Remiss to Not Reminisce

Sigh. Young love . . . hard to believe this magical photo was taken FIVE years ago! That's nuts people!! We've been caught up in the usual hub-bub of our lives these days (class, practicing our language on innocent bystanders, etc.), and so didn't do anything extraordinary on the actual day. But now that I think about it we did go here a few months ago to celebrate . . .

Needless to say, it was UH-MAZING. The Mr. and I will be heading out to Hong Kong this week for a visa run, so we plan on having a romantic dinner that doesn't necessarily involve flashcards, books, or our tutor. Should be nice : ).

I feel like it's pretty obvious that I think BBB is about the greatest thing that ever happened, so rather than wax on and on about how amazing and magical our life together is, I thought to commemorate our FIVE years of marital bliss I would recall some of my memories of July 30, 2005.  Interesting? Potentially. Cheesy? Absolutely.

I remember waking up short of breath, struck by the magnitude of what that day would hold.

I remember asking my MOH in the elevator post hair & make-up if I really looked "wedding day" pretty, because if not, we needed to march back up stairs and try again. 

I remember telling my mom when we got to the church I thought the flowers in the sanctuary looked like someone had died, but then during the ceremony thinking they were the most beautiful things I had ever seen.

I remember as soon as the director said we could go downstairs to line up I was the first out the door, down the stairs, veil down, ready to G-O. 

I had all these things I wanted to say to my dad before walking down the aisle, but as soon as the door opened and I saw that beautiful, teary-eyed man waiting on me, it was over. I don't really remember actually walking down the aisle, just his face and hoping my tears didn't make my eyelashes stick to my veil.

I sort of remember the ceremony . . . we laugh when we watch the video because every time the minister speaks I get this "oh, you're still here" kind of look of surprise on my face. 

My memories of the reception are what's on our video - it was such a blur of people, hugs, and an overall sense of overwhelming joy. (I'm pretty sure I asked Baxter right after the ceremony if we had to go).

I remember our wedding director told me to be sure and look around and take it all in before we walked out to leave - which I thought was silly because all I saw was dirty plates.  Details, by that point and even months before, were secondary for what the whole day was about for me. 

Driving away in that 1950 something Cadillac convertible was one of my favorite moments of the day - those blue summer skies, my veil flying in the wind and my new husband laughing beside me was absolutely one of the happiest moments of my life. 

BBB, thank you for partnering your life with mine five years ago. I love who you were, are and will be. Thank you for being the kind of man who makes me better for being your wife.

A Few Peeps.

Friends, thank you so much for traversing the uncharted waters of private blogging, and meeting me here on my side of the ocean. While I realize going private is in some ways both a hassle and annoying, it needed to happen.

While we are thankful to be able to live our lives here with relative openness and authenticity, we are daily surrounded by those who are not afforded similar freedoms. Going private allows me to share a bit more about our lives here, as well as doing all that I can to respect the lives and privacy of those we work with and for. All that to say, thanks for taking the plunge ; ).

As your reward, here are some peeps into our world.

First, this is how we be rollin':

We are BIG fans of public transportation in our house. We have a bus stop just around the corner from our apt, and can hop on and off and scurry all over town as we wish. Sure, it can be a bit slow from time to time, and if you don't hop on at the start of the route you may be standing for a while . . . but we're diggin' it!

Next on the tour . . . 

 

Where we be stayin'! Let's just say, we are b-l-e-s-s-e-d folks. The loveliness you see above is our home, 100% because we have teammates here who take care of us. Prior to our arrival, they were looking for us an apartment, and made a connection with friends who would leaving the country before their lease expired. So basically, that played out to mean that we had a pre-paid, furnished apartment to move into upon our arrival.( I KNOW). Sadly, as the lease runs out in just a few short months we will be looking for a new abode. But we are SO grateful for how this sweet, not-so little apartment aided in our quick transition.

Next, here is a delicious treat that I especially enjoy:

 

Milk- tea, oh the deliciousness of milk tea. And sure, a friend of mine calls those black tapioca balls in the bottom "dingle-berries", but I chose to ignore that and enjoy this treat regardless. 

And this . . . 

would be Baxter's new swimsuit!! What's that you ask? Why yes, those ARE tiny spandex mini-shorts, and YES he DOES wear them swimming in public! Last weekend a local friend took us swimming at the city sports center, where we learned that mean are required to wear speedos - briefs or baby-sized shorts are your choice. This is fantastic for two reasons - Baxter gets his choice form of exercise several times a week, AND I always get a kick out of seeing these things! HA!

And in conclusion what I will look for under my Christmas tree for years to come . . . 

need I say more? 

Life. is. GOOD!

It was bound to happen.

Well all knew it could or would, and the time has come. All the juicy gossip (?) you love so much here at "Le Blog de Bentleys" (which let's briefly acknowledge how that name is LAME. This should be re-considered - non lame suggestions welcome), is about to become private property.

Basically, what this means is in order to read this little diddy, you will need to give me your email address via comment section, email, or Facebook, and I will add you as an approved user. You will then need to log in to read, but I promise all you who are technologically timid, you CAN do this. Have no fear. I will give those interested about a week to give me their emails before going off the grid. If you have given me your email already for wanting to receive our newsletter, no worries - I'll count you in. [Note: said newsletter has been decided to be an end of month-ish event, so it will appear in an inbox near you soon. Promise.]

So, if you're willing to move from "blurker" to "approved & appreciated reader", please give a sister your email addy. Gracias, xie xie, and thank you!

Delight

This past week I have found such deep satisfaction in seeing the Father answer some very specific prayers. As I had mentioned earlier, I had been doing battle with my own expectations in regards to our language learning, and was really struggling through some anxiety when our “talk time” (v. to badger or talk at an obligated or unable to escape shop keeper or listener) would come around each day.

One afternoon last week I was walking around our neighborhood with all my tools in my bag (dictionary, small notebook of phrases, water bottle with which to fidget), when I just told Him I QUIT. I was tired of battling my nervousness, tired of feeling like a failure (dramatic maybe? We’re talking about week TWO of language tutoring here), and that I was just OVER it – me and my expectations are too much! I promised the Lord that if He would show up and do the talking, I would do the walking. I would be committed to going out every day, if He could just throw me a bone and help me get rid of my nervousness. And you know what? He did!

Just a few blocks later I walked to one of my friend's shops (she sells milk tea – delicious!) and as soon as she saw me she said in her broken English, “I’m so glad you came today! I was sad yesterday when you did not come!” Now if that’s not the love of the Father to us both I don’t know what is – because goodness knows how little I can actually say to this sweet girl! Later that night I was reading the passage below and could have just wept in seeing the beauty of His promises fulfilled.

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:1-8

What goodness and truth!! I DID seek the Lord, and he DID answer me, and he DID deliver me from my fears! Truly, my soul will make its boast in Him!

We have also been enjoying the truth of verse 8 – TASTING! We both love the local cuisine, and I feel like I’m gradually learning how to cook without certain things and with new ingredients. We have also found an outdoor market close to our house – which is so fun for me. I feel like I am slowly steeling my stomach to the meat/fish/eel (live or hacked to your pleasure) aisles of the market, and I LOVE seeing row after row of fresh fruits and vegetables. And talk about local – most of the vegetables and sellers still have dirt under their fingernails! I love it!! I did realize I need to brush up on my numbers however, when I was telling a man that 2 kuai (I thought he was saying 7) was too much for 4 figs. Leave it to me to argue over essentially $0.30! I love coming home with this bounty (which in total easily cost under $10)

And making it into this:


We can't buy most kinds of cheeses here, so I've been experimenting with one I can get, goat cheese. Any delicious ideas? I have realized both my skills and our stomachs need to slowly ease into cooking local fare at home, and hopefully I can learn to turn down the oil and spiciness just a teensy, teensy bit. But don't worry, we're lunchtime regulars at several restaurants and noodle shops around here, which never ceases to cause endless fascination and stares by our fellow diners.

Well, I'm off to enjoy a relaxed Saturday with the usual friends - laundry, cleaning, studying. While I was running at the park this morning I noticed a large choir and orchestra practicing at the amphitheater (last week it was some kind of dance group and war drama), so I have a pretty good idea where we'll be tonight!

And speaking of the park, on Wednesday night I went to the free jazzercise (my description, not theirs), they have every night. It. was. AWESOME. It was one of those moments where I wished I could both participate and watch the ridiculousness, and lets just say I'm glad "mambo" is a universal word! I made some sweet friends, and I can't wait to go again on the nights we don't have class!

Friends.

Oh how there is so much to say, it’s difficult to even know where to begin. The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of sorts, and yet in the most spectacular way. Each day is a new challenge and adventure, where I feel like I am continually questioning and re-questioning the hows, whys, whens and whats of it all. But oh what intimacy has come in the questioning, with both my earthly and heavenly beloved. I could not be more thankful for the partner I have been given in this journey, his steadfast faith and calm spirit blesses me now more than ever. And look at him – I think he looks even better across the dinner table here!

** Funny side note. Those of you that know this darling man above know that he is typically squeaky clean; he is a bit scruffy in this picture because he decided he wouldn't shave until we figured out the bus route by our house. He shaved the very next day! **

We have begun the steep climb that is language learning. It’s quite funny really, how after a few lessons we feel like we can conquer the world, only to go try out our new words and realize we have the communicative abilities of a toddler. It’s been remarkable though how a simple hello has connected us with people. It’s kind of become a game, say hello to basically anyone and everyone we pass, and then see how shocked they are that we can and would say hello. It’s great fun. We have also been blessed in already finding a few friends/captive listeners; the worker at a favorite lunch place, a lady who sells us drinks so we can break change for the bus, the kind gentleman who sells ice cream – food unites us all! We are so thankful for these patient friends, and are eager to learn more that we can know them better.

I think the greatest surprise and struggle so far has not been culture - but within myself. As I ride the ups and downs of our new lifestyle, I’ve realized my own overwhelming inabilities coupled with a perfectionist desire to succeed can become crippling. (Relate anyone?) Thankfully, I am humbled HOURLY in recognition of where my assurance and confidence must come. It has been so tender to realize in a fresh way how incompetent we are apart from HIS strength alone – I pray that I never grow weary of this sweet lesson! Thankfully we live around the corner from a HUGE and gorgeous park – so I have been able to run (GLORY BE!) several mornings and set my heart on HIS truth. Clearly the Big Man knew this time would be needed ; ).

We are so deeply thankful to be here. To be stretched in these ways, to experience these people and places is such a gift – and to think we’re just getting started! The newsletter I have previously mentioned is still the works – we’ve had to cage my perfectionism in that regards, but I promise it will come sooner or later! And yes, I will include fun stories in the future - I think a lot of these things have been swirling around in my head for a while, and I've never been one to hide behind small talk when there are greater issues at hand. Know that your emails, comments, thoughts and pryrs are such a blessing - we need and treasure your encouragement!

Oops.

Dear Ones,

Yes, I am alive. And yes, I am quite well. As you well know - just about everything in our lives has changed recently, and we are still riding the waves of transition. Thankfully, these adjustments while numerous are exciting, and we are loving discovering the ins and outs of our new surroundings. (Bought fruits and veggies at the outdoor market today for the first time - NOT in English. Yes, we are in fact awesome).

We have begun language tutoring, which has seemed to fill my brain to above its normal quota. Thus explains the silence in blogville. I am also in the process of working on our monthly newsletter - so that on top of learning to cook, speak, travel, and live in a new culture has kept me a little busy.

If you would like to receive said newsletter and have not already submitted your info for updates, please leave your email address in the comments section. I promise to return soon to our regularly scheduled program.

Thank you for your understanding and interest!

Learning to Be

Well, we’re here. (And it’s fantastic.) As expected, the cocktail of emotions didn’t hit until we were on the plane nearing our destination, when a rush of “holy crap” type feelings set in. All of a sudden everything wasn't just real, but seemingly un-doable.I was reminded of standing in the cold at a starting line of a very long race waiting for a gun to go off. . . again thinking, “holy crap, what have I done.” As I revisited these emotions, I was comforted to remember that once I took off running the nerves were left behind me, and I was free to focus on the ups and downs of the race ahead.

The goal of our past few days has been to learn how to "be” in our new place, which sure, sounds all ethereal and simple. And it might be, if we came from a culture where we were actually good at that, or if we somehow found ourselves automatically comfortable and competent in this new culture. Each day has met us with the challenges of realizing how inept we are at most things, particularly "being". Ordering food (who am I kidding - finding and identifying food is a challenge!), setting up a cell phone, getting from place to place, all of these once secondary elements of existence suddenly have become challenges.

However, all of this newness and inability has been overpowered by a deep and abiding joy. In each experience, I find myself in awe of where we are and what we're doing. Something that was spoken into us as children is happening . . . and is being birthed into something miraculous and new. And sure, I have no doubt that the months ahead are full of endless challenges, frustrations and even disappointments, but my prayer is that through it all we never lose this sense of wonder.

For today we're off to conquer public transportation and attempting to buy groceries. We have been deeply blessed in having friends living in our new city, so that has made establishing the "big" things like bank accounts and cell phones MUCH more do-able. Especially when you accidentally walk out of a cell phone store having not actually paid for the cell phone, it helps to have someone explain. ; ) We will start meeting with our language tutor tonight, so hopefully that can help us avoid any additional criminal activity!

Well, stares, buses, confusion and an overall darn good time await me - so wish us luck!