Merry Christmas!

I can't believe I'm sending Christmas greetings for the second time already from overseas! This time last year we'd only been in country less than two weeks, and now we've journeyed a complete year in a foreign country.

I have to admit, I typically have our tree decorated the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas letter and family picture completed, and most gifts purchased if not wrapped by the first couple weeks in December. I like to have all my ducks in a row (and a very nice and neat one at that!). That's just the way God made me. This year I've not been able to keep all my ducks (aka plans) lined up quite as nicely as I'd would have liked.

David, Abigail, Audrey An & I have completed a year long journey- and a journey it's been. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Our family has had a once in a lifetime opportunity to live in another country, meet people from all over the world, experience and appreciate different cultures, explore God's beautiful creation, and be enriched with family time that none of us would trade. What a blessing!

For David, it's been a positive move for him professionally. He's been able to fly in some very different and challenging situations. Being an expat is a very unique experience. David and I have commented often that he'll most likely not ever be in this type of work situation again. Since the company is a small start up one, it's a very close knit work family- not only professionally but personally. We all live near each other. We eat, play, and many travel together.

For the girls, it's been a time to meet new friends, stretch their imaginations and creativity, learn to eat new foods, wait for mommy at doctor appointments, and go on super cool motor bike rides with daddy. They have been able to take art and drama classes which they have thoroughly enjoyed! Despite the challenges of my health, they've done remarkably well with home school. I'm amazed at what they've been able to accomplish. It's truly been only by God's grace and a great daddy who's stepped in there to supplement when mommy hasn't been able to do a very stellar job.

For me, it's been a year of experiencing quite a range of emotions. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought just after two months moving here that I would have been diagnosed with such a life threatening and life altering disease- dermatomyositis. I will not bore you with all the details since I've divulged my every thought (well, almost every thought!) and lessons learned (or learning) on this blog this past year. It's been a time of intense reflection on my part as I've had many hours, days and months of “being still and knowing that HE is God.” I'm still learning that, but I can say with great confidence that God has been my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. He's used many different doctors and many different avenues to get me to the place of improvement now. God is my Great Physician and continues to guide my healing process (and time line!). You just can't always line up your ducks the way you want them!

I do want to leave you with a special gift though. It's the reason my family and I celebrate Christmas. It's the gift of a precious little baby who was born a very long time ago named Jesus. He's a gift for all cultures, all races, all women, all men, and all children who are willing to accept this gift and put their faith in Him. I'm humbled that just this week there was a person in our home who has never heard the “famous” Christmas carols in which most people even reading this are familiar. May you reflect this season on the Giver of True Gifts...and share it with someone who hasn't heard! Everyone likes a Christmas gift, and that's the best one ever!

Love,
David, Christa, Abigail & Audrey An

special afternoon of making gingerbread houses with friends at the cooking center

My little worker bee

always ready to strike a pose

The finished products!

Acts of Love...

 Today, a small group of home school families and other adult volunteers came over to our house to put together gift bags for a special group of women who are ill.  We made it into a bit of a Christmas party for the kids, too!  We had fun time together.  We ate pizza and Christmas treats, made cards for the ladies, had a special prayer time for the ladies and the the weekend team, then we assembled 200 gift bags that will be delivered this weekend by another group of volunteers. 

Starting to inventory the scarves, gloves, socks, candies, and love notes...  OH.MY. GOODNESS, Abigail and Audrey An were so excited put this project together.  I'm seeing some organizational skills in these two little girls!  It was really neat to see how it all came together, too.  We were really short on some of the items so we prayed that God would provide, and He did!  Great lessons for the girls to see real tangible and quick answers to prayers these past 3 days as we all anticipated the "gift making party".

Having some fun!

Trying on the scarves to make "sure" the ladies will like them!  Thank you, girls, for your willing and giving hearts.  I love how you love to give.  You both inspire me.

The marshmallow treats dipped in chocolate were a hit, too.

Organized chaos...three "stations" of card makers (yes, one is on the stairs!) and one assembly line!

Most of the volunteers....a few had to slip out before we got the group shot!

WOW...THANK YOU to all who donated items and time.  It definitely was a team project!  We hope and pray these ladies are blessed by these tangible gifts, but most importantly by the True Giver of Gifts! May love, joy, and peace fill all their hearts this Christmas season.

  For me, it was a very refreshing time because it was truly the first service project of any kind that I've been able to do since we've been over here.  It's been so hard for me to say "no" to things this past year and watch others be the movers and shakers.  It's hard for me to "be still" at times (yes, that's been one of the many lessons I've been learning this year...).  I did tell David it was nice to feel useful again though! I was grateful that I had the strength to do it, but I was pretty wiped out by the end.  Maybe just maybe "Mrs. Insomnia" will actually sleep tonight??? 

What were you doing...

ONE year ago today?  Well, I was boarding an airplane ready to begin a new season of life- expat living.  Well, about 10am I was sitting on the hard floor of an international airport hoping and praying for 3 additional seats so my two daughters and I could board with my hubby and start this adventure together.  Guess what?  We got the last 3 seats (and our names weren't called to right before boarding- SO typical of my stand-by travel!).  What a sigh of relief is was to hear our names called, walk down that jet bridge, swap seats with some kind lady so I could sit by at least one of my daughters, and finally get all all cozied up into my coach seat.  Yes, David and I had Plan B, Plan C, Plan D and so on if we didn't get on that flight with him (his ticket was confirmed thankfully!).  I knew in my heart of hearts we'd get on that flight.  I felt confident that God hadn't led us this far as a family them dump us at the gate and not be able to make the journey together as a family of four.

I can't even begin to tell you the stress prior to us leaving!   We said "yes" to this new opportunity, wrapped up loose ends with the girls' school, basically "moved out" of certain rooms in our house so someone else could move in, sold a car, flew back to our home state to tell family goodbye, coordinate bills/insurance/cell phones/etc, had a HUGE yard sale, packed 9 suitcases and 4 backpacks, hosted a Christmas party (I know...CRAZY!), and threw my back out of whack (and I'm talking flat-on-my-back-couldn't move-friends-had-to-help-me-pack-and-get-my-house-in-order-out-of-whack!!), and boarded a plane for a foreign country....all in 28 days!!  I think I lost about 15 pounds due to the stress and just not having TIME to eat!  I don't recommend that type of weight loss plan either!  That little bitty airplane seat never looked so inviting!  Seriously.

I truly cannot believe it's been a year.  WOW. WOW. WOW.   What an interesting year it's been.  There's been very little about this year that I thought would happen- that's for sure.  David took the girls and I out to dinner last night and we began talking as a family about our year.  I just teared up.  They were happy tears and sad tears.  First, I just had to smile that we were sitting with American born and Chinese born daughters in an Asian country eating Indian food...how funny is that!?  I can't begin to tell you how rich the experiences have been for all of us, and how humorous the experiences have been for all of us.  Abigail started naming off all the different types of authentic foods we've had in this country, and I think we counted about 11 types.  We've not been able to do so much of what we had hoped and planned for, but other plans were in the mix.  Yes, we've gone to some awesome places, met fabulous people, experienced things that we've always dreamed of, but this entire "health twist" put a kink in OUR plans.  For whatever the reason, God had a much different plan for our expat living that we did.  I'm so glad He doesn't show us (sometimes!) what the next month or year will look like because in my flesh I would have said, "NO WAY, Hosea, am I going to live in a foreign country, get sick and be in the bed for months, be hospitalized twice in yet ANOTHER country! No thanks."

I truly believe this year has been so much about "be still and know"" and "trust me" more that anything else.  I think there are reasons and fruit we may never know.  It's been a stretch for us.  It's been a stretch for our families not understanding why this happened and desiring us to be back at "home".  I've said this before in a post, but being where God places you doesn't always mean it's an easy place.  I can say that with 100% confidence!  Sometimes the only comfort I had this year was just that....HE placed us here so He's going to take care of us.  Some cannot understand that and I don't expect that either.  I have had some glorious times with my family and all alone this year.  I have some of the darkest times of my entire life with my family and all alone this year, too.  I think I've experienced just about every emotion one could possibly experience these past 12 months! 

How grateful I am though..lessons learned (and still learning!), new friends made, adventures experienced, memories made and culture abounding.  "Great is Thy Faithulness.  Morning by MORNING new mercies I see.  All I have needed thy hand hath provided.  Great is the faithfulness."

waiting for our ride to the airport in our rather stripped down version of our living room...

already absorbing the culture!

The girls learning to entertain themselves in the hotel while David's in class and I'm trying to recover from jet lag!

Learning to eat like the locals...

Quick medical update in case you were wondering:  Today, I completed my "5 day trial run" with the traditional eastern meds.  I am very pleased to report that I've had no adverse side effects, was able to drop the steroid to the lowest I've been on thus far (YAY!), and was able to stomach that nasty concoction 3x/day!  I'm a tad stronger, but my I'm still having issues with my ears.  I return to the hospital on Monday with one of my clinic doctors. After that, I'll be on my own due to her leaving the country, but am looking for someone who can go with me the next time in order to translate.  So, if you think about, say a pray for that...

 Here's to 12 months in a foreign land!!!!!

Family Tradition...

This past weekend we were asked to share with our fellowship a Christmas tradition- something unique to our family or to our culture.  See below our photo essay that was shared by our family...

The first picture shared was our first Christmas with Audrey An (but our last Christmas back "home") in 2009.

We then shared that we always make a special dinner and bring out our best china and crystal, followed by reading of the Christmas story and opening gifts.

When we're with my family at my parent's house we act out the Nativity Story.  My two nephews are the sheperds and my brother-in-law is Joseph.   Abigail is the angel and Audrey An is Mary.  Guess who's the "wise guy" in the red???

Here I am with my sister about 35 years ago doing the same thing!

Now, when we're with my family we gather around the piano after Christmas dinner (or lunch) and sing Christmas carols and play duets (yes , EVERYONE is required to participate, too- from youngest to oldest).  My dad reads the Christmas story....then comes the lighting of the yule log.  This log is now 46 years old.  My parents cut it down their first Christmas together as a young married couple.  A candle represents a member of my original family ( it now represents my parents, my grandmother, my sister's family and my family).  It's a time for our family to reflect on God's goodness and how He has worked in each of our families in that particular year.  I have to say, I get nervous every year because I cry.  Imagine that...me cry!?!  Well, when we shared this Sunday, I cried.  Yes, of course, I did.  I felt right at home!  I imanaged to get some of my thoughts out of my lips...wish I could have written it and posted it on the screen...lol!!

Lighting the yule log Christmas 2009 in my childhood home.

Audrey An went first and said she was thank for a home and a family (that might seem like a pretty generic answer, but for this 6 year it has an entire new meaning for our family and she says that SO often in her prayers).  Abigail said she was thankful for the friends she has made while in this country and the family time we've had together this year.  David shared he was thankful for some godly men who had come alongside him to encourage and support him as well.  I shared that I was so thankful for my family- for their love and support.  This year was not what any of us expected and a difficult one- not for just me.  Also, I am thankful that even though is has been a very difficult year- and one they none of us could have ever anticipated- I am grateful the Lord has been my "loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge" (Ps 144).  Through some tears I finally got out that I couldn't even imagine going through hardships of life without hope...The One and Only Hope- the birth of the Christ child my family and I celebrate this Christmas season. 

Same mantle, same yule log, same girl (just a little younger and with real blonde hair!)  Hard to believe I'm the same age as Abigail in this picture : )

All the yule log participants (my parents, my grandmother, my sister's family and...us)!

This is our last Christmas together with David's family (his dad, his sister's family and...us).

David ended our sharing time this weekend with, "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;  rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him t o the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:5-11

Dirt or Motor Oil???

Today was the much anticipated appointment at the hospital for traditional medicine.  Oh, it brought back such memories of when when we took Audrey An for her adoption physical 2 1/2 years ago- the sights, the smells, the "white coats", etc.  I met the director of internal medicine then was escorted to one of their oldest doctors (yes, and I mean, truly, probably the oldest doctor there).  I SO wanted to ask his age, but I refrained.  The clinic doctor (I'll call her Dr. C ) who was so gracious to meet David and me there (so she could translate for us) said he was the best- a real expert.  I sat down across from him along with a clerk and three other doctors who were there-I'm assuming being mentored by "Dr. Wise"...I call him : )  It truly was a fascinating experience.  Dr. C  relayed the history of the illness, symptoms, prescriptions, hospitalizations, etc. to him.  They all sat with a notebook and pencil writing notes as she spoke.  It was a little bit of a flashback in time.  Then Dr. Wise felt/listened to my pulse for quite awhile on both arms, asked more questions about symptoms, etc.  There was just a kindness in his face...I can't explain it.  I wonder how many patients he's seen through the years...wow.

After the appointment we went to the compounding pharmacy where there were half a dozen more white coats measuring out the prescriptions that had been sent to them from upstairs.  David had to go back downtown this afternoon to pick up my "special concoction"....made just for me.  So, all in all, it was a good appointment.  David and I feel much more comfortable about the hospital working with me and my current western medicines.  I'm not quitting any of them cold turkey.  I'm going to continue to reduce my steroid weekly and even continue on my HRT (this week at least..).  I stopped the methotrexate a month ago anyway so I'm clear of that (and YAY...I'm not losing my hair anymore!).

compounding the herbs...

4-6 oz/packet, 3x/day....I think I can, I think I can!!!! (clothespin for nose in hand, too!)

So, I just took my first "dose", and I wondered if it was a cross between packaged dirt or motor oil!  OH. MY. GOODNESS....can we say nasty tasting!?!?!  I held my breath, chugged water, and ate a peanut butter sandwich during and after, and it still took about 30 minutes to get the taste out of my mouth. I think my body is wondering what in the world I've just put in it (as my esophagus is burning!).  If this helps me, I don't care WHAT it tastes like OR what it looks like, or what it smells like.  I've got a 5 day supply and will return to "Dr. Wise" on Monday for follow up (along with Dr. C).

Okay, so I couldn't leave you with lovely images of motor oil packets!  While David and Abigail motor biked back downtown to the hospital to pick up my concoction, I took Audrey An on a MUCH needed mommy/daughter date.  Both girls adore their dates with mommy and daddy, but for AA I think it's something just extra special for her.  She gets SOOOOO excited when I surprise her with one!  She's sportin' a sassy new hair cut, too.  I love you, sweet girl!

Another Bend in the Road

2pm:  Wow...just when David and I made a decision about the next treatment option I get an unexpected email.  This shouldn't surprise me, but I have to say I wasn't expecting this one.   For a couple of weeks now we've been earnestly praying if we are to pursue the traditional chinese medicine route for treatment.  Trust me, there's been tons of pros and cons come to mind, but ultimately we came to have a peace that maybe we are suppose to give this a try given the fact we're in their back door, traditional "western" medicine is not doing me a lot of good, and I feel time is ticking away!  I am MORE than ready to be well.  I feel like I've been patient, prayed fervently, sought counsel, kept an open mind, done everything my doctors have told me and then some. The email suggested I go to the national hospital for a consult/treatment.  Hmmm...I then wondered how I would possibly swing that (translation, etc.) when this particular doctor who emailed will be leaving the country...for good...in just a few weeks.  Well, lovely...just lovely.  Like I said, just when we thought we were headed down the right path, then we get yet another bend in the road.  All I could keep quoting to myself (after I grumped quite a bit!) this afternoon was, "The Lord gives wisdom.  The Lord gives wisdom.  The Lord gives wisdom."

On some days (like today) I feel like I don't know the voice of God and how's He leading me in some circumstances.  I know He's not trying to trick us or trip us up.  That's totally not His nature! Today, I was needing a "YES" or "NO" to what treatment path on which to be.  This afternoon I just lost it.  Completely lost it.  Yes, I had the ugly cry...again.  David was speechless, helpless- bless his heart.  I felt like I was having an out of body experience (yes, I'm still delusional due to lack of sleep and my ears are still driving me nutso!).  I know "my thoughts are not His thoughts and my ways are not His ways".  Again, trying to keep focused on His promises is H.A.R.D right now.   If I were a drinker, trust me...this afternoon would have been the day to chug a few...just sayin' (PTL I'm not though!!!).  Yes, that's evil/fleshly Mrs. Dermatomyositis talking in that last sentence : )

8:30pm:  While visiting with a friend tonight this hospital came into conversation...random.  He'd been there and met with a local doctor (who spoke ENGLISH and said was very helpful!).  So...now I have a business card of this doctor.  I get home and email this traditional medicine doctor I met with a couple of weeks ago and asked if she knew of her...she did.  She's setting up an appointment (AND she's going with us...).  She doesn't want me to panic and is trying everything in her power to set me up for success before she leaves.  Again, WHO does this in the states??? Answer: NO one.  So grateful for doctors who communicate with and CARE about their patients out here!

10:00pm:  David calls a doctor friend back in the states to discuss his thoughts on the traditional chinese medicine (he's trained in that) plus the AP therapy. Okay, first, miracle #1 that David was able to get him on the phone (and on the first try!) and miracle #2... WOW...he knew all about the AP therapy and starts quoting all this stuff that we've been reading about!  He's even prescribed the therapy to patients himself.  Nobody out here knows about it (at least that we know of).   A.M.A.Z.I.N.G  It kinda gave us goose bumps, seriously.

So....all that to say I'm MOST grateful for a God who knows just how much I can handle, swoops in and holds me tight, encourages me through different people tonight in the most obscure conversations.  Maybe I can hear His voice after all???  Okay, well, I'm (we're) trying.  Maybe we are on the right path but just another bend in the road...

These past two conversations and last email may not sound like a big deal, but trust me they are.  When I'm counting the weeks, days, and sometimes minutes for healing and relief and you feel like you're in sinking sand, EVERY bit of wisdom and encouragement is most welcome!

"HE will NEVER leave [me] or forsake [me]."
Off to get some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.  Please, "May my sleep be sweet" tonight!
"JOY comes in the morning..."

Thanksgiving and no black Friday

Although our country of residence in which we live doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, we certainly did!  Although we've seen some difficult times this year, we have a lot to be grateful and took time last week to be thankful.  We celebrated with our extended family (our friends and David's co-workers) and had a blast!  It was quite humorous to me trying to collect ingredients and cooking utensils that are not readily available here.

And we're off...four westerners, two chocolate pies, and one sweet potato casserole made it safely to the party!

NO round pie tins (or ready made crust...uggh!) in this country.  I must say my first homemade pie crust and sweet potato casserole (oh, I mean "candy") made me feel all grown up!  I DONE GOOOOD : )  WOW...I don't even want to count how many sticks of butter and cups of sugar we consumed!  Have you ever baked in basically a toaster oven???  At out house you can only use either the top heating element or the bottom heating element...not both at the same time...not too convenient for western cooking.  Oh well!  can we say improvise???  David made his grandmother's famous chocolate pies...divine!!!

Abs, wanna a little chocolate??? Love it!

My friend Chrissy made corn casserole and one of the turkeys...delish!  We had to have chopsticks, too!

Part of the gang...well, the part who didn't have to work or just got off work.

November is really "MOvember" with the AM family...Jeff, your whip cream 'stache is falling off your real one!

being funny...

Our sweet friends, Scott & Laura with the girls!

YIKES...women with knives!  You did great, ladies...turkeys were fantastic!

SO thankful for my family!!!!  THANK you for your love, support and encouragement to me this year.  I owe you big time....couldn't have done this year without you all : )

Off to shop some Black Friday sales, family????  JUST kidding... that doesn't exist out here, and it actually was quite refreshing!  David just wanted to drive his new toy.  I love you, David.  I love how you always make things so fun for the girls and make great memories with them.  I love that the locals laughed and stared at YOU while driving your motorcycle while wearing your Santa hat.  I just hate that I wasn't with you on your "tour".  You make me want to be a better mommy : )

Tradition:  we always put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving then go out for mexican food.  Well, we had to divert a tad from that plan this year.  Momma bear wasn't feeling too well, but we we did find some pretty good mexican the next day.  I think I over did it on Thursday with cooking and going out that evening.  It was fun though, and it lifted my spirits so it was worth being in bed the next day : )

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endure forever."  Psalm 118:29

Keepin' it REAL...

I shared most of these thoughts via an email to my family earlier yesterday, but once again I decided to post it in case somebody else could identify with me and it might help them know they're not alone.  I'm not known to speak very eloquently, but somehow I can get my thoughts out through my fingers better than my mouth.  So here it goes!  I've never been one to "put my happy face on and pretend every thing's okay kind-of-gal".  That can get me into some trouble (or rather uncomfortable predicaments) at times.  What you see is what you get.  I'd much rather answer honestly than put on some fake smile and pretend everything is hunky-dory.  I think my best "pat" answer when I'm not feeling well, grumpy or having a hard day and someone asks me the ever so kind, "Hi, how are you today?" is, "Well, I'm thankful I'm here today... OR "Well, I've had better days..." OR "I've had worse days."  See...it's truthful and about all I can get our of my mouth sometimes.  Two of my friends back home call me a "front door" girl rather than going through the "back door girl"...hmmmm, not sure if that's a good or bad thing!

Yes, it's thanksgiving week, and I have MUCH in which to be thankful.  So, maybe I should start there???  No, I think I'll end there so I won't leave a completely bad taste in my mouth...lol!

Let me back up a bit to fill in some gaps of the past few weeks in regards to my health for those who are emailing me with questions. WOW...thanks, for caring and continuing to pray for me (us!).  So here are some of the questions I get:
1.  "What exactly is the illness?"   I guess I don't really refer to it by name much...just because my family knows what it is and I assume they're the only ones who really reads this anyway.  It's called dermatomyositis or for short, DM.  "The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. Experts think it may be due to a viral infection of the muscles or a problem with the body's immune system." (National Institute of Health). 

2.  "You don't look sick.  What's going on?"   DM is basically a muscle disease categorized by chronic muscle inflammation/deterioration accompanied by muscle weakness. It also has a lovely by a skin rash that goes along with it and for me looks like a sunburn.  My fingernail cuticles are very brittle and have what looks like dried blood in them, but that along with the rash are the only outward appearances of something is a little "off" from the disease (but who really goes and inspects one's fingernails very often!).

3.  "When did actually get sick?"  Well, that's the million dollar question!  My first symptoms of extreme muscle weakness began in mid-late February of this year.  It became so extreme that I couldn't get out of bed, lift my head off my pillow, pick up my dinner plate, get dressed by myself or even cut my fingernails. After many months of putting some puzzle pieces together in regards to other related issues I've had for years I really think (KNOW) that this disease had been brewing in my body for probably years and then KABOOM...for some reason, it was like a big, honkin' MAC truck hit me big time in early March hence my first appointment with Dr Nathalie for help.

 5.  "You mentioned you had another IV steroid treatment a few weeks ago.  What was the outcome?"  Yes, due to a bad flare up with ear pain/itching/swelling, hearing loss, muscle weakness, and an elevated CPK number I had a 3 day IV steroid treatment again.  I was put on an antibiotic as well.  I guess it did help because the pain/swelling in my ear began to subside.  Actually, the pain began to subside a bit the night before I started the IV and had just taken one dose of antibiotic.  My ear then got worse again, went to an ENT and she said I had fluid in my middle ear that was causing the hearing loss.  She put me on something to drain off the fluid.  One ear got better, but now the other ear is doing the same thing.  So, I've been saying, "Huh?  What did you say?"..A LOT lately!!!

So, now...which brings me to another consult with another doctor who practices traditional eastern medicine.  She graciously escorted me (so she could translate!) to a colleague of hers who is a physician and compounding pharmacist.  It's definitely a paradigm shift in thinking/treatment. I was grateful for the consult and willingness to think outside the "western world" of medicinal thinking.  It's something David and I are open to as longs as it doesn't get into weird stuff if you know what I mean.  This was about 10 days ago.

Fast forward to yesterday's appointment with Dr. Nathalie to discuss that consult and determine my next step in treatment and update her on my ear situation.  If you've been reading this blog at all, you know that we're continually asking for prayer, guidance and wisdom for David and me PLUS all doctors involved in my case. Well, I was hopeful going into this appointment and I had high expectations of leaving with a "plan"...a clear cut answer...a skip in my step.  Hmmmm, not so for me.  Instead, I left Dr. Nathalie with her seeing my tears and frustration (again!).  She's SO patient with me!  Now, David's been on a two day trip and I've been trying to reel in my emotions, hold it together for the girls, and again place my thoughts on the pure and lovely and all that is righteous...not an easy task for me to do at present.

So, here comes the ugliness that so spewed out me after I left my appointment.  I needed to go to the market to pick up a few things.  The security guard told me I had to put my purse in the locker....I got so mad.  Embarrassing that it sent me over the top, but I've shopped at this market for almost year and have never been asked to stash my bag before shopping...uggh.  I guess my teary eyed, swollen face with a new purse with two pretty cute little girls on me heels made me look pretty threatening to the grocery market employee???  So.... I, being the mature 40 year old that I am, rolled my eyes at the security guard and yelled at him that it's just my freakin' purse and left.  Wasn't that SO kind of me!?!?!?  Oh, brother.....  I really need to get a life!  I'm getting tired of having to ask forgiveness from my girls for doing random acts of stupidity!!!  What a great role model....geesh!

I really think am back to the 1/2 delusional stage again (or maybe completely delusional stage!) due to the increase in steroid dosage and increase in ear/jaw pain which both are not letting me get good rest at night. Just call me Insomniac QUEEN!  I cannot cope without some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Okay, enough of my dissertation and ranting and on to my THANKfulness..
1.  My wonderful and supportive husband who has been my researcher and biggest cheerleader these past few weeks (months)! Thank you for your tenacity and loving me.

2.  Dr. Nathalie who has been such a blessing to me and our entire family.  She's kind, smart, patient, available, willing, and doesn't run the other direction and hide when she sees me coming in for an appointment!

3. Family and friends (and those I don't even know!) who are interceding on my family's behalf for healing, wisdom, discernment for me PLUS my doctors.

4. HOPE found in Christ alone and that HE always listens to my cries and doesn't let me go.

5.  Our helper who has basically become part of our family...can't imagine my life without her right now.  She cooks, cleans and climbs 4 flights of stairs to do our laundry!  I couldn't physically do all these "normal" things without her in this season of my life- I could never have this back home.

6. Yunju who has offered to take Audrey An a couple of days a week to do some home school science and math with her two precious daughters.  OH, what an unexpected blessing!!!  Audrey An came home beaming yesterday!  THANK YOU.

7. Dejan and Chrissy who didn't freak out on me when I ran into them after my physical therapy appointment today.  Just seeing friends invoked a gush of tears....oh my! They graciously offered to take  "Thing 1 and Thing 2" for the afternoon so I could get some rest.  THANK YOU for being sensitive to your currently overly emotional expat friend : )

8. New day, new mercies.

9. Paula and Jerome who were able to bring back a prescription from another country that I couldn't get here.

10.  That I'm able to get out of bed.

There...said it.  feel better now. off to nappy land before hunky monkey and the girls come home.  Just tryin' to keep it real!

Our THANKFUL turkey that we've been putting feathers on each day of November!  He's pretty and plump wouldn't you say!?!

Glass anyone?

A couple of  weeks ago several home school families ventured out to tour a well known Japanese glass factory.  It was really fascinating and such a fun day for us!  We had a translator during the entire tour. At the end of the tour the hostesses graciously took our group to a lounge area where they served all of snacks and gave each of us gift....so nice! Here's our outing in pics...

On the bus getting there we see horse and buggy...

and motorbiker who decides to stop on the middle of the bridge to do a u-turn (very typical).

Peek-a-boo, Gavee and Audrey An!

Lots of workers who were very gracious and fascinated by our inquisitive looks.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

Men and women work in the factory.

Shaping the hot glass.

work stations

Chopstick holders about to be exported back to Japan.

Abigail getting to blow the glass...very cool, once in a lifetime opportunity!

These ladies had some spunk!  They were very shy and hid their face at first when I pulled out my camera.  I smiled and asked them (pointed to my camera) if I could take their picture and they just giggled up a storm!

getting ready for shipping

beautiful pieces in their showroom

 

Countries represented: USA, China, Canada, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Tasmania, Algeria...way cool!

Headed back home now.  This is a man selling charcoal starters (I guess that's what you call them!). They're short cylinders with about 10-12 holes in them.  You'll see them with a heavy load in the mornings and hopefully they have an empty load at the end of the day.

Bread anyone?

 

 Abigail's turn!