What I Learned in June (2016 edition)
needed this slow month. Truthfully I
probably read too many books this month.
On the other hand, I didn’t really have a lot that I had to do besides
getting to know people on our new team. It has been a blessing to have time to
rest and regroup. I don’t think I realized
how exhausted I was until I felt truly rested.
I am still working on getting a full night’s sleep but I have seen
progress. Being close to the ocean has
been refreshing as I walk up and down the road or on the beach which leads me
to my lessons for the month of June as I link up with Emily and other bloggers at Chatting at the Sky in what we learned.
1.
Getting
10,000 steps is harder than I thought.
were in the states, my mother in law gave me a fit bit. I have been slightly obsessed with trying to
get in my steps. It has been good
motivation for me to keep moving but walking/running 10,000 steps takes time
and energy. Some days it is easier than
others. Over all though, I am feeling stronger and healthier even if I don’t
hit that 10,000 step goal every day. As
I get more energy, I do find myself dancing to the music Big D has playing in
the house. I also don’t feel exhausted
each afternoon. For me, that is
progress.
2. New
Favorite Sodas
finding that I do better when I stay away from caffeine. So it was refreshing to find these fun sodas
that are caffeine free.
flavors are Cassis and Fresh Citrus. My
husband and Big D favor the bitter lemon or ginger ale. Cassis has a berry flavor to it. The soft drinks come from the Netherlands but
are very popular here-the bitter lemon especially. They are about 70 cents a can which helps us
limit them to a few a week.
note, we have always liked Lemon Fanta so we decided to try Annas Fanta in the
blue can. It is basically pineapple
soda. We like pineapple but maybe not
that much. I am also grateful that I don’t care for the Coke
here. It makes me less tempted to buy
it and drink it.
3.
The
word “plunger” could mean different things to different people.
picture came to your mind when I wrote “plunger”? Well a neighbor asked my friend to borrow her
plunger. So my friend brought over her
plunger. You know the thing you use to
unclog toilets. But the neighbor meant
for my friend to bring over her French Press.
In Australia, they call a French Press- a plunger.
What do you call a French Press? What do you think of when you hear the word
“plunger’? It was a good reminder as we communicate that we might be hearing
the words but not fully understanding the meaning but to keep at it. The incident above ended up giving us ladies
at the bible study a chance to laugh together.
4. The
Best Way to Connect with People is to Invite Them Over.
few weeks I am taking Kristen Strong’s advice to Open up, Show up, and Lift
Up. It has been fun having over guests
and hearing their stories. The only
challenge is that I am limited on my cooking supplies until our shipment comes. On Sunday, I used one pan at least four
different times as I was cooking a meal for 9 people.
Thankfully, I was able to do some of the
cooking in stages. My pans were just big
enough to handle what we needed to do, and my friend didn’t mind bringing 3
extra forks since I only had 6 forks.
Having company is also a good excuse to make dessert. For our first guests, we tried out Cutler’s Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cookies from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
I did use half the amount of chips and frosting and they still were delicious
and rich. For our Sunday guests, Big D
and I made two pies-chocolate and Banana crème.
Big D is better than I am at stirring patiently as the pudding
thickens.
5.
The
effects of Ebola are still present in Africa.
a country that was affected by Ebola. The country is recovering but there is still
much fear and ignorance when it comes to those who were Ebola survivors. I would have thought the survivors would be
perceived as brave and strong. Instead
many of them are ostracized and have trouble returning to normal life. Some people
are afraid thinking they might get Ebola from them. The survivors also have to deal with medical
issues from Ebola. Others have taken in
children of those who died from Ebola or need help finding work and a way to
support their family.
crisis is out of the news, it is often out of sight, out of mind. For me this was a good reminder to keep
praying long after the main crisis has passed.
Recovery and healing take time.
6. Last but not least, I found out I am part of the launch team for Stacey Thacker’s new book Fresh Out of Amazing.
On her website she is also offering 5 Prayers for When You are Fresh Out of Amazing.
What did you learn this month?
1 thought on “What I Learned in June (2016 edition)”
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Love reading your posts, and I love hearing what the Lord is doing in you in Liberia. I'm particularly blessed to see refreshment on your dear face. Love you, sweet friend.