Life in IraqiKurdistan.Refreshment

So most of you know January was kind of a down. blah. cold. lonely month.

Well I am happy to announce I feel refreshed! Not only has God shown me what is truly important, but we have had an opportunity to find some refreshment during the last couple of weeks. So what do we do for refreshment in Iraq you ask?

First of all.... On the sunny days, get out of the house!

We play in our yard, or our roof,

or go for walks. Wearing these... just to wear them, even though my little piggies are pink when I get home.

Oh how I love my chaccos

Then... plan a Girl's weekend!
4 of us gals from Duhok took the 2 hour taxi ride to the neighboring city of Erbil. Another mom and I left the kiddos with the Dad's and enjoyed some good times with the CSM teachers in Erbil. Talking about school, electricity, food, the good times, and the bad.
Erbil is the polical hub of Kurdistan so although not nearly as beautiful they have lots more options when it comes to shopping and "American" things.

Like Nachos

and Lattees

and the City Center (Wal-Mart Style)- which we were able to find Lime juice, Cheerios, good cheese, deli meat, and lots of other things like that! We packed that Taxi!

Then.... go as a team to be encouraged by another team :) This past weekend we just got back from Suly to see the CSM team in that city. The 5 hour taxi ride was a little less uncomfortable but it was a beautiful view of the mountains and fun to see the little village towns.

It was a great mix of encouragement, hanging out, and professional development (the school is K-12 with many experienced teachers. What a fun team! We had a blast!

I even got to help coach their high school girls team that they started up last year! We are going to try to get one going here. In Sha Allah (God Willing)

The weekend ended with a surprise stay at a guest house "The Love Nest" :) Some other workers opened up a guest house that is a ministry for other workers to get-away for a bit. It was loaded with all kinds of goodies. (Instant oatmeal, twizzlers, skittles, fresh ground coffee with coffee pot) It was beautifully decorated with everything in the house that made staying there truly a haven. Including a jacuzzi! We were there for less than 12 hours, but in Bishop style, taking FULL advantage of all the goodies.

Early morning beauty :)

It was truly a refreshing last couple of weeks!

God always seem to know exactly what we need!