I Love Texas

Good Monday to All,

I'm thankful to be back in Texas!! My sweet, thoughtful husband gave me the very unselfish gift of a trip home. There are many reasons why it was perfect timing, but let's just say, I needed to recharge. As you all know, the last year and a half has been challenging for Rick and me to say the least, and our move to Tripoli has been quite an experience too.

It has been sheer joy to see my smart, capable husband take on this new job with so many different people, and situations, and attack it with such energy and enthusiasm. He really likes the job, and I'm so happy for me to be "back in the game", so to speak.

I have jet lag tonight, but I am so full of joy to be here at our townhouse with my son and daughter in law, and my adorable grandson, Dylan. Last night, Anne and Ryan, picked me up from the airport, dealing with all of the craziness, and treated me to my first Mexican food. What delight to see them again too. I am a blessed woman, missing Rick, but glad to be soaking in Texas again for a few weeks. Please keep up with Rick's blog, Trip 2 Tripoli for news from Libya. Love to all, Lynn

Call to Prayer

Here's the call to prayer that I promised to post.

I'll be in Houston on Sunday afternoon!!!

God is in Control by Charles Stanley

This week has been about alone time for me, lots of reading and writing. My new friend, Ellen, returned to the states, and left me here to reflect on this past month. Now, with my return back to Texas only a few days away, I found a small book that I bought right before our departure to Libya back in June. It is called God is in Control by Charles Stanley. The subtitle reads this way, "An Unshakeable Peace in the Midst of Life's Storms." I wanted to share this book with you today, since it has brought me an amazing sense of peace. God really is in control, and He wants us to know this simple truth, not just know it, but let it sink deep into our souls, so that it comforts us, and gives us strength and peace when we need it. Then, He wants us to pass that gift of peace on to others who need it too.

While I was reading today, a knock came at my door. Keep in mind, this apartment is about 550 square feet, so I hear pretty much everything that goes on during the day. Usually the knock is my cleaning lady, Samira, a very sweet and shy young woman who brightens my days with her smile, and greetings in Arabic,"Assalaam alay-kum" which translates, "Peace be upon you." But today the knock was Alice, who came unexpectedly on an errand for her husband, Mac, who works with Rick. Alice and I have been together only twice, but today she arrived at the perfect time, to pray with me for Kay,our cousin, and for Lee, my sister, both battling cancer. She prayed that God would heal both of them, and it was wonderful for me to have her here with me. So, I know that God is truly in control, that He cares very much about us,and about each of you, my dearly loved family and friends. Today, I hope you think of that as you go about your day, whatever may come, and know also that I love each of you, and look so forward to seeing you soon, Lynn

News from Tripoli

Hello,

It's Tuesday morning here in Libya, I noticed today that sometimes, when I post my blog, it shows the date as being the day before I post. It must still think I'm on Texas time. Can't believe it took me four weeks to realize that? Hope it hasn't been too confusing for all of you...

My news is that I am coming home on Sunday, this Sunday, July 26!! I will arrive in Houston at about 2:00PM. My wonderful husband changed my ticket so that I could come back earlier than expected to check on everyone there. As you know, Rick and I have two very loved family members who are battling cancer. Sometimes, you just go, and it doesn't matter how far away you are, you go to see them, and tell them how very much you care and love them. Anyway, I am coming back for both of us. We didn't have any idea how living so far away would affect us, and what situations God would allow while we were away. God doesn't tell us our future, He just wants us to step out in faith and trust Him. This job in Tripoli was definitely a huge leap of faith for both of us, and we will have to take it a step at a time. So, I will be back Sunday, and I am thankful that Rick is comfortable here now, and is supportive of my return.

I am going to try and record the "calls to prayer" that happens here five times each day. I think you would all enjoy hearing one of them, and knowing what they sound like. Each one during the day is unique, and so very different than what I expected. Rick and I will attempt to record one of the evening calls tonight, and post it on the blog.

So dear family and sweet friends, I will see you soon, much love, Lynn

Pictures, Thoughts,and Prayers

Hello to all,

I have to confess to a "down" day yesterday.We heard some sad news from home about our beloved cousin, Kay, and her struggle with cancer. It is so very hard to be this far away when that type of news comes. I'd like to ask for the prayers of each one of you, my very faithful blog followers, for Kay, first that God will heal her, and then, of course, that He will give her his peace and comfort each and every day, and that she would feel His great love for her. We love her so very much, and believe with all of our hearts in the power of prayer. Thank you so much!!

All of the pictures are from Malta, an upside down statue(don't know why it was like that) of the word LOVE, for Kay. The small saints are all over the sides of buildings in Malta. These lovely works of art are reminders of the Maltese people's strong faith. The last is one of three parts of a word wall, covered with poems and quotes in all different languages. Very interesting. Hopefully, you can enlarge it and read some of the things people wrote. It inspired me to have a permanent wall like this in my classroom, full of quotes that have inspired me, and hopefully will inspire my students in future years.

So for today, thank you for reading my blog, and encouraging me to continue to share my thoughts and experiences with you. Not every day here is wonderful, and most are not at all easy, but then I think of the verse that tells us "I have learned to be content in every circumstance", and I know God is here by my side. Much love to each of you , Lynn

Weekend in Tripoli

Ok, I'll never get used to the weekend being over on Saturday !! Rick goes back to work tomorrow, just doesn't seem right. We figured out today that Saturdays here are the only day that feels like home, every other day is out of wack, totally different and unfamiliar.

On Friday mornings, we get up and go to church. We went back to the Anglican Church yesterday. The Egyptian pastor had a frustrating day, the sound system went out. The church is quite old, and there wasn't much he could do about it. Now I know what kids feel like in a classroom when the teacher is talking way over their heads, and they can't understand a word she is saying!! That's the way church was yesterday. But, the choir was back, and that was pure joy. Same smiling gentleman singing at the top of his lungs, a British man, and one Nigerian lady. Children were running all over the back of the church, laughing and playing. Let's just say, it was interesting. I hope God was as amused as the rest of us were!!

After church,I did enjoy lunch cooked in an earthenware pot at the Marcus Aurelius restaurant. However, I did not get the baby camel meat!! In fact, the meat counters here in Libya, are, could I say, graphic, and I am fast on my way to becoming a vegetarian.

Who knows what adventure await me this week? I've been here almost a month, and I'm sure this journey God has me taking will continue to be fascinating , until the day I leave. Please pray for patience and sensitivity towards every person God puts in my path. Until tomorrow, love to each of you, Lynn

Regatta. Dylan, and Church on Fridays

I wanted to share a couple of pictures of Regatta, the Libyan version of a planned community !

The first shows the gorgeous, pristine beaches. This beach would rival any in the world, such clear inviting water, and the blue color, well, it speaks for itself. The second picture shows the table where I enjoyed lunch, pretty awesome setting. We have heard all sorts of stories about the memberships for the Regatta, from 150 dinar per month, to 600 dinar per month, that's per person !! However, like so many things here in Tripoli, if you are with one of our drivers who knows someone, who is connected to someone else, and your car is acceptable, you are waved in. So, I hope to go back and enjoy the beach. Sadly, Libya has a real litter problem, apparently it has been out of control for a long time, and now people are sick and tired of it and the government is beginning to work on it, and hire crews of people. Many of the workers are from Egypt, here to clean up the litter. So, many of the beaches are just a mess, it's so sad when people just don't appreciate the gifts God has given them in the natural world. I guess we all tend to take our surroundings for granted. Anyway, the Regatta is a beautiful place.

Next, of course, is my now 18 month old grandson, Dylan, who fell into his bucket on the back patio of our townhouse. Our son, Brian and his wife, Mary, who is expecting our next precious grandbaby #2(my name for now), and Dylan all moved into the townhouse a month before we left and are taking care of it while we are gone. I thought I'd share this great picture that Mary recently sent. I miss my "kids" and their spouses, my dearly loved daughters-in-love, and my favorite son-in-love so very much. They are keeping in touch with us so closely and I visit with them on Skype, and it helps so much to "see" them. I am so thankful God that someone was smart enough to invent a computer, aren't you? And I am thankful beyond words for others of you who are so faithful to contact us by email, and Skype. You have given us the most precious gift, the gift of your time, and you'll never know how much it means to us. Thank you !

Today, we visit the Anglican church for the second time. Church is on Friday here. It's tough to get used to, but that's the way it is. Everyone finishes their work week on Thursday, the day of rest is on Friday, then Saturday is like ours, for shopping and running errands, then back to work on Sunday. I am hoping that the choir sings again today. One of the men just sang and sang at the top of his lungs with a huge smile on his face, definitely making a "joyful noise!" The building we meet in is a very old Spanish church which was originally Catholic, but was taken from the Catholic church at one time, returned to the Catholics who gave it to the Anglicans. There is no air conditioning, but a lot of fans. Fascinating group of people, all worshiping together, united in our love for God. Can't wait to go back.

I pray you are well dear family and friends, we think of you every day, and you are all in our hearts, lots of love, Lynn

Thoughts From My Balcony

I'm feeling a little reflective today so I thought I would take advantage and share something I do every day here in Tripoli...

My balcony gives me a view of the blue Mediterranean Sea, occasionally I see white caps and waves rolling in when the wind is high, a small fishing boat goes by, and I hear children playing and laughing in the water.

From my balcony, numerous flags wave in the wind, one is the flag of Jordan, another is from a Scandinavian country someone told me. It's red, white and blue, and for a moment, I thought it was the US flag, and it made me miss home so very much. I guess that many others here in Tripoli must feel the same way I do.

A bird is chirping from a neighbor's balcony below, an rooster crows in the mornings,but also at weird times of the day. I can see a whole family of cats crossing the street, even kittens. Children are playing at their house down the street, and crying. Laundry blows in the wind, on almost every balcony, even on mine.

People come and go, men are talking and laughing loudly, horns are honking, and on and on it goes. This is my life right now in Libya. So much is strange, and yet so much is familiar. How I wish I could share my adventure with all of you, my much loved family and friends, for then, it would be just perfect. With love, Lynn

Crazy Malta Pictures

Here are some more pics of our great weekend in Malta. Yes, we did enjoy the local beer, Cisk, but not too much, don't worry. This young Maltese teenager served us in a quaint, little restaurant by the sea. The little fishing village, Marsaxlokk, was covered in the colorful boats that you saw in earlier photos. Each boat has a large eye painted on the front, the eye of Osiris, Phoenician in origin, and protection for seafarers. Enjoy our "daytime" Malta video, filmed by my sweet husband who is having a lot of fun putting these together. Lots of love from Libya, Lynn

Malta at Night

More Malta and Regatta

Well, I found a little piece of paradise right here in Tripoli today. It was really hard to come back after our awes

ome weekend away in Malta, and of course, it's so tempting to feel sorry for yourself. Today, I visited Regatta, a real Libyan planned community. There was a wonderful "club house" where we enjoyed an excellent lunch, outdoors under a big umbrella, next to a perfectly pristine beach. Wow, it was lovely. There were people enjoying the beach, the Med was sparkly and blue.

So, now we know it's possible for the Libyan people to have a clean, beautiful beach just like the ones we saw in Malta. I want to go back tomorrow !! We have heard that you are supposed to buy a membership for the club, but like so many things here, if you know someone, they just wave you through. Our drivers are very connected, so on we went. I haven't actually been in the Mediterranean yet, and now I know where my first swimming experience will be...Regatta !

Posted are more pictures of Malta, we'll include a few every night, for your viewing pleasure. And for all of you video fans, Rick made a great

Malta after Hours video which we'll attempt to post soon.

Tonight we had a cheeseburger, yes, a real one, complete with french fries !! Isn't that great? It was a little piece of heaven from Texas. You might want to go and get a hamburger, veggie or otherwise, as soon as possible. Made me miss home, and all of you as I do every day. Love to all, Lynn

Malta Pics

Come Visit Malta with me!!

Hello to All,

I'm sorry to have missed my blogging for a couple of days, but I do hope that the next few days of Malta pictures will make up for it. Wow, what a beautiful island we found only a short 45 minute flight away, gorgeous coastline, flowers everywhere, colorful boats, fabulous restaurants, and sun !! What could be better than that? Maltese people speak their own language, a combination of Italian, French, English, Arabic, and "a little of everything else", our taxi driver said. The influence of many different countries is found on this tiny island, once controlled by each long ago. Now, Malta is its own country.

Rick and I loved seeing Valletta, the older part of the island, with its forts and cathedrals, apparently the churches all have festivals honoring their particular saint, and fireworks go off, and streets are decorated to the hilt. Even the little churches are covered with lights. We walked all over this part of the island, up and down narrow streets with painted wooden balconies, window boxes filled with flowers. I will post pictures Rick and I took of Baarracca Gardens, where there is a magnificent view across the harbor. Huge cruise ships were docking there. Republic Street is very long and very wide, filled with tourists, who are all shopping at the many, many shops there. It was impossible to do this part of the island justice in just a few hours. We were with two men who work with Rick, and they took some beautiful pictures of all the painted doors, all different and unusual. We'll post some of these pictures too.

Just a little known fact about Malta, at least little known to me, Paul of Tarsus, supposedly was marooned on the island, when he was shipwrecked on his way to Rome. Very interesting, huh? For more info, check out Acts 28:1-10.

Rick and I stayed in the Hotel Juliani, in St. Julian's, which overlooks a bay. This is a quaint little fishing village and you will see the colorful boats docked all over the bay. There is a beautiful walk along the water, which is very busy and crowded at night.

Well, I could go on and on, but let me conclude by saying, it was a perfect getaway, we were celebrating Rick's first pay check in about 16 months, so we felt very blessed to be in such a stunning place filled with happy people who were enjoying themselves. Of course, we wished for each of you, that we could somehow, bring all of you that we love so very much together and enjoy being there with you. Love for now, my sweet friends and family, Lynn

We\re in Malta!!

Hope this finds all of you well, and happy. Today, Rick and I are on the island of Malta, only 200 miles from Tripoli. This tiny island is a very popular weekend trip for everyone who lives in Libya. Very green, lots of flowers, and tourists everywhere. We were tired last night, from the ordeal of the airport, but we did walk around the St. Julian's Bay to a restaurant that the hotel recommended, Barracuda. Very good food, I had King Prawns, which should have been large shrimp, but really they were normal sized shrimp, with the yukky heads put back on !!

Anyway, I will post pictures as soon as possible, today we will wander around and get on buses which go everywhere and are very inexpensive. This is one of God's jewels, a blessing for us. More later my dear family and friends, Lynn

Malta and Old Souk Markets

Hi Everyone,

Today is our trip to the island of Malta, a one hour flight from Tripoli. It is a tiny dot on the map, south of the tip of Italy's boot. Right before we left home, an article came out in the Houston Chronicle naming the 10 most beautiful European islands, and Malta was on the list. So, bravely, Rick and I have booked our first trip over there, not having a clue what we are doing. Everyone here loves to go and says it is like an oasis. We'll have lots of good pictures to share when we return on Saturday. Travel adventure here we come!

Yesterday, a new friend, took me to the Old Souk Markets in the old town of Tripoli, just what you might expect, booth after booth of handmade and imported "wares", leather, everything hanging, woven rugs, baskets, camels(leather, wooden, stacking camel toys), and GOLD jewelry. I kept thinking of the old story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, anyone remember that story? The gold was incredible, huge necklaces, some hang down to the woman's waist, and cover the whole upper half of her body. Our driver, Najme, says that the women wear these at celebrations, like a baby shower or wedding. It was amazing how much of it was at this market, booth after booth, most crowded with people. There are so many talented people all over the world, making things with their hands, and Tripoli is no different. I took a few pictures and will post them when I return from Malta.

Hope all is well with each of you, my faithful blog followers, I think of you every day, and pray that God is blessing you with His peace, and joy. With love, Lynn

Our New Apartment

Here is a short video of our new apt. at Al Zain, I will never be a star on the big screen, way too much pressure to be filmed !! Anyway, today was a busy day, luncheon with other ladies whose husbands work for AECOM, lots of fun, then a visit with a young mom who is from Australia, and her three year old son, Nate.

Learned something new today, camels have real feelings. It's true !! Heard of a camel who cried real tears when his "wife" died, and another camel who was being mistreated by his owner, so he sat on the man. They hold grudges too, apparently. Anyway, I am so very happy that I didn't order Baby Camel cooked in an earthenware pot at the restaurant last week. No telling what would happen to me!!

It's very hot here right now, but very dry too. One Libyan gentleman told me that we should only shop at night, about 7:30 he said. No shopping during the day, "too hot". However, the nights are still cool, and the sunsets are still beautiful. From the couch in our new living room, I could see the full moon last night.

So thankful that we all sleep under the same sky and look at the same moon, and are cared for by the same caring, loving God. Love to each of you dear friends and family. We miss you every day, in so many, many ways, take care, Lynn

We're Moving !!

Great news, we got an apartment at Guesthouse #1!! Yes, it does have a special name like Arkno, something like Al Zain, but I'll let you know later. Rick found out at work today that it is vacant, so tonight after dinner, we went to our new "home". We will have a small living room, dining room and kitchen(yea!!), also a small bedroom and bathroom. We are a block from the Mediterranean Sea, very close, close enough to hear the children swimming and playing in the water. There is a nice little balcony where I can sit in the sun and read. All the way on the roof is the dining facility, still get our meals when we want, and an exercise room, that we didn't get to see. I loved the roof level dining hall, because you have the choice to eat outside if you want. I like that !! Anyway, tonight we are packing, packing, again. Thanks for your prayers about our accommodations, God answered.

Sadly, we have really enjoyed our neighbors at the Arkno, and we will miss them. It's amazing how quickly people here get to know each other, there is such a need, it really makes most people reach out. My cleaning lady here almost cried when I told her, and it was so sweet. But, there are other ladies at Guesthouse #1 who don't work,and I am closer to, and on the same side of the street from the Guesthouse #2 where I have met several ladies. It will take some time, but soon we will feel somewhat at home there. So for tonight , dear friends and family, I close with sending our love to each of you, Lynn

Sunset at the Arkno, Church, and the AECOM Picnic

Well, we're finally going to share the incredibly beautiful Tripoli sunset we can see from the roof of the Arkno!! Rick filmed this the other night. The sunset is truly one of the most spectacular we've ever seen, so enjoy, and along with us give thanks for this and so many other blessings in our lives.

We went to church yesterday at the Anglican/Episcopal Church. There were about 70 of us in the congregation, a very old building, no air conditioning, but great fans all over. Down the aisle came the choir, 4 people, 2 men and 2 women. They were all Nigerian and singing at the top of their lungs, especially one of the men who never stopped smiling. The music was awesome. Most of the people there were Nigerian, six of us with white skin, and various others of all different nationalities. I believe God must smile when He sees His children "red, yellow, brown, black and white, they are precious in His sight" worshiping Him together. Supposedly there is a Protestant Church and a Charismatic church here too. It was a great way

to start our day.

Then came our first company picnic, out at the Villas where some of the AECOM employees live, mostly the upper management. These villas remind me of some of the pictures of palaces lived in by Saudi Arabian princes, huge places with private pools, etc. Anyway, they had set up tents with all of the food in them, tables, etc. Very nice. One very odd thing, there must have been a million flies at our picnic, really got to be funny, and annoying too. Oh well, the food was still good, and we must have burned some calories waving off those flies.

News for the day: we are moving into an apt. this week, and I will have a kitchen and a small living room. We are so excited and thankful. The people we have met at the Arkno are very nice, but it will be so great to have more than one room, and the guesthouse is one block from the beach. More tomorrow, love to all, Lynn

Happy Birthday America !!

Dear Family and Friends,

I missed a day yesterday due to church here, and our first AECOM company picnic. Hopefully, today I will write to you twice. May I first say how very proud I am to be an American, and enjoy the freedoms that God has given us in our country, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and all of the other precious freedoms that I have probably taken for granted over my lifetime. Never again, not after living in this country of Libya. I have always been very patriotic, but this year feels very different. May God bless America, and all of you today as you celebrate with your families and friends. We are with you in spirit. We love you !! Lynn and Rick

Tripoli Craziness

Hey to everyone,

Tonight is wild and crazy time in Libya, we've just watched a gorgeous sunset on the roof of the Arkno, and we could hear cars drag racing down Gargaresh street !! I guess everyone is extremely happy that it's Thursday night, and their weekend is beginning. The sunset here is spectacular, unbelievable colors, and the sun slowly sinking, then poof, it's gone. I think the sky gets better and better after the sun goes down into the Mediterranean Sea, then the show really begins !! Rick took a video tonight, and will have to edit it before we can share it. Sorry, we really are beginners with the video on our new camera.

Rick just finished his first full week of work here in Libya, and it was fun for me to see him so excited about work again. I am thankful that God gave him a job that is challenging, and rewarding. He is working with men and women from so many different countries, Egypt, Syria, China, Korea, Russia, England, Australia, Brazil, and Portugal, to name a few. What an incredible opportunity !! It is fun to exchange stories of home with the men and women who live here at the Arkno with us, all have family and friends that they love and miss, just like us.

Tomorrow, we will attend church for the first time here, at 10:30 on Friday morning. Different, huh? I'm sure God doesn't mind that we will be gathering on Friday instead of Sunday. He listens to us every day anyway.

Love you all, and have a happy 4th of July, and a safe one too. Lynn

Home at the Arkno today

Thanks for the sweet comments about the video, we will film more, the next may be of the purple martins at sunset. You will be amazed. Today, things are quiet before the "storm" of Thursday nights in Tripoli. The activity level is unreal, horns honking, so many people out on the streets, young "boys" doing their wild donuts in the parking lots. What a crazy night Thursday is !

In contrast, Friday mornings are still and quiet, everyone is resting and awaiting their visit to the mosque. I want to also make a video with the sounds of the "calls to prayer" that we hear 4 times every day. The one at dawn never wakes us up, thanks to our great air conditioner. The loud speakers remind the Libyan people to "look to God, and to pray" , at least that's what Ahmed, one of the young drivers told me. I said to him, but you are driving a car, and he replied, "I still pray."

Great reminder to all of us, look to God and pray as you go about your day because He cares for you !! More on my evening blog... love to all, Lynn

VISIT TO THE ARKNO

Welcome to our home, the Arkno. We hope to get an apartment in the future but for now we want to share our accomodations with you. Sorry, this is so corny, but I was under some "pressure" from the film director ! Please don't judge too harshly, it was very impromptu, and unprofessional.

To all of my fellow bird lovers, every evening at around sunset, flocks of birds swoop all over around our balcony living room, I assume they are relatives of the purple martins we have in Texas, who are definitely our friends because they eat so many mosquitoes. It is wonderful to watch them, especially with the sunset behind over the Med. I almost bought a bird at the market the other day to keep me company during the day. The one I like is bright green with orange and yellow on it, like a miniature parrot. With my luck, I'd bring it back and it would be one of those birds who don't like people, kind of like our neighbor, JD.

Another local market today, more like an indoor mall, nice and air conditioned. I went with a new friend, Shirley, to buy a coffee she likes, and a Cinnabon. Yes, just like the yummy ones at the mall, that have a million calories. Everyone loves sweets. I must say the Libyan candy is delicious, today I found these white, divinity looking rectangles with pistachios in them, yum!! And they were four for a dinar...perfect !! I am definitely going to stay away from those.

Tonight we actually ate a cheeseburger and fries at a local restaurant which has outdoor seating and a great view of the Med. We saw jet skies, people swimming, and young boys doing donuts in the parking lot next door. Sounds like an evening on the lake in Austin doesn't it?

For today, I will say, more later my sweet friends and family, may God bless all of you while we are apart, we love you, lynn