Monday, May 16, 2011

Happy Monday

It is a gorgeous Monday here.  Like want to take my computer and go work outside gorgeous.  Or take the long way walking to lunch gorgeous.  I'm going to take advantage of the wonderful weather and go for a long run outside after school.  Happy Monday everyone!  


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Naps, Fish, Plastic, and Sticks

I have to remind myself some things I see here in China aren't normal.  I've been here almost two years and the things I used to be freaked out by I now pass by without noticing. I decided to document a few things...

Exhibit One:  Who wouldn't take a nap next to some dead carcass?



Exhibit Two: A woman chowing down on dried fish, like ripping it with her teeth, at our airplane's gate.



Exhibit Three: Plastic wrapped table settings at restaurants.



Exhibit Four: Any type of meat on a stick.  Seriously...anything you can think of.  This one is particularly funny because I used to gag and now I may or may not eat this after a night out.


I love getting to experience life in another country.  Thank you Lord for the experiences! 

Monday, May 9, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

Mom,

Thank you for teaching me responsibility, even if it meant I would get in trouble because you didn't bring me my homework at school.  It was worth missing recess.

Thank you for being creative and always doing fun crafts with me when I was little.  Sorry for the messes I made and drawing on the walls of the stairwell.

Thank you for listening to me when I was upset over sports, friends, school, or anything else that mattered to me.  Because it mattered to me you made it important to you.


Thank you for being a godly example to me from the time I was little until now.  I took your example for granted and at times did understand why you weren't like other moms.  Now I know...your life is much bigger than caring what others think.  You live for pleasing God and I'm proud that you are my mom.

Thank you for always opening our home to my friends.  They always loved your baking, cooking, and thoughtful signs.  Some of my best memories were at 3304 Bywater Court because you took the time to be the best hostess.

Thank you for supporting me in my dreams of seeing the world, though it hurts you that I am not close.  Your ability to be happy for me even though I know you want me in the States is amazing.


Thank you for disciplining me and being stricter than my friends' parents when I was younger.  At the time I didn't appreciate it but I do now more than ever.  I'm sorry for ever doubting you and dad.

Thank you for instilling confidence in me.  I never have to wonder if you love me and believe in me.  You tell me all the time how proud you are of me.

Thank you for showing me loyalty.  You and dad showed me that it is friends and your witness to them that matter in life, not money, things, or anything else trivial.


Thank you for teaching me how to compete.  Whether it was the Froggers Family Competition, boardgames, diboo-daboo, cooking, or whatever you always have a will to win.

Thank you for faithfully praying for me.  You continually shower me with prayers and I am so thankful for that.  I am convinced your prayers have saved me from some bad situations.

I could go on and on, but mostly thank you for being you.  You are the most amazing woman I know.  Your love for your family goes on forever.  You have blessed us more than I can put into words.  I love you and thank God for giving me such a smart, loving, patient, fun, creative, faithful, and thoughtful mother and friend!

Love always,
Meggo

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Sunset Heaven


Spring Break was amazing.  I'm so thankful to have a job that allows me to have breaks and access to paradise.  Jess, Brandon, Stephanie, Michelle, Veronica, Jennelle, and me all headed to Boracay, Philippines. It was beautiful, relaxing, indulgent, and amazing.  We couldn't have asked for better weather. We had sunshine every day we were there and the sunsets were incredible. I was in awe at God's beauty throughout the whole trip.  I kept thinking how blessed I am to get to experience such a breathtaking place.  






  
Other than watching sunsets we basically relaxed.  I read two books, Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler and Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.  Both books were very interesting and made me reflect about a lot of things.  We also ate tons of yummy food!

Some highlights of the trip:


The beautiful view from our hotel.  


All the filipinos were making these sand balls...I wanted to make one the whole time. Also, how cute is this little guy?  


Tons of beautiful flowers...


Chilling out beachside with friends...


Fruity Drinks 


Snorkeling...Jess and I got about 15 meters away from dolphins.

We went rock jumping for a day...I'm not gonna lie I was scurred :)

 Met some new friends...

The food was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.


The view from our pool...


Spending time with my love...

Of course the whole week wasn't always paradise...watch out for mosquitos!