What veils can hide

I picked up A Thousand Splendid Suns from the library Wednesday at 2pm. I started reading at approx. 4pm. I closed the book, completely finished, at 11pm. Obviously I could not put it down.

As with Kite Runner, Hosseini weaves a tale enticing the reader into a mysterious world that many only know by news reports. Afghanistan is a country where terror reigns. But under this dismal umbrella of barbaric rule, men and women live desiring love, laughter, friendship, and basic necessities of life.

This is a tale of two women, a generation apart, who are married to the same abusive husband. Their tale of survival, wit, and hope has weaved itself into my mind, replaying over and over. This book was an ugly reminder that the world is broken, but there will always be hope.

When you pick this book up, be mindful that you will be busy for hours. Therefore allow no distractions.

Seven Stuffed Dwarves and white garland

Dad was in charge of lights and garland. White garland. This stuff gently laid upon the boughs, giving the illusion of a winter wonderland. That garland lasted for years and years and still may reside at my parent's abode. Along with the garland, were the seven stuffed clothe dwarves that my mother had sewn. We hung these on the bottom boughs so that we could lay under the tree and play with them. The added bonus was when our cat would attack, knock one off the tree, and we would have to find the missing dwarf. Unfortunately, only one dwarf has survived and resides on the bottom of my tree.

"Let me help!"

Perched upon a worn, brown leather barstool I would watch. With legs swinging to and fro and the plea of "let me help" on my lips, I would sit mesmerized by the taffy. For years, days prior to Christmas, Nanny and Aunt Susie would spend hours pulling taffy. The white gooey concoction was a testament to precision of ingredients and endurance of the maker. Every once in a while I would get a chunk to pull, but seconds into the situation it would turn to a garbled lump of sugar and alum.



Fast forward to last year. I decided to recreate this tradition at my house. Donned in Starbucks aprons, Lisa To and I stood side by side trying to figure out the secret. To make a hilarious long story short, we never got taffy--just a ziplock bag full of alum and sugar.



So, this Christmas memory has a distinct aura of mystery. Kudos to Nanny and Aunt Susie for figuring out the secret taffy code. It does have a mind of its own.



Then as a side note, as I was reading "The Dangerous Book for Boys" I realized Alum has many uses: tanning hides, making batteries, dying clothes, just to name a few. I cannot help but wonder how on earth such an agent ended up in taffy!

"Man your stations!"

I realize I am a bit behind in my 12 days of memories. So I may have to double up a few days!

However, day two involves hours in the kitchen. Around the holidays, baking was huge for our family. My mother, in her motherly way, designated three work stations--one for each child. Ironically, these stations were etched in stone for years and years. The stations and inhabitants were:

1. Amanda: The counter bend beside the stove

2. Jennie: The island

3. Stephen: The cabinet beside the microwave

Each time mom declared war on baking, we donned our aprons (which hung on the pantry door), and manned our station. Not only were the stations designated, each station had a specialty item. Every once in a while, more than one station would work on a project but rarely. Specialties were:

1: Sugar Cookies

2. Peanut Butter Cookies

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Obviously, we kneaded, folded, mixed, and created many more baked goods beyond cookies, but I vividly remember the cookie days.

The beginning of my love for kitchen gadgets

One of my earliest childhood Christmas memories pertains to a three piece Rainbow Brite kitchen set. I remember the packages being HUGE to my 2.5 foot height. Oh the glee when I yanked the paper away to reveal my very own kitchen! I had a fridge, stove/oven, and sink! I vividly remember the feel of opening the oven door and the screech it made as it opened. Yes, I lived in the days when metal was used for toys. Ironically we did not kill ourselves, but it seems a new generation must be bubble wrapped. Oops...soapbox. Anywho. I received that gem of a present in Moundsville, WV and remember having it in Kentucky--many moves later. I think it finally rusted apart, plus I came to the age where I could play with the real kitchen gadgets.

I am sure my mom has archived pictures of this memory, but they are not in my reach. Therefore I googled Rainbow Brite kitchen set and found this site: http://www.80stoysale.com/rainbow3.html. I could not save the pictures, but if you scroll down you can see the kitchen set that let me inner chef take flight.

So that is how it happened!

The Elyon Series has been a pleasant surprise into my reading repetoire. I randomly ran across the first one and was instantly hooked. This series has the typical good vs. evil, but the auther portrays the storyline as the small piece to a bigger picture. There are some fantastic, thought provoking quotes woven throughout.

So, having read the previous three, I was elated to see another one was out. Into the Mist delves into the past of the Warvold brothers and how their story elapses with current events. It is a great read with many to come.

Home to Holly Springs

I picked this book up with mixed emotions. The Mitford series is truly one of my favorite series, but Home to Holly Springs was to be set outside of the cozy town I have come to love. It was a good read, however the first book is not endeared to me. At times I felt all over the place trying to follow the story line. It was the typical going-home-to-your-roots-find-friends novel. Plus I am a bit perplexed how this story will further develop into the "Father Tim" series.

Back in the saddle

Thanks to my husband for picking books by their cover, I have been sucked into an Australian book series, The Rangers Apprentice. Also, I thank Australia for not being pathetically slow in distribution like the United States. Nonetheless, Book 7 has been thoroughly read and enjoyed. The book's storyline falls between books four and five. It was well written in that he sucked me in, making me forget that I already knew the outcome to many of the storylines. So, I now sit in anticipation of Book 8, coming in November 2008.

Twelve Days of Memories

The sights and sounds of the season are upon us. I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year. Being away from family during the season, it makes me rely on the memories. Therefore, being inspired by a friend counting down to the celebration of turning 50, this month will be a month speckled with the Twelve Days of Memories. May you laugh and be cozy as I pluck my memory for those Christmases long ago...

The depiction of my life

I do not know how it happened, but at some point last night during community group we scrounged for the few, meager childhood photos that Zach and I possess. Upon being found, there were many laughs about Zach's curly hair, my out of control hair, as well as the few that showed my hair long. It was funny. However, in the stack, I found this one. The picture was taken in Moundsville, WVa, in front of our house. I remember this hill very well. To me, it was a mighty mountain full of adventure, fear, and excitement.

However, as I gazed upon this momento of my younger days, I realized this was the epitamy of my life--both hands on the handlebar, full speed ahead, and enjoy the ride. This Thanksgiving, as always, my senses are heightened to the blessing of my life. I have had one heck of a journey thus far, and I am thankful for the thousands of individuals who have watched me squeal past them on two of my three wheels! To my fellow Big Wheel riders--ride on!

You might be a Redneck Cruiser if:

You ask the cruise director for a fishing pole.

The whole family boards the ship with truck inner tubes over their shoulder cuz they heard there’s a pool on board.

The charcoal grills are smokin’ in the parking lot as people tail-gate before boarding the ship.

Your wife wins the "Hairy Legs" contest!

You save the shrimp for bait.

You belch after your meal, because you want them to know you appreciate the vittles.

You take out your pocket knife at dinner to cut up your steak.

You ask the waiter on Lido deck for an extra cup to spit your tobacco in.

Your family reunion has multiple cabins booked.....and every cabin has a Jim-Billy-Joe-Bob in it.

The family sits down for dinner and promptly tuck their napkins into their shirts or tie them around their necks.

You don't recognize anything on the menu so you ask your waiter for either squirrel or possum.

You go to the muster(d) drill looking for hotdogs.

Your good lugage is a styrofoam cooler with duck tape on it.

You steal the toilet paper out of the bathroom before you debark.

Nobody had to give you the "duct tape" tip.... you already had it packed.

Security tells you you cannot bring either your pole, tackle box, or bass boat on board. (or wire pliers!!!)

You think free range chicken means you get an oven with your chicken.

You think midnight buffet is Jimmy Buffet's daughter.

You only put your teeth in for formal night.

The bartender asks if you have an ID, you say "bout what?"

You clean your fingernails with that little fork all the way on the left of the plate.

You complain at the desk that someone keeps breaking into your room and making up your bed.

The waiter pulls your wife’s chair out so she can sit down at the dinner table you think he’s trying to pull the chair out from under her so you punch him.

You scream the first time you flush the cabin’s toilet thinking something has grabbed hold of your butt.

At the Captain’s reception you ask him if he knows The Skipper.

You're disappointed the dance club doesn't have a mechanical bull.

While on an excursion, you complain that the place is "crawlin' with foreigners!"

If taking your wife on cruise means circling the Dairy Queen.

The cruise ship looses both of your custom "Hefty Bag" suitcases and you have to go the whole cruise with only one NASCAR hat.

You get into an arguement with the purser because they won't take your Sams Club card as a deposit on your Sail-n-Sign account.

You make it a point to show your wife how poor the people in foriegn countries are because none of them have any cars sitting on blocks in their yards.

You have to have two different dining times on formal night because the "Family Suit" fits more than one person. (And after the cruise you have to return it to the Funeral home)

You try to get the gold ship on a stick appraised.

The full moon seen on deck is from you bending over to pick up another beer out of your cooler.

You go to the funnel deck hoping to find all you can eat funnel cakes.

You have to paint Crescents on the Indoor Plumbing doors so your kin can find them.

Your waiter asks for your order (in his/her accent) and you say "Yew aint from 'round here, are ya?"

You get kicked out of the pool for trying to light the bubbles with your bic.

You see absolutely nothing wrong with grabbing your steward by the head and giving him "noogies" when you run into him in the hall.

You ask the camp carnival counslers to play the tapes you brought to keep the youngins quiet. (Green acres and dukes of hazzard episodes.)

You go to the jogging track and complain that the turns are not banked.

You ask the captain if he could fly the checkered flag just a little.

You bring duct tape AND Bondo, jes in case the ship hits an iceburg.

You decorate your hat all over with the drink umbrellas then strut around proudly like yer the first redneck who ever thunk of it.

You know you’re on a redneck cruise when lobster night is replaced with beanie-wienies.

Christmas in the Caribbean!

A few months ago, my parents announced to the family that in lieu of wrapped boxes this year for Christmas we would be sailing one of the seven seas on a Carnival Cruise ship. It was such a hardship, I must admit to pack bikinis, tank tops, and flops while the wind blustered around our Portland abode.

It was seven days of sheer bliss! We made port in Key West, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. We pillaged and plundered all! Our biggest decisions were "at what point could we get ice cream--before or after the waterslide?", "one or two entrees for dinner?", "what time should we get pizza?", and "does ice cream count as breakfast?" Obviously a rough life.

Thanks to my parents for a week filled with love, laughter, and great scenery!

Beyond Hogwarts

I read The Alchemist in one day. Do not drop your jaw--I was on airplanes all day back to Portland. However, it says something to keep me immersed for that long! This was a fast read, but had a great story line. I went into the book thinking this may be tied to Harry Potter, but alas, not to be. However I learned that a real Nicholas Flamel really existed and this book is based (loosely) on events from his life. I am looking forward to book two.

All begins with I

Ironically, her locations start with I and the story is about the journey to find herself. The author spends a year immersing herself in the cultures that would best teach her about food (Italy), love (Indonesia), and balance (India). This was a whimsical read, with some great quotable lines. However, I started to get a bit mixed up in her take on religion. Honestly, since I was so confused trying to read it, I cannot imagine trying to keep it straight in my head.

Nonetheless, it makes me want to roam the world and find those little spots where few tred.

Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title! -Scooby Doo

Happy Halloween! The day of costumes, chocolate, laughs, ghouls and freaky things has dawned a glorious fall day in the Pacific Northwest. My Halloween eve will be spent alongside my friends, Robert and Carol, fending the bajillion creatures converging on their porch seeking their sweet treasure. I am so excited! I love holidays, and to me, Halloween is the appetizer to the great things to come!

The pictures today are from our Halloween party this past Saturday. A great time was had by all! There is something to putting on a mask and become something totally opposite than what you really are. Though, deep down Zach truly is a Jedi in his own way. On the other hand, Melissa told me I am quite dismal trying to be "slutty". I will take that as a compliment!

The world lost a beautiful woman

Last Thursday I received the call no grandchild wants to hear--my Nanny had died. The world lost a beautiful woman who loved Jesus and loved people.

The trek to the Frazier farm was a breath of fresh air to a weary heart. Laughter filled the home, fond memories were shared, I ate more casserole in two days than in the past two years, and I got my need-to-ride-a-tractor fix. However, the finality that no more letters will be written, no more tea parties, and no more quilting advice can be sought is hard to comprehend.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Sunday was an absolute gorgeous fall day for Portland. Therefore, the Bankers had to embark on a grand adventure. Along with our pals, Mike and Melissa, we pillaged and plundered Sauvie Island's Pumpkin Patch. After much debate, laughter, and scrutinization of the orange gourds, we emerged the proud owners of pumpkins. Zach's has a butt! Great fun was had by all!

That was the end?!

The first two enraptured me. The third had me trudging along, hoping the next time I turned the page it would be done. However, halfway through it picked up, then absolutely infuriated me when the last page did appear. It was quite the rollercoaster of emotions, and I will admit that I do not like the ending. However, I am curious to see what others would interpret. Rod--I think you need to get on this so we can discuss. :)

Rain, Rain Go Away! Don't bother coming another day!

I do enjoy fall. But I cannot help but wonder what the heck happened to summer this year?! We have started the dismal gray, and I am not handling it the best this year. I really am kicking and screaming my way into this season. Hopefully we will have a flukey 80 degree December! Yum!

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is a story weaved from the memories of a 93 year old man. As he experiences the neglect of family, cranky nurses, and old people shenanigans, he sustains who he has become with the memories of his past. The tale grasped me for its easy meandering story line and the insight to circus life of years past. It was hard to put down, and also gives you some things to chew on afterwards.

Dentist Day!

I started my day by seeing my local dentist! It was a morning of XRays, mint cleaner, the scritch of that weird utensil disposing of all yuckiness, and cool TVs on the ceiling so I could view The Incredibles as I got cleaned. I got a bill of health and many praises for my beautiful chompers...and astonishment that I had not been in two years! I am thankful for good teeth.

I decided to go since 30 days from today I will "bon voyage" from Ft. Lauderdale with my family and friends for a week of bliss. Therefore, I wanted to have pearly whites for the bajillion family photos I know we will be taking!

The journey continues...

Yesterday evening I picked up this little treasure. I have read the previous five Spiderwick books, so it was a treat to embark on a familiar adventure with a twist. These are short reads, so something to pick up when you do not want extreme depth but a good, funny story to fill your time.

Into the Wild

There is nothing like a good book. So, taking the idea off my friend, Rod, I tend to post thoughts and reactions to books I have finished here.

Last night, snuggled in a super hot bath, I finished Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. This is the second book I have read of his penning, and I must admit Into Thin Air was by far better. Into the Wild delves into the death of Chris McCandless, the wealthy kid that gave away everything, puttered around the United States and finally starved to death in the Alaskan wilderness. Due to the sporadic nature of his life, the author did not have much to rely upon. So Krakauer brings in similiar stories of "leave it all and live free", plus a personal story of being alone. Personally, the story about the man who went to live off the Alaskan land for a summer, forgot to schedule a bush plane to retrieve him, therefore resulting in his death, made Zach and I laugh hard.

FYI: This is being made into a movie, therefore they have released the book with another cover.

Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives." -A. Sachs

This past Sunday the world said goodbye one unique woman. Ms. Green was one of kind, stubborn, kind of cranky, but had a funny smile and a good hand to hold. I came to know Ms. Green through her move into the Portland Green household. She came a bit tattered and tired, but had some great stories. One of my favorite memories is spending the evening coloring Easter eggs. Ms. Green was one not to join headfirst into activities, however that evening the Rembrandt in her came out. In the attached picture we are laughing at the egg I designed to imitate her.

The loss of this dear friend is a reminder that life is fleeting and the memories left are what keep the living going. Makes me wonder what memories people have of me.

"Go Home"

After two and a half frustrating days in San Francisco, I heard my boss say the words, "Go Home." From the beginning I had the inkling that this residential show would be tough. There was no pre planning, many things were thrown together at the last minute, plus they sent a girl that does nothing with residential to man the booth. The entire time I felt as though I was selling air, and obviously people were not biting because air is free. Therefore, it was such a relief that my boss came down for a speaking opp and saw the dismal appearance. It was so bad that our marketing guy told me to abandon the booth. It was foam board and they could recycle it. So after much hustling and finangling, I was on the 8:05pm Alaskan flight out of there. It was such a welcome treat.

Nonetheless, I cannot say that all San Francisco was bad. I did get to enjoy a good dinner at the Tadich Grill--a restaurant full of history and laughter. I highly recommend the clam chowder if you ever have the chance to dine there.

Catching up

After a month or so of writing sabbatical, I have returned to the world of blogging. To say life has been smooth would be an oxymoron. The past month has been an absolute worldwind.

Upon Zach's return to the United States, we were met with the news that the Buick had been totaled. After much discussion and visiting many car lots, we purchased a 2000 Honda CRV. It is my dream car, and Zach has become quite smitten with it as well.

School has started for Zach. He is settling into his internship at Mosaic, as well as the normal busy work for the regular classes.

Work continues to be a learning yet fun experience for me. As I type this I am sitting in San Francisco watching Star Trek IV. I highly recommend this classic. Though it is a bit weird to see the city on screen and out my hotel window.

The biggest change for the Bankers has been the move to a new house. We decided it was time for a change of scenery...well, I got antsy to move and Zach said it was ok. We found an awesome townhouse approx. three miles from where we have been the last two years. The landlord is fantastic and the townhouse has a bit more of a homey feel to it. The kitchen is my favorite part--I have a pantry for the first time! Our big move was this past Saturday. As of last night, all but three boxes are put away. Smokes has gotten use to the place, and has taken a fancy to the stairs. She loves to carry her mouse up the stairs for us to throw back down, with her leaping behind. Ah, the small things in life.

A Smidge of Long Beach, A Smudge of China

Greetings from Long Beach and China! I have spent the evening strolling along the beach, reading, and dining on a scrumptous veggie burger. I have spent the last four days mingling among Executive Officers for Home Building Associations across the United States. I truly feel I have one of the coolest jobs available--I get to hang out with some of the funniest, down to earth people in the workforce. Construction people are always ones to know the essence of good times. Unfortunately, I do not have the cord to download the amazing photos I have taken. 

A definite highlight of this trip was a suprise room service delivery Tuesday night. Earlier Tuesday, upon trying to connect to the internet I encountered issues. I called the front desk inquiring as to how to connect. I had a few good laughs with Erin, the front desk worker, about my ineptness and dyfunction with electronics. A couple hours later I received a room service delivery (for the first time in my life!) of milk and cookies. I was on the way out the door to work out--now with a spring in my step and purpose to run those two miles. When I finished sweating, I swung by the front desk to inquire about the mysterious delivery. Erin informed me that she had received a string of calls that were beligerent in nature, and when I called and was nice, it made her night. So she wanted to do something special for me. I responded that she had made my day because I had NEVER received room service before. 

After dunking cookies in milk, my phone rang. Zach is alive and well. His time is China is coming to a close. Friday night the team will board an overnight train bound for Beijing, for a few days of sight seeing before the trek home. He is ready to return, though has loved his time in China. The one dismal spot has been the campus food. I quote Zach in saying "they cook the life out of everything!" He told me that one team mate had oreos for breakfast, oreos for lunch, and oreos and peanut butter for supper. I personally speculate that he put the situation into third person while telling his dietary habits. 

The two posted pictures are of him teaching in China. I chuckle at the first one because that is my family on the screen. I can only imagine the stories he told. I have a feeling that he left out the story of the cousin in the photo that posed for Playboy.

The rest of the Korean story...

As I sit and type this, the Chinese kids are watching the Veggie Tales Jonah movie, and they are giggling about the pirates who don’t do anything. Last you heard, I was still in Korea herding cats, well now you will get the rest of the story. The kids the first week of ESL camp were the spawn of Satan and didn’t listen to anything that we as their counselors had to say. English class was difficult but we moved the two trouble boys to different seats and the rest of the class could not see them misbehaving. Eventually, they realized that no one was paying any attention to them and they began to participate. Class became the highlight of the day for me. I had 20 students who wanted to get better at English, and they tried hard to move their homework grades from Good to Better and hopefully Best. I was no longer spending my entire day in Hell herding cats from wake-up until bedtime, now I was only battling the sithspawn at sleep time and Hey Hey lets go to breakfast time.

A couple of our boys decided that Friday would be a good day to break out of their prison and see the city. They told Daryl, the leader, that they left because I had called them stupid SOBs (not that I hadn’t thought it). The rest of their story has become our inside joke. They said they had been kidnapped by a man with a Pink Adidas shirt and another man with 2 broken legs and a cast on his arm. Now when kids misbehave, someone makes a comment about needing to get out our Pink Adidas shirts.

The weekend came and I was sick. I think that jetlag and exhaustion had gotten the best of me. I was bitter because I was in Korea without my wife, and I was having a horrible time, and to top it off I had a sinus infection. If the leaders had offered me a ticket home, I would have taken it. I have never wanted to quit anything in my life, and this would have been the first time. On Monday, I started to feel better, and one of my problem boys wrote that he wanted to be the best student in the class. I told him that was the best idea that I had heard, and that I knew he could achieve his goal. From them on, he worked hard, very hard.

After the weekend, one of my girls came back with this story…

The Happy Elephant

Once upon a time in Gray Country, King Great was alive. He was a really great king, but he was selfish. He always thought everything was his own. He always shouted, “It’s mine! If you touch mine, I will accuse you! Then you will go to prison!” So everybody didn’t like him.

However, one day at morning, King Great saw his body had turned blue. He was very surprised, and he called his doctor.

The doctor said, “It is a selfish disease, when you are not selfish, then you will return to gray. It’s the only curable way.”

So King Great stopped the selfish things. He began to give his money to the poor and his food too. He is not selfish anymore. Then guess what happened, the King Great returned to gray and he lives very kindly.

The End

She was the first to get a Best. The class clapped and many of them stepped their writing up a notch. I was so proud. The week kept getting better and better, and at the end, I was a little sad to see that the kids were going home. We had bonded over English lessons, Korean soccer, and Ping-pong. After the kids left, we had a dance party, and then Jeff and I watched Stargate for hours. We said our goodbyes on Sunday, exchanged emails and pictures, and then we departed for China on Monday at 6 AM. Half our team remained behind to finish their remaining 2 weeks at another camp, while 8 of us moved to a city near Shanghai.

African Photo Album

These are visual morsels for the beauty and culture we lived among for two weeks of our lives.

The first picture is Zach surveying the Lake Nakuru game park. If you look close you can see the herds of animals along with the two million flamingos that live at the lake.

Our stop upon the equator. For once I felt quite balanced

The giraffes were the most amazing animals to watch! Instead of clumsiness, there was grace and demeanor.

I spent my time in the kitchen at the school compound. My time with the kitchen staff was some of the most special. They took great pride in their task and teaching of the "muzungu" (slang for white person).

The seperate paths...

One day while perusing an odd shop in Taipei I ran across a book that intrigued my mind. Unfortunately being in Tawainese the words could not be read, however my friend and I spent an hour making up the story based on the pictures. Days later as we laughed at the memory with friends, we found out our made up story was not far off. The story wove the tale of two individuals that were meant to be together--their lives intertwined yet their paths were seperate. It was a profound story, and at times that special memory appears in my mind's eye. I tell you that story, because at this point in my life I feel I am on the seperate path than Zach's--we are intertwined yet on two seperate paths, on two seperate continents for that matter. The post Africa days have been filled with challenges and very lonely moments for both of us. I am having to adjust to grind of American society without my partner in crime, while Zach strives to adapt to a different culture, teach, without his constant memory bank. :)

Upon my return to the United States I was plagued with a wretched case of jet lag ending with another jaunt across the country to New York City for a tradeshow. The highlight was attending a festivity for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I received my book at 2am, then proceeded to spend four and half hours reading the tale. I closed the book as the sun broke forth illuminating the city. Another treat was walking Chinatown to smell the odors that are imbedded my sensory bank--the bakery, the raw fish markets, and sweat. Through the twists and turns of the alleys I felt myself be swept into the world that I love.

I have returned to Portland for a time. As always though, my days are filled with playful items. My friends, Robert and Carol gave me the greatest Saturday since my return--a yard sale stake out, bike ride, and an evening paddle to Ross Island to pick blackberries. It is for those very reasons I love Portland!

After two years in the making, we relinquished our duties as homeowners to the Kentucky farm. Friday afternoon Bob Banker signed away our asset and turned the keys over. This is a huge answer to prayer and time to celebrate!

Zach has spent his two weeks in Korea, and is preparing to fly to China. During his time in Korea he fought being ill, naughty Korean children, and the adjustment from Africa to Korea--teaching adults to teaching children. Per phone conversations, he is happy but ready to move onto China.

For those who read faithfully in hopes for something more than "herding cats", he apologizes that time is sparse but will work to update on Tuesday. Also, note that if you are to comment or send him an email to acknowledge that he is in a sensitive area so references to God and such should be masked. Until then, thanks for reading and your continued prayers as we tred our seperate paths.

Herding Cats!

I didn't write yesterday because I am not sure what I would have said about the boys that I am working with. It was described by one of my teammates as, "herding cats." My mind automatically went to Smokes--"Smokes, don't puke on the carpet...Smokes, don't scratch your clawless paws on Amanda's couch...Smokes, why do you always have to be in the middle of everything that I am doing...Smokes, I am trying to do my homework, go away!" Too much of that, and you have 4 warn out male counselors (that is what we are doing here). We teach for 3 hours every morning, and for the other 9 hours, we herd the cats from place to place.

My first day of teaching was a bit boring, and the kids did not get into it very much. I tried to play some games with them, but they were not really interested in participating. Time crept by, and many of the students displayed their dislike by sleeping. I figured that I would finish the lesson and work on making it more difficult for the next day (I think the material that I was using was too basic for my kids).

After class, the other four teachers and I had a meeting and vented our frustrations and talked about how we could improve for the upcoming days.

Today was a much better day. Even my problem kids were better. I think it helped that I had them sit in the back corner of the class so that the other students couldn't see them acting up. They eventually just quit when no one was paying attention to them. We also had a pow-pow with the powers that be and the 10 problem kids--hopefully they will be better from now on.

Pray for my sanity, attitude, the herd, and good coffee. And for now, apply the cat protion of this Dog/Cat diary to my kids...

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:00 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:

Day 683 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe....... For now...

Kitale, Kenya; Dubai, UAE; Daejeong, South Korea...Where in the world am I?

Well the two days of traveling have come to an end, and once again I am stationed in a land not of my own. This blog post is sponsored by the good folks at the South Korean government. My flight from Dubai was as long as the road trip from Kitale to Nairobi, 7, 8, 9 hours, who is counting? It wasn't bad since I slept most of the fight and then watched Blades of Glory. Once I arrived in Seoul, I was harassed by many taxi drivers, and I responded by nicely stating that, "I AM TAKING THE BUS!" I exchanged money, bought a calling card, bought a bus ticket, went to the right gate, and got on the wrong bus (it was going the same place). When I figured out that I was on the wrong bus, a guy was there to help me figure out what I had done wrong, I was on the 6:40 bus, but I needed to be on the 7:10 bus. Luckily there happened to be two open seats beside one another, so I road next to the man who helped me figure out my ticket problem. We talked the entire trip to Daejeong, he is an Sunni Arab muslim from the UAE. It was a great chat about religion and politics, two things not to discuss in a bar.

When I arrived in Daejeong, there was no one to pick me up, so I borrowed a cell phone from another person that I had met on the bus (Amazing that I am talking with people on rides, since I don't do that very often). When I got in touch with the people at the school, the woman with whom I was talking was attempting to phonetically spell the Korean words I was supposed to use on a taxi driver. I would write them and then attempt to say them back to her. She was a bit frustrated with me, and the woman that I had borrowed the phone from was getting a bit testy, so she demanded to speak with the school lady. As they were talking, I hailed/flailed (whatever) a taxi. Once I was in the taxi, I was at the mercy of the driver who wanted to practice his English by talking about baseball--a sport that I haven't really watched since the 94 strike. Barry Bonds seemed a good topic since he and Hank are pretty much neck and neck now.

At the school, I was dropped off at the wrong gate, so I wandered around the school aimlessly until I found a payphone to use the calling card that I had purchased at the airport. A guard came out to meet me and escorted me to my team leader's room. After I was settled in the girl's dorm (she didn't know where the boy's dorm was located), I went to dinner with Amy and another teammate, Carolyn.

Today was interesting, since I am still learning what the heck I am supposed to be doing. As it stands right now, I am teaching ESL to middle school students, I am a dorm mom, and I am to help with the after 6:30 simulations. The food is wonderful and spicy, and I am eating lots of it, as anyone who knows me at all would expect. Many of my team were passing their leftovers my way.

Beyond the campus gates...

Jambo! Another week has begun in Kitale, and the sun has decided to shine for us! It is a good day for our laundry to be washed and hung to dry. The past few weeks the drying time has been three days, plus a few hours of ironing to make sure. Gotta love the African life.

This past weekend we were taken on an adventure that neither one of us could have dreamt. It is the custom here for teachers to be asked to preach at various churches around the seminary. We were claimed by a Masai pastor, Jacob. On Saturday afternoon we began our journey to Matumba for an overnight stay in his home, as well as visits along the way. We took a matatu (bus) built for 14, though stuffed with 25 people, for 45 minutes. Once arriving at the first stop, we walked for two miles to the home we were visiting. Afterwards, we walked the two miles back to matatu stop, for another fifteen minute drive. Our next stop we were picked up by Elijah in his white truck. As Zach stood in the back, a little child stood off to the side, hands on hip, and sqawled "Mazungu!" It was priceless. As we drove the great Kenyan roads, yells of "hello!", "mazungu!" and "welcome!" could be heard. Our next stop was Elijah's home, the house on the hill. After tea, bread, and blessings, all by kerosene lantern, we were once on the road to Jacob's house. Please note that half of African driving is done WITHOUT headlights. So, after twenty minutes, we were dropped off for another two mile hike to Jacob's house. To be at the mercy of an African in pitch black through hill and dale, does give an appreciation for how they travel. Under a canopy of thousands of stars we arrived at the mud hut for our night--no electricity or running water.

The next morning we woke to the crowing rooster and surveyed our surroundings for the first time in the light. After our shower (a bucket of water), tea and bread, we began the three mile journey to meet our transportation to the church. Two hours later we made it to the church, Zach preached and many greetings were given.

We returned to campus about six pm last night, only to be whisked to the school kitchen to learn how to make chipote (a delicious bread staple). It was a treat to be in the kitchen and it reminded me of the many hours I have spent with my family laughing and cooking in the kitchen. And with all things in life, it is good to be in with the cooks!

Today I have perused the city markets and have enjoyed seeing the life of the city. We sit in an interet cafe because the hamster running the school's internet is dead. We shall return to campus to enjoy a goat and sheep roasting. Unfortunately, I will not be partaking for my "allergy to meat" does not allow me! ha ha!

As a side note: Melissa, sorry that Smokes is being a diva. Just tell her we are bringing back a lion to settle the situation if she does not shape up!

Surviving London security, Two million flamingos, and nine hours of Kenyan roads later....

We have arrived in the Portland, OR of the African continent--layer upon layer of clouds, tepid temperatures, and rain. I believe global warming has hit the equator. ha ha!

Our travels thus far have been filled with many wonders and the adaptation of Kenyan ways. We spent our first night in a Catholic hostel in Nairobi after fighting with the ATM to give us money. Technology is so splendid that it created a glitch we were not prepared to handle. By Zach trying to withdraw money, they automatically froze our account since we were in Nairobi. Amazingly, our cell phones work. So two calls and a million dollar bill (probably) later, we were able to retrieve some fundage.

On our journey to Kitale, we took an overnight detour to Nakuru to enjoy a safari. We spent the afternoon watching giraffes amble across the savannah, thousands of flamingos splash along Lake Nakuru's shore, zebras play with each other, rhinos graze, and baboons try to take over our vehicle. It was an absolutely amazing journey. Our geography lessons of the past came to life. Though, unbeknowst to us, our game park accomadations were not at the game park but rather at a hotel in the downtown area. That was a bit of a disappointment, but we could see the gamepark from our hotel window.

Zach has gotten one day of class under his belt. He feels quite confident and is enjoying his students. I have perused the campus gardens, chased the cows grazing on the soccer field, and rearranged our living quarters. Yes, Zach is a bit spastic with the latter development. As you can tell, my piece to the puzzle has yet to be determined. Though I am enjoying the moments to read and meet the people.

As a side note, our Internet service is quite sketchy, so we do not know how much we will be able to update. Do not be deterred, keep checking because we will post when able. Thanks for your continued prayers on this journey!

The preparations

One cannot help but wonder how many shots a person could endure? How many different diseases can be pumped into a system without the body saying, "that is enough! I am done messing with you!?" Zach and I have spent the week enduring shots and thyphoid fever pills. I have decided that if you can survive the preparation for Africa, your body is ready for a cataclysmic event of heavenly proportions.