Sand, Snow, Sun, and Sand

Hello,

Haven't blogged in a while, but have been to NYC for a week, back to Libya, to Malta for a long weekend, then back to Libya. Thus, my title for today. There's always lots of sand here, so snow in New York was a nice change of pace, and the beautiful island weather of Malta... perfect !!

My job didn't work out, that's all I'll say for now. Just wasn't meant to be.

Here's a few pictures of NYC, snow covered, and Malta covered in sun. Enjoy !!

Lots of love from me to all of you, Lynn

NYC

Hi from NYC,

Rick and I are in NYC, escorting three Libyan gentlemen for some training here. This was a last minute assignment, totally unexpected, and therefore, a treat !! None of the gentlemen have ever been to the states, so we are enjoying seeing our incredible country through their eyes!

Each time I visit NYC, I think of my fifth grade American History teaching days, and our study of immigration, and the "melting pot" aspect of America, the diversity that makes our country so unique. That diversity is evidenced on every street here in this amazing city. Our driver yesterday is from Egypt, and is now an American citizen. What a great person to welcome our Arabic speaking friends to this country! They received a lesson on the city in their native language. This morning, a gentleman from Ghana rode the elevator with us, and he shared his unique perspective on this country while we rode 38 floors down together. We will be here for this entire week, helping our friends in every way that we can.

As an update, I am now officially an employee of Rick's company, in the Communications Department. My role will be to write stories on the program in Libya, and interview employees who share their experiences. Hopefully, the English teacher role will be helpful !! So, for the next months, I will write, and write, and write. I'm sure I will begin to understand how each of my students feel when they are asked to redo, rewrite, and perfect their stories.

I miss each of you, so much, and appreciate you reading the blog. It's been good therapy for me, and I hope provides some insight into our life abroad, much love, Lynn

Peace and Quiet ?

Hi to all,

My unusual title today comes from the experience I am currently having here in Tripoli, our guesthouse is under construction ! The Libyan company that provides the accommodations is currently moving the dining room and kitchen from the roof of our building to the basement, and adding two suites to the roof. All of this has made for some noisy days for me, as I wait to hear about my job. Jack hammering, demolition, and lots of banging have been my norm for the past two weeks.

I have applied to work for Rick's company in the Communications Department, as a writer. I will help with company newsletters, and anything in print that goes to the public and to the corporate office. My many years of teaching English has prepared me for this new job, and I look forward to being busier here. However, I am nervous about entering the corporate world, and feel somewhat inadequate. But, our God is full of surprises, and we just never know where He will lead, or what He will ask us to do. So even in the midst of the noise, I hear His voice whispering to me, "Be still and know that I am God." He is our peace that passes understanding.

My love to each of you, I miss you,

Lynn

Proud Mom and Gramma

Hi,

I wanted to share some photos taken at Christmas of my three children and their spouses, and my precious two year old grandson, Dylan, and his new baby sister, adorable Reese Anne Yarbrough, born December 3, 2009.

All six of my big kids make me proud each and every day. I thank God for blessing me with them, and for their unique talents and gifts, that bring so much joy into my life. It has been the most difficult part of our time here in Libya, being away from them, and the rest of our family and friends we love so much. But, each has continued to keep in touch, and to encourage and support Rick and me, in this very different season on our lives.

As for being a "Gramma", well, there are just no adequate words to describe this wonderful new role I have had for the past two years. Dylan helps me slow down, and smell the roses, notice the tiny things he sees, and enjoy life, "in the moment". I'm so thankful for Reese also, and the opportunity to be the grandmother to a little girl this time around. Pure joy!

Look Up!!

Hi Family and Friends,

Some time ago, a dear friend of mine told me to "look up", instead of down, and this truth has comforted me so much as I have been apart from our home. God really does care, and is here with us, giving us hope in His good plans for our lives. As I flew back to Tripoli from the states, the clouds were magnificent, so much more amazing than I have ever noticed on my trips abroad. I thought of so many things, the people in my life who are now with God in heaven, the beauty of our world, and the loveliness of "looking up."

My love to each of you,

Lynn

Tripoli.......again

Hello family and friends,

I have returned to Tripoli to join Rick for the spring, part two of our year here in Libya. Being at home for two and one half months, and spending time with each of you was wonderful.

Tonight, I am suffering from jet lag, but I have to say, I got to see a camel on our trip back from the airport, a white camel !!

Here's an observation about camels from a five year old: "Why do camels have hair on their humps?" Answer: " So the water won't freeze!" Cute, huh?

Now, to close my first "spring" blog, keep those emails and prayers coming, we are sending our love to everyone, Lynn

Two Months in Texas

Hello Everyone,

I've been in The Woodlands since November 10. One friend recently told me that she missed reading my blog. Sweet of her, but frankly, I've felt no need to communicate using the blog, because I've had my cell phone, and the freedom to just pick it up and call when I was thinking of someone. Such a nice convenience I've often taken for granted, I'm sure. But now, I thought it was time for an update.

So, to make my long two month long story, short, I arrived to a storm here at home. My daughter in law had been hospitalized with high blood pressure, pregnancy related. She spent a week in the hospital, and was put on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. I immediately began my intensive "Gramma" duties with my cute grandson, Dylan. Now, I have a beautiful one month old granddaughter, Reese Anne Yarbrough, born December 3. Adorable!

Next, my sweet, loving father in law, Chuck, went to heaven on November 18. We all miss him so very much, but are thankful that he didn't suffer, and is now reunited with his wife. Rick was able to come home for his dad's service, but then, after a week, went back to Libya, through Malta, to get his work visa renewed. Rick worked a week more in Libya, then he was able to spend three great weeks at home with all of us for the holidays. Tonight he begins his journey back to Libya for the spring.

In addition, I arrived to find a huge water problem in our 4 and a half year old townhouse, 25 feet of damage in the master bathroom and closet, mold everywhere!! What a mess we have had for the holidays, mold remediation, and demolition, followed by reconstruction. There were even workmen here on Christmas Eve morning. The bathroom is finally finished though, a builder defect, someone forgot to seal the seat in the shower!! I'm thankful we were able to get to the bottom of the problem, and get it fixed. Whew!!

I actually thought I might come home and work at my old school, substituting, but God had other plans for my time here at home. For now, our life is in Libya. More blogs to come.

Love to all, Lynn