6 months off

In case you have not figured it out yet, I do not lead a “normal” life. I am an American living and working in Nepal. I constantly speak in another language, I often go to places that can only be reached on foot, and there are times when the locals have never seen a girl like me.

Although the nature of my job can be absolutely amazing it can also be stressful. Because of the wear and tear that my job can have on a person physically and mentally the company I work for is giving me 6 months off after 3 years of service.

In July I hid the valuables in my house, packed my bags and caught a plane back to America.

I have a few responsibilities here and there but I am virtually jobless. The next 6 months should be interesting. I will try to keep you up to date as I adjust back to life in the States.

I felt special

I know that I am crazy far behind on my blog. I'm not sure were to start so I will start small and pic up where I left off.

I had a good birthday. My friends and family made me feel special be it through facebook, sending me packages, taking me out to dinner, or throwing me a surprise party. All in all I felt special.

There is a blog that I follow and it just so happened to have an article on Reading Rainbow during the week of my birthday. I thought I would share this little video in honor of those out there who would like to reminisce with me.
Enjoy

Birthday

Today is my birthday. As I blow out my candles and make a wish this is what I will be thinking of....

the weekend

It is a beautiful warm sunny Saturday here in Nepal. I stumbled upon this song this morning and I can't stop listening to it. What can I say...it speaks to me. I hope you enjoy it.

Mandy Stephens

Today is my sisters birthday. Our birthdays are only eight days apart so there were plenty of times when we had a joint birthday party. When I was a kid I hated having to share my birthday...these days I would be honored to have a joint birthday with my sister. If anything that would mean that I would get to see her.
This particular week (May 31-June 8) reminds me of a few things...
the start of summer
matching outfits
sun bleached hair
freckles
fun times with my sister

Happy Birthday Mandy (Van Wyk) Stephens. I love you.

ps...Mandy, let us make a vow to never look "sexy" while taking a picture again.

Paris in the Spring

Paris in the springtime….amazing. Weeks before I went on vacation I started praying for good weather and God delivered the perfect week in Paris. The entire time I was there I saw nothing but blue skies and felt 80 degree temps.

My friend Kim was at the airport to greet me and immediately started introducing me to Parisian culture and showing me around. After a quick shower we stepped out to see the sights. There is so much to see but first on the list was the Eiffel Tower.

Every day was full of sight seeing, eating good food, lots of walking, and good conversation.

We would start our day around 10am and then head for home just as it started to get dark (around 9:30pm) Even though I was stuffing my face with bread, creeps, and cheese I managed to loose weight from all the walking.

At times I felt overwhelmed at the immense beauty as I gazed on the art that surrounds the city. From the Louver to Notre Dame it was art on such a grand scale. My pictures do not do it justice.

The Eiffel Tower was just as I had imagined it. Big. I loved how the rough metal was formed into such an amazing piece of art.

Notre Dam took my breath away as I rounded the corner and saw it in it’s full glory. The inside did not disappoint. I can’t fathom how man could create such beauty…I like to believe that it was created with a little bit of magic.

 

The Louver was overwhelming. So much to see. We went there the day before Easter. What an amazing opportunity to ponder and meditate over Christ’s death as I gazed at it through the eyes of some of the greatest paintings ever known to man.

The park was one of my favorites. Kim and I picked up a couple of “pink lady” apples (my absolute favorites) and headed to a park famous for the little boats that kids push around with long sticks and . There we people watched, ate our juicy apples, and talked about our lives, Paris, and God.

Some of the other things that I loved where:

The pastry shops

The chocolate shops

The beauty of Parisian people…they know how to dress

Sitting at coffee shops

Crepes

Saying “bonjour” and “Merci”

It was everything that I had imagined and more. I could not ignore the fact that God had just given me an amazing vacation. His gifts are truly lavish.

Youre Beautiful

I'm currently on vacation and LOVING IT! I'm amazed at how God has blessed every step of the way as I explore Europe. There is a song that has become my theme song during this week.
It is called You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham.
http://youtu.be/QGlTzH9xkXQ

"I see you there hanging on a tree



You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me


Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne


Soon we will be coming home


You're beauti'ful, you're beautiful"

This song not only summs up my feelings as I see God in the beauty of Europe but it is also perfect for this Easter Sunday
Happy Easter Friends!