Chhole Gravy

Meesha made Chhole Gravy for us the other day...and it made me fall in love with chickpeas!

Now we have to see if we can find all of the ingredients here in Belize to make it from scratch.

inhale love...exhale gratitude...

 Inhaling His love and exhaling gratitude for all that He is 
and all that He has done restores calm and balance to the soul.  

still counting His gifts...

953.  Meesha spending the weekend with us.
954.  introducing her to some of our family's favorite movies.
955.  walking and chatting with Tom and Meesha 
956.  Indian food for dinner.
957.  Pastor Han's message Sunday morning...so filled with grace and love.

958.  my new bookcase...made from reclaimed Hobeo wood

 by Winston and Terry of EnterChange Workshop in Roaring Creek.

959.  appreciating the character of the wood and the craftsmanship of EnterChange Workshop.

960.  getting my books off of the floor, table, nightstand, and various places around the house.

961.  getting the chance to chat with Erin on Facebook after our Skype attempt was unsuccessful.

962.  being inspired by Pinterest to crochet a few baskets.

963.  getting closer to my goal of walking for 100 days!

964.  learning to collect moments instead of things.

965.  letting go of old habits to make healthy new ones.

966.  birds in the nest outside our bedroom window.

joining in with the gratitude community:

Good times...

Archaeological Museum, Istanbul, Turkey 2010 

Make sure you get out and collect some moments...

Happy Weekend!

One day closer to my goal!

Today is Day 30 on my way to 100 days of walking!

This past month has not been easy.  I still don't like sweating.  I still face days when I don't want to go.  I have had to walk in the rain a few times.  I was followed by an annoyingly loud barking dog one day.  And did I mention that I still DON'T like sweating?!  But, the good things are; I don't question whether I am going out or not anymore.  I have lost five pounds.  My posture has improved.  And I feel incredible when I'm finished!

 As I was walking the other day I realized that: 

I prefer to see how far I can push myself over trying to get away with the bare minimum.  

One day at a time!!

thought for today...Victory!

Heybeliada Island off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey 2010

Back in late February of 2010, we embarked on what we thought was a routine visa renewal, the lure of cheap airfare and the recommendations of others, led us to Istanbul as the place to wait for our paperwork.  We ended up stuck there in limbo for two and half months.  Just a few weeks into what we thought would be a three week trip at the most...we were dealt a harsh blow.  Tom's work visa would not be renewed and we would no longer be able to live in Russia.  We felt defeated.  We could not understand what God was doing or what direction He was taking us.

All we could do was pray and wait.  

Each day we would leave the dreary little rental apartment to explore as much of Turkey as possible.  We had no idea how long we would be there or if we would ever be in that part of the world again.  So we tried to make the most of this heartbreaking situation.  

On this particular day Spencer and I boarded the ferry to check out Heybeliada Island. 

I packed our guidebook, some snacks, water, and my cellphone, which served as the only camera we had access to on our trip.  I wanted to sit on the beach and read.  Spencer wanted to hike.  Reluctantly I agreed to the hike.  I wanted to stay on the well marked paths.  Spencer wanted to wander off and see what was on the other side of the trees.  

This was the view we were rewarded with for stepping off the path...

Spencer went out even farther than I dared to go.  

His curiosity and desire to experience life to the fullest led him down the mountainside a bit to get closer to the edge of the cliff.  He only stopped because I was screaming my head off for him not to go any further.  

I was still trapped in the limitation of what I could see and what I thought was safe.  

He was 19 years old that day...just three weeks before his 20th birthday.  I am grateful that Spencer forced me off the well worn path and further up the mountainside.  And I am grateful that I got to see his victory stance that day.   

We won't see victory if we are afraid to move beyond our comfort zone.  

Victory for Spencer came as he walked out to edge of that cliff.  He moved slowly... but step by step he went... he raised his arms in triumph...and then went even further forward.  He told me he felt exhilarated and close to God.  I was in awe as I watched our youngest son challenge himself to do more.  

As we made our way around the island I felt challenged to get a bit closer to the edge...

It is by clinging to God, and not our old habits or fears, that we are led to victory.  

May you follow Him all the way to the victory He has for you!

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How do you know if eggs are fresh?

source

 There are times when the eggs we get just don't seem quite right to me.  I need to remember this!

Celebrating two years in Belize!

Two years ago, on the 6th of September, we arrived in Belize.  From February until September of 2010 we lived out of suitcases.  We spent February through early May in Istanbul, Turkey waiting on our Russian visas.  We made it back to Krasnodar, Russia just in time for Tom to walk Olga down the aisle at her wedding on my birthday.  Then we had to pack up, sell our apartment, and say our goodbyes before leaving in July.  We traveled throughout various states in the USA as we reconnected with family and friends after five years in Russia.  We said goodbye to Spencer as he left for the YWAM base in Kona, Hawaii.

It was wonderful to arrive in Belize and immediately feel as if we had finally come home.  Home to a place we had never been.  But at that point in our lives...home was where our suitcases were.

Thinking back on that first taxi ride from the airport outside of Belize City all the way to Belmopan I remember Tom trying to bargain with the guy the same way I used to haggle with Russian cab drivers over the fare.  The disadvantage was not understanding just how far he had to go and not knowing the high cost of gas.  It turned out that we paid a fair price...and I am grateful for that cabbie's integrity with not taking advantage of us like he could have.

And it was funny that just like so many of the Russian cab drivers we rode with...this man immediately drove to a gas station to get enough for the trip before getting on the road!

We drove so fast all I could manage to snap were blurry photos of all the trees along the way.  He pointed out a few landmarks and told us about the devastation Hurricane Hattie caused so many years ago.  We were enthralled with the lush green countryside and the modest homes made of wood or cement that dot the landscape along Western Highway

Tom got us checked in at the Bull Frog Inn and we very pleased to find a simple but comfortable room equipped with amenities we dearly appreciated... namely air conditioning, WiFi, and a clean bathroom!!

We had no idea that we were arriving during September Celebrations.  This time of year there are many events  throughout the country as they count down the days until Belize's Independence Day later this month.  We saw from the beginning the pride that Belizeans have in their country.  Today is a holiday celebrating the 214th Anniversary of the battle of St George's Caye when the settlers here in Belize successfully battled against Spanish invaders.

 We are grateful that God brought us to Belize and look forward to however many years He grants us here!

Birding in Belize

Birds are my favorite creatures. The diversity of colors and markings amaze me.  According to the Belize Audubon Society 587 species of birds have been sighted here in Belize.

Here are some of the images I have captured since our arrival two years ago...

whether I want to or not...

23 days ago I started walking for at least 30 minutes a day.  Yesterday I walked 2.2 miles in 36 minutes.  A personal best time for me.  Some days it takes every bit of mental discipline for me to get out the door.  I don't always want to keep going.  But I made a commitment to myself and the women who are in the challenge with me and I am determined to follow it through. 

I have had some friends go out with me a few times and that is always a treat.  I pray when I go out to walk alone and that is always rewarding.  Discipline has gotten me out of the door when it rains and when it's been hot all day.  I tried walking in the morning but that doesn't work for me.  It is easier to get out there as the sun is setting.  The air is cool and sky is gorgeous.  My goal for the next 77 days is to keep getting my butt out the door because it is worth it.

It is worth how good I feel when I am done.  It is worth how well I sleep each night.  And it is worth the strength I feel mentally and physically as the days turn into weeks.  Lord willing, I will remain healthy enough to make it through to the end of the 100 day challenge.

I would love to learn from you.  So, what are you doing that is making a difference in your health?

thought for today...Go after a life of love!

 

Living a Christlike life, in my mind, is about living a life of love.  And just as I go after life in Him I desire to go after a life of love.  I have heard Tom tell clients to "go where the Love is".  There is wisdom in those words.

Do you remember this old chorus?

"And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."  

As Christian I don't want to be known by what I hate or what I am against.  I want to be known for the way I try to show His love to those I come in contact with each day.  

Go after a life a love...as if your life depends on it!

linking up with:

Tasty Tuesday...

The Gluten-Free Bible 

After checking in a few stores in Belize City, and the health food stores in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, I finally have all of the flours that I need to make the gluten-free flour blends that this book recommends.  I am looking forward to trying out some new recipes this week!

Gratitude upon gratitude...

On September 1st Tom celebrated 25 years of sobriety.  He chose to celebrate without a lot of fanfare.  He spent time in the art room painting, listening to music, and then in the evening we went out to dinner with some friends.  A quiet celebration of a major accomplishment.  I am so proud of him.  I know it happened one day at a time and those days added up to 25 years.  

As I think back on the week this milestone of Tom's tops my list of 1000 gifts...

932.  celebrating 25 alcohol free years with Tom!

933.  our children never witnessing their father's drinking.

934.  the doors of ministry that were opened because of his sobriety.

935.  today is day 20 of 100 days of walking! 

936.  birds outside our bedroom window.

937.  mastering my fear of walking across this hammock bridge suspended over the Belize River.

938.  enjoying the cooler temps brought on by setting sun.

939.  fresh guacamole made from the avocados we were given last week. 

940.  Belize in bloom

941.  lots of new books on the Kindle app on my Galaxy Tablet

942.  listening to relaxing music

943.  dinner out with friends.

944.  Facebook chats.

945.  serving communion at church with Tom.

946.  Pastor Han's sermon yesterday.

947.  finding Russian worship songs on an old flash drive.

948.  quiet times to pray and sing.

949.  reading Nathan's stories and marveling at the imagination he was blessed with.

950.  finding ribs for a decent price at the poultry store. 

951.  being trusted with the burdens on the heart of a friend. 

952.  not screaming when I found a gecko in the bathroom hiding under my towel!

joining in with the gratitude community:

Why would a ten year old girl commit suicide?

There is tragic and truly sad news coming out of the Orange Walk district. The reports I am getting say that a 10 year old girl from San Lazaro village committed suicide by hanging herself. Multiple reports are that the primary school girl was found hanging by her mother. It is truly a tragic and sad situation.  ~Patrick E. Jones

I saw this horrific news on Facebook last night.  There were well over 100 comments made on this story.  A few were expressions of condolence for the family.  Some wondered if it was linked to some type of abuse. A few even sounded off about how it could be a murder and not a suicide.  Most were in shock that a ten year old would think to do something like this.

What kind of trauma happened in the brief life of this little girl that caused her to lose all sense of hope?  Was it a lack of love?  Or because of physical or sexual abuse?  Was it related to depression?  Was she being bullied? All we can do is speculate until more facts are released for this case.  But it left me wondering...just how common is suicide in children?

I searched for statistics on child suicide and discovered that it is the third leading cause of death for children aged 10-14.  Doesn't that boggle your mind?  Back in 2011 the Ministry of Health in Belize put together a suicide resource pamphlet teachers.  However, most of the discussions here are centered on teens and not on younger children.

Suicide prevention was discussed at a Mental Health Conference in September last year.  In May of this year counselors from Orange Walk Technical High School spoke with the press to discuss suicide in adolescents and it was reported that the number of suicides for 2012 at the time was five.  While compiling information for this post I could not find any stories or statistics related to young children committing suicide here in Belize.

As we wait for more details regarding the death of this ten year old we pray for families whose lives have been affected by suicide here in Belize and around the world.  For children to find hope in the midst of despair.  And for families, teachers, counselors, and all who work with children to be vigilant to any signs that a child might be at risk.

Won't you join us in prayer?

Anatomy of Walking...

It has been 16 days since I started walking.  So I have 84 days to go to complete the challenge!  

So far I have lost three pounds and gained a new appreciation for health and strength.  I saw this graphic on the Everybody Walks blog and discovered even more benefits of walking.  Enjoy!

thought for today...His Provision

 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for You are with me; 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23, TNIV

linking up with:

tasty tuesday

Avocados and peppers

Yesterday I went over to meet with a friend and when I got there her husband told me that I could not leave without taking home some food.  They called the avocados "pears" and showed me their huge "pear" tree in the yard.  Then I was told not to use the pepper seeds but to take them outside and just sprinkle them around my yard and make sure that I water them.  

When I got home I made guacamole with one of the avocados that was ripe.  I can hardly wait until the rest of them are ready.  I have six huge ones.  I will also need to make a pepper sauce or use the peppers in salsa or something so that nothing they passed on to me goes to waste.  

Each time I try to bless this family they turn it around and bless me.  And I am awed by their generosity.