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! :)
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!
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!
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! :)
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! :)
I am still running! I began week 2 of the 9 week Couch Potato to 5K program and it felt good. Well, it felt awful while I was doing it, but great afterwards! :) And that's the way it is for me. I increased to 90 second runs and felt pretty good most of the way. I do possess a good amount of determination, even in the face of great pain...er...jogging! :)
My sister challenged me to run a 10K when we're back in the US. I told her I would need more motivation than a simple challenge. What about running a 10K in DISNEY? :) Bring it!
The best part about starting to jog? I've heard from so many of you that have been inspired and are now jogging! We can do it...to be healthy and feel good! We're all worth it! And if this fluffy chick can break out and run, truly anyone can! :)
So, here's to completely the entire program! Here's to seeing myself running a 5K sometimes in the next few months! I know I can do it! I know you can, too!
Now, nobody fall over from the shock, but I went for a little jog this morning! Yep. Outside, even. Why is that so shocking? For a number of reasons, really. Not the least of which is the fact that I'm a little more than slightly chubby and have never been a natural runner. :) Other reasons on the list include cross-cultural issues. No one in our neighborhood jogs, male or female. So, we wondered what it would be like for me to just head outside for a jog. I decided to make sure I was out and back before things really got crazy out there. I passed only a handful of people on my way.
How did this come about? First of all, I gained more than 20lbs while we were in the States. All that, and I was doing cardio 5-6x/week since February. I knew I needed to kick it up a notch. I read about my friend Joanie hitting the pavement and felt inspired. Thought maybe it was the jet lag talking, but then wouldn't you know, Joanie contacted me and invited me to join her in the challenge.
So, after careful planning, and locating one of Scot's old t-shirts that cover me sufficiently, I downloaded a recommended podcast, and off I went!
The Couch Potato to 5K run comes from Cool Running.com and it's a great plan to work you up to running a 5K in 9 weeks. I didn't kill me, though I wouldn't say I felt great. Here's an excerpt from a message I sent to Joanie, my accountability partner:
Well, Joanie, I did it!!!!! I just got back from my first Couch Potato to 5K morning. I feel like I might die and I don't think I'll stop sweating anytime soon, but I did it...and I think I did it pretty well.
Ahhhh...the sweet smell of garbage in the morning! Seriously, I think I should get bonus points for the handicaps I face exercising outside here. No sidewalks, chewed up/half paved roads, hills to beat the band. Ever read the Psalms of Ascent? Yeah...there's a reason someone was righting about going UP to Jerusalem!
I got out of the house about 6:40, which was a little late. 6:15 should be my goal. By 7am, I was beginning to see an increase in traffic. I only saw one person I know, and I saw him while I was walking, so I don't think I destroyed my neighborhood reputation. Well, they'll just think bad things about Scot if they think anything at all!
....When I trained to run a 5K before, I never got to the point of feeling like a real runner. I completed the race, jogging the entire way, but it was a struggle for me. I'm and doubt I ever will be a natural runner, but nothing makes me feel so darn good about myself all day as running! Even while I'm dying with each heavy step, I feel good inside about what I'm doing for my body! Once I get to the 5K part (which may take me more like 18 weeks!), I might not keep running. We'll see. But to prove to myself I can do it, and that I'm worth it. It's so important to me....
Just thought I'd share my accomplishment for this morning! All that, and still dealing with some minor jet lag. Not too shabby! ;) If you are on the fence about starting something because you aren't in great shape or you think it will be too hard, I'm encouraging you to do it! If I can do it, anyone truly can! :)
Thanks for praying! We definitely felt your prayers as we sailed through check-in with 20 bags and security on both sides of the ocean. We had no hang-ups or problems and we were greeted by dear friends with 2 cars, a trailer, and pretty flowers! Even the guys at our favorite local grocery store were happy to see us! We were greeted with the Arabic "Thank God for your safe arrival" greetings all over the place.
It was a hard goodbye. Many tears were shed as we parted ways yesterday morning. Rest assured, there will be more shed as time passes. But, the good news is that we all felt right at home here. What a relief to be in our own home once again.
Our friends tooks us out for lunch and as we flew through the city, I reflected on our first few days in Jerusalem in 2004. We felt so overwhelmed by everything that was different. Everything looked unfamiliar and strange. We couldn't communicate in either of the major languages. Shopping was scary.
This time? It felt comfortable. I didn't recoil from every car on the road with the death grip on the dashboard! We saw many familiar faces, and I actually wanted to stop at the store to say hello to the employees!
Yes, God has called us to be here. The goodbyes will never get any easier. In fact, they will always break our hearts. But this is home until God changes our direction. And that's a good, peaceful feeling. Thanks for praying!
We snapped some pictures as we said goodbye to family and friends. Thought I'd share a few with you before I turn in for the night.
Sadly, we lost my Papa Joe today. I didn't have the emotional energy to blog, but I thought I'd pull out this post I wrote over a year ago.
Joseph Andrew Stoschack: May 19, 1918-June 26, 2009. Rest in Peace, Papa Joe. I miss you already. :(
This blog challenge is brought to us by Joanie!
So the challenge this week is to post a picture of someone you love. It can't be just any picture, it should be one of those pictures that you look at and you really see something about that person. Once you find that special picture, post it in your blog and tell us what it is that makes it special.
This is certainly not the world's best picture. Or even what most would consider a perfect picture. But it captures not just the person I love dearly, but part of who he has always been in my life. Papa Joe and Farmer, circa 2002.
Papa Joe is my maternal step-grandfather. I'm not sure I when I cognitively knew he was a step grandfather, because as long as I can remember, he's the only real grandfather I've ever had. He married my Na-na after her first husband passed away, years before I was born. I'm so glad he did! I can't imagine a better grandfather!
Nevermind the poor quality, this picture captures a part of what made Papa Joe special. I have so many memories of working alongside him on his farm. He taught me how to gather eggs, forcing me to put my hand under that clucking hen, even though I was scared. He sat and fished with me in his pond, which was well-stocked with catfish. He told me stories and was always ready to listen to mine. He put us to work in the fields, and we got to ride tractors and lawn mowers and use other dangerous equipment. He taught me about gardening and how to pull weeds. And he taught me about being kind to animals.
One silly memory I have is from when I was pretty small. Barry Manilow's "I Can't Smile Without You" came on their old, little radio. And Papa Joe, in his not-so-great voice, sang along, serenading me. Every time I hear that song I think of Papa Joe. He isn't a warm and fuzzy kind of grandpa. Oh, there were hugs from time to time, but I never once doubted how much he loved me.
I grew up, got married, and had my own kids. Papa Joe got older. The farm work got scaled back until all the remained was a small garden and lots of grass. He wasn't able to do what he used to do. But when Thomas was small, one thing Papa Joe still did was mow the lawn. And I remember the first time he took Thomas, whom he affectionately called Farmer, for a ride on the tractor. I was scared, as only a mother of a 2 year old could be. Papa Joe wasn't so agile anymore. His memory wasn't so good. What if Thomas fell? What if the mower toppled over?
And then I saw Thomas' face. The complete joy he was experiencing on that lawn mower with Papa Joe! It was worth any anxiety I might have been feeling. And I knew that as long as Papa Joe wanted to take Farmer with him on that mower, Farmer would go.
Papa Joe'll be 90 this month. His memory is going. He's confused a lot of the time now. I'm not even sure he'll recognize me when we go back to the US in December. And that makes me sad. Time has a way of robbing us of things that are precious to us. But it can never take away the memories I have of my time with Papa Joe. And I'm so grateful that my oldest children have some similar memories of this man who might not be related by blood, but is most certainly my grandfather in every sense of the word. I love that man...
Music moves me. I love that I can listen to a song and be transported to a different place, or moved to tears, or filled with joy. At Council last week we sang a song, a modern day hymn, that I absolutely love. Tears streamed down my face as I stood and sang my heart out, declaring the truth about who I am in Jesus.
Here is a youtube video of the Newsboys' version of this beuatiful song. Lyrics follow.
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all— Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save. Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied; For ev'ry sin on Him was laid— Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory, Sin's curse has lost its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine— Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death— This is the pow'r of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home— Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
