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

Libya's Top Ten-According to me,anyway

Top Ten Things I Like About Libya

Here goes, in no particular order, except for the first one:

1. Being here with Rick

2. Beautiful, unique, blue color of the Mediterranean Sea

3. Camels

4. Libyan Soup and the delicious, pita-style bread to go with it

5. Christ the King Anglican Church's choir

6.A tree with lovely orange and yellow flowers, don't know the name

7.Two dinar movies

8.Marcus Aurelius Restaurant

9.Friendly people I've met here

10.Close proximity to Europe, and other cool places to visit

OK, so those aren't in any order except for the fact that I've been very thankful to have been able to share this with Rick, and see what he sees. Now, it's time for me to go home, back to Texas, to be a part of the lives of so many that we love. Seems right for me to go now, even though I'm sad to leave Rick here. God has a plan, and we are trusting Him with the future.

So good bye for now, I'll blog from Texas next, love to all, Lynn

Activities in Tripoli

Hello to all,

I haven't written much about Libya lately due to our trip news, so I will attempt to catch you up on some Tripoli happenings. I was invited to a baby shower for the sister of one of our drivers, Sala. Words can't describe the magnitude of one of these all female parties. The party was hosted by the grandmother, who greeted us warmly and seated us. It is a very nice honor to be invited to a Libyan party, since family is so important here. Incense was burning, small, very dressed up, children were running around a large banquet hall, and music was playing, very loudly. Now and then you could hear one of the older women make a loud "lalalalalala" noise, similar to yodeling, very high pitched to express their joy over the occasion. It happened many times throughout the evening, and always caught me off guard when I heard it. A very unusual sound, and the older ladies take great delight in making it.

Much later, the new mom enters the room, like the grand entrance of a queen, and her outfit is so ornate, covered in sequins, amazing gold jewelry, make up beyond words. She walks around the entire room with the infant who was in a beautiful blanket. Everyone exclaims over the baby, and most importantly, slips money under the baby's blanket. Women are not required to cover themselves when men aren't around, and they take advantage of this to show off their beautiful clothes, makeup, and jewelry. Dancing is very important too, and the Libyan women encouraged us to get up and dance with them. Embarrassing, but they appreciated the effort. We tried to leave at 10:30, thinking the party was winding down, but the grandmother walked over and pointed to our chairs, then motioned for us to "eat!" A huge meal came out, at 11:00pm! These late hours are the Libyan way, I have discovered. Anyway, it was an experience I'll never forget.

A week ago, one of our canasta friends took two of us to the pottery town, Gherian. Gherian is in the mountains, about an hour away. The terrain is quite different from that of Tripoli, and I enjoyed the change. Before we arrived at the pottery stands, we stopped to see the Troglodyte house, which is an underground house, over 350 years old. Apparently, this type of home was guite common, and there are still some inhabited ones in the area. The one we looked at had a large living room in the middle, open to the sky, and eight large bedrooms off of the center room. A young man was there to show us around, and said it was his family's home for many years, and that his dad was born in one of the rooms. He offered us hot tea, the sweet Libyan green tea, boiled, and poured to create foam on top, very good. Then we shopped at the pottery stalls, one after the next, along the road. A fun day for me, so interesting and different.

Just wanted to share two of the events I've been a part of here. I'm thankful for the hospitality and friendliness of so many that I have met. This will be forever a life lesson for me, to always open my heart and home and welcome those that God places in my life. Much love to all of you, dear family and friends, Lynn

Rome, Incredible Rome

Hello to all,

I'm reflecting back on our trip to Italy today, thinking about how to describe part three, the city of Rome. Unforgettable, is all I can say. Many here in Libya have been to Rome, and all have liked it. I guess one of the most amazing things to me was seeing ancient sights like the Coliseum right in the middle of a neighborhood. Vatican City had cute little restaurants and shopping all around it, as well as the busy city bustling all around in every direction, buses, taxis, lots of traffic and the pedestrians. Somehow I expected that these famous sights would be set apart somewhere, but not at all. They are only a part of the huge city. Well, the pedestrians rule the roost in Rome, no cars can compare with the crowds crossing the streets. Huge crowds, all going somewhere important. Kind of scary watching people head out in front of the cars, we did it too, you have to be bold and decisive. Anyway, so many impressions of the city, history, excitement, graffiti everywhere, on so many places you wouldn't expect to see it, restaurants, stylish people, and the shopping, and crowds. We were in crowds on the streets, in the piazzas, on the metro, in buses, you get the picture. Crowded !!

Anyway, I'm glad we went to Rome. My favorite part,besides sharing it with Anne and Ryan, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, stunningly beautiful. Now, I know what art really is, a gift from God. Pictures don't do it justice, love to all, Lynn

More Italy- The Island of Elba

Hi,

I'm back with part two of our great trip to Italy, the wonderful little Island of Elba. So, as we were trying to plan our vacation with Anne and Ryan, Rick and I thought it would be fun and different to experience one of the islands off of the western coast of Italy. We started investigating Sardinia, but found it too far, requiring an overnight boat trip, which we didn't want to do. So, we rented an apartment for two nights on a tiny dot of an island, Elba, in the small village of Rio Marino. It required the trains and a ferry to get to, but we finally arrived on Tuesday evening, and waited for the contact person to arrive at the ferry to get us. Finally, here he comes, on foot, speaking very little English, but friendly and welcoming. Our apt. was in a neighborhood near the ferry so we loaded up with our backpacks and off the four of us went, following him, twisting and turning uphill to our very Italian apt. The town apparently shuts down after September 15, which we definitely didn't know, so it was like a ghost town, very quiet, and we stuck out like a sore thumb in this little village where everyone knows everyone. The restaurant was open though, and we had the best pizza, and seafood that night, one of the most delicious meals of our whole trip. Not more than 6 of us in the entire restaurant, so the waitress watched us all throughout the meal. Very funny experience.

The next morning we were all determined to see the island, but couldn't get any information on the bus schedule. However, we left the apartment with a firm plan to see and do whatever we could, just not in Rio Marino !! Ryan saw the bus coming, so all four of us ran to catch it, thank goodness I have been working out. Our bus driver tried to tell us how much to pay in Italian, and after the 4 ladies already on the bus gestured and excitedly tried to explain, so we could continue, Rick got four tickets and we were off. Keep in mind we had no idea how we would get back! No matter, none of us wanted to spend all day in our apt. As it turned out, the 30 minute bus drive to the busiest city on the island was beautiful, and we were now in a town with shopping, beaches, restaurants, and all was well. Anne,Ryan, and Rick actually got to swim in the Mediterranean Sea! We enjoyed our day there, and actually found a bus back, had another great meal, with cute young waitresses who died laughing when they found out we were from Texas !! "Oh, Texas!" they would say, then they would laugh.

So our Elba Experience was truly an interesting change of pace, unexpected; one of those "serendipity" moments, love to all, Lynn

Elba Photo Album

Italy

Hello to everyone,

I missed blogging during my week stay in Italy, no internet in any of our Italian apartments. So, this week I'll try to catch up, and share with you some of the highlights of the trip. Most importantly, we'll post some pictures for you to enjoy!

Cinque Terra Photo Album

For me, the highlight of the trip was sharing all of it with our wonderful daughter Anne, and her husband Ryan, my very favorite son in law !! I think the fact that we were together, and had two more sets of eyes and ears made everything very special. Anne has that incredible enthusiasm and energy that added the element of fun to our experience, and Ryan has the photographer's perspective, which encouraged each of us to stop and look at what he saw, noticing all of those small things we wouldn't have seen otherwise. So, to be in Italy with them was a blessing, and I am so thankful that they were able to come and be with us.

We began in Rome, then very early the next morning, got on a train which took us four hours up the western coast of Italy to Cinque Terre. The train itself is an interesting experience, all of the interesting people who get on and off, and the towns we saw along the way. Italy is beautiful, and green, always so good for my soul, after living here in the desert. So, we arrived in Cinque Terre on Sunday, loaded with our backpacks. Yes, I carried my own backpack, kind of challenging to pack that light!! The apartment in Vernazza overlooked the most beautiful scenic harbor, and village square, busy, noisy and unique. Our balcony gave us a view of the locals drinking coffee in the restaurant right below us, yelling good morning across the square to their friends, and preparing to feed the many people that would visit that day. No cars are allowed in Vernazza, so every morning, very early, trucks are "let in" only to deliver goods, and pick up the trash. Cinque Terre is made up of five villages along the coast, which have now been made into a national park to preserve them. There is a hiking trail, which gives visitors the option of hiking between the five villages. We began our second day, by taking the train to the first town, Riomaggiore, and walked all around that wonderful little village, then began the hike to the next village. And on we went to four of the five villages, with our apartment in Vernazza being our destination. Wisely, we took the train to the last village. What incredible, gorgeous views we enjoyed along the way. Each town was so picturesque, all like storybook villages, colorful tall houses sitting on the sides of hills, boats, flowers, lovely people and food. I recommend Cinque Terre to everyone, a great start to our week in Italy.

More on Italy during the week, and pictures too. I'm sending my love to family and friends. Miss you all! Lynn

More Paris

Paris Photos

Hello to my dear family and friends,

As promised, here is photo album #2, of our great trip to Paris. Rick took over 600 pictures, so it's very hard to choose!

My love to all, Lynn

Canasta Anyone?

Hello All,

I admit to being a little "down" this week, after returning to the desert from the lovely city of Paris. So, the therapy is always to count my blessings, and remember that there are many wonderful people in my life, and much to look forward to . Rick is doing so very well here, and I am very thankful for his job, and the fact that he likes the challenges that are before him each day. After the former busyness of my life as a teacher, this slow pace is hard, and I struggle with the quiet of some days here. So, each opportunity to get out, and meet new ladies is wonderful.

I have learned to play the "real" game of Canasta, and the group of women I play cards with is very multicultural. Some have experienced many overseas assignments, and they say Libya is the hardest of all. I believe the restrictions placed on us as women here contribute to this perception, the challenging language barrier, the lack of freedom to drive, or get out on our own, and the tremendous cultural differences, all play a part in the opinion that this is indeed a tough assignment. It helps to share with each other, to listen and laugh together. Every one is trying to make the best of things here, and reach out. This becomes essential if you live overseas, you no longer have the luxury of staying to yourself, the need for community is too overwhelming and important. Canasta is only our "excuse" to get together once a week, a lifeline. And, I am so thankful for it !! Sending love to one and all, Lynn

PS More Paris Albums later, promise !

Paris Photo Album #1

Paris Photo Album # 1

Ok, I have no idea how Rick just created this first Flickr album, but here it is. We walked to the Luxembourg Palace, and found the most beautiful gardens as well. I think some of our most memorable moments happened just like that, quite by accident, we would discover the most gorgeous places. I remember reading that Paris is all about its sweeping boulevards and intimate lanes, a very good way to describe what we experienced there. Huge overwhelming views of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine, then to contrast, a simple vine covered, very French home, its balcony full of flowers. Enjoy! There will be more to come. Love to all, Lynn

Thoughts on Paris

Hello,

Rick is really showing me up on the blog right now. I promise I will improve when I return to my slower paced life in Tripoli this week, and I can finally process this past week.

French people are wonderful, I think, very full of life, and most seem appreciative of this extraordinary city they live in. Espresso coffee to die for, pastries which can put pounds on you just by looking at them, lovely restaurants, like Le Poulbot, where Rick and I ate last night, so tiny, yet the food was absolutely delicious. There are restaurants like that everywhere you look. We have walked through the most incredible little parks, and gardens artistically planted. I love the open fruit stands on every street, and the women dressed from very casual to "tres chic",all with scarves around their necks, and interesting shoes. Everywhere are couples kissing, and romance. It has been an experience I will always remember.

So my dear family and friends, au revoir for now, love to all, Lynn

Hi from Paris,

We’ve had some internet difficulties since we arrived on Friday, so this is my first blog from Paris. Wow, is all I can say!! This beautiful city has surpassed all of my expectations. I love the pastries , musicians, flowers, and excellent small local restaurants. First we visited the incredible Sacre Coeur Cathedral, which overlooks the entire city. A band from Mexico entertained the crowds near the cathedral, playing La Bamba! Rick wanted me to climb up the stairs to the dome with him. Most of you who know me, know that I really struggle with heights. It was scary. I did get a kick out of all of the gargoyles on the outside of the churches whose faces reflect how I’m feeling when I climb way up high with my fearless husband!

On Saturday, we ventured into the city to walk down Champs d’Elysees, definitely the most gorgeous street I have ever strolled down. You could definitely shop until you dropped, even a Starbucks, the largest one I have ever seen. We enjoyed seeing the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tour too.What a day! Rick snapped pictures and more pictures. I made him delete a few of me !! I studied French in High School and it’s been such fun, and frustrating too, for me to try and put together the vocabulary that I remember from so long ago .

Yesterday we took the metro to Ile de la Cite and saw Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame. Just when I think I have seen the most gorgeous, memorable cathedral, there are two more! There are really no words adequate to describe these two amazing structures. It’s impossible to wrap my mind around the artistic gifts that some people have, statues, paintings, tapestries, all are incredible examples of God given talents.

Today, the Louvre !! Rick and I literally walked our feet off, trying to see as many of the exhibits as we could before we got too exhausted to enjoy it. The Louvre is beyond description, Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, were only two of so many amazing works of art. Now I understand what my daughter and my mother tried to tell me, and were unable, as I am, to find the right words. So friends, I am blessed to be in this wonderful city with my sweet husband, celebrating our 33 years of marriage! Pictures to come later, much love to all, Lynn

Iftar at the Ambassador's Residence

Hi Everyone,

Very fascinating evening at the residence of "His Excellency Gene Cretz, the Ambassador of the United States of America", full title he was referred to as last night. The Iftar celebrates the end of the fast every day, and follows a time of prayer each evening. Fast is broken traditionally with milk and dates first, then prayer follows for every Muslim, then a large meal after that. The Ambassador spoke first, in English, then in Arabic for all of the Libyan guests, then an older Libyan man spoke, fluently in English, then a recording of President Obama was played !! Every speaker repeated the desire that Americans and Libyans learn to understand one another, and respect each other. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience for me. Rick recorded the recitation of a portion of the Quran, sung by a young man with a beautiful voice, and we did take some pictures, so we'll post those at a later date. Rick had his picture taken with the ambassador also, exciting !! Another late night as the end of Ramadan is approaching. They have two more days of fasting, and at sundown tomorrow, Ramadan will be over !! Every Libyan is looking forward to the Eid celebration which begins on Saturday. Rick and I will, however, be enjoying our week in Paris, so I will try to blog while I am there. Much love to each of you, I miss you, Lynn

Breaking Fast Celebration and American Embassy

Hello from Libya,

Tonight, I will be attending the "breaking fast" evening meal at the home of a Libyan man who works for Rick's company. I was invited by a friend who lives at the guesthouse with us. She actually works with this gentleman who has included us in his family's meal. I am excited to have this experience, and look forward to telling more about it in a future blog. Ramadan is drawing to a close, on Saturday, then three days of celebrating, feasting and gift giving will begin, called Eid. The entire country will be on holiday, and many expats will leave and take this opportunity to travel. Rick and I are going to Paris, our first trip to France. We can't wait until Friday !!

Tomorrow night we have another treat, an invitation to the residence of the American Ambassador for an "Iftar to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan". The Iftar will be followed by a buffet reception. A young couple who goes to our church invited us. I have no idea what to expect, so I'll let you know about this in a later blog. Of course, if I can take pictures I will, but pictures are often not allowed because of the customs with regards to women. Anyway, just wanted to share my upcoming "social" life. My love to each of you, Lynn

Friday Night in Green Square

Hi Everyone,

Last night, Rick and I experienced downtown Tripoli on a Friday night. Unbelievable ! We were told that many of the shops would not be open until around 10:00PM, and they were right. Incredible numbers of people out with their children, coffee shops are open, and all of the lights were lit up, just like Christmas in the states. Rick is going to post a video of all the "action" on his blog trip2tripoli.blogspot.com. Our driver even had some great American music on in the background too. We were with our friends from San Antonio, Juan and Gloria. Such a cute, fun, couple that God Himself has given us to pal around with. We are so thankful for this new friendship, and the joy it brings us.

The Libyan people have one more week of Ramadan, then the fast will break with a three day celebration, feasting, and parties, very similar to our Christmas season. One of my driver friends says everyone gets new clothes for the occasion, so this week people will be out in droves preparing for that. The end of Ramadan coincides with the end of the lunar cycle. We took some great pictures of the downtown are, enjoyed one of the local coffee bars, and a great cappuccino, and bought a few things at a local shop, including a rug made by Libyan women in Mizrata. It has my favorite, camels, on it.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our Friday night adventure. Miss you all, and love each of you so very much, Lynn