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~~seeking respite from the insanity I call life~~
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A beloved teacher passed away suddenly...
Today, during a routine tonsillectomy, a 26 year old teacher passed away. Ustaz Sharif was beloved by all who knew him. I had the privilege of sitting in on some of his 5th grade geography classes last school year. I also have had the opportunity to see him in action. He loved students. He could always be found going the extra mile, intervening in student conflicts, showing compassion and concern. He was a kind, soft-spoken man who didn't take any nonsense in his classroom. The children are heartbroken at this shocking loss.
I have a knot in my stomach as I think about just how quickly this life can end. This young man was full of life. He was the kind of teacher that makes a positive difference in the lives of his students. It doesn't seem possible that he is gone. Just a few days ago he chaperoned the school swimming trip. Just a few days ago he was walking the halls of the school. It was too soon for him to go. :( I suppose this is how death is: one day someone is here with us and the next day they are gone. I didn't have the honor of knowing him well, but I had a great deal of respect for him and looked forward to the day when he would teach my children. He was that kind of teacher.
Prayers for his family and the teachers and students at Frere School in Jerusalem are appreciated.
Rest in Peace Ustaz Sharif. You will be missed by many. :(
I have a knot in my stomach as I think about just how quickly this life can end. This young man was full of life. He was the kind of teacher that makes a positive difference in the lives of his students. It doesn't seem possible that he is gone. Just a few days ago he chaperoned the school swimming trip. Just a few days ago he was walking the halls of the school. It was too soon for him to go. :( I suppose this is how death is: one day someone is here with us and the next day they are gone. I didn't have the honor of knowing him well, but I had a great deal of respect for him and looked forward to the day when he would teach my children. He was that kind of teacher.
Prayers for his family and the teachers and students at Frere School in Jerusalem are appreciated.
Rest in Peace Ustaz Sharif. You will be missed by many. :(
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Coffee...how I love you!
Written in 1587 by Sheik Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir. But the sentiments ring true as much today as then...
"Oh, Coffee, you dispel the worries of the Great, you point the way to those who have wandered from the path of knowledge. Coffee is the drink of the friends of God and of His servants who seek wisdom.
...No one can understand the truth until he drinks of its frothy goodness. T hose who condemn coffee as causing man harm are fools in the eyes of God.
Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold it brings to every man the feeling of luxury and nobility...Take time in your preparations of coffee and God will be with you and bless you and your table. Where coffee is served there is grace and splendor and friendship and happiness.
All cares vanish as the coffee cup is raised to the lips. Coffee flows through your body as freely as your life's blood, refreshing all that it touches: look you at the youth and vigor of those who drink it.
Whoever tastes coffee will forever forswear the liquor of the grape. Oh drink of God's glory, your purity brings to man only well-being and nobility."
Ahem. Yes. Well...powerful words. I'm still waiting for that nobility and splendor. But I do love coffee!! :)
"Oh, Coffee, you dispel the worries of the Great, you point the way to those who have wandered from the path of knowledge. Coffee is the drink of the friends of God and of His servants who seek wisdom.
...No one can understand the truth until he drinks of its frothy goodness. T hose who condemn coffee as causing man harm are fools in the eyes of God.
Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold it brings to every man the feeling of luxury and nobility...Take time in your preparations of coffee and God will be with you and bless you and your table. Where coffee is served there is grace and splendor and friendship and happiness.
All cares vanish as the coffee cup is raised to the lips. Coffee flows through your body as freely as your life's blood, refreshing all that it touches: look you at the youth and vigor of those who drink it.
Whoever tastes coffee will forever forswear the liquor of the grape. Oh drink of God's glory, your purity brings to man only well-being and nobility."
Ahem. Yes. Well...powerful words. I'm still waiting for that nobility and splendor. But I do love coffee!! :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Georgia Kate's studio birthday pictures!
I realize this might be overkill for some of you! If we're friends on FB and you're also on SS, then you have seen these pictures already! :) But I can't resist sharing them on my blog because they make me smile! We took Georgia Kate for her annual birthday pictures on Saturday. Last year she refused to even smile and we walked away with 3 semi-decent pictures of a little girl who looked slightly put-off. This year? It was like a completely different girl! She was happy to smile, pose, and even dance a little! She did most of what the photographer asked of her, and we had more than 20 great pictures of our little girl!
These are some of my favorites! Enjoy the cheekiness (literally and figuratively!) that is Georgia Kate!
These are some of my favorites! Enjoy the cheekiness (literally and figuratively!) that is Georgia Kate!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Georgia Kate is 4 and more!
It's hard for me to believe that it has been 4 years since Georgia Kate was born! She turned 5 on October 9, and we had a little celebration for her. We also had our visas renewed by the Israeli Government for another year, which is always a praise since it's not a given! We're thankful that we can continue our lives here for as long as God keeps the door open! We had a camping adventure with friends, continue studying Hebrew, squeezed in a trip to the zoo, and I was able to participate in a filming of the British TV show, Songs of Praise! Watch for me on BBC 1 on Sunday, December 1. I also got to meet the show's host, Aled Jones, who is quite a phenom in his own right! I had no idea!
In any event, life is NEVER boring living in this land! Here are some picture highlights from our recent adventures!
Today is my sister's birthday! These are the moments when it's especially hard to be away from home! Happy Birthday, Regina! Miss you tons!!!!!
In any event, life is NEVER boring living in this land! Here are some picture highlights from our recent adventures!
Today is my sister's birthday! These are the moments when it's especially hard to be away from home! Happy Birthday, Regina! Miss you tons!!!!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
I'm alive! ;)
Well...it appears that it has been awhile since I last updated you all! I know, I know...you've been waiting with baited breathe hoping and praying with each passing day that today would be the day you would hear from me again! ; P Yeah...right!
But, I am alive and well! In fact, on the road to wellness...or at least better health! I am one day away from completing the Cough Potato to 5K running program. I'm not actually running a 5K in 30 minutes...but I am running for 30 minutes! That counts for something! I've lost 11lbs and several inches. I average about 1lb. a week, which I can live with! I've got a ways to go, but I'm happy to be where I'm standing today. My time in the US did a number on my weight!
What else has been going on? Well, Scot and I have been studying Hebrew full-time for the last 3 weeks! After living here for 5+ years and getting a pretty good handle on Arabic, we decided it was time to tackle Hebrew. So, for the next few months we'll be language students once again. I love it! It has already opened doors for communication and I've been able to use Hebrew out and about. In fact, when we were at a local burger restaurant, the guy who always waits on us doesn't speak English. We use a confusing mix of body language, sounds, and pointing. And we never get what we want. Well, I walked up a few days ago and said, "No more! I'm going to try Hebrew." So, I ordered in Hebrew, was able to read the menu and get what we wanted all in Hebrew! I was elated! So, that's the lastest project.
I am also assuming some responsibility with our church's relief team in the West Bank. I'll be taking over the leadership role of that team when we finish Hebrew, but right now I'm doing some planning and learning. I'm excited to be part of this ministry, and it will certainly challenge my Arabic! :)
The kids continue to thrive. It's been a slightly bumpy road back into the Arabic school setting. In many ways, the schools here lack much of what we've come expect in the US by way of extracurriculars, but things are getting better. My kids now have a part-time art teacher and participate in art classes once a week! There is also the opportunity for Maggie and Thomas to be involved in some after school sports programs that are run by the school. We continue with music lessons and church activities, giving our kids the opportunities to experience something beyond book learning.
Scoty was apprehensive about getting back into Arabic, but has been doing great! He's lovable and his teachers adore him. He's renewing friendships and seems happy when leaving for school most days. :)
We miss family and friends. Our time in the US was great! But I think it makes me miss everyone even more! I suppose that's the life we live.
I'm thinking of some kind of blog challenge to get me blogging again more regularly! Until next time, I'll leave you with a few pictures! :)
But, I am alive and well! In fact, on the road to wellness...or at least better health! I am one day away from completing the Cough Potato to 5K running program. I'm not actually running a 5K in 30 minutes...but I am running for 30 minutes! That counts for something! I've lost 11lbs and several inches. I average about 1lb. a week, which I can live with! I've got a ways to go, but I'm happy to be where I'm standing today. My time in the US did a number on my weight!
What else has been going on? Well, Scot and I have been studying Hebrew full-time for the last 3 weeks! After living here for 5+ years and getting a pretty good handle on Arabic, we decided it was time to tackle Hebrew. So, for the next few months we'll be language students once again. I love it! It has already opened doors for communication and I've been able to use Hebrew out and about. In fact, when we were at a local burger restaurant, the guy who always waits on us doesn't speak English. We use a confusing mix of body language, sounds, and pointing. And we never get what we want. Well, I walked up a few days ago and said, "No more! I'm going to try Hebrew." So, I ordered in Hebrew, was able to read the menu and get what we wanted all in Hebrew! I was elated! So, that's the lastest project.
I am also assuming some responsibility with our church's relief team in the West Bank. I'll be taking over the leadership role of that team when we finish Hebrew, but right now I'm doing some planning and learning. I'm excited to be part of this ministry, and it will certainly challenge my Arabic! :)
The kids continue to thrive. It's been a slightly bumpy road back into the Arabic school setting. In many ways, the schools here lack much of what we've come expect in the US by way of extracurriculars, but things are getting better. My kids now have a part-time art teacher and participate in art classes once a week! There is also the opportunity for Maggie and Thomas to be involved in some after school sports programs that are run by the school. We continue with music lessons and church activities, giving our kids the opportunities to experience something beyond book learning.
Scoty was apprehensive about getting back into Arabic, but has been doing great! He's lovable and his teachers adore him. He's renewing friendships and seems happy when leaving for school most days. :)
We miss family and friends. Our time in the US was great! But I think it makes me miss everyone even more! I suppose that's the life we live.
I'm thinking of some kind of blog challenge to get me blogging again more regularly! Until next time, I'll leave you with a few pictures! :)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
3 Languages?
It is hard to believe, but we are in the process of learning our THIRD language! Hebrew language class began this past week. After just 2 days, my mind is already tired, but in a good way! I love the challenge! I love the idea of opening up a whole new way for me to communicate with others! Translation: I love to talk in any language! :)
There are some real challenges to learning a 3rd language, especially one that is so close to your second language. I find myself pronouncing the new sounds in Hebrew as if they are Arabic. I have shouted out an Arabic pronoun during language class! Of course, the pronouns are so similar that it's both helpful and difficult. Ana is first person singular in Arabic. In Hebrew, it's Ani. :)
We attend language class 5 days per week. Upon returning home, we help the kids with their Arabic homework in a bizarre mixture of Arabic and English. Any meetings and all interactions with our neighbors and friends happen in Arabic. And when we venture into other neighborhoods for shopping, we're back into Hebrew again. Toss in a couple of English speaking friends and coworkers and you've got the perfect setting for some good language blunders. Trust me...I'm certain I'll have plenty to share!
Prayers are always appreciated. We would love these next 5 months of Hebrew study to really count! Following Hebrew we jump back into Arabic studies. I feel tired just thinking about it!
There are some real challenges to learning a 3rd language, especially one that is so close to your second language. I find myself pronouncing the new sounds in Hebrew as if they are Arabic. I have shouted out an Arabic pronoun during language class! Of course, the pronouns are so similar that it's both helpful and difficult. Ana is first person singular in Arabic. In Hebrew, it's Ani. :)
We attend language class 5 days per week. Upon returning home, we help the kids with their Arabic homework in a bizarre mixture of Arabic and English. Any meetings and all interactions with our neighbors and friends happen in Arabic. And when we venture into other neighborhoods for shopping, we're back into Hebrew again. Toss in a couple of English speaking friends and coworkers and you've got the perfect setting for some good language blunders. Trust me...I'm certain I'll have plenty to share!
Prayers are always appreciated. We would love these next 5 months of Hebrew study to really count! Following Hebrew we jump back into Arabic studies. I feel tired just thinking about it!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
I miss Walmart
Not Walmart specifically, but stores like Walmart that fill the shopping plazas in the US! Stores where you can go to get absolutely everything you need all in one stop.
Life overseas is frustrating sometimes. You have to stop and think, "Now, where do I get that?" And then you proceed to pick up one item here, one item there. Suddenly your day is shot. You accomplished what appears to be nothing.
A coworker said to me yesterday that her advice to some newcomers was, "Plan on accomplishing 1 or 2 things each day." Truly, anything else is a bonus!
When we returned to the US in December, Walmart nearly overwhelmed us. Standing in Weis Grocery with my mother-in-law saw me imobolized by the ziploc aisle. Judy had to pick a box for me because I was simply rendered useless in decision making by the vast amount of choices. Here, I have 2 choices: buy the box of ziploc rip-offs or don't.
It doesn't take long to get used to Walmart, though I admit that I never stopped feeling overwhelmed by the choices we had to make for everything we wanted to buy. So, while I miss the idea of Walmart, there is something comforting in coming back to my small grocery store, with its crowded aisles and minimal choices.
Of course, on days when I need something from 10 different stores, I think of Walmart fondly and sigh. Today I need to buy book covers and school supplies. It will require 2 or 3 stops, working around the schedule of Ramadan, afternoon closures, and prayer times. Oh, Walmart, how I miss you!
Life overseas is frustrating sometimes. You have to stop and think, "Now, where do I get that?" And then you proceed to pick up one item here, one item there. Suddenly your day is shot. You accomplished what appears to be nothing.
A coworker said to me yesterday that her advice to some newcomers was, "Plan on accomplishing 1 or 2 things each day." Truly, anything else is a bonus!
When we returned to the US in December, Walmart nearly overwhelmed us. Standing in Weis Grocery with my mother-in-law saw me imobolized by the ziploc aisle. Judy had to pick a box for me because I was simply rendered useless in decision making by the vast amount of choices. Here, I have 2 choices: buy the box of ziploc rip-offs or don't.
It doesn't take long to get used to Walmart, though I admit that I never stopped feeling overwhelmed by the choices we had to make for everything we wanted to buy. So, while I miss the idea of Walmart, there is something comforting in coming back to my small grocery store, with its crowded aisles and minimal choices.
Of course, on days when I need something from 10 different stores, I think of Walmart fondly and sigh. Today I need to buy book covers and school supplies. It will require 2 or 3 stops, working around the schedule of Ramadan, afternoon closures, and prayer times. Oh, Walmart, how I miss you!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Summer Fun!
It's been a busy couple of weeks! Thought I'd share here some of my recent photographic attempts! These pictures span the summer. You've got the 4th of July in PA, my grandparents' farm in PA, a Jordanian vacation, Knoebels, a new baby, an aunt and uncle....Enjoy some Dressler family fun! :)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Who can take a rainbowk sprinkle it with dew...
Cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two?
The Cotton Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good! cough...cough...sputter...
Other places in the world have Mr. Softee, we have The Cotton Candy Man. He shows up in his beat up car (or pick-up truck) with a generator on the roof, a cotton candy machine of questionable quality in the trunk, some sticks, and a smile. For just a few shekels children can have some sticky goodness. Our kids love it! When the calliope music sounds, kids come running. Cotton Candy Man means lazy, summer days. It's comforting to be home again! :)
The Cotton Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good! cough...cough...sputter...
Other places in the world have Mr. Softee, we have The Cotton Candy Man. He shows up in his beat up car (or pick-up truck) with a generator on the roof, a cotton candy machine of questionable quality in the trunk, some sticks, and a smile. For just a few shekels children can have some sticky goodness. Our kids love it! When the calliope music sounds, kids come running. Cotton Candy Man means lazy, summer days. It's comforting to be home again! :)
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