, of course, but given recent events in Lebanon, Tunisia, and now most intensely in Egypt, the concept of freedom is on the forefront of my mind. I'm so thankful I was raised in a family that taught me Christian values, and also gave me the choice to embrace my faith as my own. I'm also thankful my adopted country does allow many freedoms nearby countries do not.<br />
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I'm missing my beautiful children, and my amazing husband, but relishing in the fact I have nothing to do but enjoy time with family and gaze at the snow. Thankful..... ~ Um Tulip</div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-9498106308654291322011-01-08T17:43:00.000+02:002011-01-08T17:43:56.686+02:00Dry SpellHaven't blogged in about six months. Kinzi tells me to get back at it, and I should. Even if nobody else reads, I know it is good for me to write. For those of you who don't know me in real life, we lost my father-in-law to a tragic tractor accident on the summer solstice. The days got shorter and shorter until Dec. 21. Now the days are getting longer, the sun is shining longer (although we're finally getting much-needed rain) and I'm hoping a new year will bring new hope.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHTioutp-Gu0V-Ofa7YaelfVG74di2oOss8RT6ZUKix2Vm4sq56Uiy9hJrSxPZ3BWOzsmbE42j5NdjcJ8I7XhfV7xRiup6iacKlbPSaixshrcY8ZXB3miPn8faFZCm_xDL9cfJ7x9NccK/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHTioutp-Gu0V-Ofa7YaelfVG74di2oOss8RT6ZUKix2Vm4sq56Uiy9hJrSxPZ3BWOzsmbE42j5NdjcJ8I7XhfV7xRiup6iacKlbPSaixshrcY8ZXB3miPn8faFZCm_xDL9cfJ7x9NccK/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljU_fT7x6fsDN0fmYjiUe4gPfAfTWzo3C0f31f4faDtEh2sXyohjIJWjqJTMP3zB9m1LDupbqqilH2c5twluruQBqG_kHmZUhPTpfuXZ2-aADiAApCkvwS-UadxRws0QqOBgIsmEiQKaD/s1600/IMG_3518+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljU_fT7x6fsDN0fmYjiUe4gPfAfTWzo3C0f31f4faDtEh2sXyohjIJWjqJTMP3zB9m1LDupbqqilH2c5twluruQBqG_kHmZUhPTpfuXZ2-aADiAApCkvwS-UadxRws0QqOBgIsmEiQKaD/s320/IMG_3518+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a>On a previous post I wrote about the garden we hoped to grow this summer. After our emergency trip back to America, this is what became of our garden. August passed by with squelching heat, and we couldn't get our apartment below 34 degrees Celsius for several weeks. That's hot! We spent a lot of days at the pool, teaching the Tulip kids to swim - or teaching our youngest not to jump in the pool without mommy or daddy there to catch him!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>School started and we dove into teaching and learning. I'm teaching creative writing to grades 1-6, and despite the headaches, I love my job. I get to teach Oliver, which is great. I'm so proud of his accomplishments in Arabic, as he takes Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, and music, etc. all in Arabic and is doing a great job. I'll have to post about work later.<br />
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Teddy Bear is translating for the other foreigners in his KG class, which makes me so happy. He loves school and all things spongebob and pirate. Linus has a new name. He'll be two next month, and his favorite object in his whole world is - you guessed it - his blankie. Just wish I had been smart enough to buy two of the thing back when they were in the store. He speaks mostly in Arabic, which is darling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8tGRlYP_58w3DwnpuhqQURk5gSTI0RDLWQljI0Kvba80PgV4jKv-UkpKnuUR1p66_ycr25ypNLLS97Lnyglw0qh2NKKqWsUXnJ81vtBFJ6bHoKm8vBmkpYEoFL_sI-5W4PvDoNjHNFcY/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8tGRlYP_58w3DwnpuhqQURk5gSTI0RDLWQljI0Kvba80PgV4jKv-UkpKnuUR1p66_ycr25ypNLLS97Lnyglw0qh2NKKqWsUXnJ81vtBFJ6bHoKm8vBmkpYEoFL_sI-5W4PvDoNjHNFcY/s320/IMG_4191.JPG" width="320" /></a>We also moved this fall. Our landlord had his old place open up, which is twice the size of our little 2 bedroom apartment. For the first time ever, I had a home big enough to host Christmas dinner. Yes, that's two turkeys in my sink.<br />
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Painting the pink ceilings (and pink and purple walls) has been a challenge, but having the space to play is such a joy. I knew we made the right decision one day after all these things took place simultaneously.<br />
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1) Oliver was in his bedroom working at his desk with his tutor on his Arabic work.<br />
2) Linus was taking a nap in peace and quiet.<br />
3) Teddy Bear was playing with toys in the living room.<br />
4) Abu Tulip was working in his office.<br />
5) I was cooking in my kitchen.<br />
6) My helper who comes a few times a week and keeps me sane was cleaning in the kitchen.<br />
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We all had SPACE to do what needed to be done. <br />
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Most of November and December was busy with Christmas preparations with Dozan wa Awtar. Abu Tulip and I both sang this past season, and all the rehearsals were well worth the reward of performing with the most amazing community of singers I have every met. It deserves its own post, soon.<br />
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Next week my mother-in-law and brother-in-law come to visit. MIL is going to stay for two months and she will also have her own bedroom. I'm so glad she's coming and the kids are going bonkers making plans for their arrival. (Not going to mention the confetti or other plans just in case she reads my post.)<br />
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So here is my re-entry into blogging. Let's see if I can keep it up. Let's see if the rain keeps pouring, quenching the dry and weary land - the physical landscape where we live and my soul that is sore with grief and ready for relief. ~ Um Tulip<br />
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<div style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b><a class="PassageTitle" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/63-1.html">Psalm 63:1 </a></b></i></div><div class="VerseText" style="color: #f1c232;"><i><b>O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.</b></i></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-74338041282609066802010-08-05T21:22:00.000+03:002010-08-05T21:22:31.613+03:00An evening you don't want to miss!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk-graFXnhUH2olBKOKCih9QeKRVrDBXusqKtHDQIM_TXWWlkF_Tk-CvdSJMrFmWiJHQrehJGEJrOpdfc_rM5Gs2BC9biPqWNU1Bnrw_YLSTV-Ny1pL8BP7bdXvUKfb1hXBCNf5lwlWX4/s1600/ramadan+quiz+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk-graFXnhUH2olBKOKCih9QeKRVrDBXusqKtHDQIM_TXWWlkF_Tk-CvdSJMrFmWiJHQrehJGEJrOpdfc_rM5Gs2BC9biPqWNU1Bnrw_YLSTV-Ny1pL8BP7bdXvUKfb1hXBCNf5lwlWX4/s640/ramadan+quiz+night.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-20599120759449486412010-06-13T09:17:00.000+03:002010-06-13T09:17:35.734+03:00Musica SacraThe choir I sing with, Dozan wa Awtar, recently got back from Germany performing at the Musica Sacra Festival. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lxeqRd5wB8&NR=1">here </a>to listen to a performance. I especially like this piece. It's actually a collaboration of several themes, including a Byzantine communion hymn, a Sufi melody, and an Islamic song that's newish (rather than ancient, the original is sort of a pop song style / new age style / hard to explain). In between the Sufi melody at the end, choir members are singing various songs that are important to them, including monastic chants. It certainly reflects the color and beauty of the culture here. In a few days we have a Dozan get together where I'll get to hear stories from those who went on the trip. Looking forward to it! <br />
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~ Um Tulipabu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-85135569304657965062010-06-05T08:49:00.000+03:002010-06-05T08:49:35.344+03:00Min Zamaan (been a long time)Yes, it's been over two months since posting. Lots of excuses, like wondering if anybody actually reads what I write. I suppose I write for myself more than anything, though. This morning is my first day off from school. Exams are done, and we're planning for next year. I'm really excited about teaching next year. We're implementing the PYP (International Baccalaureate) standards for the elementary school. I get to focus on creative writing. So school has been busy, but fulfilling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1_kiQTpKjO0JZdicWq6C0QVP9JCuhE5r3hyiwu-Rhd_bQTMeajt9FleMvAYK5cMsw3AcQqzjs12CNgg1ffGVsmad-Q143tu4FFnjP6wukmN99HZVPFGBSsbtNECEKyzjU7NDRnREUWw/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1_kiQTpKjO0JZdicWq6C0QVP9JCuhE5r3hyiwu-Rhd_bQTMeajt9FleMvAYK5cMsw3AcQqzjs12CNgg1ffGVsmad-Q143tu4FFnjP6wukmN99HZVPFGBSsbtNECEKyzjU7NDRnREUWw/s200/IMG_3335.JPG" width="200" /></a>What else has happen in the past two months? Well, my choir put together another amazing show. This time, they traveled to Germany for the Musica Sacra festival. Follow this <a href="http://www.heiseheise.com/1653/musica-sacra-official-pictures">link </a>to read. Performing religious music (both Christian and Muslim) I know they wowed the audiences there and had a blast. This picture shows "qanuun" used to accompany a few pieces. I missed going, but chose to focus on my family this month, as there have been some big events. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEyMB9z6KZ2Eawor3hry5fpfMcqjsUpJ6QVLSvi8-PE7YGPwZ6B865fLoHm8sIbwRHWCpDWvD2HCmYsAicV9Jme_clF3tuuGxH325ukljwjF3_NpYXW3o2GEvEhYP3vm6gUG4XxABrhBY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEyMB9z6KZ2Eawor3hry5fpfMcqjsUpJ6QVLSvi8-PE7YGPwZ6B865fLoHm8sIbwRHWCpDWvD2HCmYsAicV9Jme_clF3tuuGxH325ukljwjF3_NpYXW3o2GEvEhYP3vm6gUG4XxABrhBY/s200/Copy+of+IMG_3354.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6mCJTUpof9ArW5LTVBNDqLEKKmrL12deZaiRfmDNMfGdMk4xuYF4ZMr2F-Zj2JOel7qlS4vwvWzfFzRQ5QEnKiazmrZCiLGUscvUUT_KUJjtDTPLXpjBpXaLctwZxE6PR0CjGIXAJN8Z/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6mCJTUpof9ArW5LTVBNDqLEKKmrL12deZaiRfmDNMfGdMk4xuYF4ZMr2F-Zj2JOel7qlS4vwvWzfFzRQ5QEnKiazmrZCiLGUscvUUT_KUJjtDTPLXpjBpXaLctwZxE6PR0CjGIXAJN8Z/s200/IMG_3371.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li>Abu Tulip and I celebrated 10 years of marriage together. 10 years! It's sad so many don't make it to this milestone, and I'm so blessed to be married to my best friend. We're taking the family for Switzerland for 10 days at the end of the month to celebrate and take a little time out for refreshment. </li>
<li>Oliver turned 7 years old. His party was batman themed, hence the cupcakes. He is such a joy. The other day he said to Abu Tulip, "Dad, you were wrong, there is something that drinks but doesn't pee. Plants!" This kid is thinking and observing all the time. He's done a great job on his first grade "exams". No, I did not have him study, unlike his classmates, but he has learned a lot and is speaking and reading Arabic. </li>
<li>Teddy Bear graduated from pre-school. He'll go to KG1 in the fall. He has a great little best friend from nursery that will join him at the kindergarten. He sings in Arabic and English, and recently was jumping on my bed singing a song from my choir. (He is Mr. Sun in the picture)</li>
<li>Baby Bulb is no longer a baby. I need to find a new name. Ideas, anyone? He is a climber, and has a vocabulary of about 8 words. Mommy, no, la (no), anineh (bottle), hatti (give me), daddy, baby, daw (light). </li>
</ul>I'm looking forward to taking the kids to the pool this summer (nearly six years here and we finally spent the money on a membership), watching our plants grow (we'll see if any vegetables make it this year), and a visit from Abu Tulip's parents in July. Here are some pics from our garden, beans, radishes, and snails.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAMb9Zzrs8s-8qBjwFQIeseCCzy0urKSW99avf8SxER_x_gHcv-Y-9x4n_s3F9ka2yKdbMjpOmfepZkNcsAWY9Ys_PqPN4wfl3bSaF7Fpmo2uXLE_rdCZuhSxG14vMDM6ZwlxHr5JAKcs/s1600/IMG_3409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAMb9Zzrs8s-8qBjwFQIeseCCzy0urKSW99avf8SxER_x_gHcv-Y-9x4n_s3F9ka2yKdbMjpOmfepZkNcsAWY9Ys_PqPN4wfl3bSaF7Fpmo2uXLE_rdCZuhSxG14vMDM6ZwlxHr5JAKcs/s200/IMG_3409.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhnf9CDDjMLUuhuAgmstf-e9q9kEXhD9OIQQcYxbLY6KHbHF57-G6vvC4lkBMsKsAfyBb_ylWNoxs2h4i4vJtZY3D2DZ402raCgBHXDptyMKlBgxeLRkuf7SGAW4PedNhyphenhyphenIWiFlprfVYP/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhnf9CDDjMLUuhuAgmstf-e9q9kEXhD9OIQQcYxbLY6KHbHF57-G6vvC4lkBMsKsAfyBb_ylWNoxs2h4i4vJtZY3D2DZ402raCgBHXDptyMKlBgxeLRkuf7SGAW4PedNhyphenhyphenIWiFlprfVYP/s200/IMG_3411.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5eRZC9LDA5_LjvL7Y6lIByxVT1l63kRmX29JMcnKc2osEnJ2PgZ0ce2MjQ9_18bDAnPcg8ib1ytiuw5-hbpSsXrhNmH3ExH1rnlN7uP34KFwx9Iz1BZlMq4HYvRbFAlJDbK2tqhWse8L/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5eRZC9LDA5_LjvL7Y6lIByxVT1l63kRmX29JMcnKc2osEnJ2PgZ0ce2MjQ9_18bDAnPcg8ib1ytiuw5-hbpSsXrhNmH3ExH1rnlN7uP34KFwx9Iz1BZlMq4HYvRbFAlJDbK2tqhWse8L/s200/IMG_3422.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Oh, Oliver also finished his first season of T-ball. Yes, it was only T-ball, but watching him play reminds me that my kids are going to grow up. Watching the high schoolers play on the field next to us was a reality check for me. Those boys are all taller than me, and my boys will be taller than me some day. One Friday morning we watched a few from the team get out of a taxi and go to their game. In perfect Arabic, they thanked the driver and headed out to the field. I learned that they had just come from running in a race down at the Dead Sea. Responsible, capable, and thriving (not just surviving) in a bilingual, multicultural world. Yes, this is what I hope for my children. Lord, give me strength to raise my boys in wisdom and maturity!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL22pF5O-xFfhyE-fohJu9YeRciiRc3HkrBSD_eBISg4tbk9J72YkQF-IzbKL1NiVMx_hsvLacANiDLlXR2iOcXvwtwnpnDwfwAlq4BKmIDs06tGC6mQfmMLPpKd-1QzUcqOPCuBE0dMH/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL22pF5O-xFfhyE-fohJu9YeRciiRc3HkrBSD_eBISg4tbk9J72YkQF-IzbKL1NiVMx_hsvLacANiDLlXR2iOcXvwtwnpnDwfwAlq4BKmIDs06tGC6mQfmMLPpKd-1QzUcqOPCuBE0dMH/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" /></a></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-77571349137164474522010-04-12T17:21:00.000+03:002010-04-12T17:21:17.534+03:00Easter Concert sold out!Been a busy with well, life. Last week was the culmination of many rehearsals and we put on a great show! Both the Wednesday and Thursday night concerts were sold out. If you read Arabic, follow this <a href="http://www.alghad.com/index.php?news=496988&searchFor=">link</a>, as a local paper wrote about our performance. The Faure Requiem was outstanding. At times, it was hard not to just close my eyes and listen to the blending of our voices along with the symphony. Our director flawlessly gave us everything we needed to perform with beauty and grace. <br />
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During intermission I was talking with a fellow choir member. This is her first season with Dozan and she commented, "this is so exhilarating!' Really, we don't tire of performing. Our voices came together for what may have been our best concert yet. I appreciate this diverse group of friends so much. Thanks, Dozan, for a great spring break. Thanks, Abu Tulip, for your support as I've skipped off to rehearsal and performances so many nights in a row. Thanks, Lord, for giving us voices and instruments to create sound that gives you glory. <br />
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~ Um Tulipabu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-36520210943134587372010-03-29T18:19:00.000+03:002010-03-29T18:19:04.602+03:00Easter Concerts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixCiiihpcBePGAJBw2xUPqgjz0P7VSeHfuNE84187HB2LYjIQeLfKl3OZ6mzCFFAQKt4axbygFfkFdRadGH5M0qTeDtDBZ-MHzjGvZxUe3BlekoAvqeDHvCWqC8-Q1l9WSRg5bvdxM9Al/s1600/Voices+in+Jordan+Museum+Flyer+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixCiiihpcBePGAJBw2xUPqgjz0P7VSeHfuNE84187HB2LYjIQeLfKl3OZ6mzCFFAQKt4axbygFfkFdRadGH5M0qTeDtDBZ-MHzjGvZxUe3BlekoAvqeDHvCWqC8-Q1l9WSRg5bvdxM9Al/s640/Voices+in+Jordan+Museum+Flyer+%283%29.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>abu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-25055150469529512222010-03-20T20:44:00.000+02:002010-03-20T20:44:31.615+02:00Language advice you may or may not want to tryAbu Tulip has been reading a book, <i>How Languages are Learned</i> by Patsy M. Lightbown and Nina Spada. This passage caught his eye, especially considering how difficult some of the sounds of Arabic are for speakers of Western languages.<br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Another aspect of personality that has been studied is inhibition. It has been suggested that inhibition discourages risk-taking, which is necessary for progress in language learning. This is often considered to be a particular problem for adolescents, who are more self-conscious that younger learners. In a series of studies, Alexander Guiora and his colleagues (1972) found support for the claim that inhibition is a negative force, at least for second language pronunciation performance. One study involved an analysis of the effects of small doses of alcohol, known for its ability to reduce inhibition, on pronunciation. Study participants who drank small amounts of alcohol did better on pronunciation tests than those who did not drink any. While results such as these are interesting, they may have more to do with performance than with learning. We may also note, in passing, that when larger doses of alcohol were administered, pronunciation rapidly deteriorated!"</i></div> <br />
(page 61) <br />
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I can think of a few people who probably would have been willing to participate in that study and contribute to scientific knowledge. ~Abu Tulipabu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5970074456096065340.post-41995688651760955402010-03-12T19:48:00.000+02:002010-03-12T19:48:34.818+02:00Blog about Jordan dayWe've lived here in the Middle East for over five years. It's hard to imagine being anywhere else. I often don't really think about the fact that I'm a foreigner - a guest in the country. I've learned the language (to an extent), love the food, and two of my children were born here. Our oldest is in a local, private school where Arabic is the primary language. It's adorable to watch him practice for his upcoming assembly, sharing "ana ilmalfuuf" (I am the cabbage), a presentation on vegetables.<br />
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When I meet new people, they often ask, "where is home?" I usually answer, "home is here". This is my home. Of course I miss family and friends who are back in the states, and there are certainly days I yearn for certain characteristics of my passport culture, but I'm proud to say we really have made our life here.<br />
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I realized my friends understood this during a recent choir rehearsal. The choir I sing with is an eclectic mix of locals and foreigners. We've been learning some Arabic folkloric music, and it is just fascinating. At one point, the director asked for the Arabs to sing a section once through, and then for the others to sing once through. This was for her to listen to us sing and check to make sure we were getting the pronunciation and nuances of Arabic music. Quarter tones are amazing, but a challenge for us Western singers. An Arab friend turned to me and asked, "inti ma3na 'aw mahum?" (are with you us or them?) . I smiled. Both? She had given me the ultimate compliment.<br />
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So, thank you Jordan, for accepting me into your country. Your friendship, hospitality, food, music, and grace are in abundance. <br />
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~ Um Tulipabu 'n um tuliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866099268048300322noreply@blogger.com5