Something unexpected

Something unexpected from me... wonders never cease. I made homemade strawberry jam yesterday. Please be impressed because I surely was. I even decided to give a few as gifts and decorated the jars. Who knew, just who knew is all i can say! Heres hoping the spell won't wear off and I'll still be just as ambitious in the kitchen at home as I've learned to be here. My mom right now is totally going, that's my girl! (smile).
Something unexpected for me...So, my birthday countdown is on. 2 days! And, I got a a fabulous package, which was pretty expected from my parents--the weight of and excessive contents of food, books, movies, and scrap booking material were much unexpected though (thank you)-- and an unexpected package from friends in Alabama. Thank you Harrelsons! Already used the lotion! Home, I loved all the goodies and they've already been rationed out to make the silly goodness last. I could do without, but why when people who love me want to shower me with goodness? I say, let them! Happy Birthday me! So, really maybe this birthday won't be the hugest ever, it's my 3rd birthday out of the country. I feel as though I've said that in a blog before, honest I'm not looking for pity. I think overseas birthdays may be better, at least last year's Turkish one was because everyone wanted to remind me over here that they loved me and went a bit overboard, which I totally loved. Anyhoo, today I went to the university to see some sweet friends that I have been trying to catch up with for a week or so, only to be totally surprised that they, of all people, had remembered my birthday and brought me a cake! I shouldn't be surprised at all. These girls are so sweet! I was in the middle of a marathon day and pretty tired and I was just a bit overwhelmed to be remembered by them. I can't remember the last time we talked about a birthday, it certainly wasn't recent. But, it struck me that this year regardless of whether another package comes or not, regardless of the fact that I'm riding a bus 3 hours away to babysit on my birthday for a Turkish retreat, or whatever...I've already got such great gifts this year at where I am in this stage of being here. I have such great Turkish friends. I know He's put them in my life for a reason and I just keep on sharing my hope with them and lifting them up, but I love how much of a blessing they are in my life. I think the journey here is just as much to do with Him using them in my life as it does Him using me in theirs. I hope it goes go both ways.