Trip to Latchi 1.11.09

Thank you all for your prayers for my Visa...we are still waiting to hear from one of the schools.  It's been a trial for me to lay down "MY" desires and wants.  After wrestling a bit with the Lord, He won...as always, but I'm so thankful for His ways, and not mine.  I know will be glorified however He works out my Visa.  I do ask you to continue praying - thank you.

After church on January 11th, we all piled in the car for a drive to another coast, Latchi.  

Girl photo shoot on the harbor.

Abby, Emma and Darlene.

I don't know that I will ever tire of God's beauty.

Sister piggy-back ride.

I guess this spot is quite busy during the tourist, summer months.

It was very quiet this day - only a few other people around.  We sure do attract a lot of attention with all our long blonde hair =).

I would love to sit down over a cup of tea and listen to the story that this boat could tell.  Check it out - it's someone's home away from home.  I'm sure many fish said "good-bye" here.

The Aphrodite...Boat names are so much fun.  Did you know that Cyprus is knows as the Island of Love, since Aphrodite was born out of the foam of the sea here?  A little Greek mythology for ya.  Her Roman name is Venus.  It's kind of crazy that there are still temples dedicated to her.

These clouds were so perfect - they looked fake.

I took this mostly for my brother.  

Tanner, they have scuba diving - I think you would really like it here.

Harbor Patrol's back balcony - architecture reveals so much about a culture and people.  White with blue trim is a pretty standard Greek look.

Oh look, another boat...couldn't think of anything clever to say for this picture.

After Latchi, we visited Claire and Ricci for dinner.  This is their dog, China.

When she wants attention, she just plops in your lap.

Then, she wiggles around and makes you laugh.

Then, she tries to lick your face with her very large Pit Bull tongue.

Thanks Claire and Ricci for a fun time at your home.

January Update... 1.10.09

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

I've received Christmas cards, emails, facebook messages, comments on my blog, and skype chats from you...thank you so much for making me feel at home!  I pray that each of you enjoyed time with family and friends for Christmas and New Year's.  For those of you who traveled, welcome back...I'm sure it's good to be home.

Christmas was wonderful here.  We spent Christmas morning here at home.  The girls received bean bag chairs - that was fun.  Then, we went for a walk along the sea.  That night, we had several people over for dinner.  It was a very cool ministry opportunity to share the hospitality of Jesus with those who don't know Him and with those who do.  I missed my family dearly, but it was so cool to skype with them on their Christmas morning.  I love you fam!

Visiting friends.  We went to the home of Pastor Yianakis and Sheri for dinner one night.  He is the pastor of the Greek Evangelical church in Limassol.  Being an evangelical in a Greek Orthodox society is difficult.  Please pray the Lord would continue to bless their ministry.

Christmas blessings.  The church organized "The Giving Tree" this year to collect gifts and food for families who are in need.  The Lord blessed Fadya and her family (all 5 kids, too) with food and Christmas presents.  Also, we were able to take food to a woman who has been diagnosed with HIV.  She is older, and she also takes care of her elderly mother.  We pray that the simple gift of food and love will minister to her heart.

Worship is going well.  Sundays are fun!  Ollie is back from England, so we've got the crew back together.  Tim sings with me, while Ollie keeps the beat (Brad, thank you for investing in Ollie's life - it's so cool how God is raising him up to serve Jesus).  Wednesdays night Bible Studies are a blessing - Tim teaches, then we have a time of prayer and worship.  Also, Friday nights we get together at John & Mary Hutchinson's home (Ollie's parents) to pray and worship.  Last Friday was spent praying for Isr@al and Gaz@.  We are safe here, but it seems so much more real, since it's only a 45 minute flight.

My Visa News...  After praying about which route the Lord wanted me to go with a Visa, He has pointed in the direction of applying for a work Visa.  PLEASE PRAY!!!  As mentioned in my email, I taught 2 classes today for observation today (Monday, January 12th).  I'm applying for a part-time, high school math teaching position.  Please pray that I hear God's still small voice.  I don't want to be hasty.  Just because He opens doors, does not mean we are to leap through them immediately...but He will make that clear.  I really want to pray for His leading and guiding.  Originally, I thought that teaching would take me away from ministry, but Darlene reminded me that this could be a whole new avenue of ministry, investing in kids' lives.  I know His way is PERFECT.

Mattox Family.  The girls have started ballet up again after the Christmas break.  Tim is being faithful to teach the Word of God every Wednesday and Sunday, and he has also been blessed with work.  Darlene is doing a fabulous job, juggling being a wife, mom, carpool driver to Limassol, keeper of house and home, grocery shopper, Sunday School Teacher, Women's Bible Study Teacher,...(need I go on).  I'm learning so much from this family.

Hutchinson Family.  Please pray that Jesus blesses my family back home.  I know it is really hard for them to have me away again.  I know they are stoked for me and for all that the Lord is doing, but still...it's difficult.  Please rejoice with me that my dad has a steady job still at Northrop-Grumman, even through the economic crisis.  Also, rejoice with me that my mom and sister have jobs at Agoura High School, and that my brother is doing well at Moorpark College!  (I'm so proud of you Tan!  Keep it up.)  I do ask that you would pray for my sister's healing - she's had 2 surgery's in the last month or so.  One on her heel to prevent her bone from attaching to her achilles tendon (I think...don't quote me) and one to go in and clean up after her major back surgery in February of last year.  She is on crutches in a cast, hobbling around Agoura High School teaching...I just ask you to pray for a speedy recovery.  I love you sis!

I could write and write, but I'll keep it brief (ya right, that wasn't brief - ha!).  Below are just bullet prayer request - thank you all for standing in the gap for Jesus' ministry here in Cyprus:

• My Visa 
• Teaching Position possibility
• Mattox Family
• My family, especially my sister's healing (her heel and her back)
• Isr@el and Gaz@
• Calvary Chapel Cyprus, for God's Word to take deep root in all our lives
• Surf Ministry, that God would continue to direct that 
• For the Holy Spirit to teach us and direct us as we move forward in ministry

Thank you all for your support, your prayers, your encouragement, and your love!!!  May the Lord bless you and keep you.  Check out the pictures below, and you can see more by going to the left side and clicking on 2008 to see all the pictures from Christmas.

Love from Cyprus, Lindsey

Driving Around Town 1.7.09

Look out!!!  I'm driving!

Yes, 'tis true.  Thank you all for praying for my transition to the left side...it's quite fun, because it's so very different.  I'm going to take you on a little trip around town to see some of our local spots...BUCKLE UP! 

Getting used to the right side of the car is still an adjustment, especially when backing up.  I want to look over my right shoulder, but my face hits the window or the seat belt.

I'm like a mail man in the States!

I absolutely love signs in other countries!

Speed bumps are 'Speed Humps' here.

A genuine Cyprus 'Humped Crossing.'

This is our local DVD store.  It's so cool - you just go in, swipe your card, and see the computer screen for what's available...open literally 24/7 - you just get charged per 12 hours.  No lines =).

One of the other big Greek Orthodox churches.  I hear these bells in the morning, too.  Check out the Cyprus and Greek flags.

One of our many grocery stores.  Orphanides is closest to us, but Darlene and I shop where the sales are the best.  With Cyprus becoming part of the European Union, the Euro has caused an increase in all prices.  Food can be quite expensive here.

No more car door dings!

This is ingenious!  A guaranteed way for people to return their carts and not leave them stranded in the middle of the parking lot.  You insert either a one or two euro coin to release the cart, and you get your coin back once you return it - of course people will want their money back, right?  I vote that the States implement this.  I guess it would put a lot of high school kids out of work, though.  Who knows.  I just think it's so smart!

Yes, Colonel Sanders lives in Cyprus, too.

Fire Station.  Interesting note:  the fire fighters are not equipped as paramedics like in the States, but they are good at fighting fires.  The emergency system is a wee bit lacking here.  Darlene says that calling an ambulance could take up to a half hour, so people will just put an injured person in their own car and take them to the hospital.

Kiosks are everywhere...need something?  Anything?  Milk?  Firewood?  Bread?  Water?  Sunscreen?  A lazer pointer for Kony to play with?  The Kiosk will most likely have it.  Open almost all the time.

This is the bank that the church uses, and now I do, too.  I got to start helping out with the finances - I'm in the process of creating a spreadsheet for budget and such.  It's fun.

Police station.  Another interesting fact:  the policemen drive around all the time, BUT they may not always be working.  Do not be alarmed by their flashing lights...that just means they are on the clock.  I still have to get used to that.  

This is me making a protected right turn...I still feel like I'm on the Autopia ride at Disneyland - it's all so new!  I kind of wish I had the little track to guide me, though...oh, I want to go to Disneyland!  Mom, Dad, Chels, Tan, let's do it whenever I get back!  Love you all and miss you bunches and bunches!

Now, these next photos were the day before, but I thought I'd throw them in...above, I attempt to take a self photo with my camera timer.

This is the sturdy (haha!) pole that displays the warning flag that Helios is dangerous.  I think it's an old, ripped up red t-shirt.  The currents can get strong here, but on a surf board, you don't really notice.

Darlene and Kony.

Forcing him to be a surf dog.

A genuine SURF DOG!  Look, he even has ratty, scruffy blonde hair like most surfers =).

Some local Cypriots enjoying the sunset, too.

Hello down there!  I took this picture from the top of the lifeguard tower.

Simply breath-taking.

Thanks for coming with me on my drive around town.  I hope you didn't get too car sick or scared.  I'll get better...I hope =).  Love Linz

I will never forget this day. 1.4.09

I'm NOT a poet, and I know it.

I wanted to capture this day in poem form...now, granted, I'm not a poet by any means...I am going to put the poem throughout the pictures.  The pictures will not match up, but I think you'll get the idea.  I really hope you enjoy the comedy of the scene I hope to paint in words...

Peaceful beach, stormy seas

Tim and I must go out please

Surfers need salt to live

And we must stay active

Start to change by the car

With a towel is sometimes hard

Oh look, a truck up the hill

Looking for a muddy thrill

Still changing, by the way

Not just one, but 2, 3,..."Wait!"

Laughing, I get into our truck

Trying not to get stuck

Trucks still coming...4, 5,...

They shred sand in 4-wheel drive

Paddling out to surf

A free show on the turf

Laughs were had all around

Wheels spinning on the ground

We pack up and go

Waving, "Thanks for the show."

About seven trucks in all

Hoping their truck doesn't fall

The more mud the better

And best if it's wetter

I will never forget

This memory, I'll bet

Will always bring laughter

Both then, now, and after

Okay, that's so crazy!  There were a perfect amount of pictures...haha!  I hope you had a good laugh or two.  I was pretty much changing by the car with a towel to get my bathing suit and wetsuit on....when, a bunch of trucks started coming down the hill.  I couldn't jump in the car fast enough - I was laughing so hard.  Thanks for visiting a fun day filled with memories for me.