Trying Again, Trying Again

Okay - problem with video - not uploaded sorry

On my own time

Things have been busy here on our little island. Caleb was in the capital city from Sunday to Thursday and brought back some wonderful cheeder cheese, zucchini, broccoli and bail peppers and lots of books for Alethia. We missed him but tried to fill our time with fun things. On Sunday night we had our usual worship with the other expat families here. Then on Monday afternoon we took a picnic supper to the beach and watched the sunset with the other american family here, who will be leaving us soon :-( . Remarkably the water was very clean which is rare and the tide was low sow the kids had fun splashing around. Alethia likes to get her sand toys and proclaim, "Alethia go beach, go beach" - On Tuesday I had a house full of 11 local people here from the family of my language helper. They tasted spaghetti for the first time, bread sticks, and carrot cake. Alethia loves to help me cook and she is pretty good at stirring up the ingredients. I just have to make sure she doesn't add some of her own. Then on Wednesday, some single ladies came to the house and taught me how to make "Ayam Sewir" - chicken in a unique sweet, tangy, garlic, and onion sauce with cashews and carrots. We completed the night by watching American Idol - I am a big Jason Castro, Brooke White, and David Cook fan. in that order. I hope I can post a picture of Alethia in a traditonal costum. One of my friends gave it to her and she has not wanted to wear it - but at the last wedding we went to it was her idea. So on her own time she wanted to don the cute and fancy outfit complete with bracelets, necklaces, and her hair up in a bun. She is in the picture with the niece of my language helper. They have fun exploring together and "talking the local baby language". Caleb along with some others found some unique ceramic stuff down in a cave when they were scuba diving. It has been the talk of the town and recently we got to meet the mayor of our city (He is like a star here) when he came to see for himself. Tiffany has also started an aerobics class for some of the ladies here on the second floor of our house. We are having fun.

Island Intrigue

We have had a fun last couple of weeks. We went to a traditional wedding. They do things differently here. There is a ceremony usually in the bride's home and it is open to only family usually. Then later that day or a few days later there is a big party much like an American reception but a lot bigger. We got to have our picture made at both events. The next week a friend from another part of our country came to visit. No many people come to visit us because we are so far but she did and we had such a good time. I was a little "homesick" when she left.

Alethia is getting so big and and acts so grown up. She enjoys singing with stars as we watch American Idol complete with golf club as a microphone. She has gotten addicted to sweet tea (it is mostly water) and tv way too fast. She enjoys trying to ride her tricycle and being pushed in if around the house. She loves to push around her little baby too. You can carry on conversations with here and she is always willing to fill anyone's class with water from the water dispenser. She insists on having a normal place at the table and now wants big people size silverware too. She has even begun wanting to pick out her own clothes. The funniest things is that since our electricity goes out quickly, she even knows were the fuze box is and tries to use the broom, like her short mommy, to turn it back on. She has fallen in love with a book called "Four seasons for little people" we read it at least once a day but that it good because there is only the dry and rainy season here. She is so much fun.

I have been spending time with some great college girls. They have taught me a lot about the culture here and have been good friends. I also have a new house helper that has been a good change and help. I have taught her how to make banana bread, flour tortillas, french fries, southern sweet tea, how to wash dishes in hot water (we have to boil the water first). It is fun that she goes home and tries to make them herself.

Caleb continues to be the brave explorer and just recently ventured by boat to a nearby island to try out a long ride on his motorcycle. He loves to explore new areas and meet new folks. He has also taken up a new hobby of catching yummy and huge lobsters. Old Bay seasoning can really cook them up right and delicious with garlic butter.

Two Cuties

I just couldn't resist taking this picture of the two cuties this morning. Alethia had just woken up and she still has good hair - Her mom on the other hand is a different story. Caleb was getting ready to go scuba diving and he is sure handsome... Alethia and I couldn't resist giving him a kiss

Where have we been? Catching Up

I tried to publish pictures buy our connection is slow and will not let me - maybe at some point.

Well we are back on out little island now after a trip to North Carolina and Arkansas and Thailand. I just can't get to my blog because I spend so much time reading everyone else's. We had a wonderful time visiting great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Then we headed back to our island with a stop over in Thailand to visit with some more Threatt's and to finish up some classes. It was wonderful to see old friends who are in similar situations and for Tiffany to finish up her class work. Caleb has a little bit more to go. Two girls from Appalachian and Two from Southeastern came and helped take care of Alethia and her friend Emily while we were in Thailand. Which was a huge prayer answered for us parents.

We came back to the island Jan.21 and celebrated Alethia's two-year birthday on Jan. 24. We had our landlord's children, my language helper, and some other western friends with a butterfly them. I made a butterfly cake and we each made butterflies from pipe cleaners.

Then about a week ago we bought a motorcycle. Alethia is riding one we had especially made for her. Just kidding g-parents it is a model in the store - but she sure did love it. Caleb and I got to go on a date on Feb.15 and we rode the motorcycle. It was a lot of fun not to mention the fact that I HAD to hold on tight and get real close to my hubby. The night before we hosted a Valentine's Party for some national friends - We had a blast. They really are some neat girls and I look forward to spending more time together with them.

Then our shipment came from America. Which we have been waiting on for several months. The things were packed in Oct. 2006. I am so glad that I have good pots, pans, silverware, and velvetta mac and cheese. Our kitchen cabinets got finished today so that is so exciting. I now have 3 drawers at my disposal... They are already filled to overflowing. We are still waiting on them to up our electricity from 900W to something that can comfortably run a coffee maker and an air conditioner all though not at the same time.. I would just like to cook rice and rice clothes at the same time... In His Timing - Oh, yeah we had an unwelcome addition. This is actually the second little critter of the rat variety that has come into the house - I am sure there will be more because the door upstairs that does lead outside is more than 2 inches from touching the floor. Par for the course here. Hope there are no invaders next week as we are having our first spend the night house guest.

On a really cool note - We would like to say hello to Josiah Roberts Coppenger that is just a little over a week old. Hope your parents (Jed and Melanie) are treating you right. We send our love from Smellville.

I Can't Believe It IS Butter

WOW! We were actually able to get butter here yesterday. They haven't had butter here since our friends came to live here 3 years ago. We bought two, they bought two, and the Australians probably bought some too. The funny thing is, it has been two days since we got the butter and they still don't know how much it costs. Maybe by the time I post again we will know how much this precious gem really did costs. Now, they do have something here that is a far cry from butter, called "Blue Band" I have no earthly idea what Blue Band is made from - but it is yellow in color but has a unique aftertaste that is not like butter at all. However, the oil is not much better so I guess you have to pick your poison. But for the next few baking experiences we will have real butter. I guess that means I need to bake some bread. I will post a pic of Alethia just for your viewing pleasure from her Thanksgiving plate.

Truly a Black Friday

The Coppenger Family had a truly Black Friday as they mourn the loss of a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, coworker and friend. She went home to be with Jesus on Friday and we all know that she was fully at peace. She was assured of her place in heaven and longed to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Being far away from family at this time is hard.

Aunt Anne (or technically my aunt-in-law) was such a neat lady. I first met her when she, Sharon, and Aunt Sue organized a bridal shower for me in Arkansas while Caleb was in Iraq. I could tell from the first time I met her she was a women who loved people and they sure did love her too. Then she, Aunt Sue, and Rebecca showed up again at the Rehearsal Dinner and did what only those ladies could by way of turning a fellowship hall into a room with romantic ambiance. (Complete with using the big fern to camoflage the basketball hoop!) Just before our first Christmas she sent me a box of ornaments for a new bride to start of her Christmas collection. WoW! I think it was shortly after my first Christmas as a Coppenger that we learned of her cancer. That began her battle and she battled it gracefully and full of courage. I got to talk to her about two weeks before she died and she was her same fun self.

What I remember most about Aunt Anne is her thoughtfulness. She cared enough to fly to Florida to be with Caleb, Alethia, and I at a very special time in our lives. She organized a rafting trip for us and a babysitter so we could spend some time meeting special folks in her life and enjoying nature. She would send cards and emails just to say hello. I still have pieces of a calendar she sent me because it reminded her of me and she wanted me to laugh. Even though we are 10,000 miles away she still sent us birthday presents complete with real cards using snail mail. She didn't forget Christmas or even Valentine's Day. She made Alelthia

this precious outfit and it fits her perfectly now. She even when to great links to have Caleb, Alethia and I in attendance at Chesed and Jeremy's wedding (Caleb's sister) this past August by having life size cardboard cutouts of us. But I have to say what impressed me most and touched my heart was when the only Happy Mother's Day card (besides the ones from Caleb and Alethia) was from Aunt Anne. How did she know?? You see Aunt Anne never was a biological mother but she had a mother's heart. She was one of those people who really gave you special gifts because she knew you and listened to you, not because she had to but because she wanted to. I know I am not the only one who was touched and can attest to her kindness.

Aunt Anne was blessed by God to be a blessing to all and she lived up to that. I join with the Coppenger family in saying good bye to a precious woman of God. Aunt Anne we will miss you.