After a very productive week, I am so excited about going home tomorrow! I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning from the hotel for an 8 AM meeting and then straight to the airport. I'll be getting home after 11 PM - can't wait darls!
It's been a good week, thank God. The TB research is underway and the results coming in are already fascinating. TB patients and their family have very little knowledge about the illness and there is a lot of fear and discrimination. There really is a huge need for developing a communication campaign about the topic here in Honduras and I'm happy to be involved in this much needed cause.
Jonny has been so busy the last two weeks too. The highlight of this last week included that his Chinese friend Linan from Boston stayed over for a few nights and brought fresh (alive) lobsters for them to cook together! Linan is a master chef and Jonny said he really enjoyed cooking with him. I'll post some of the photos when I get back this weekend of Jonny with the lobsters, they are fun.
Anyway... I better start packing and getting to bed... Good night!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Highlights of first week in Honduras and some photos from the Salisbury Festival
I'll be home in less than a week! Though my time here has been important, I'm really looking forward to going back home next Friday. I'm really missing you darls! Today has been a good day of rest. I watched Bridgeway online and had a special time joining Jonny and our church in worship and listening to a wonderful sermon by Pastor Anderson about dealing with trials and transition. I then received a phone call from my dear sister all the way in London! Thank you so much for calling honey, it was so good to catch up. I miss you! I got my hair washed and dried again at the salon across the road this afternoon and just finished chatting with Jonny online. He's had an eventful last week and says he plans to blog about it soon - let's wait and see ! :-)
The highlights of my first week in Honduras were:
1. Time with Perla and daughters: During the busy week, I have had some special times with Perla listening to all her amazing life stories and sharing with her about Jonathan David in detail. Last night, I had dinner at her house and got to eat her wonderful food. I will definitely remember the yummy grilled shrimp cooked with garlic and butter and the variety of grilled meats with delicious beans. Jonny, we wish you were with us, you would have loved watching Perla cook the food and then eating it! After dinner, Perla told me she wanted to watch Jonathan David's online video which she hadn't seen. I sat in between Perla and her daughters and the four of us cried together as we watched the video. I then translated to them Jonny's talk from the memorial service...it was a special time and healing for me. Perla's daughters who are in their early 20s are still so young in many ways and I felt concerned about sharing with them a heart breaking experience. But I guess part of growing up is facing the realities of life... we spoke about how there is a purpose in everything we go through and that how through our experience, we have already seen God working in amazing ways.
2.Visit to health center: Yesterday, we went very early in the morning to visit a health center in a small rural community about an hour outside of Tegucigalpa. We spent the morning talking with the staff about the communication materials that we had produced for Maternal and Child Health and what we could do to encourage their use in other health centers in the country. What was amazing to me was to see the commitment and love of the people in caring for their community, despite all the challenges they face. It was also really interesting to meet this Cuban volunteer doctor working at the health center. She told me about life in Cuba and how she loves her country - it was fascinating hearing her side of the story. What was really striking about her was her humbleness. It was evident that she really did consider everyone equal and had no arrogance about being a doctor... lots of food for thought as a result of our conversation...
3. Pre-testing in high school: On Friday, I observed the pre-testing of an HIV/AIDS prevention TV spot with young men and women in a school in Tegucigalpa. It was fun listening to the youth and to see that the work we are doing resonates with them. I was also clearly reminded that it's been a while since I was in school and that yes, the big 3-0 is fast approaching!
Tomorrow morning, the training of interviewers to conduct the TB research will begin. I'm praying that all will go well and that I can also successfully finish some other work before my return on Friday.
And just to finish off, today I also got an e-mail from my sister with some beautiful pictures of her time yesterday participating with her Brazilian choir in the Salisbury Festival. Adri, who also sings in her choir, brought her daughters and they all had so much fun playing with Aoi, Sarah's daughter - the photos of the girls are so cute!
The highlights of my first week in Honduras were:
1. Time with Perla and daughters: During the busy week, I have had some special times with Perla listening to all her amazing life stories and sharing with her about Jonathan David in detail. Last night, I had dinner at her house and got to eat her wonderful food. I will definitely remember the yummy grilled shrimp cooked with garlic and butter and the variety of grilled meats with delicious beans. Jonny, we wish you were with us, you would have loved watching Perla cook the food and then eating it! After dinner, Perla told me she wanted to watch Jonathan David's online video which she hadn't seen. I sat in between Perla and her daughters and the four of us cried together as we watched the video. I then translated to them Jonny's talk from the memorial service...it was a special time and healing for me. Perla's daughters who are in their early 20s are still so young in many ways and I felt concerned about sharing with them a heart breaking experience. But I guess part of growing up is facing the realities of life... we spoke about how there is a purpose in everything we go through and that how through our experience, we have already seen God working in amazing ways.
2.Visit to health center: Yesterday, we went very early in the morning to visit a health center in a small rural community about an hour outside of Tegucigalpa. We spent the morning talking with the staff about the communication materials that we had produced for Maternal and Child Health and what we could do to encourage their use in other health centers in the country. What was amazing to me was to see the commitment and love of the people in caring for their community, despite all the challenges they face. It was also really interesting to meet this Cuban volunteer doctor working at the health center. She told me about life in Cuba and how she loves her country - it was fascinating hearing her side of the story. What was really striking about her was her humbleness. It was evident that she really did consider everyone equal and had no arrogance about being a doctor... lots of food for thought as a result of our conversation...
3. Pre-testing in high school: On Friday, I observed the pre-testing of an HIV/AIDS prevention TV spot with young men and women in a school in Tegucigalpa. It was fun listening to the youth and to see that the work we are doing resonates with them. I was also clearly reminded that it's been a while since I was in school and that yes, the big 3-0 is fast approaching!
Tomorrow morning, the training of interviewers to conduct the TB research will begin. I'm praying that all will go well and that I can also successfully finish some other work before my return on Friday.
And just to finish off, today I also got an e-mail from my sister with some beautiful pictures of her time yesterday participating with her Brazilian choir in the Salisbury Festival. Adri, who also sings in her choir, brought her daughters and they all had so much fun playing with Aoi, Sarah's daughter - the photos of the girls are so cute!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Multi-tasking in Honduras...
It’s already Wednesday night here and the week is flying by quickly... Soon I can say that I’ll be home in a week. It’s been good and always a huge learning curve. I’m in the middle of preparations to train interviewers next week to interview local health providers, patients and their family members about TB (tuberculosis). It’s the first time that I have ever worked on TB so it’s been a steep learning curve. At first I didn’t think I would find it interesting but it has been. But what has been most interesting is having to multi-task more than usual - at the same time as I’m preparing for the TB trainings, I’m having meetings with several different people, discussing and planning completely different and new projects, etc. And all of this is in Spanish - it’s challenging... No wonder by the end of the day I’m worn out. But what I realize is that I enjoy the business, I enjoy the multi-tasking, I enjoy being with lots of different people throughout the day (though at times, I do feel overwhelmed). I want to now learn to do that more efficiently - I’ve been observing our office head closely and other managers to learn from them. It’s amazing to me how some people can do it so well. One minute you are on the phone talking about X, then someone walks in to ask you about Y, while you are also responding to an e-mail about Z... just incredible to watch. Any tips? Please let me know.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Ana back in Tegucigalpa and Jonny making paus!
I arrived safely here in Tegucigalpa early this afternoon after facing that early morning flight again (got up at 3:30 am). It's nice to be back and it's very hot! I've been coming to Honduras now for the last 3 + years and always stay at the same hotel - the Intercontinental. Every time I walk through the lobby or speak to one of the staff they call me "Señora Franca" and I feel quite at home here. Given that it's a Sunday and I didn't have to go straight to work from the airport (which I've done in the past), I went to the hairdresser in the mall across the road and got my hair washed, cut and dried straight all for under $20 - it would cost me at least $50 back home! They blow dry my hair the same way they do in Brazil and it's always a treat to get it done.
I spoke with Jonny briefly this evening since I cannot get skype to work and calling from the hotel is really expensive. We're already missing each other... He said he had lunch at the Ritchies today and finally got to meet Shenorva's mother who is just like her and likes to "squeal" too :-) - so sorry I missed her, I've really been looking forward to meeting her. Anyway, he said he went to the lab in the afternoon to set up experiments for tomorrow and that he was in the process of making Chinese pork paus to take to one of his Chinese colleagues. He made some paus for us for the first time ever on Saturday and it came out really well! I found the photo below online for those who do not know what paus are. It looks hard to make but Jonny says it's really easy - you just basically make pizza dough, fill it with a filling of your liking and steam it! Anyway, it was really yummy and I am very blessed to always get to try new things that Jonny decides to make!
Tomorrow will be an early start to a hectic week ahead so better get to bed... At least I know Jonny will be well, cuddling up to Buffy until he decides to put her out of our room so he can really get some sleep! Love you darls, good night.
I spoke with Jonny briefly this evening since I cannot get skype to work and calling from the hotel is really expensive. We're already missing each other... He said he had lunch at the Ritchies today and finally got to meet Shenorva's mother who is just like her and likes to "squeal" too :-) - so sorry I missed her, I've really been looking forward to meeting her. Anyway, he said he went to the lab in the afternoon to set up experiments for tomorrow and that he was in the process of making Chinese pork paus to take to one of his Chinese colleagues. He made some paus for us for the first time ever on Saturday and it came out really well! I found the photo below online for those who do not know what paus are. It looks hard to make but Jonny says it's really easy - you just basically make pizza dough, fill it with a filling of your liking and steam it! Anyway, it was really yummy and I am very blessed to always get to try new things that Jonny decides to make!
Tomorrow will be an early start to a hectic week ahead so better get to bed... At least I know Jonny will be well, cuddling up to Buffy until he decides to put her out of our room so he can really get some sleep! Love you darls, good night.
Friday, June 1, 2007
A special letter to Jonathan David from Vozinha Teteti (Ana's mother, Zenete)
My dearest Jonathan David, my little angel,
Today is the 31st of May. When I opened your mommy-daddy’s blog, I saw their message of “saudade” to you and “auntie” Kristen’s letter to you. Then, I realized that you must be at the “door of heaven”, waiting for “vozinha Teteti’s” letter and wondering when it will be arriving.
YES, my little angel, Jonathan David, my letter is with you now and you know how much I miss you and how difficult it has been to accept your departure to heaven so quickly!
“Vozinha” dreamed of holding, kissing, and embracing you much before you were conceived! I knew you would come! I did not mention this to your mommy and daddy, because I did not want to pressure them. But, in fact, when they announced your arrival, I was ready to be the most loving and the happiest “vozinha” in the world!
The days that I lived (until the 12th week of your life), were the most beautiful days of my life as “vozinha”! I was very happy and feeling like dancing at the top of the world! I was jogging and wanted to be fit for you to trust that your “vozinha” was strong enough to take you on her bicycle by the sea in Cascais and do many other things together!
I was dreaming of having you in my lap to tell you stories of your mommy’s and auntie Fafa’s childhood over and over again! I had planned to act those stories out for us to laugh and laugh a lot. I would be repetitive, I know, but you would love and even ask me to repeat most of them. I even dreamed of you repeating the stories to me and laughing about them. I knew it would be fun and our friendship would grow full of joy!
Now, Jonathan David, I am still very sad because you have left, but let me tell you how much I thank God for your life. Your short life on earth raised me from death (and other family and friends too). Before, I was distracted and lost focus on God. Your precious life transformed my soul and brought me closer to God during my suffering for your health. I did not find anybody else who could give me deeper comfort and hope than Jesus and His promises. I am so pleased that your life provided me with the chance to find my way (in time) to meet you in heaven. Isn’t this wonderful news?
That is why, my little angel, I cannot wait to meet you, to hug you, to kiss you, to thank you, and, together with you, to thank God over and over again for the grace of your life and then… we, happily, in heaven, will ride bicycle, tell funny stories, laugh, and pray. We pray that your mommy and daddy, as they understand, fulfill their purpose on earth and do that well, glorifying God and making you, Jonathan David, proud.
Finally, my grand-son, let me join your mommy and daddy and say to God: “Thank you Lord for the privilege to know you and that because of our son's (grand-son’s) life, we are now more focused on heaven.”
We are sure that we will meet you there, Jonathan David! Please wait!
So long.
With lots of love and many kisses,
Vozinha Teteti
Today is the 31st of May. When I opened your mommy-daddy’s blog, I saw their message of “saudade” to you and “auntie” Kristen’s letter to you. Then, I realized that you must be at the “door of heaven”, waiting for “vozinha Teteti’s” letter and wondering when it will be arriving.
YES, my little angel, Jonathan David, my letter is with you now and you know how much I miss you and how difficult it has been to accept your departure to heaven so quickly!
“Vozinha” dreamed of holding, kissing, and embracing you much before you were conceived! I knew you would come! I did not mention this to your mommy and daddy, because I did not want to pressure them. But, in fact, when they announced your arrival, I was ready to be the most loving and the happiest “vozinha” in the world!
The days that I lived (until the 12th week of your life), were the most beautiful days of my life as “vozinha”! I was very happy and feeling like dancing at the top of the world! I was jogging and wanted to be fit for you to trust that your “vozinha” was strong enough to take you on her bicycle by the sea in Cascais and do many other things together!
I was dreaming of having you in my lap to tell you stories of your mommy’s and auntie Fafa’s childhood over and over again! I had planned to act those stories out for us to laugh and laugh a lot. I would be repetitive, I know, but you would love and even ask me to repeat most of them. I even dreamed of you repeating the stories to me and laughing about them. I knew it would be fun and our friendship would grow full of joy!
Now, Jonathan David, I am still very sad because you have left, but let me tell you how much I thank God for your life. Your short life on earth raised me from death (and other family and friends too). Before, I was distracted and lost focus on God. Your precious life transformed my soul and brought me closer to God during my suffering for your health. I did not find anybody else who could give me deeper comfort and hope than Jesus and His promises. I am so pleased that your life provided me with the chance to find my way (in time) to meet you in heaven. Isn’t this wonderful news?
That is why, my little angel, I cannot wait to meet you, to hug you, to kiss you, to thank you, and, together with you, to thank God over and over again for the grace of your life and then… we, happily, in heaven, will ride bicycle, tell funny stories, laugh, and pray. We pray that your mommy and daddy, as they understand, fulfill their purpose on earth and do that well, glorifying God and making you, Jonathan David, proud.
Finally, my grand-son, let me join your mommy and daddy and say to God: “Thank you Lord for the privilege to know you and that because of our son's (grand-son’s) life, we are now more focused on heaven.”
We are sure that we will meet you there, Jonathan David! Please wait!
So long.
With lots of love and many kisses,
Vozinha Teteti
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Four months and missing Jonathan David
Today is exactly 4 months since Jonathan David was born and entered eternity. We miss him dearly and have remembered him a lot today. I've been recently having lots of "flash backs" of specific moments during the pregnancy and of our few hours together. A particular memory will just suddenly appear in my mind, even if I'm not thinking about him at the time. He is just so part of us and always will be. Thank God we are being restored and strengthened but we still carry with us a sadness which we believe will always be part of our lives.
It brings us much comfort to remember that he is very alive and completely healed in heaven. We often try to imagine what he is doing and sometimes wonder what he is like, if he is growing up into a little boy as he would be on earth, etc. To imagine what it will be like to meet him again always brings tears to my eyes... wow, it's going to be amazing, I'm going to run to him and hold him so tight! We will then have eternity to love and enjoy each other! But until then, we have a purpose to fulfill on earth and we hope to do that well, glorifying God and making Jonathan David proud.
It's also amazing to see how our faith has grown through this journey. Death now is so much more real than it ever was. We now understand more than ever why trusting Jesus is truly amazing and a gift. It is because of His life that we can confidently place our hope that our son is well and that we will be reunited with him. Thank you Lord for the privilege to know you and that because of our son's life, we are now more focused on heaven.
Jonathan David, we know that many are remembering and missing you today too. Here is an e-mail that I received from Kristen for you:
Dear Little Jonathan David,
Today you would have been four months old! How big you would be getting, smiling and cooing and developing quite a little personality. We miss you very much, but we are so blessed to have gotten the chance to meet you. How precious your little life is to your parents and to all of us! Your parents fought hard to keep you with us as long as possible, but now you are with Jesus and we know he is taking great care of you.
Lots of love,
Kristen
We love you so much son, can't wait to be with you again!
It brings us much comfort to remember that he is very alive and completely healed in heaven. We often try to imagine what he is doing and sometimes wonder what he is like, if he is growing up into a little boy as he would be on earth, etc. To imagine what it will be like to meet him again always brings tears to my eyes... wow, it's going to be amazing, I'm going to run to him and hold him so tight! We will then have eternity to love and enjoy each other! But until then, we have a purpose to fulfill on earth and we hope to do that well, glorifying God and making Jonathan David proud.
It's also amazing to see how our faith has grown through this journey. Death now is so much more real than it ever was. We now understand more than ever why trusting Jesus is truly amazing and a gift. It is because of His life that we can confidently place our hope that our son is well and that we will be reunited with him. Thank you Lord for the privilege to know you and that because of our son's life, we are now more focused on heaven.
Jonathan David, we know that many are remembering and missing you today too. Here is an e-mail that I received from Kristen for you:
Dear Little Jonathan David,
Today you would have been four months old! How big you would be getting, smiling and cooing and developing quite a little personality. We miss you very much, but we are so blessed to have gotten the chance to meet you. How precious your little life is to your parents and to all of us! Your parents fought hard to keep you with us as long as possible, but now you are with Jesus and we know he is taking great care of you.
Lots of love,
Kristen
We love you so much son, can't wait to be with you again!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day
We had a full Memorial Day holiday today. We first went with our friends Sivert and Shenorva to visit the graves of both our sons - Jonathan David and Stephen William. It is truly a gift and comfort to us that they are buried right next to each other - it helps us not feel so alone in our experience and grief. It was very special to spend over an hour there together cleaning the grave stones, putting new flowers, reflecting and dreaming about heaven. It is also special to us that like Jonny, Sivert is half Chinese and half European (in his case, Swedish). Shenorva is American and their beautiful daughter Sabrina, who is almost 14 months old, is a beautiful blend of the two of them!
The flower arrangement that we put on Jonathan David's grave today are made of silk so that they will last for a while and keep his grave site beautiful. Jonny really wanted to have orchids given his Asian roots and the green leaves are eucalyptus which is very common in Brazil. It looked really beautiful:
In the afternoon we had a relaxing and fun time with the Staggers. Jonny and Mike took Holly swimming while Kristen and I enjoyed watching them having fun and took care of Mikey. Jonny also got to hold Mikey for the first time and this was very special for him. After swimming, we went back to their condo for the last time (since they are moving soon to their first new house!) and enjoyed Ledo's pizza, calzone, salad and finally a lovely fruit salad. Jonny really enjoyed playing with the kids and Holly was really excited to play with "Donny" and squealed many times! Here are some photos of our afternoon together:
So tomorrow it's back to work. For Jonny, he'll be busy with his experiments in the lab and I'll be getting ready for my trip to Honduras next Sunday. Good night!
The flower arrangement that we put on Jonathan David's grave today are made of silk so that they will last for a while and keep his grave site beautiful. Jonny really wanted to have orchids given his Asian roots and the green leaves are eucalyptus which is very common in Brazil. It looked really beautiful:
In the afternoon we had a relaxing and fun time with the Staggers. Jonny and Mike took Holly swimming while Kristen and I enjoyed watching them having fun and took care of Mikey. Jonny also got to hold Mikey for the first time and this was very special for him. After swimming, we went back to their condo for the last time (since they are moving soon to their first new house!) and enjoyed Ledo's pizza, calzone, salad and finally a lovely fruit salad. Jonny really enjoyed playing with the kids and Holly was really excited to play with "Donny" and squealed many times! Here are some photos of our afternoon together:
So tomorrow it's back to work. For Jonny, he'll be busy with his experiments in the lab and I'll be getting ready for my trip to Honduras next Sunday. Good night!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A special evening with Kristen and family
Last night was a very special evening for me. I went with Kristen and her family (including her parents who are visiting from Iowa) to see the first house that they are in the process of buying. It is so beautiful and just perfect for the family! We were praising God together for their new home. We are so excited to spend time with them there once they have moved.
After visiting the house we went to eat at this wonderful Egyptian restaurant close by. Here are some cute photos that I took of the kids:
Holly enjoying her pasta - age 2 and 7 months
and Mikey (age 6 months) smiling at his Grandpa in his father's arms.
At the end of the meal I got to hold Mikey for the first time. Kristen and I were both surprised that this was the first time I had actually held him but the previous times I had seen him he was either sleeping or sick. It was so special holding Mikey; I just hugged him so tight and suddenly remembered holding Jonathan David and felt very emotional.
After we left the restaurant Kristen and I drove back together with the kids in the same car and we started talking about Jonathan David and how much we both miss him. Kristen said she often thinks about him and what he would be doing now at almost 4 months - like giving us lots of smiles and making cute noises. It comforted my heart so much to see again how Jonathan David continues to be so loved by others. After a while in the car we started laughing when we realized that we were both crying, Mikey was in the back wailing (he hates his car seat) and Holly was trying to talk to us! I will always remember our time together in the car...
As I have been thinking about yesterday, I was remembering how wonderful Kristen was throughout the whole journey with Jonathan David. We were so excited when we discovered that we were pregnant together and then both broken hearted when we heard about Jonathan David's condition. Kristen kept encouraging me week after week with endless prayers, cards, e-mails, phone calls, etc. She was also with us during some of our scans and was at the hospital soon after Jonathan David was born and got to meet him alive and participate in his baptism. About a month after he was born, she visited us at home and gave us an amazing present: a collage of Jonathan David which we now have in his room.
After visiting the house we went to eat at this wonderful Egyptian restaurant close by. Here are some cute photos that I took of the kids:
Holly enjoying her pasta - age 2 and 7 months
and Mikey (age 6 months) smiling at his Grandpa in his father's arms.
At the end of the meal I got to hold Mikey for the first time. Kristen and I were both surprised that this was the first time I had actually held him but the previous times I had seen him he was either sleeping or sick. It was so special holding Mikey; I just hugged him so tight and suddenly remembered holding Jonathan David and felt very emotional.
After we left the restaurant Kristen and I drove back together with the kids in the same car and we started talking about Jonathan David and how much we both miss him. Kristen said she often thinks about him and what he would be doing now at almost 4 months - like giving us lots of smiles and making cute noises. It comforted my heart so much to see again how Jonathan David continues to be so loved by others. After a while in the car we started laughing when we realized that we were both crying, Mikey was in the back wailing (he hates his car seat) and Holly was trying to talk to us! I will always remember our time together in the car...
As I have been thinking about yesterday, I was remembering how wonderful Kristen was throughout the whole journey with Jonathan David. We were so excited when we discovered that we were pregnant together and then both broken hearted when we heard about Jonathan David's condition. Kristen kept encouraging me week after week with endless prayers, cards, e-mails, phone calls, etc. She was also with us during some of our scans and was at the hospital soon after Jonathan David was born and got to meet him alive and participate in his baptism. About a month after he was born, she visited us at home and gave us an amazing present: a collage of Jonathan David which we now have in his room.
Kristen, I praise God for you. You are such a treasured friend and I love you so much. Thank you for everything! I'm sending you a big virtual hug until I see you next!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Photos of Honduran food and friends...
As I have been thinking about my upcoming trip to Honduras, I remembered that I had taken photos of the food I wrote about in yesterday's blog!
This is the fried cheese on fried green banana - just yummy!!!
And this is the best chicken fajitas (Honduran style) I have ever eaten!
Can you now see why I need Jonny to come with me so that we can keep up the tennis and ballroom? :-)
But I'm most looking forward to seeing Perla (left of photo) who is the leader of our country office and one of the most amazing women I have ever met. Just love her! The photo below was taken in March 2006 and the younger women in the photo are Perla's daughters (the two next to me on the right of the photo: Wilsen and Livny) and her niece (Jocelyn, in between Perla and I).
Oh, the above photo also reminds me that I always feel like a giant in Honduras! :-)
This is the fried cheese on fried green banana - just yummy!!!
And this is the best chicken fajitas (Honduran style) I have ever eaten!
Can you now see why I need Jonny to come with me so that we can keep up the tennis and ballroom? :-)
But I'm most looking forward to seeing Perla (left of photo) who is the leader of our country office and one of the most amazing women I have ever met. Just love her! The photo below was taken in March 2006 and the younger women in the photo are Perla's daughters (the two next to me on the right of the photo: Wilsen and Livny) and her niece (Jocelyn, in between Perla and I).
Oh, the above photo also reminds me that I always feel like a giant in Honduras! :-)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Maria Helena's birthday and American Idol Final!
We've both been busy at work this week but have had some fun evenings. Tuesday was our family friend Maria Helena's birthday and since she thought I was in Ethiopia, we decided to surprise her with my presence. It was so cute seeing her reaction when she opened her front door and realized that I was standing there and not in Ethiopia! We also surprised her with a present that she really wanted: a tower fan for her bedroom! :-) I actually managed to capture the moment when she saw the fan in the trunk of our car!
We took her to a nearby Chinese buffet restaurant for dinner and went back to her place to watch the American Idol finals together. We love Maria Helena, she has such a heart of gratitude and we had fun making her birthday special.
Last night we watched the American Idol results show with our friends Chris and Corinne and got to enjoy Corinne's wonderful lasagna again!
It was particularly fun finding out together that the new Idol is...
Jordin Sparks!!!
At least the evening cheered up Jonny a bit because he was so disappointed that Liverpool lost against AC Milan... Anyway, no more American Idol until next year. This was the first time we followed the show closely and it all started while my mother and Stephen were here in January, a few weeks before Jonathan David was born. It was something fun to do together during our difficult time. The end of the show is another reminder that we've started a new season...
My trip to Ethiopia has been canceled and now I'll be going to Honduras instead from June 3rd to the 15th. It's much easier going to Honduras since it only takes me about 6 hours to get there and the time difference is minimal. I'm actually looking forward to seeing my Honduran colleagues again - I can't believe it's already been a year since I was last there. I'm also excited about eating their amazing fried cheese over fried green bananas and their chicken fajitas (best I've ever eaten)! Uhm...not sure how this is going to fit with my aim to lose more of the pregnancy weight...Jonny, can you come with me so we can continue with tennis and ballroom? :-)
We took her to a nearby Chinese buffet restaurant for dinner and went back to her place to watch the American Idol finals together. We love Maria Helena, she has such a heart of gratitude and we had fun making her birthday special.
Last night we watched the American Idol results show with our friends Chris and Corinne and got to enjoy Corinne's wonderful lasagna again!
It was particularly fun finding out together that the new Idol is...
Jordin Sparks!!!
At least the evening cheered up Jonny a bit because he was so disappointed that Liverpool lost against AC Milan... Anyway, no more American Idol until next year. This was the first time we followed the show closely and it all started while my mother and Stephen were here in January, a few weeks before Jonathan David was born. It was something fun to do together during our difficult time. The end of the show is another reminder that we've started a new season...
My trip to Ethiopia has been canceled and now I'll be going to Honduras instead from June 3rd to the 15th. It's much easier going to Honduras since it only takes me about 6 hours to get there and the time difference is minimal. I'm actually looking forward to seeing my Honduran colleagues again - I can't believe it's already been a year since I was last there. I'm also excited about eating their amazing fried cheese over fried green bananas and their chicken fajitas (best I've ever eaten)! Uhm...not sure how this is going to fit with my aim to lose more of the pregnancy weight...Jonny, can you come with me so we can continue with tennis and ballroom? :-)
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