I'm really excited about this little series, because a) I have a lot of material and b) I like to infuse my writing with just a little bit of snark. I’ll make various installments throughout our time abroad, and I hope I have enough cyberspace to fit it all, because after two weeks there’s already … Continue reading Insights From Abroad: Revelations,Quandaries, and Hilarities. Episode 1
Author: addiepascal
To Hell and Back
Got your attention, did I? 😉 The spiritual playground of Lalibela has been one of our most anticipated sites to see on this trip, and it did not disappoint. This collection of rock-hewn churches has been named an UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. About 800 years ago, the churches were carved out … Continue reading To Hell and Back
Gelada Love
It’s hard to believe we have been in Ethiopia for over 2 weeks. The kids handled the trans-Atlantic flight like champs, thanks to unlimited screen time, exorbitant amounts of juice, and a pretty rad kids gift bag from the Ethiopian Airline hostesses complete with coloring, a stuffy, a puzzle, and more (you will hear repeatedly … Continue reading Gelada Love
Taking Wisdom From the Vines
When I was about 8 months pregnant with Nina, I seriously considered having a t-shirt made (a very LARGE t-shirt) that read: "Yes, I'm pregnant. I am due August 25. No, it's not twins. Yes, it's a girl. Yes, I checked the Chinese lunar calendar to be sure. No, this is only my first cup … Continue reading Taking Wisdom From the Vines
Of Suitcases and Snacks, or the Case of the Unprepared Mother
Even as I write this, it feels almost too good to be true. Since my first international trip barely across the border into Mexico as a naive college student hell bent on changing the world in 5 days, I’ve had “the bug.” The bug to travel. There’s something invigorating, refreshing, and soul-filling about carrying all … Continue reading Of Suitcases and Snacks, or the Case of the Unprepared Mother
Meditations for Advent, Week 4 ~ Love
A Few Thoughts on Love There are words upon words written about love. But perhaps one of my favorite explanations is one that uses not a single word. It’s a children’s Christmas book Ben’s mom introduced us to a few years ago, and it has become a family favorite around here for both kids and … Continue reading Meditations for Advent, Week 4 ~ Love
Meditations for Advent, Week 3 ~ Joy
Joy … I don’t know about you, but I’m not one to suffer in silence when I’m feeling discontent. Examples: “I’m tired of changing diapers! Why can’t these tiny people learn bowel and bladder control already?” “If I could just finish everything on my to-do list for once, I could finally be at peace.” "This … Continue reading Meditations for Advent, Week 3 ~ Joy
Meditations For Advent, Week 2 ~ Peace
Peace is a big topic to tackle. It is not my intent to touch on every aspect of peace, nor do I claim to be any sort of expert on the subject. Indeed, I am a student of peace. I recognize and honor the need for peace amongst various people groups, in areas of poverty … Continue reading Meditations For Advent, Week 2 ~ Peace
Meditations for Advent, Week 1 ~ Hope
I never knew much about Advent growing up, beyond those little countdown calendars with the bad chocolate and jolly cartoon santas and elves. Of course, I never had one, because my parents would have considered it a sin to eat bad chocolate. #spoiled. To me, Christmas was about decorations and cookies and music, and most … Continue reading Meditations for Advent, Week 1 ~ Hope
Recipes to Nourish the Body and Soul
Here's a foolproof menu to get you going for any gathering in your kitchen. This one is Italian-themed. Most of it is pretty simple to throw together, but I've added a few options that require more technical kitchen skills if you are feeling like a challenge. Therefore, we have three levels: Little League (easy with … Continue reading Recipes to Nourish the Body and Soul