Our city

We've been in Dohuk for over two weeks, which is almost impossible to believe. Between yard work and getting reacquainted with the city and helping friends move, the time has really flown. Adjusting to a new life anywhere takes a lot of time and energy. But we're really beginning to feel at home in this city called Dohuk.

Here are some pictures from around town. I'll post some pictures of the house and yard next week - when we get everything fixed up and arranged! (The yard is still a bit of a jungle.)

Our neighborhood chicken.

Bet you didn't know Dohuk had quite a night life! Dan, Stacy and I went out on the town with a sweet little friend that I know from the last time I was here. She's grown a few inches and has become even more beautiful since 2009.

Even though it gets to be 105 in the daytime, the weather has been incredible at night. Unlike nights in Nashville when it's still humid and sticky, Dohuk is breezy, cool and dry at night. 8:30 or 9 is a great time to go outside and enjoy ice cream at a park. Or to sit on the roof.

A restaurant on the water! This wasn't here in 2009.

You tend to see the Kurdish flag in a lot of places - waving high and proud.

A view of the city center from one of the main streets.

A secret pathway...

Another Kurdish flag positioned high on a mountain peak, for all to see.

Why I love Spurgeon

The people, when they beheld Him, were greatly amazed, and running to Him saluted Him.

- Mark 9:15

Reader, it may be that just now you are blinded by the dazzling brightness of the law of God. You feel its claims on your conscience, but you cannot keep it in your life. Not that you find fault with the law, on the contrary, it commands your profoundest esteem, still you are in nowise drawn by it to God; you are rather hardened in heart, and are verging towards desperation.

Ah, poor heart! Turn thine eye from Moses, with all his repelling splendour, and look to Jesus, resplendent with milder glories. Behold His flowing wounds and thorn-crowned head! He is the Son of God, and therein He is greater than Moses, but He is the Lord of love, and therein more tender than the lawgiver.

He bore the wrath of God, and in His death revealed more of God's justice than Sinai on a blaze, but that justice is now vindicated, and henceforth it is the guardian of believers in Jesus.

Look, sinner, to the bleeding Saviour, and as thou feelest the attraction of His love, fly to His arms, and thou shalt be saved.

- C.H. Spurgeon

Istanbul to Dohuk

We are so grateful for a somewhat uneventful trip. We were delayed about 20 hours after missing our connection in Toronto, but that's life. And there's always another adventure waiting for us right around the corner.

Saying goodbye to parents.

A friend we met along the way.

And then...

We finally made it to Istanbul!

Doors of the Blue Mosque

The Hagia Sophia

Inside the Hagia Sophia

On our last night in Istanbul, we watched the moon rise over the city and the Marmara Sea. It was an incredible sight.

Now...

...off to Kurdistan!

We took the land route (aka "the cheaper, longer way") - and though it took us all day, we got to see some amazing portraits of creation along the way.

When we go on vacation

We dance

We cook great food right out of Brian's garden

We hang

We float

We laugh

We enjoy Dale Hollow Lake and thank God for its beauty

We cuddle

We wear the same shirt

We read books

We jump on the bed

Our 2,200 miles

My negligence has gone on long enough, dear readers. Perhaps you've not altogether given up on me yet.

Since Dan and I will soon be moving ourselves across the ocean, we thought we would take a road trip around the southeast to see some sweet friends and family. Here's a little glimpse into the wonderful time we had.

Our first stop was Greenville, SC.

Matt and Lori Smith took us to a great restaurant and we laughed until our cheeks were sore. We love them a lot.

This is Lewis and Melissa Young, some dear friends that Dan lived with for four years after college. They are prayer warriors and world-changers - just the kind of people we would aspire to imitate.

Our next stop was Summerville, SC, to visit Bryan and Jessica Ray and their sweet kids.

Bryan's two boys, Elliot and Jonathan, are aspiring guitarists. They relished the opportunity to jam with Dan.

Next was Orlando to visit Dan's sister Holly and her family.

"Uncle Daniel" having a little quality time with six boys on a Saturday morning. I can finally name them all - Austin, Andrew, Abel, Aaron, Aaric and Asa. (Whew!)

My sweet, sweet sister-in-law, Holly. We had some great sister-sister chats.

Pensacola was our next stop.

This is one of my besties, Elisabeth, with her husband, Greg. Elisabeth and I met through City Church while I was in college. We loved spending time with these cute lovebirds for a couple of days. But our visit went way too quickly.

Next: Trussville, AL.

Elisabeth and I having Aunt-Niece time at Starbucks. How cool is it that I have a niece I can take to Starbucks??

And last (but not least), Mt. Olive, AL.

My sweet grandparents, Pop and Eva Mae. They are jewels. I can't imagine my life without their love and kindness and friendship.

We made a full circle and burned a lot of rubber, but it was worth it.