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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Amsterdam

On our recent journey from Africa to America we stopped in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was a first for both of us.  It was Kenyon's first visit to Europe and my first time out of the airport in Amsterdam. My friend Claire from Maputo acted as our tour guide...by that I mean she gave me maps marked with some of her favorite destinations and helped me find a place to stay. Then her mom kindly drove us to the airport the next day. It was a quick visit (just one sleep), but it was worth a look-see.

This was our fabulous B&B. If you are ever in Amsterdam, we recommend Maes B&B. They have a couple of homes.  This one was newly renovated and a great place to stay.

Here's the inside. Doesn't that look inviting? They also had a nice assortment of tea. I made myself a cup and enjoyed the view for a bit.
Here is a quick snap of the view. Yes, that is one of the canals just outside our window. Awesome! (I said that because Americans are often accused of over using that word...and I am, after all, an American.)
We spent most of our time walking around the canals. This photo was taken just outside the Anne Frank house, photos aren't allowed inside so this was taken to commemorate this stop on the walking tour. We also stopped so I could order a capuccino (the only coffee I drink) at a little cafe. We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant. We really enjoyed the storybook feel of the city.
One of the things I wanted to see was the flower market. Why? Because I have a soft place in my heart for flowers - they make me happy and Amsterdam is supposed to have some of the best (though we were there in the wrong season for tulips).
What I did see were the LARGEST Amaryllis bulbs I have ever seen in my entire life. If we were coming back to a house with a yard, I would have totally bought some. Would that be allowed through customs? There must be a way.
Ahhh, Amsterdam. So much more than the infamous red light district.

Monday, November 29, 2010

faces of maputo

Celeste, Olivia and Tania
Louisa and Constancia
Ian and Alexis "Muffin" photo pose
Sarah
the ladies

Just Sheri, blessed with friends across the globe

Friday, November 26, 2010

be silent

Be silent.
Be still.
Alone.
Empty.
Before your God.
Say nothing.
Ask nothing.
Be silent.
Be still.
Let your God
Look upon you.
That is all.
God knows.
God understands.
God loves you
With an enormous love,
And only wants
To look upon you
With that love.
Quiet.
Still.
Be.
Let your God –
Love you.
Edwina Gately,
Psalms of a Laywoman

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving

This year on the eve of Thanksgiving there are a few things I am particularly thankful for...
  1. the support of my family
  2. the wealth of experiences I have been afforded in my short life
  3. the depth of friendships that I have with so many amazing, talented, strong women
  4. above all else this year, I am grateful for my health. Until recently I have completely taken for granted the fact that I am able to rise each day and do what I want to do. That I have never visited a doctor for long periods of time, but rather just annual or semi-annual check-ups. I have not been poked and proded or tested and retested. I am healthy and that is a gift - not an entitlement.
I am cooking my first Thanksgiving meal for seven this year. I will be doing this as a gift to my friend who does not share the good fortune of good health. As we sit down for a meal, I will thank God for these blessings. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

I will write again next week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving - a wonderful (and uniquely American) holiday!

Just Sheri, counting my blessings

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

now that isn't something I see everyday...

One morning when visiting the province of Gaza for a staff training. I walked outside. What did I see asleep on the car? A bat. Yes, a bat. From a distance it looked like mud hanging off the ledge, but I knew it hadn't been raining and we hadn't driven through mud. This is definitely not something I see everyday!

Note: the picture is blurry because I zoomed from far away on my point and shoot as I did not want to get too close.

Why do you suppose he chose this spot to sleep?

Just Sheri, surprised by nature