From Jess:

Up-date of sorts with a couple stories to share...

First off - as most of us know, I don't cook. But as of Nov. 14th 2006, that has all changed... Pictured here is the Fried Apple, Tomato, and Pepper salad with our special dessert from our favorite bakery (that we frequent all too often).

Pictured here is a slice of gratitude shown from the man to the woman and her Peanut Curry Rice (not pictured: Eggplant Dip).


Just a day in the life of Hayat and I in her carpet shop... Just as a side note: Her carpet shop isn't simply a shop where carpets, rugs, and pillows are sold. Hayat's carpet shop is a place where men and women alike, from all social classes and different ages, come to gather and talk, drink tea, rest and sleep if needed, and most importantly, pray. This is why I spend so much time here daily... It's a refuge of learning and laughing, grace and mercy, listening and friendship.

Yesterday, though, was a day of shame... As Jake and I have been looking for change purses (in that all monies under 20 are in change pieces), Jake suprised me at Hayat's shop with a new pink change purse. I've found in the past that kissing my husband on the cheek is a faux pau, so I stayed away from that. Instead, Jake took my hand and kissed it. In response, one of my favorite women sitting beside me went off and all of the sudden everyone began laughing - laughing hard. I didn't understand why but had an idea so I had to pry it out of them. After four minutes in the dark, only knowing that she probably put us to shame for displaying physical affection in public. Her exact words, "Go get a room!" We were shamed.

Only moments following, Hayat asked if I was cold and was going to give me her coat to keep warm. I was cold but there was no way I was going to take her coat. She bickered with me and to suffice her need to keep me warm, I just got up and sat on her lap and told her, "Hayat, If I was cold, I'm not anymore - I'm taking all of your warmth!" Then the shame began. One of my most favorite dirty old men said it best, "Hayat, If she wants to be warm grab her boobs!" Omigoodness... shame...

My new friend - Elvis.













So, aside from the pctures and such... here is just an up-date on our daily happenings... God has been so good and continues to manifest himself daily in so many various and diverse ways...

Community Center: Jake and I (more Jake than I - they just like having me around, I think I make a well enough fool of myself to make them laugh, that's all I'm good for) have taken over an advanced English class at the local community center. Beginning next week I will too will take over a class of my own with all intermediate english speaking adolescent girls. Jake and I have really enjoyed getting to know our students there and anticipate having them over on Thanksgiving for a party of sorts...

Women's Center: This week I have spent some time at a local women's center that doubles as a two room school and cyber cafe... During my time there they asked me to speak with a class about American culture, my life, etc. Jake and I will go back on Sunday to continue talking with the youth about school, opportunities, life skills, choices, etc. The head English teacher also has asked me to come and speak with the women soon and has expressed interest in partering up with an American school in order to increase positive communications between clutures and possibly be able to supply them with some beginner/intermediate English literature. Any takers?

Medical Association: I'll spare you from how I became associated with the community medical association, for all you need to know is that - yes, it involves me making a fool of myself once again! But what I won't spare you from is the mass amount of work they do not only for their immediate community but for surrounding villages as well... Examples: fixing a falling school structure; providing medical supplies; conducting medical examinations; and providing medical services. Over the past week I have increased my time spent there and beginning next week will begin teaching an English class for all those interested. It has been a great joy spending time with those in leadership as well as those receiving services.

Jake and I have also are attempting to intentionally increase our accountability and learning and desiring to live out our vows to eachother and to Christ. More about that later...

All in all... God continues to manifest and demonstrate himself daily within our lives with Him, eachother, and with others... we are grateful...

And a quick P.S. I need motivation and affirmation friends... We love comments and I have to tell you, the lack of comments is wearing on us (okay, me)... for more up-dates you gotta keep the comments comin' our way... okay, my way - it's me who really cares :)