School Picnic

Picnics are a big deal here.  A really big deal.  (And when I say picnic, I don't mean a sandwich on a blanket on the church lawn kind of a thing.  This is a drive 45 minutes to the perfect spot - covered dish - eat and eat and eat more - sit around and talk - dance for hours - even in the rain - eat more - go home when it's starting to get dark - kind of a thing.)

Spring is short, so there's a small window of opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air and green fields.  Last week we had a school-wide picnic.  It was so fun to see a different side of the students!  I enjoyed a relaxed time of eating and talking about life with my 5th graders.  Dan enjoyed some jam sessions with his guitar students.

 One of my students.  Her sweet family had this dress made for me for this special day.

Another sweet student.  I had the privilege of teaching her in 2nd grade, as well.  She's a little lady with an incredible amount of kindness in her heart.

Two sweet friends - great students - beautiful spirits.

Dan sporting his traditional Kurdish pants.  He's enjoyed getting to know this fellow teacher.

It was a lovely day for a picnic.

One Hope

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Dan and I are so blessed to walk with these incredible people. They've taught us more about this verse in Ephesians. We've been through a lot of ups and downs together in just a few short months -- thanks be to God who gifts us with unity that is only of His Spirit, who calls us to One Hope, and who gives us the grace to bear with one another in love.

(Stacy isn't pictured here -- we're very thankful for her, too!)

Roof Days

Spring is here! *Praise God* Mornings are still a little cool, but the sun is bright and warm. Our roof is a great hangout spot these days (for our clothes and for us). We love being able to enjoy our morning breakfast and coffee where the air is fresh and the sun is bright. And the mountains (and yes, the power lines) are in full view.

First picture

11 weeks and counting! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Girl Time

I'm blessed to be surrounded by some wonderful women - both on my team and in a fellowship we're a part of. Through the years, God has shown Himself to be so faithful to bring the right people into my life at the right time.

The other day a few of us took a little 45 minute trip to Zakho to do some major damage. (And to find some great deals!) This is the closest thing we have to a Wal-Mart: City Centre!

Celebrating a teammate's birthday.

Praise God for these ladies!

Dohuk Weather

This winter, we've had a strange mix of weather patterns. (Reminds me a bit of Nashville!) But we can see Spring on the horizon, and we are so excited to start digging in the garden again.

The snow we had in January made Dohuk's mountains look so beautiful.

A dust storm paints everything orange. (And makes your house nice and dirty.)

This was from a hail storm a few weeks ago!

Thankfully, signs of Spring are everywhere, including this little Flower Girl from across the street. (She comes to our gate often and says, "Julie, mala wa?" / "Can I come to your house?" I've learned that kids are some of the best teachers of Kurdish because they will fearlessly tell you how wrong you're saying something!)

2 Years

Dan and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary last week. 2 years - it's hard to fathom!

I came home from school and my good man had the table set and a meal cooked. He sure knows how to make my heart smile.

And since it was such a beautiful, sunny day, we ventured onto the roof and had affogatos. Yes, we do love our coffee. And ice cream. (Why not mix 'em together?)