Life in Ljubljana

Monday, February 28, 2005

It's supposed to be the coldest day this winter today. Negative 15 or so celsius. Of course, it's imperative that I get into the village to mail some things and get a few groceries. These are the days I wish I was comfortable driving and had my own car. None the less, I have my long johns on, ready for the impending walk in the cold. At least the sun is out and it's not snowing.

Yesterday I was so proud of myself. I got the house cleaned, dinner made, toys picked up at bedtime, pancake batter made for this morning, Timothy's lunch ready and the dishwasher on! Every normal thing that I would do on a normal Monday. It makes me feel good to know that I'm not totally dependent on Ivana. The frustrating thing is when Timothy comes home from work and asks me what I did that day. "Let's see, I...cleaned house...took out the trash and recycling...made spaghetti..." It sounds so little! But with a curious one year old it's a lot!

Clay was a helper yesterday while I was cleaning. I made my own window cleaner out of kitchen things. Clay is always putting his mouth and hands on the windows and I don't like the idea of chemical residue getting into his mouth. Sounds a little anal, but there were dirty little mouth prints literally all over the windows! While washing the windows he got a piece of paper towel and was helping me wipe the glass. Later he helped with laundry, mostly trying underwear on his head! (How did he get that idea?) Once I got the clothes folded and sorted and was trying to put them away it became a race to see if I could get them in the drawers faster than he could throw them all back in the basket! We had a fun time.

I noticed this morning that Clay's looks are changing again. He looked so "grown up"! I'm glad I have another baby on the way. He is still very affectionate and loves cuddling, as long as it's rough cuddling. This morning on his guitar he actually played a couple notes. It sounded very blues-y. Obviously it was by accident, but hey!

Timothy slept great last night after not eating all day. I guess his body had less to process so it could concentrate on resting. Makes me want to not eat at night, but that's not an option for the time being. We got up early this morning and he spent time studying for house group tomorrow night.

Our idea of bringing SaveOne to Slovenia is becoming a reality. We almost have what we need to be registered with the government as a recognized "society". There is a city wide pastor's meeting this month and a nation wide pastor's meeting next month that Timothy, and possibly I, will attend. Timothy's goal is to raise all the money needed for translation and publishing here in Slovenia. Steve was interviewed by the religious t.v. station the other day and put a plug in for us! Things are happening and we're so excited.

Timothy's goal after getting SaveOne into Slovenia is getting it translated into German. We have close ties with the church in Graz, Austria so I'm sure they would love to be a part. Sheila said in her last newsletter that the book has been translated into Romanian. There are quite a high number of abortions there.

Sheila is excited about the thought of coming over here. She and Jackie have friends whose brother is a missionary here and she's been hearing and seeing pictures of Slovenia for several years now.

Things are happening.

"Oh What a Beautiful Morning!"

The sun is out in full force for the first time in about a week! The snow is melting and Crnuce feels happy today. Clay is playing here with his toys. He's become fascinated with his lotion and even figured out how to twist the cap off. I let him have it since the lotion is almost gone. He pretends it's his chapstick. He'll flip open the top of the lid and put it around his lips like we do.

He's becoming a helper around the house. When he finds trash on the floor he's picking it up and taking it to the waste bin. Last night I had left his diaper cream out and he put it away. Then he really impressed us by picking up his toys! Obviously, he's too young to make it a daily chore, but we make a big deal of it when he does do it.

This morning though he decided to get trash out of the bin. Oh well, he'll figure it out sooner or later.

Clay has been watching Ivana practice on her guitar and has started strumming his guitar instead of just slapping the strings. It's so much fun to watch him discover new things. Like his nostrils, he discovered them. We've been trying to pull his hand away when he sticks his finger up there. This morning I caught him doing it again, but he was experimenting with his breathing. "When I put my finger in the hole and breath really hard these are the sounds and sensations it creates." He does the same thing with his ears. He'll stick his fingers in his ears and listen to something, take them out and listen some more... I love this stage!

Our church is three weeks into a 40 day fast. At the beginning everyone was asked to write their name on one specific day. Timothy wrote us down for Mondays. I'm fasting sweets since I need to eat. I've been trying to wake up late on Mondays and not eat breakfast until after he leaves for work. I'll make spaghetti for supper tonight and Clay and I will eat before he gets home. Hopefull if I have the fan running in the kitchen there won't be any smells when he walks in the door.

I started reading Wild at Heart the other night when I was bored. Timothy said I shouldn't read it b/c it's written for men. I asked him if he wanted me to raise boys or men. It's a really good book and one I highly recommend for anyone.

Friday, February 25, 2005

No More Ice Cream!

I'm saying no to ice cream. Not forever. Just until the end of the year. Those who know me will know how hard this is for me. Especially when we have an ice cream shop just a few hundred feet from our house! I was going to fast ice cream during this pregnancy and then at the end have one huge, disgusting sundae. The problem with this is that you can't find a huge, disgusting sundae in Slovenia. The only restaurant that serves the ultimate, disgusting sundae is O'Charlie's. I don't want to give in early and have the sundae when we're in the States in May. We'll be back in the States at Christmas and New Year's for Christina's wedding so...thus the decision to wait until the end of the year.

As I'm writing this entry I'm drinking a glass of chocolate milk. I don't have the will power yet to fast all sweets so I'm just choosing my favorite.

Ivana is gone home until Tuesday evening. Not to be mean or hateful, but when she's not here I try to pretend that no one else ever lived with us and that everything is completely normal. Things are getting easier with her being here, but at the same time, I'm glad it's not forever.

Timothy has cold symptoms and is sleeping on the couch. He had to help shovel snow at the office yesterday and didn't have a change of clothes. I don't thing that was a good thing. He's getting faster and faster at his job so he's giving some of his work to the new accountant and helping Bonita with the things she takes care of.

Clay is already in bed. He let us know he was ready by getting his pajamas and trying to put them on himself. He didn't get very far.

We ordered our usual pizza from the usual place tonight. I got mine with cheese only on half. I gave Clay a slice of cheese-less pizza and he went to town. He tried to eat it just like he's seen us do it. It was very adorable to see someone so small put a slice of pizza in their mouth. You know one of those moments where first time parents yell at each other to get the camera. I had the digital, Timothy had the video. We're saps.

He got brave outside today and decided it was okay to walk on his own. Normally when we're outside he insists on being carried. I'm not sure why. Today he walked all the way to the end of the street. He would stop every once in a while to play (bare-handed) in the snow and slush or a mud puddle.

We're taking Clay sledding tomorrow with other families from church. I have a pair of water proof pants that I bought second hand from a neighbor. He tested his boots in one of those mud puddles today and they turned out to be water proof as well. I think we're gonna have lots of fun! Timothy is very excited.

I just finished my chocolate milk and feel fat, happy and ready for bed. It's only 8:45 though and I'd really like to call some people in the States and England. hmmm I finished reading Dr. Mercola's Total Health book and haven't been to Ram and Sally's to borrow any of theirs. They have a lot of good books. I wonder if the neighbors are still awake. They have lots of books. They're probably all in Slovene though. Anyone have any suggestions?

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

23 February 2005

Wednesday morning: Timothy is lifting weights in the living room and Clay wakes up early. Clay loves the weight lifting thing. He wants to be right there in the action. He has two one-pound dumbbells that he uses to work his muscles. At some point I guess Timothy was naughty though. Clay stood here with one hand on his hip and the other index finger waving saying, "Dada, nana. Dada, nana!" We're finding out as his speech is getting clearer he's quite a bossy little guy. Classic oldest child or a sign of brattiness? Something we'll have to curb either way.

Later he was playing with Timothy's new Bible; a very big "no-no". I told him to get away from it, but he looked at me as if to say, "mind your own business." I stood up to come over there and he turned and walked away as fast as he could. Ivana and I were laughing and it was a little hard to discipline him after that. I just put the Bible up where it belongs instead.

Later I had the SILA welcome coffee morning at the Irish Ambassador's house. This house is amazing. It's a renovated farm house that's absolutely gorgeous. The ladies were very friendly and there was lots of laughter. There are committees for this and that and activity groups of all kinds. I still wonder about me belonging in this circle of people, but when your husband, your father and two pastors tell you to do something like this I guess you'd better listen.

They sent me home with all kinds of information on SILA and Ljubljana. SILA members get discounts at different stores, restaurants and services. That's a bonus!

Ram and Sally weren't feeling well and since Clay's had a bit of a cough (nothing serious by any means) the past few days we decided to stay home from Bible study last night. At first it was just going to be Clay and I staying home so I told him we'd make popcorn and watch Veggie Tales Jonah. It started snowing again so Timothy and Ivana didn't go to house group either. We didn't start the movie until 7:30 so it was 9:00 by the time it was over; an hour passed Clay's bedtime. He was so droopy eyed, but was determined to watch that whole cartoon! He couldn't wait to get in bed after that.

I didn't sleep so well again. It seems like I never sleep good when I eat popcorn before bedtime. Another reason to stop eating it.

Monday, February 21, 2005

What Would Aunt Esther Say?

Clay had a pretty high fever Sunday night. Drago and Margareta had come over; he wanted Timothy to help him get his Lexxus business started online. While they were here Clay's slight temp that he'd had all day got higher and higher. Margareta suggested putting clothes that had been soaked in apple cider vinegar and water on his bare feet. He hated it and screamed, but it really seemed to help. I'm not sure what the vinegar did (if anything), but it sounds neat. He vomited and had a hard time settling down after our company left.

Monday morning he didn't show any signs of fever, just acted a little extra cuddly. I was lying on my bed in the morning while he was crawling over me and playing. He sat by my head and brushed my hair with his fingers like I do to him when he's tired. It was sweet.

Goroft, our realtor, took us out to look at 4 houses. Ivana and Clay went with me. The first house Timothy and I are absolutely in love with. It's in the area we were hoping for, it's the size we were hoping for and it's on a huge chunk of land. The problem is, we can't afford it and there's a family who can, but can't take possession until the first of May. We couldn't take possession until the first of July. The owner liked me and gave me his business card and said he'd like me to come back with Timothy. His wife is Thai and he works for the Thai government so there's some common ground. I tried to go on a little about how much we love Thailand.

It's not uncommon to hear stories of how God provided something that His children shouldn't have been able to afford. We're trying to just let it go, but at the same time not sit on our hands and do nothing about it. Besides praying we can't do anything about it for at least two weeks when Mike (director of operations at QSI) gets back.

We've been getting lots of snow the past two days. There's several inches out there now and Timothy didn't want to go to work this morning. Uncharacteristic to his nature he shoveled off an area on the patio for the birds to come and get seed. Clay enjoys watching the birds; I think that's what motivated Timothy.

Clay is getting more and more consistent about pulling up my shirt and pointing at my belly when asked where the baby is. He loves showing us his big muscles and is learning to make sound effects with his lips and tongue. This morning his nose is stuffy and he's changing his breathing patterns on purpose b/c he likes the sound. Each stage of development gets better and more fun.

Ivana is writing Slovene into Clay's picture books. Timothy finally went to work and I need to get busy. I haven't felt well this morning, but I suppose I should do a few things around here so I don't totally dislike myself. I always worry my aunt Esther will find out if I've been lazy and disapprove.

Friday, February 18, 2005

I had my second prenatal exam today. She listened to the heartbeat and did another ultrasound. This time the little human actually looked like a baby! She always gives me a picture from the ultrasound. Baby is in perfect health and moved around a lot. I think he or she is going through a growth spurt again b/c this week I've felt absolutely awful. (Praise Jesus!) She said if I go to the hospital and set up a meeting with the head midwife I can probably have labor go how I want it.

We're trying to get quotes at moving the rest of our belongings here. A friend from our housegroup has gotten us a second quote which was half of the first quote I was given. Monday I need to call Lufthansa and see about freight charges. I would really like to have the crib we originally bought for Clay here for this next baby.

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Book reviews, chiropractors and houses we can't afford

I finished reading Dr. Mercola's Total Health Cookbook and Program today. I read the very last part in the chiropractor's waiting room...that's a story to be told, but I'll save it. Anyway, after reading Mary Jo's blog about their two weeks on the Atkins and all of the encouraging things Dr. Mercola had to say about the way we aren't eating, I'm ready to start changing the way we eat and live...as long as it's okay with Timothy. My goal for the remainder of February, not to be like Mary, but I think this is primary since we're such dairy consumers in this house, is to find raw milk and eggs. Sounds small, but I'm not a disciplined person and with all the language barriers around me this might end up being quite an accomplishment.

Went to the chiropractor for a routine adjustment. I was so glad Timothy was there. It wasn't your run of the mill, lay on the table, he'll be in, in a jiffy. No, no, no... It was get naked so some young guy can come in and rub your back while you're totally uncomfortable and try to make conversation as if you do this everyday type of deal! I don't want to go back. Timothy enjoyed it and has said how good he feels! I haven't recovered yet. In Nashville, Dr. Hutton wanted me to come in every two weeks and this dr feels the same way. I told him I'll have to see if our insurance covers it. "Please don't let it be covered, Lord! I don't want to go back to those people!"

The realitor called us today and gave me the website to check out some houses for rent online. There are some that sound very tempting, but a ways out of our price range. I thought of the story Donnie McClurkin told the last time he was at Cornerstone about how he wanted a house that was going for $500,000. He told the realitor he was going to buy it for less than half that, and he did. Why not us? Anyway, this Goroft guy is going to take me Monday or Tuesday to look at the houses.

My stomach is upset so I must be hungry. Hmmm...there's strawberries in the car, but I don't want to go out in the cold to get them.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Faith Is The Victory

His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God.
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field.
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.
Faith is the victory,
Faith is the victory,
Oh, glorious victory
That overcomes the world

Tonight we had a one year anniversary celebration at Ram and Sally's. It's been about a year since QSI came to Slovenia and the start of our Wednesday night house group. We planned a big meal and invited unsaved friends to come and "celebrate" with us.

Timothy and I invited Drago and Margareta Bauer; Margareta cuts our hair. Ivana and I stopped at the salon last Saturday and I wrote the information on one of Timothy's business cards and Ivana took it in to her and explained everything. Drago speaks good English, but Margareta not much at all.

Almost immediately after they got there they started asking questions about what we do there on Wednesdays, what the church is like, how we pray, how can we have an open relationship with God... They've only been used to the catholic church, but have been disgusted with the lack of relationships between church goers! Steve and Barbara came in and Barbara started talking with them and they had more questions for her. We invited them to the upcoming marriage retreat and they're excited about coming. They also want to visit our church on Sunday.

Ram and Sally's "coriander friends" came in next. This couple was the first people they met after coming to Slovenia. R&S were in the market looking at herbs and the couple overheard them asking which one was coriander so they helped them find it. The husband, Dan?, is an atheist, but he sang right along with our praise and worship songs tonight! Sally was getting the biggest kick out of it. They also want to go to the marriage retreat next month.

Ram gave his testimony of how he left hinduism and became a Christian. Timothy talked about how we were spared during the tsunami, but also how much our lives changed in the past year and how God has remained steadfast, faithful and has revealed more and more of Himself to us the past 12 months.

Timothy's new coworker, Vairon (female), is a little bit slower. She's not too sure when we talk about Jesus and Heaven. Timothy calls her a product of a liberal society. I'm going to invite her and her husband over for dinner next week to talk about Lexxus...and Jesus:)

It's nice to walk away from nights like this, living on this spiritual high. I've never done this before, but I prayed that God would protect our joy. "Don't let Satan ruin this!"

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

A Blog of my Own

I was helping Ivana with a workbook on Friday and she asked me what all the journal pages were about. I said it was like keeping a diary, but it's not very popular in the English language to use the word diary anymore. Then it hit me that we've gone a step further and instead of journaling we "blog".

Not wanting to be left in the twentieth century I found an old email from my friend Tisra that directed me to a place on the internet where I can build a blog of my own. I feel so much more up to date now. My sister, Mary Jo, has a blog and several of her friends blog I believe.

So, here it is. A place where I can rant and rave on a daily basis.

Today, I don't know if I'm ranting or raving. A year ago, about a week after arriving here, I attended a meeting of the Slovene International Ladies Association (SILA). I didn't enjoy it. It felt like a bunch of women doing charity without getting too personally involved. It bothered me and I had no desire to go back. I may have written about it, because Pastor Aaron told me I should give it another chance. For some reason I ignored his advise. A few months ago for some reason my Dad told me I should join. Weeks later Timothy urged me to join. A couple weeks ago Pastor Steve said he would love to have a church member in SILA b/c of all the money they donate to charity every year. It would be a great source for the Teen Challenge. *sigh* This morning I joined.

Everyone was very friendly and I didn't have a horrible time. I know a few of the ladies either from the school or the International Church. We'll see how this goes.