So first things first, yes. I awoke to the news that President Rodrigo Duterte had indeed instated martial law for the entire island of Mindanao. That is where we live. This was in response to the most recent ISIS terror attack at a health facility north of us. Here is more of the story here. So strange, never thought I would ever be able to say that I lived under martial law. But here I am. Nothing seems different, I anticipate extra security checks and more uniformed men around the city. But I do know, that it is not business as usual for some who re facing the day mourning or wondering what the next days will bring. Armed uniformed men have become a normal sight, when we had just moved to Niger in 2010, there was a military coup not even a mile from the compound that we were living in. Gee, we thought was road construction....jack hammers. We had only lived there a little over a month. It was peaceful and at siesta time when there were no civilians around. It is funny how living through these experiences have changed my views on so much. I has taught me how my worry does NOTHING. Just as the news today, I thought, hmmm what is it going to take to bring safety and security? What is safe? makes me think and really thankful that God says he will never leave me or forsake me, but he does not promise safety. So, I pay extra attention and ask the Lord of wisdom & discernment.
I proceeded through my day like usual. Great time with the boys in the ward. Great singing and praying and practicing my Visayan! What a joy they are. Their smiles & giggles really make my heart happy. I enjoyed a few conversations with the nurses, checked in with a few others and then headed home for a much needed tea date with a precious friend. I love just grabbing these times and I am so thankful for them. It is like water to my soul.
Time to make cheese. Ha ha ha. I was almost amused by the randomness of my day. I have enjoyed living in other cultures. Lots of new foods to try but a really great skills acquired...making food from scratch (more than I had ever tried, my Mom is an amazing cook who taught me much and well Bobby Flay too). Granola, croutons, tahini, hummus, yogurt, bissap, chapati, cheese. My favorite? The art of making ricotta cheese. Well, for those of you that make your own you may be saying...Big Whoop, so easy. Yes, it is, but oh so good. All of that to say, I love learning new things and especially in the kitchen. At first it seemed a bit daunting but now, it is just normal life. Really, a simple pleasure.
As I continued through my day, it was like this blog was scrolling through my mind and then I started talking to myself and figured that I would try to write some of it down. So here I am at my computer. As I was noticing postings regarding the new news here on Mindanao, I started to think of all the things I take for granted. All of the luxuries. I was quickly reminded by a load of laundry.
When I returned from Christmas break earlier this year, our washing machine was broken down. Tried to repair it and were told that the part that we had ordered was stuck in customs for weeks. Ugh, so we went to plan B. A new used machine. The first few washes seemed great. I think it was partially because it actually got all of the clothes wet and swished a bit, drained and then oh wow, it actually spun the clothing. So all sarcasm aside, I was thrilled with the replacement. Well, it quickly started with some mysterious beeps and we called the technician. BUT the day he agreed to come, it worked with no beeps! Ugh again. So he came anyway and suggested a minor repair that George took care of lickety split. So that brings me to right now....so many wonderful things, news reports that inform, ricotta cheese, my smiley buddy, Lester, washing machines, sunny days to hang wash, & my handy friend, George. The randomness of life & new experiences. All very wonderful!
I proceeded through my day like usual. Great time with the boys in the ward. Great singing and praying and practicing my Visayan! What a joy they are. Their smiles & giggles really make my heart happy. I enjoyed a few conversations with the nurses, checked in with a few others and then headed home for a much needed tea date with a precious friend. I love just grabbing these times and I am so thankful for them. It is like water to my soul.
Time to make cheese. Ha ha ha. I was almost amused by the randomness of my day. I have enjoyed living in other cultures. Lots of new foods to try but a really great skills acquired...making food from scratch (more than I had ever tried, my Mom is an amazing cook who taught me much and well Bobby Flay too). Granola, croutons, tahini, hummus, yogurt, bissap, chapati, cheese. My favorite? The art of making ricotta cheese. Well, for those of you that make your own you may be saying...Big Whoop, so easy. Yes, it is, but oh so good. All of that to say, I love learning new things and especially in the kitchen. At first it seemed a bit daunting but now, it is just normal life. Really, a simple pleasure.
As I continued through my day, it was like this blog was scrolling through my mind and then I started talking to myself and figured that I would try to write some of it down. So here I am at my computer. As I was noticing postings regarding the new news here on Mindanao, I started to think of all the things I take for granted. All of the luxuries. I was quickly reminded by a load of laundry.
When I returned from Christmas break earlier this year, our washing machine was broken down. Tried to repair it and were told that the part that we had ordered was stuck in customs for weeks. Ugh, so we went to plan B. A new used machine. The first few washes seemed great. I think it was partially because it actually got all of the clothes wet and swished a bit, drained and then oh wow, it actually spun the clothing. So all sarcasm aside, I was thrilled with the replacement. Well, it quickly started with some mysterious beeps and we called the technician. BUT the day he agreed to come, it worked with no beeps! Ugh again. So he came anyway and suggested a minor repair that George took care of lickety split. So that brings me to right now....so many wonderful things, news reports that inform, ricotta cheese, my smiley buddy, Lester, washing machines, sunny days to hang wash, & my handy friend, George. The randomness of life & new experiences. All very wonderful!
So great to hear your experiences! Drawing near and listening to Him while moving forward is always a good choice... now if I can just be more consistent!! Blessings to you and yours Chris. May He cover you, protect and lead you and yours.
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