Thanksgiving 11/28/08

Happy Thanksgiving!  We drove 45 minutes to Limasol to celebrate Thanksgiving with some other Americans, along with others from surrounding churches.  Tim and Darlene went to this church their first year living here in Cyprus before starting the church in Pafos.    What a sweet time of fellowship and eating, of course =).

Chels, this picture is for you.  

I was thinking of you when I ate my pumpkin pie.

What are you thankful for?

My family and my new family for this season of my life.

Tim shared a devotional before we ate.

Pastor Yanaki welcomed everyone to their church.  

There were probably about 30 people.

You know what everyone's thinking at this point...

Let's eat!

Sherri, Brenda, and Darlene prepare the food table for the masses.

The kid table is always so much fun.

A sweet couple originally from Washington.

They have both served in El Salvador, too - it's such a small world.

Tim practices his Russian.  

The Mattox family lived in Russia for many years before moving back to the states, then to Cyprus.

Darlene and Tim.

Pastor Yanaki and Sherri.

God's precious people.

Egor and Oksana moved here from Russia eight years ago.

Mouth full of food - always very flattering =)

This night was fun.  I was definitely missing being home with my family, though.  Since my Grandpa passed away, I wanted to spend time with family - it is tough being so far from home, but God never leaves me nor forsakes me.  I cling to Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  He has called me here, and I have peace that passes all understanding.  It is so amazing how God has woven me into the family here.  I feel that I've lived here for years.  I thank Jesus for all of your prayers and your support, and I look forward to His divine purposes and plan.    

    ---God bless you, Love Linz

Surf's Up! 11/25/08

Cyprus really does have surf.

This surf spot is called Helios, since it is front of a Hotel, called...you guessed it - Helios.  I'm so thankful that Darlene likes taking pictures just about as much as I do =)  She took several of these. 

Checking where to paddle out.

The girls helped me wax Tim's board.  

Mine still hadn't arrived yet.

How to wax a surfboard 101.

Kony had just burried his head in the sand - such a funny dog.

Say what?

So, we found out that Kony is very protective.  

He started swimming out after me.  Abby saved the day and took one for the team.  She came out of the water with Kony, a bloody knee, and wet jeans to boot...thanks Abby.  Kony probably would have followed me all the way out.

A simply divine moment.

My first paddle out in Cyprus.

The girls keep Kony under close watch.

I love this shot - it's currently my desktop picture.

WooHoo!  I'm surfing in Cyprus!

Check out the gnarly bottom turn...haha!  Ya right.

Dad, you would love the lefts here.  

I can't wait to surf with you again.

Emma and Kony.

I hear the angels rejoicing in heaven.  

Look at that beautiful peak.

This is Sean, a local surfer/lifeguard.  

He is from Scotland and lived in South Africa for 19 years.  He texts us the surf report everyday =)  I am praying God will use surfing as a way to share Jesus with him. 

Shadow reflections.

Helios going off.  

It really was only 2-4,' but I was amped.

Tim after his session.

Emma and I say good-bye for the day.  

We'll be back, I'm sure.  As I enjoy this family and God's amazing creation, I look forward to see how Jesus will use surfing as a ministry to the growing surf culture here in Pafos.  Thank you Jesus for making waves!  Love Lindsey

Day 5 - First Sunday 11/23/08

More photos...

Today was my first Sunday here in Cyprus - what a blessed day.

Singing Dog.

Kony is the coolest dog.  He even likes going to church.  Sometimes he joins in singing =).  Last Wednesday, he sang Happy Birthday with all of us for Ricky's birthday.

Sunday best.

Darlene and Abby getting ready for Sunday morning.

He's got the whole world in His hands.

The church has several people around the world that they pray for and support.  It is incredible to see how small the world really is, especially being in this area - it all seems so close.

Set-up.

Emma helps us test the sound and get things set up for worship.

Living room --> Church.

Tim and I led worship - this fellowship is so precious.

How great, how awesome is He.

Singing, "Holy is the Lord God Almighty - the earth is filled with His glory!"

Worthy to be praised.

I was so blessed, and I know that God will just continue to grow all of our hearts to worship Him with everything we have.  He is so worthy.

My new furry friend.

Since I don't have Bandit and Bailey with me, Kony is my new buddy.  I just sat down on the couch, and he came over and plopped his head in my lap.  I think I'm officially 'in.'

Quick shot out the window of the car.

After service, we went to the Sea.  Our first stop was Coral Bay Beach.

Victory at Sea.

It was pretty ridable, but very choppy.  We didn't surf - just took pictures today.  There's a nice right out front.

Greek Signs.

I love signs, especially in other languages.  "Swimmer's Area."

Lifeguard Tower.

Chels, I took this one for you.  I guess the beaches get pretty crowded in the summer, so lifeguards are always on duty.

Beautiful Coastline.  

The water was so rough that it started spraying onto the road.

It's so Bright!

The girls stayed in the car while we took a few pictures.  On top of the car, Tim's board just in case.

The whole Fam!

This family is so full of love - I really feel at home.  I will always miss my family, but I am so thankful to be here.

Feet and the story they tell.

I can't resist - I take pictures of my feet in every country that I travel.  

Favorite shot of the day.

Volcanic rock tide pools.

Quite the backdrop.

The Mediterranean Sea - Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing me here!

What a playground.

The girls play with one of my little surf toys I brought with me.

Wilbur Kookmyer.

He has lived in San Diego, Montana, and in Agoura Hills with me, and now he lives in Cyprus.  I don't even remember where I got him, but I always have him hanging somewhere in my room.

Beautiful cove.

The volcanic rock reminds me of our living room back home.

Rough Sea.

I giggled when I saw this sign - it's true.  The Sea can get pretty brutal.

So Sweet.

The girls and their Daddy.

Twirling Trio.

Three ballerinas in one house - let the fun begin!

"Let me try."

Darlene tries out her ballet moves - she is so much fun.

Perfect Lines of Umbrellas.

This area is in front of St. George's hotel, which can get very busy during the tourist summer months.

So many stories.

More feet...

New Friend.

Emma has a special bond with Wilbur - she even made him a little seat to watch a movie that night.  Also...recognize the beanie?  It's one of mine=).

A Walk on the Seashore.

Living with Tim & Darlene is great - I hope they get to spend more time together, since I'll be here to hang out with the girls.  They already have some dates planned.

History.

Emma under a monument built in memory of gun smugglers from Greece.

Greater than the breakers of the sea...

The Lord on High is Mighty.

Time Travel.

As we say good bye to the sun, all of you in the states say hello to it.  In case you are wondering, we are 10 hours ahead of California.  The future is great...HaHa!

Greek Orthodox Church.

A small Greek Orthodox church near the Sea used for weddings.  Waking up this morning (Sunday morning) was so pleasant.  All the Greek Orthodox churches had their bells ringing.  I really felt like I was in a movie, like the Sound of Music or something.

Bye-Bye.

That's all for now.  Leave Comments or email me - I love to hear from you.  The internet is so great, because I don't feel that far away.  I will never stop thanking you for reading these.  They do take quite some time to put together, but it's so worth it.  I pray you are blessed by what God is doing in Cyprus.  Love Lindsey