Christmas at the UN.

Yes, we rounded another milestone in the UN. Now, knowing that this could be a difficult point in the member nations membership journey, America has been carefully planning just how each detail, party, and morsel would work together to make this occasion memorable, fantastic, and absolutely the best that it could be: bumps, bruises, and grief included!

Korea informed Fiji and America that other members would be temporarily joining the UN Dec 22-23 and Dec 27-28. America didn't think much of it other than the fact that she thought it would be a fantastic idea and a fantastic way to keep Korea occupied during the long days of the Untied Nations Christmas recess (hopefully a recess free of political sanctions and nothing but joyous celebration and relaxation! ...after all, isn't that what all political figures do this time of year?). The rest of the Schedule included Holiday celebrations (traditional American) on Dec 24, 26 and 31, and cultural bonding time with America's countrymen on Dec 25. Phew! That only leaves Dec 29, 30, and January 1 and 2 that had nothing planned. So America thought a good idea would be movie and skating on Dec 30 and nothing but relaxation to fill January 1 and 2 before school stared for UN member nation(s) on January 3. Thankfully the Honorary Spain had Wrestling practice to keep him occupied (although, since Spain has changed office space and political allies, it is no longer the job of this UN to worry about how to occupy 14 days of recess).

In preparation for this monuments occasion, it had been asked several times by America as to how this time of year was celebrated by both of the visiting member nations. Again (and as to be expected at this point) the answers received were as different as black is from white. One celebrates with small, quiet, sometimes non-existent celebrations of minimal break in the days. The other celebrates for three weeks. One will sometimes put a tree up, sometimes exchange gifts, sometimes... . The other celebrates with a massive parade through town where everyone comes out to celebrate with revelry! Going into this season, one was going to be severely disappointed and the other was not going to understand what was going on (you are left to pick who is who!). Neither has a white Christmas...and that was about the only thing that remained the same for the UN!

So here is how it went: The first set of members who joined the UN on Korea's behalf were her fellow country men. Oh man! America forgot how loud teenage girls can be! They were loud and full of laughter and energy. But they also cooked and cleaned up the kitchen all by themselves and never woke up America or Fiji. So it was a good trade off.

Honorary Spain skipped town and left the UN high-and-dry without Flamingo dancers on the Christmas Party on Dec 24. America was a bit frustrated by this fact because this was where the most chaos to be had. (Hello...35 people in a house that was built for 20, wrapping paper, and brand new set of means to celebrate the holiday, how much fun could that be??? besides the fact that America was pretty sure she knew what the member nations were going to get in those delectable wrapped boxes!). In the end, the three remaining member nations had a great time. Tons of food (as always) and the hot games this year were Anomia and Blokus.

The following day was spent with Fiji, America, and Korea spending the afternoon at America's mother/father-land. Again, playing Blokus (as every good strategy was thought to be had and now all that was needed was to perfect each move...or so some thought). Lunch consisted of make-it-your-own baked potato and salad. America's grandma was there. And yes, grandpa's presence was an obvious adjustment as he is dearly missed. Loloma.

Dec 26 rolled around, Spain made his appearance and in good fashion of America's tradition, there was monkey bread, fondue, wine, presents, and stockings! The greatest of all: the joy of celebrating the holiday, celebrating Christmas and the greatest gift of all, with family: member nations and honorary member nations in toe! One thing America has cherished over the years, are the people from afar that have come near to celebrate the goodness of this home (sound familiar??). America and the family have now entertained people from three countries and several states! Anyway, as in year's past there has always been a quote or two that gets repeated: "It's Lilac!" or "It's a CD!" and this year it was, "It's a box!" The hot gift: smart wool socks, particularly for the honorary Spain who wore thin, super light weight sock to the grave site where it was 28F and snowing. No more cold feet for him!

Sigh! December 26 came and went with a great amount of fun and spent energy and all America could think when she got home was, "Oh man, here we go again tomorrow!" as Korea had her allies (American) over. They were not quite as loud as the Korean allies and they didn't stay as long on the following day. Even though America was exhausted by the time they came, in the end it was fine because America didn't have to worry about how board Korea would be if they had not come at all.

All and all, it was a great recess, a much needed break from the school routine, and I think everyone will go into next week ready for the challenges that lie ahead. It was good -

Today America is thankful for Korea. Korea informed host America that Korea hated America. It was only due to the fact that America had blocked Korea in Blokus. America is also thankful because Korea is so super expressive! Korea has the greatest looks that send the message of disgust!

Korea Has Met America

There are just a few things about America that makes life ever-so-enjoyable for America to live her own life (if that makes any sense): sarcasm and cracking a joke at just the right time... The right time being at that crucial moment of tension that relieves the stress that has built up for one reason or another. Korea has caught on!

It took Korea quite a while to break out of the shell she came into the UN with. And immediately noticing this quiet facade, America slowly broke out her own personality as not to overwhelm Korea with it all at once. Korea is quick on the draw (America also noticed this right away)...Korea catches everything that goes on around her and follows/mimics the behavior.

And now, Korea has met America. For instance:

At church one Sunday, while greeting those coming into church: Korea was standing next to America when Fiji finally walked up to the two of them. Korea took one step to the right so Fiji could stand next to his wife, America. Noticing that Korea stepped away from America, America says, "Don't you like me no 'more?"
Korea, without missing a beat says, "Nope."
America replies with, "That's okay, I didn't like you anyway."
Korea: "Good cause I don't like you either."

At the burial - which, as America has mentioned in a previous post was cold - Korea walks up to the gravesite and turns toward America and huddles up to the rent-a-motherland and shivers in the chilly air. America wraps her arms around rent-a-nation and they huddle together for warmth. By the end, it was clear to both Korea and America that if grandpa was going to die the day before his birthday, he should have picked July to be born.

Korea joined Honorary Spain, Spain's new member organization, and America to a movie. So overjoyed...she voluntarily went to see the spectacle of world travel (Mission Impossible 4...views of Russia, Dubai, India, America, Czech Republic, and a few others).

So America has been so very impressed with Korea as a member nation, has fully enjoyed getting to know Korea in new ways, and is starting to look forward to all the time together as the world pauses to celebrate Christmas and New Year!

The Funeral

The funeral was beautiful and just as grandpa would have wanted it: full of hymns.

America neither had never been to a funeral in her own church or a burial at all so this was a first experience for her too. Both Korea and Spain were there with Fiji and America for the experience. It was good for the four of the United Nations to be together for the occasion.

For months Spain kept asking the same question: Is it cold yet? And for months America said no simply because 40 or 50 degrees is hardly cold to the bitter wind and freezing temperatures that rock the body during late January to early March...those that sink between 0 and 15F and wind chills that sink to that or lower. (They dare not be spoken of!!) Anyway, America hesitated but out of mercy says to Spain, "Yes, it's getting there." He turns to Korea with the same question and she quickly says "Yes!". Okay so Spain got a first touch of cold: Snowing at 28F in the middle of the afternoon, ice forming on the roads, and the family gathered at the gravesite. Spain has two winter jackets on. Fiji is in a fleece zip-up.

America does suppose it was cold. But when Spain got back in the car it was sure that the feet were frozen to the point of frostbite and needing to be removed. It was not THAT cold! Barely enough for frostbite, even in the light-weight footwear Spain was wearing. The UN was there for 20 minutes or so before we were back in the car - heat blaring - and on our way home again.

The snow-covered hill and grave was just as it would have been in the movies: gray skies, hole in the ground, people huddled around each other, and our breath shadows floating in the air until the temp had cooled it off. And there lies grandpa, one day next to grandma.

Oh Sigh......

America and Fiji will introduce Korea and Honorary Spain to another American tradition: the American Funeral.

If you haven't been keeping an eye on America's facebook page, then you probably do not know that America's dad's dad died Monday night, December 12, 2011 at about 7:10pm. He was born December 13, 1924 and made it a fantastic 87 years, 67 married to his beautiful bride! Here's a little bit about the man 65 people called either husband, father, grandfather, or great-grandfather:

Grandpa lived a great life even though they struggled to make ends meet for nearly all of it. He was drafted for WW2, lived through the death of a child, saw his son drafted to Vietnam (uncle stayed on the homefront), the loss of his sister and parents, lost a daughter-in-law, lived through countless surgeries, and died with his six kids and beautiful wife surrounding him. He celebrated his 87th birthday the next day with Jesus.

Grandpa was born in the old farm house and named after his grandpa. He had one sister, Grace, who died in the 1950's, they got along very well. His parents were both born in Germany (the family has the immigration and citizenship documents). He loved driving horses and hated picking stones.

When Grandpa was born:

Clavin Cooliage - President of the United States

Charles Dawes - Vice President

$0.05 - cost of an Ice Cream Cone

Model T - car they drove

Dog - first and favorite pet (also owned rabbits, sheep, geese, and ask grandma about the pigs!)

David - favorite Biblical character

Psalm 23 and 46 - favorite Bible passage

John 3:16 - favorite Bible verse

First Communion - "When I made profession of faith" (first time he had to stand up for his belief was in the Army)

Lucas Christian School - School he attended

Ms Nelie Schaap - favorite teacher (who married his Uncle Hank Kortman and became his aunt)

Mr Robert Oander Molen - least favorite teacher

Spelling - subject he was best at

The Schierbeeks and Schutte boys - were the friends he played with in school

Playing ball - favorite sport (softball catcher) and the school event he didn't forget

'My Jesus I love thee', 'Anywhere with Jesus I Can Safely Go', 'Lord Lifted me', and 'I Can Here My Savior Calling' - few of his favorite songs

10 or 11 yrs old - first bike ride

13 yrs old - first time he drove a car

15 yrs old - first shave

16 yrs old - got his first driver's license

1937 Chevrolet Coupe - his first car

16 yrs old - first time he asked a girl out - probably grandma, he thought so

21 yrs old - first time he voted

Cousin Gerrit Kortman - closest friend growing up

My wife and family - closest friend today

Best friend means being loving

On Grandpa's first girlfriend: (Grandpa says:) "You're getting to personal now" (Grandma's answer about this:) "I think it was Mina Schierbeck"

Grandma - Grandpa's first kiss

Dates consisted of - young people's, catechism, and the ice cream shop in McBain

Grandpa's heart break - when Grace died

First Plane Ride - went to California and Arizona in the 80s

Church - where he met Grandma

One lesson Grandpa learned about faith: to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. He achieved his goal of being God's child. Grandpa knew that God's love was the greatest gift of all.

Grandpa and Grandma were married August 4, 1944 in the basement of McBain Christian Reformed Church. She wore a nice dress and she looked beautiful. The wedding ceremony made grandpa feel mature. His best man was Uncle Al. His most vivid memory of the wedding were the friends and family that attended. Grandma and Grandpa did not have a honeymoon. From the 67 years of being married, Grandpa learned that you have to be willing to share.

Grandpa's first job was farming. He loved repair work. He gave the advice of being honest at work. In his 20's he farmed. In his 30's he was still farming. In his 40's he was farming some more. And by his 50's he realized farming wasn't everything. In his retirement, he enjoyed taking life easy. His favorite hobby was fishing, introduced to him by his father. The best thing about being grandpa was watching his family grow up. He said it is important to love your family/grandchildren, teach them about the Lord, and set a good example for them.

The most important lesson he wanted to pass along to his children and grandchildren was that God is our only comfort in life and death. He believed that when he died, he would go to heaven, that Jesus died for him, and that his sins were forgiven. He was most thankful for the fact that God was always with him through the surgeries that he had. He believed that you were a failure if you failed to read your Bible and pray.

Grandpa always wished he was able to go on work projects with the CRWRC and travel to Wyoming.

Grandpa was treated for heart problems the first time the week before America was born. They left the Mayo Clinic and stopped in GR to visit. They gave him 5 to 7 years. He was treated off and on displaying an ability to recover only God could grant during America's entire life: 30 years, 8 months, and 20 days before he could no longer recover.

Grandpa was born December 13, 1924 and died December 12, 2011. Grandpa, you will be so deeply missed by grandma. You will also be missed by your 12 kids and all the rest of us grandkids and great grandkids. Thank you for setting such an amazing example for us!

Today, America is thankful for Germany. You produced an amazing man!

Today is EPA Day on Mount St Cookie

Well, last week's EPA day was a total wash (ha ha). It didn't get done, there were cookies to bake, food to stock up on for hungry nations, geographic boundaries to redefine, and cultural experiences to learn about (thanks to the Smurfs).

Today's EPA day never felt so good! Over the past three days the United Nations has been attempting to scale Mount St. Cookie which has been occupying the kitchen at the United Nations headquarters. America participated in a cookie exchange that required 10 dozen cookies. The 6 batches of Snickerdoodles required were the foundation of the mountain. On top of that were sugar cookies/Christmas cookies from last week Saturday - 5 dozen of those which were nearly finished upon the birth of the Snickerdoodles (actually, that would be the foundation wouldn't it). Now there are a variety of cookies America has no idea what they are...other than the Russian Tea Cakes. Oh my goodness!

Well, last night America, Fiji, and Korea met up with some of the young people from Church and went midnight bowling. Fiji and America had their own lane which meant that in the span of 3 hours, 8 games were played - America only made it 74 frames (high score was 149 and low score was 63...only because America didn't finish the last game...that would have been the lowest score). Korea played with other allies from church and seemed to have a good time.

Three AM rolled around and we were all back in bed. Fiji woke up to educate the world on first aid measures while Korea and America slept a bit longer and cleaned the house. America has no idea how Korea felt about that but America dragged the feet and the task of cleaning up the environment, washing the clothes and even the idea of anything like that. But America would definitely confirm that the clean headquarters, particularly the kitchen and Mount St. Cookie is now of a manageable portion and it doesn't look like the bag of flour exploded on the floor. The only casualty scaling Mount St Cookie: one wine glass. Can't have everything can we?

Today, America is thankful for Canada. A Canadian friend had been talking about the snow they have had for weeks and weeks now (northern Ontario from America's understanding) and they have finally shared the joy with us...until tomorrow at least (if we're lucky).

Minutes

Well, a couple of posts ago (Ecc 3:8) There was some mention of a cold war and the lingering peace resolutions and stuff like that. America would like to update the events and clear up all the ambiguity:

The United Nations has now three member nations and one honorary member nation. What has been most striking (to America that is) about this whole situation, particularly the last two weeks of the saga, is not so much what happened in the headquarters literally so much as what has happened in the headquarters in all other ways. There has been great sacrifice.

Back in the day, 2000-ish years ago, one man stepped into this world and literally changed the way we look at just about everything. He lived a perfect life, the life that we could not live and then died to take our place. He sacrificed his life for the benefit of all those around him - that we would indeed be forgiven, made right with God, and become perfect. He did it, not because it was an easy task or one that he was "lucky enough to get the position" but he did it because it was the right thing to do. In the midst there was loneliness that no one could endure, pain no one could explain, separation only the Holy Spirit could overcome, and love that knew no bounds. The United Nations, as well as nearly everyone on earth will pause, in about 22 days, and celebrate Christmas. To those who knew this man 2000-ish years ago and to those who know him today, we stop with baited breath, hearts of such great expectation, and hopefully a tinge of sadness that this had to be done.

He kept on going because giving up would be loosing so much and this was a price too high to pay.

And so it will be for Fiji, America, Korea, and the honorary Spain that we will celebrate this wonderful advent of salvation and sacrifice.

Today, America is thankful for the incredible experience of having Spain as part of the United Nations: the late nights, movies that were never finished because America could no longer stay awake, the practices, the visits to the World Health Organization, the peace treaties and resolutions, the Spanish food you were not here to eat, the trick "and" treating, the beaches, forks, assets, uncle (it's ankle by the way), and the finger pointing, the wonderful motherland, and of course, the cold war. As you said, "It is not goodbye. It is see you later".

Thanksgiving

In the mounting tension of the cold war, I (nearly) forgot to tell you about the holiday! Yes, America realizes that the last post was the day after Thanksgiving (commonly known to the host nation as Black Friday) and nothing was mentioned about the fact that this was the first Thanksgiving for Spain and the first American Thanksgiving for Korea. So here is how it went:

It was early on in the UN saga that the first words regarding this milestone weekend were said. America believes it was Korea that first mentioned it. Korea had heard from school one day and came home all confused about this: "Friday...Black...?" America knew exactly what it meant immediately.

"Oh you mean Black Friday, right?" America was right, Black Friday was the topic of some sort of conversation at school that day and America went right into explaining what it was all about.

Spain, a week or so later: "There is a Black Friday?" And again, with some weird sort of pride, spoke up about the momentous occasion.

Both of these conversations ended with, "If you want to see what a crazy American is, go to the mall on Black Friday!" There was a bit more talk about Black Friday between then and now, but first, on to Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was first mentioned in the UN around the time Thanksgiving rolled around in Korea, early October. Spain and Korea were in the conversation at the same time and America had mentioned that when Thanksgiving in the host nation people don't feel hungry for three days. Spain listened in disbelief and did not believe that this was at all possible.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and three and a half days off school finally arrived. The UN was once again, packed into the UN-Mobile to head north to visit those Netherlanders to start the eating season. The amount of food and people and the organization of the whole feast was quite a spectacle in and of itself but half way through the meal, sitting right between Korea and Spain, America looks over at Spain and says, "Do you see now why people are not hungry for three days?" Spain nodded, again with disbelief, that this was indeed possible. And at this point, Spain had already cleared a heaping plate and was trying to ration the second helping all while America was also trying to tell the country that there were four different desserts to choose from. ...Or indulge in. Most definitely Spain was enthralled with this 'real American tradition'.

So there the three member nations were...stuffed (Fiji had fed the masses with those who seek to end world hunger). And it was on to Black Friday. America had an ally come and stay the night in the UN HQ so that when the clocked ticked that magical hour, America, it's ally, and Korea would rise from the dead and go shopping.

Fiji took Spain shopping at midnight when the sales started and Spain got to see the Crazy American first hand: a fist fight at Walmart. (Now, was that a safe thing to do...Walmart on Black Friday? ...Probably not but Spain is all for anything American). Kudos goes to Spain because Spain first shopped with Fiji, came home, and a few hours later, went shopping again with allies and stayed out till 6:30am!

(Back Story: Spain, about a week before had asked America if the country could go Black Friday shopping with some allies and "they want to sleep on the street". America, without hesitation, adamantly said no and that was the end of that discussion. America could not even imagine explaining that to Spain's home countrymen: "Dear ... I'm sorry to have to send you this email, but it seems to be that Spain got murdered/mugged/robbed/hurt in some form/(fill in the blank) while sleeping on the street waiting for a store to open. ..." That was enough to satisfy Spain and the topic was never brought up again.)

Anyway, America, it's ally, and Korea got up at 4 and were quickly out the door and shopping by 4:30, coffee by 6am, and back home by 8am with treasures in hand. The best deal of the day was $150 off one item. The best shop with sales was Bath and Body Works were one of us saved over $120 in one purchase. Korea thought it was nuts when America finally pointed out that the mall, at 5:30am, was just as busy as a Saturday night when a blockbuster movie comes out.

Crazy Americans! It was a good day all around. The UN (plus one) hung out, laughed, and decorated for Christmas, wrapped newly bought presents (and some that were stashed from earlier Christmas shopping) as one big happy coalition and none could be more thankful than that than America.

Oh wait, one moment of tension that was released today (the next day). America collects a city and brings it out as christmas/winter decorations. Well, one building is an embassy and since there were no Korean flags that came in the box, this year it ends up being the Spain Embassy for lack of a more meaningful option. Korea wasn't so keen on that idea but Korea also discovered today that one of the buildings has Korean writing all over it: its a Korean market!

Today, America is thankful for America. More specifically, that there are crazy American's to watch at 5:30am on Black Friday.

Ecclesiates 3:8

Well, back in the day the US was in a stalemate with Russia and for the most part people in the world just lived with bated breath.

Korea and Spain had entered into a cold war a few weeks ago with America forced into the facilitator position and Fiji trying not to get involved any more than it had to be. Nothing too major happened because as that weekend drew to a close, tension was all released, decisions had been made, and the member nations had made amends and peace resolutions where needed. Then there was peace in the United Nations Headquarters once again.

America had learned a valuable lesson. America blogged about that in the previous post.

Fiji had learned a lesson. Made decisions. And then cooked dinner (the Fijians and their eating!!).

Spain had learned some important life lessons that will not soon be forgotten. Spain is a much better person because of it too.

America thinks that Korea had also learned some lessons although because Korea is not very expressive, it was hard to tell.

The weekend ended and the next week started to unfold. America was pretty sure at this point that the past was in the past and at the end of the first few days of the week, the headquarters definitely had a different, lighter, more positive aire to them. It was incredible! The four member nations were working together as if they had been a coalition all along. But under the surface, there was still mounting tension that America and Fiji hadn't fully nipped in the butt (and most definitely needed too).

Now, if one thinks about it, one may not be surprised to learn that there are plenty of miscommunications that happen within the walls of these united nations. And the four member nations were walking into one large miscommunication without America or Fiji noticing (or Spain either for that reason). Korea seemed to change the most on the outside but on the inside Korea hadn't changed as much as it had seemed. Therefore, the new resolutions that came out of the cold war were pretty much counterproductive in a MAJOR way.

Well, Korea made itself clear a few days ago and the UN has to rewrite the peace resolutions and I'm sure this will take a bit more time. Grrr....right before the UN celebrates Thanksgiving and right as the calendar steamrolls into the busy holiday and end of semester season! America will definitely be posting minutes about how this all unfolds but in the meantime, America wants the readers, citizens of the world, and all those who believe in the church universal to keep us in the thoughts and prayers. All the member nations are intact and no one is at risk of a hot war (fyi).

Brilliant Epiphany

America learned a valueable lesson this weekend despite all attempts by past professors (sorry Dr. W), this was a lesson America was doomed to learn from the School of Hard Knocks. America learned what freewill is really all about, or rather, has a better understanding of what freewill really means.

It used to be that freewill meant the ability God gave us to choose and that this was given and applied to concrete things: things such as career and whether or not to believe in God, that sort of thing. As America grew up and understood more finer points of life, it became clear that freewill also incorporated the ability to choose what to do or not to do when following through on these sorts of commitments for example, following God, what exactly to do and not to do when calling oneself a Christian. Then there were the points in time where freewill meant to make any decision whatsoever with or without consulting God — isn't that what freewill is anyway???

Well, this is all very well and good, and for the most part America still believes these are important aspects of freewill but to take it one step farther, and after the weekend's events, the ability God gave each individual to freely choose, America thinks, has the most to do with feelings: not how to feel as a reaction, but what to feel proactively — God always meant us to be proactive, Paul writes about that a lot, specifically in Philippians 4:8. Freewill must mean that we have the ability to choose what we feel and as a response to that, our actions flow without choice, lest we become a hypocrite and in reality, not choosing what we said we chose (are you confused yet?).

Dispite difficult situations, if America chooses to look at situations optimistically, the actions that flow from that choice will already be chosen, just like if one chooses to follow a certain political/philosophical thought, the actions that support that philosophy calls for will also be followed based on the previous choice of following that thought. Freewill then, has less to do with our daily decisions and more to do with what we choose to feel and what we choose to commit to.

Most people who have been married a significant amount of time will be quick to say - or should be quick to say - that loving the person they are married to is frequently enough, a choice and not something they feel. As a result of that choice, the one will do things toward the spouse that reflect the choice to love. Therefore, the things they do are not the choice, the choice is what they choose to feel...not how they choose to feel. See the difference?

Today, America would like to thank, not a country, but a few States within her own country that reflect the fact that this has been told to her a number of times but thanks to this weekend, Spain, Korea, and Fiji brought home this brilliant epiphany in a much clearer light: Iowa, Michigan, and Florida (to some extent).

It Must Also Be Said

America does not say this enough. America doesn't think any parent - biological or rent-a-nation parent - can say this enough. So America is making it public record.

America loves Spain and Korea. America loves their uniqueness, their color and zest for life, and the things that drive America nuts. America can remember what life was like before Spain and Korea joined Fiji and America in the house and those days were quiet and dull and the house was too big for the two countries. And the fact that Spain and Korea have joined the UN has been an absolute gift from God, an unbelievable gift.

Has it been stressful? Absolutely.

Has America wanted to leave and find a quite place anywhere but the house? Absolutely.

Has America had no answers for something one country needed or wanted? Most definitely, yes.

But America also believes that things are both hard and easy, stressful and relaxing, good and bad to the same extent. With these countries and situations, highs are so high and America understands God works the most in the lowest lows, so getting up in the morning to embrace of all the joys and all of the challenges, even the challenge of when to leave each day — 7:23am or 7:43am — is not a problem at all for America.

America loves these kids and understands what lies under the roof of the United Nations Headquarters each night. It wasn't long after the fourth member nation joined the UN when America looked around the living room while watching a movie and realized that more hopes and dreams sat in the room with the country than could ever be imagined.

America had, sitting next to her, the hopes and dreams of one set of parents who had entrusted one of two children in their family. There, watching that movie, sat at such a tender age, a child two parents had let go of. So many unknowns, a precious gift full of possibilities and talents that had come to live with virtual strangers in a land so far away. America has often wondered what hopes and dreams the parents had for this beautiful individual.

On the other side there sat another precious gift another set of parents had let go of. Bursting into adulthood and independence, trying to grasp all the things going on in a language, cultural norms, and a physical environment largely unfamiliar, there sat a bundle of joy two people experienced taking home from the hospital so long ago, an experience they would only have one time. And what was to become of this young person? What would the next five, ten, or fifteen years bring?

And there, sitting next to me, sat two lives America (and Fiji) were responsible for. It isn't that the two countries can't take care of themselves, they are wonderfully able to manage, be responsible for, and follow through on their own personal lives and work. It is gravity of making sure their launch into adulthood and their launch into the rest of their lives is in the direction that is best suited for each of them. This is the launch that happens daily — no matter where we live, who we live with, or what our current situation demands of us. We each make decisions every day, large and small, that help define and direct who we are and where we go. We choose our values. We choose our friends. We choose who and what to serve. We choose whether or not to follow our dreams. Most importantly, we choose whether or not to demand more of ourselves. In the end these are the things that determine the quality and depth of life.

I love these two kids. And I am thankful for (leaving the names out) both Spain and Korea and I appreciate and treasure what both sets of parents have entrusted to Don and I. We do not take this lightly but we open our home and embrace it with all that we can.

"Oh My Word"

So the UN left early this morning for school. OMW...is all America has to say.

If you've been following this UN Saga then you know this is the ever present issue, all the world apparently hangs on it. America left early purposely just to show Spain and Korea what would happen if the system was ruptured. Oh yeah, like the world was really going to end. America figured that if the UN left early the UN-Mobile would just be tied up in traffic with four-hundred-million other people trying to beat the bell in an effort to start the day off right.

America was right. The UN-mobile left a whole whopping four minutes early...7:26 which probably ended up being 6 or 7 minutes earlier than normal. And we sat in the middle of the road waiting for the traffic to clear so the UN-mobile could turn into the school's driveway.

Mostly, the UN left early because everyone was ready and America didn't want to wait, America wanted the day to move along swiftly.

America wasn't bothered by it. It was way to early to be bothered by such a trivial issue. Spain and Korea were going to be to school on time. America was more concerned with that morning's cup of coffee (the alternative to a morning nap which has the chance of ruining a perfect hair day) but America also knows that of all the things going on in the world this is an important issue to some countries.

The UN, well, three member nations of the UN, waited "ever so patiently". Normal chit-chat went on about after school activities during the drive to the school and then we approached the school and saw the endless line of headlights pouring into the driveway. And then we waited for God to part the sea:

Spain voiced an opinion and so did Korea. America let it go because these are the natural responses, the natural course, of how these things go. But, these things also need to be wrapped up and done with.

Then America finally spoke up. "This is the end of the discussion." Both countries have gotten their way, everything was attempted. We now will leave at the normal time. America will just have to find something to do to fill five minutes of time in the morning.

All-in-all, Spain and Korea got to school about one or two minutes earlier than normal. Hardly even noticeable to the naked eye.

Today America is thankful for Greece. They have real problems.

Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet

The United Nations has survived Halloween.

It wasn't difficult. Spain had been talking for weeks about anything and everything Halloween: What is it all about? Where are the greatest parties? What do you do? What are we going to do? And on and on... (America is glad it is finally over!) Halloween isn't much more than Trick or Treating here at the United Nations and when that was discovered by Spain, the country probably went through an economic depression. "But it's Halloween and it's in America! Everyone talks about going to America for halloween and you don't do anything?" Nope.

Spain finally found something to do. Spain and some allies went trick or treating, which Spain kept referring to as 'Trick and Treating'. This gave him an ear full from America: "It is trick OR treating...OR. You either get a treat or you trick, not both!" (No, Spain was not allowed to terrorize the world around him, it was treat or nothing. The UN does not promote in anyway terrorism to any extent...even if it is par for the course on a pagan holiday.)

Korea couldn't have been bothered by Halloween. Even though no homework was to be had, Korea still did not have any desire to participate in anyway other than passing candy out the door so Korea and America watched psychological thriller, Hitchcock's Psycho in between trick or treaters.

America had a great time bonding with Korea and was totally content that the evening entailed just that. Gasps were heard at every tense moment and in the end of the 'who dunit' mystery, Korea and America had closure and nothing kept us up all night. <>

Sad thing though for the United Nations: Spain donated a dish for dinner that Fiji and America made and Spain was out trick or treating during the dinner hour and missed the entire thing. Sad note also, Spain likes thriller/scary movies and wasn't home to watch. Oh well, perhaps next time.

Today, America is thankful for Japan...they always seem to be self-controlled.

Up Hill Battles

Well, the United Nations survived another week: fighting against the odds against us, choosing battles that were important, and yet still standing to fight another day.

Spain is starting to get back in the game. America thinks the country has found new purpose in being a part of the United Nations and participating in all the things Spain is participating in and even finding new things to become a apart of. The outlook is most definitely good (but obviously not without it's challenges). Spain may one day choose to trot the globe after this experience and that, to America, is most important. Spain has also found a renewed sense of vision for the future and America is also really happy about that!

Korea keeps plugging away with homework all sorts of consistency. Korea has been fantastic at not only keeping up in her homework but doing well in it also. It is hardly noticeable that she struggles with the language in this area. Korea has also been able to spend time with the countries allies in school and has been looking forward to the Freshman-Sophomore Banquet that will be happening in a couple weeks. The biggest discussion with her has been where to get the hair and make-up done so that Korea looks her best.

Both of these member countries had an International Affair put on by the Student Council (a dinner for the International Students). Both Spain and Korea thought it was a great night and they both were able to talk to and meet people. They both came home raving about the good time, Spain even mentioned something about the boys dressing up as girls and the girls dressing up at boys. America did not ask details but is sure that it was mocked.

The issue of leaving earlier in the morning was, once again, tabled by Korea. It was a bit puzzling to America as to why. The last time it was tabled and discussed, the UN-mobile was running a bit late for school. Lately, however, the UN-mobile and all member nations have been on time. No one has reported tardies or anything like that. The UN (okay, it was America) decided that this was not an issue and that the UN-mobile would continue to leave at 7:30. Korea and Spain both get defensive when this is brought up and poor America has to stand in the middle of two very tense nations (okay, when has America ever shied away from that???) but all America has to say about that is that it is different in a car. Both countries are very self-controlled, much more than America ever was at that age (and probably more than Fiji was at that age too), and not volatile so once the decision was made, that was that.

Today is EPA-Day (Environmental Protection Agency/Action) and it was the first EPA-Day that the four member nations have been home since the last incident. Spain has a 24-hour extension on his contribution to the environment because he first discussed it with the host-nations and America voted in his favor because America (and the other host nation) felt it was a good cause (Spain is spending time with the first host American and doing some much needed shopping for the colder months ahead, then off to an American College Football game with relatives tonight).

Sad day yesterday, Calvin lost their football game and now the season is over for Spain.

And today America is thankful for Japan because it is the first Saturday in many weeks America is able to spend a little time with the UN's Sony TV.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

It has been a long few/several days or week here at the United Nations. Several things have come to a head in the house, mostly regarding Spain, and America senses that the worst may just be over but is not betting the farm yet.

Oh the farm! The United Nations packed up, headed north and visited unfamiliar and "uncharted" territories owned by the motherland and uncle-land (the nation we choose is...drum roll please...the Netherlands — shocker!): the TeBos farm. This was actually Korea's second trip to the farm but first a first for Spain. It was truly a United Nations affair too! Even though Fiji did not join us, we were also joined by Germany, Sweden, several Spaniards, and my fellow Americans. Everyone got their hand sucked by calf (as posted in the last blog), nearly got pooped on by a cow milking, and some were even able to play around in the hay. Oh the fun!

Spain was able to go Kayaking with another Spain and nearly got swept away in the fun. My silly Spain handed the paddle to this America and then let go of the dock that had been keeping him from floating down the river. Well, another America yelled for this America to grab Spain and prevent him from floating away (boy what a problem that would have been!). America was able to grab Spain in time and prevent him from being too swept away but in the process Spain's kayak took on a little water and created puddles and got Spain's leg wet. It could have been worse.

Dinner that night was over a fire where the United Nations (the extended UN still) proceeded to fight the international Mafia and bring peace to the world. Every time Korea was accused of being the Mafia and Korea had to defend itself, Korea always said the same thing, "I'm not mafia!" Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't (never trust a quiet country!).

Overall, a shower took care of the stench and we were back on the road home to face the week ahead. Good times were had by all and Korea and Spain went back to school, dragging their feet as usual Monday's go.

From My Point of View

I just have to say:

• I run the dishwasher every day.
• My prof in grad school was right, I can live without coffee, though it is not preferable.
• I have found the joy of a day off.
• I like it in so many new ways when the kids go back to school.
• I enjoy shutting the TV off for dinner...so much!
• It is so nice when there are people in the house that appreciate things I do that are barely noticeable.
• I have loved changing my hair and seeing the reaction of others who never saw it coming!
• I find relief going to work and dealing with other people's problems (most of them anyway).
• I love to bake even more!
• I enjoy making ethnic foods.
• I can let go of a few things...favorite TV show and facebook.
• I don't need to watch the News.
• I like watching people be brave when they do things I take for granted.

I often smile at life because I enjoy it so much. And when I laugh at things that are mundane what I'm really doing is thanking God for the amazing amount of blessings that He has so abundantly given me...for no reason that I can tell. I see the whole spectrum of life. In the eyes of my clients there is terror and horror and in the eyes of those who live here there is great joy and a ton of love. Even on both ends of this spectrum, I find God working in the lives of everyone around me and I think that is the most amazing of all.

So today, I am thankful for everything!

Life Goes On for the United Nations

(This whole United Nations theme was only meant to be that one post...it has morphed. Didn't realize it would be so popular.)

The peace resolutions have worked so far. There have been some blurred lines since the UN didn't physically write them out but that is being worked on. So life is happy once again. It has been a month since the four nations first convened (nearly two since Korea joined).

The member nations are getting along with life both in and out of the house. Spain still feels overwhelmed at life and America is getting more and more clarity on what exactly this means and, along with Fiji, is taking some decisive and painful corrective actions. I'll spare you the details but there has to be changes. I can't imagine what that feels like — well, I guess I can and so can Don because we've both been through it and because we see this day-to-day — but going through this at 18 just has to be horrible. Pray (hard) for this...mention of these changes sends chills up Spain's spine! Korea is doing better than Spain. Korea has friends and allies at school, people who have invited the country to hangout (which fell thru for various reasons) even though speaking the language still seems to be a bigger struggle for Korea.

Speaking of the language, Spain also doesn't realize why America doesn't know the difference in infinitive verbs (there is such a thing???). Spain mentioned at dinner the other day that English was simple because objects were not masculine or feminine. America piped up and said, "Well then, why do you seem to have so much trouble with it?" (Zingers go back and forth between America and Spain because the one thing both countries have in common is sarcasm.) Oh, FYI, Spain thinks that the country of Spain (himself) is "beauty" and that it is "perfect". And therefore, has no qualms about not needing a grandmother. Obviously he has never seen the beaches in Fiji, the mountains in America, or the beautiful traditions in Korea.

It's funny because both countries voice their struggles with the language in different ways but their struggle (one in comprehension and the other in speaking) has not in anyway been reflected in their grades! Shocker!! Both get better grades than America ever did in high school (America has added another reason as to why she should have tried harder in high school.)

As for the zingers, Spain really did not realize what was said when at dinner (the same dinner as just mentioned) Spain speaks up and says, "Now is when America can shut up" while looking America directly in the eyes and with a serious tone. Korea busted a gut because the meaning penetrated the boarder (that should have penetrated Spain's). There was an audible gasp by Korea just as Fiji walked into the room and inquired about the imposition. Fiji was filled in by America in shock, and then he said, "That does not get said." Spain didn't know what had just happened. So the words "shut up" were explained in various contexts. No apology was granted. (If America would have remembered at the time, Spain also wouldn't have gotten the fresh dessert that America had made earlier in the day.) Spain has been doing more of those not-so-nice zingers lately. Since America packs food for the hungry member nations for school, Spain may just find something unwanted in the peanut butter and jelly sandwich one day. Oh the power America has! Never has it been more enjoyed.

Today, America is thankful that Fiji has impressed upon the country the importance food has in uniting people from all over the world!

The United Nations Peace Resolutions

Well, after the other day's fiasco between Korea and Spain and the intervening United Nations, America and Fiji banded together to resolve some of the issues in the house. For instance, over the weekend neither country contributed anything to the preservation of the environment and America and Fiji did not want the environment to be unhealthy (granted, America and Fiji did not do as much as they could but international territories were most definitely well taken care of).

During the UN hearing, Spain resolved to work on somethings, expressing a sense of being overwhelmed by being a new addition to the UN — mostly the drastic difference Spain is adjusting to is being free to abide by Spain's own sense of time and that required by being a member nation at the UN (okay, America's sense of time only because the house is located in America). Let it be said too that Spain does not think that the expectation is unrealistic. Korea laughed at the fact that the environment was neglected and also resolved to work on it next time. America and Fiji promised to call this a warning but that they would be implementing sanctions on the two other member nations if the environment continued to be neglected. America has also resolved to "let go and let God" a little bit more when it comes to something not going exactly to plan. Fiji was unusually vocal in the discussion about the environment which means that this was a very important issue to Fiji (the environment is always an important issue to Fiji but after a visit to Fiji, particularly the Lami Dump, one would wonder what Fiji does for the environment in reality).

Peace in the house. ...For now at least. America is also learning and has intended to refocus on how best to bring out the best in both of these countries, working with their strengths and helping them in the struggles. After all, it is the goal of the UN to empower these countries to be independent and to give them the tools and the resources that will help them resolve international conflicts that they may experience in the future.

Oh yeah, America brought Spain before the WHO yesterday and found out the foot is sprained, not the ankle and the WHO recommended no running/football practice for 7-10 days and then to get it checked again. This morning Spain tried to get America to say it was okay for football practice. Spain has been around long enough to make an independent decision but America fears that the foot needs someone to stand up for it's interests (after all, the one foot cannot stand on it's own, it needs a buddy).

Today, America is thankful that Columbia (or whatever country Biggby Coffee comes from) aids in international relations!

Hello Korea, Meet Spain

Every one knows that there are differences between countries that go far beyond the languages we speak. And when someone considers the differences between countries, language is a fairly easy one to overcome (although a tedious process at times). It's the other concepts that we have difficulty with, probably because sometimes we don't know what to ask about and have no idea what a realistic expectation can be for the self and others. There is the concept of time, sarcasm, titles, family roles, taking turns, social ques, and so much more...

I know these things and so does Don. We both moved overseas and have gone through the pain of missed social ques, being obviously late (or early), not knowing where to sit (or how to sit in some cases), what to call different people, how much food to eat (or not to eat) and why, and the list goes on.

There are distinct difference between the kids in our household and thankfully America and Fiji have a strong alliance and are ready to face the challenges Korea and Spain bring to what is now the United Nations. For instance, let's just look at the views held by these countries on the world of academia and then you will understand implications on international politics:

I will start by saying: Korea, Meet Spain.

ES1 (Korea) informed America (me) that tutoring was no longer needed. The non-verbal communication suggested that the tutor was not qualified to lead Korea because the tutor was a fellow student. America thought that Korea ought to give it more than one day before making such a drastic decision but the message was probably lost in the translation (our translators at the UN are, sadly, not the greatest). Korea however, is a nation on it's own (freed by America back in the 50's), and is able to decide what is best for itself. America chose not to fight that battle because Korea's grades did not reflect a huge need for the tutor, but decided to keep an eye on the battle field anyway (typical America).

ES2 (Spain) only shrugged off notion of Pre-calc and it was clear to America this was not a favorite topic to discuss. Later America found out that maybe this topic needs to be tabled at some point. Spain has, however, managed to dodge all the academic bullets and is immune to the infamous GPA. America is therefore, caught in a catch-22 and wonders just how to handle the situation. Fiji (Don) will probably be consulted and they may just engage their alliance and confront Spain regarding Pre-Calc.

In the grand scheme of things, Korea probably thinks that Spain has lost all the marbles so long ago that it is surprising Spain is still breathing. Yesterday Spain told me that Korea needs to adjust the expectation, close the school books, and watch a movie. America understands Spain and sometimes wishes Korea would watch that movie with the rest of the world but America also wishes that studying would have been a bigger part of (American) society than it was prior to grad school. Fiji, however, has no conflict with anyone and seems to be totally oblivious to the issue and tension between Korea and Spain and is just floating by to a separate tune lost somewhere in the ocean (and if you've ever spent time in Fiji outside of a resort, this is exactly what the country of Fiji is like).

America tediously tries to smooth over relations between Spain and Korea. America works to explain to each the differences in priorities, expectation, culture, and the like, while maintaining the dignity, differences, and beauty in each. America, of course, wants to please everyone at the dinner table, make sure there is perfect harmony between all countries, and sustain the overall economy for the benefit of itself (after all, the house is located in America, America is located almost in the middle of the two, and America has interests to protect). America is also finding out that this is an extremely difficult thing to do when Spain is running five minutes late for school, Korea is sitting in the car waiting (long enough to get out of the car, walk back into the house to see what is holding the nation hostage), and America bandaging up the wounded (Spain sprained the ankle last week and America is attempting to rebuild or at least mend the injury).

Korea, on the way to school, learned relaxation techniques after Spain inquired about the difficulty level America had in dealing with the America-Spain relationship (never mind the Korea-America-Spain relationship or the Spain-Korea relationship).

With exactly one minute left before the warning bell rang, the United Nations-mobile pulled into school. Spain was debating with itself whether or not it ought to wake up earlier in the morning. This issue has been on the table at the UN for two weeks and has been openly discussed with all four member-nations present over the weekend as well as being discussed here and there with the three member nations that are directly involved. Meanwhile, Korea about had a natural disaster. But of course, America prevented it.

America has been advised by it's Peace Corp that it should contact the WHO (World Health Organization) and consider implementing "World Cultural Awareness" nights that involve more than just national dishes presented by member nations to the dinner table. America also fears that Korea may have a nuclear meltdown if that happens, so the UN may just stick to dinners presented by member nations on a more frequent basis and the member nations will just have to deal.

At 7:53am the United Nations-mobile had taken the 12-minute journey to school and back and America had nearly exhausted all of the energy it had stored up for the day: it had fed the hungry, found the lost, gotten everyone ready for their own tasks, and managed to look fabulous while doing it (okay, so all but that last statement relates to real international politics). Anyway, all America is thankful for today is that the Middle East is NOT involved with this one!

House Smells Good!

Saturday we all pitched in and cleaned the house. It was fabulous! I felt good, refreshed as I always do after a good clean. We went about the other things of the day and when the day was done. The house smelled.

I'm not talking a good Lysol-slash-Swiffer clean smell. I'm talking about a nasty-putrescence smell (watch the Princess Bride for a context of 'putrescence') wafting from my nearly spick-and-span house. Hummm....

Everyone takes daily showers in my house. We had a fire in the backyard but the putrescence smell was not at all campfire. It most definitely not the neighbors (we would have mentioned it to them and you before).

And then, walking around the house, I found the source. I could NOT believe it! The fish tank (that got unusually dirty, unusually quick) was wafting this stench! Don was asked to clean the fish tank Saturday but did not get around to it.

O my 'lanta! I took the fish out, drained the water, and did what everyone tells you not to do: I used soap (and LOTS of it)! The tank decoration was scrubbed in warm soapy water with a toothbrush and new gravel was put in. The poor fish, when I took it out, I realized it's nose was a bright red (normally orange, for my perfect little gold fish), the veins were clearly visible in it's tail, and I noticed there were two growths coming out of it's head (small to me but sizable for the size of the fish). I can tell the fish is happier that the tank is spotless but he is not as happy as he could be, clearly!

My mom said to flush it. I just didn't have the heart. As irritating as it is begging Don to take his turn and clean it, I just couldn't part with my day-time companion. Here's hoping and praying that either he'll die a quick and painless death or be healed quickly. And if he dies, at least it will be clean for the next one!

The odor is now out of the house!

Loving Every Minute of Crazy!

The week has thrown us for a bit of a loop (for details on what happened, read the previous post). ES2 is settled into school, starting (American) football practice this coming Monday, has laughed, cried, and been thrown off kilter by us and yet ES2 keeps smiling. ES1 and ES2 get along great and we have worked out all the morning bathroom kinks without awkward moments. We're on day 6 and in my opinion, it couldn't have gone better! And they are both willing to experiment and do new things.

I realize how much food four people eat! Goodness, it's not so much the preparing (Don and I both love cooking for more) but I have ben to Meijer's for groceries four of the last six days! Obviously I was not prepared for a fourth person!

Don and ES2 get along great just like we thought when we read the application for the Exchange Student Program. Our dinner and/or family conversations have been interesting, to say the least. We've heard all about the beautiful Portuguese beaches, the monopoly 'assets', and having to ask/not ask for 'forks' twice in our home (ES2 has promised to improve his articulation!).

I thought initially, that it would be easer to understand ES2 over ES1 but I am finding that ES1 is easier to understand even though ES1 doesn't know English as well. I guess its because I've heard ES1 talk longer and maybe in a couple weeks ES2 will come along, although, ES2 still pronounces the 'g' and 'j' as Spanish sounds and not as they are in English and so sometimes I just don't know what is being saying. I'm starting to think of that more and am putting it together better.

I am also trying to engage ES1 and ES2's parents in this whole escapade. ES1 has one parent who know's fairly good English and the other does not. Neither one of ES2's parent's know English at all. Hummm..... This could be interesting. The first communication went fairly well. I had written them an English email, headed over to google translate, had it translated into spanish and then sent it into the abyss of cyber space. A couple days later I got a response...also using google translate. I found out, that google translate does work, if you are able to think hard about all the other possible synonyms that could fit into any number of words at any place in the email. Because we are brilliant people, we were able to understand each other and I certainly chuckled over the happenstance. Maybe another day...any takers on one who would translate for me???

Anyway, that is life right now: loving every minute of crazy!

Exchange Student(s?)

So I hope you all enjoyed the last blog about the Exchange Student. Because, let me tell you, it has been double-y fun in our house!

ES has been here three weeks now and it has continued to go well. I love getting to know her, her personality, and seeing her work so hard. She is such a brave girl! We spent this past weekend doing things she liked to do. We started off Saturday, late morning, at an Exchange Student Post-Arrival Orientation which is something the organization does to help each of us work out kinks and check in on how things are going. Then, after that we went downtown where they were setting up for ArtPrize in various locations. It was cool to see the artists hard at work and also to show her downtown. ES comes from a "small" town of 1.5 million people. I know GR doesn't compare at all to that but she seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. We then picked up Don and headed to another part of town, and then on to a third part of town before heading to the mall before Dinner.

Dinner was ah-maz-ing! We went to this Korean-Chinese-Japanese place called Seoul Garden (I had heard it was the BEST Asian food in town). It did not disappoint. Although it did not taste exactly like home, ES said it was close enough. We all had a little Korean and went home full.

The excitement didn't stop there. I had enough time to throw my clean laundry in the dryer and check facebook when I saw that our Exchange Student coordinator was online. I started to chat her up telling her what a great morning we had, and then tell her what a great afternoon we had after that... You know the story...

And well, she abruptly stopped that conversation with: "Do you know anyone who can host a student?" 24 hours, 16 minutes, and one bed move later, ES#2 entered our life. He is 18, from Spain, and a very sweet guy! We now have two perfect children and my house has never been cleaner or fuller! I'm only having problems adjusting to his accent...it's a little thick.

Here we go again!

First Things First!

Well, ES (Exchange Student, for the sake of privacy, that is how I will refer to her) has been here a week and we have introduced her to a lot! The most exciting for her was probably the Seoul Market Korean food store down the street 2 miles. She was beyond excited (you should have seen her eyes light up!). Here are a few of the firsts that will give you a hint of how drastically different life here is versus in Korea:

First time on a dairy farm (first time milking a cow...seeing someone get licked and sucked by a cow) (Milking was the highlight)

First frozen french fries at home (like, I think)

First blueberries (doesn't like them, but mine were tart)

First S'more (liked them!)

First Rodeo (thanks to the Cow Camp up in McBain)

First dinner over a fire (I think...at least first Hobo Pies)

First Gator ride (thanks to a vendor loaning one to my dad)

First Meat pies (like)

First Cold Coffee (that I liked, it was from Korea, one of her favorites)

First Kimchi Ramon noodles (for me, I liked)

First Crawfish fishing (well, Don did the fishing but she was a faithful watcher) and along with that first time holding a crawfish (has yet to eat one but I think it wouldn't be too hard to convince her).

Well, you get the point. There have been lots of firsts, more on her part than mine. I'm sure there will be Korean cooking in the kitchen at some point this week (excited)!

The two of us (Kelly and ES) are learning how to cook Korean. I'm excited for that. Here we go!

Sorry It's Been a While

ES arrived a couple days ago. They were all right! I didn't realize how much a kid could change you. I pick up after myself almost 100% of the time. I clean up the kitchen more after I cook. I don't watch nearly as much TV as I did before.

My life has also changed in other ways. I work 2 jobs now, not 4, and this is such a relief! In fact this past weekend, between 1:30p and 8:30p on Saturday, I got 43 of my 53 things on my "To Do" list done. Can you imagine, a 'To Do' list of 53 items?! That's like a weeks worth of work! (or 6 and a half months of not working at that stuff!) I still have to clean Freddie's tank (Freddie the fish) but I'm tempted to ask Don to do that...after all, it is his tank.

We've been in our house for six months now (can you believe it? I can't, I keep thinking it's only been a couple months). The garden turn out to be almost a complete flop. The corn is coming along (at 15 ears sprouting) and the pumpkins have taken over EVERYTHING!! (By the way, in a little while, we'll be selling Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins for $3 a piece). We got three green beans total. Just a week or so ago we got some buds on our mellon plants (although I cannot remember if it is the Cantaloup or the Watermelon that came up). Our lettuce only grew to about two inches. The herbs got washed out (twice) in some massive rain. Four of the 20,000 approximate seeds from the mixed bag bloomed. Don transplanted a lot of our Hastas and they mostly died. The Sunflowers never broke ground. And three branches of my favorite tree (okay, that one isn't in our garden) came down...one due to a storm the other two were us being proactive and not wanting it to take out half our house.

So...some changes, not many. In case you didn't see, I cross stitched a picture of our house so you can check that out on Facebook.

I've been at Wedgwood for a few months now and I'm still so excited about seeing clients and getting started in the mental health world. It breaks my heart to see the situations that my clients are in sometimes but I love the challenge of a hard to reach teen...it's easy to see the progress, even if it is as simple as getting to them to laugh at a comment or joke I make. So worth it!

Not much else. The whole family is headed up north this weekend and I'm so excited about that. Sorry again, that it took so long to update. There have been quite a few changes in our lives and getting everything settled. A lot of energy has been put into ES's arrival and now that she's here, there is a lot of energy put into helping her adjust to everything. Everything...she looked at my french fries (the frozen kind from the grocery store) like she'd never seen them before...and as she taste tested one, I could see on her face she hadn't. Here we go, one grand adventure!!

Empty Words

I hate empty words. You know, those things people say to be polite, fill awkward silences, or just because 'that's what you say'. It's the: "Hi! How are you? ...' which immediately busts open into a string of something that has nothing to do about their concern for you. My undergrad was full of them and at first it felt warm and inviting but in the end, I realized that there were nice people on campus (a lot of them) but their words were not always ones of concern (or care sometimes).

So I resolved at that point, and after other events in life, ones that will remain mentionless...I would everything in my power, not to speak empty words:

I genuinely want to know how you are doing and sometimes that means, interrupting myself to hear your answer.

If I say to you I will pray for you, I am going to go and pray for you.

If I ask if there is anything you want me to do for you, I will genuinely go and do it or tell you that I cannot. ...And I really want to also (that is why I ask it).

If I tell you I will commit to something, promise something, or speak a yes or no, that is what I mean...take me for my word.

I find the greatest joy in being this upfront. Don't get me wrong, I do this in love and kindness. But I want you to know what I am saying, thinking, and doing. I am disappointed if and when you don't take me up on my offer. I want to practice this hospitality and in doing so, I want you to be blessed by it. I want to practice being the world that it should be so one day, the world will be the way it should be.

That is my resolve.

Not Too Much Excitement...

I hope you enjoyed the Bagels. ...Those of you who took the recipe. Summer has finally showed its face, only to go away again. Frustration.

My sister is in Kenya for a wedding. ...Who knows people that get married in Kenya??? Apparently I do. Of course, in the same breath, I could say I went to 3 or 4 weddings in Fiji and to boot, I saw a State Funeral in Fiji too.

West Michigan Counseling Center is officially open for business. For those of you who don't know, that is the Private Practice Nate Hansen and I started. We're officially filed with the State and everything squared away. We are here to meet your therapy needs. Nate does fantastic work with couples, families, and individuals struggling with a variety of issues. I will be around with all of my experience with teens, adolescents, and young adults, particularly those who are considered at-risk and high-risk. We are currently looking for office space so if you are interested in having a session with me, we can arrange to meet at one of our homes.

There are a couple job opportunities on the ground, clearly being laid out before me. Praise the Lord!!

We got a lawn mower for the house. The garden is starting to bud. My lovely flowers and plants are starting to bloom. My cabinets for my laundry room have a coat of paint. The shower downstairs has rod, curtain hooks, and a curtain ready to be put up. Little things like that are getting done. Thats about what I've been filling my days with.

This week I hope to get the second coat of paint on the cupboards and get them hung, bake blueberry muffins, vacuum the house, mow the lawn, and clean out that pile of junk behind the chair in the living room. Ambitious right?

If anyone wants coffee and a muffin...I'm free this week.

Bagels!

I've had a request for my bagel recipe. It is delicious and I've made different sorts of bagels from this recipe with greater or lesser success. I'll give you the recipe and then I'll make note (*) of the things I do to have different sorts of bagels. Here goes:

Oh yeah, you'll want to leave a bit of time to do this. Start to finish it takes about two and a half hours but there is time in there (waiting for the dough to rise) where you can fold laundry or do something productive.

Ingredients:

2 egg yokes and a dash of milk for an egg wash

3 TBS dry yeast

2 TBS sugar

*1 Medium Onion — minced

3 tsp salt (altho, I've never added salt and they're usually great)

2.25 C warm water

8.25 C flour

*3-4 C of wheat flour and 4-5 C of regular flour instead of 8.25 C regular flour

Dissolve dry yeast, sugar, (*minced onion) add salt, and warm water. Gradually work in 8 cups of flour (if making wheat bagels, add wheat flour first and as much regular flour as you can) (***if you're making chocolate chip, blueberry, and Cinnamon bagels). Turn out on floured board and knead until elastic and smooth. Let rise until double in bulk (on a warm day I put it outside in the shade, in the winter I put my oven on warm and leave it there with a wet towel over top ...that will prevent crusting/baking). This is where you do something productive for a while. Turn onto floured board and knead briefly. Divide into equal parts and roll into tube shapes and join to make the traditional bagel shape. The amount of bagels this makes will depend on how big you want them to be (I usually make 16-18...cutting into 16 parts and making 2 more out of the ends that I tear off to get them to stay in the circle shape). Time to pre-heat...400F. Drop them in rapidly boiling water. One minute on each side. Take them out and put them on a baking sheet (lightly greased). Brush with egg wash (*see instructions below if you're making Asiago Cheese Bagels). Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

Variations:

*Cinnamon Bagels: Two things to do: add Cinnamon to the dough near the end of kneading but certainly before you let it rise. I've never measured the amount but put in as much as you would for cinnamon rolls. 1/2 C White sugar; 2 tsp Cinnamon; 1/2 C oleo/margine. Mix this together and put it on the top of bagels just before you put them in the oven.

*Asiago Cheese: 8oz shredded Asiago Cheese is needed. After the egg wash put the desired amount of cheese on the tops of the bagels before you put it in the oven.

*Chocolate chips...I've never made these but this is how I'd do it: 2 C of either ingredient and gradually put these in to the dough when its about done being kneaded and put them in to taste...if you'd like more, put more, if not, well, you know...

Now, all you have left to do is enjoy them!!