Find a Quiet Spot and Breathe

I have been complaining too much about the weather.  Today, it was time to look at the situation differently. This morning was a decadently slow Saturday morning. I made myself a homemade latte and oatmeal and actually sat at the kitchen table to eat my breakfast. 

 The colors in this picture soothe me. I love the vibrant green of the plants and my chitangi material, the bright yellow of the lemons. Although the picture doesn't show it, our Saturday snowfall had begun, and fluffy tufts of snow were swirling outside the windows.  

I am undeniably a warm weather woman. A perfect day, in my opinion, is one when the sun is blazing, windows and doors can be thrown open, and shoes are optional. Even in wintertime, I can't help but open the windows sometimes, just to freshen the air. A Swiss friend of mine told me that her family opens the windows for a few minutes every day, regardless of temperature, to bring in fresh air. I like that habit. I read that that we inhale 12,000 liters (that's over 3,000 gallons) of air into our lungs. We inhale and exhale 20,000 times each day. However, 90% of our day is spent inside.

That "90%" must be a cold climate percentage. When I think back to my childhood in Zimbabwe, I'm sure that my time spent outdoors was significantly more than 10%!

My kitchen is a peaceful little place for me. It isn't quite the spacious gardens of southern Africa, but it's a start. It's my little oasis of green in a wintery grey world. 

Did you know that NASA began considering using houseplants for air purification on space stations in the 1980's? I started reading an article about their top ten choices. They include aloe vera, peace lilies, African violets, and spider plants, which are all in my kitchen! :) 

Pinterest is one of my favorite websites for quotes, projects, recipes and ideas for just about anything. I recently came across this "Manifesto for a Simple Life." I don't know the author, Kelly, or anything about her, but I like her words! This Saturday, my part to remember was to find a quiet spot and breathe. It helped to turn my complaining into thankfulness, to remind me to be thankful for green plants, warm coffee, candles, and even pretty snow.

 

Resettlement

Three weeks ago, I was enjoying 95 degree weather and the warmth of Mozambican culture.  I've traded palm trees for pine.  Pennsylvania has experienced its first snow and the weather outside, while not frightful, is definitely chilly.

I love airplanes and flying but I wonder if they have hindered our appreciation for the transition between one place to another.  I've never crossed the Atlantic by any means other than an airplane.

It is a bit surreal.  In January, I would have said, "I live in London."  On the last day of January, I boarded a plane and seven hours later, I was in the USA and I had officially moved.  The trip from Moz took a full day of travel.  The transition is more startling.  It only took a day to go from one place where clean water is scarce to another place where we are focused on buying excess material goods with our excess income.  

A longer journey would not change the differences between locales, but perhaps the time to reflect would change the traveler.   

Planes come equipped with a personalized entertainment system for each seat.  (As a child, I can remember having a TV screen for the entire cabin.  If you didn't like the movie, you listened to music or slept.)  You might watch movies for the duration of a 19 hour flight from South Africa to the USA.  An ocean liner today can cross the Atlantic in a week.  When Henry Hudson crossed from Amsterdam to New York (in 1609), the crossing took two months.  

Imagine a relocation journey taking two months.  Days of ocean and waves and no land in sight.  No entertainment system.  No wi-fi.  No seclusion except in thought.  As an introspective person, I love the idea of having days to just look at the waves and the clouds and simply ponder.  Time to consider where I've been and wonder where I am going.  Time to write in my journal until I run out of words or pages.  

I cannot explain my thankfulness that this past year has included time to consider my options.  Had I needed to go from my last job, which finished in May, to looking for another job immediately, I would have been incredibly frazzled.  Instead, through generosity and grace, I was able to take the time necessary to consider my next steps.  I've been back in Pennsylvania for three weeks.  In those three weeks, I've purchased a vehicle, gotten car insurance (for the first time on my own!), made decisions about where I will live, applied to academic programs, started job applications, took my computer to be fixed (which isn't possible but I am going to attempt some data recovery), and am considering my options in the areas of phones, computers, and more practical things like mattresses and winter coats.  While it is sometimes overwhelming to make all of these decisions, it is possible because I have had time to consider my options, needs, and my Provider.  

The title for this blog, The View from a Thousand Hills, comes from Psalm 50:10.  The Lord says, "For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills."  This verse reminds me that my future is in good hands, and those hands are not my own.  

Farewell to the tropics

Today is my last full day in Mozambique.  I'm surprised by how sad I feel to say goodbye.  The church had a special place in the service to say goodbye to me.  I was given several really thoughtful gifts and during the process, I started crying.  I think that was actually a source of great entertainment for the church, although not in a malicious manner.

The community pool for my parent's little complex has been a source of much joy for me.  In the last few weeks, the pool's temperatures have soared to perfection.  It may not be an ideal pool by American standards (considering the water is very chlorinated and usually has a variety of palm fronds, ants, and occasionally a roach floating in its depths.  But I'll miss it.  I'll miss the little Bronze Mannikins who line up side by side on a branch of the almond tree to catch the last rays of the day.  I'll miss the pink blossoms of the frangipani.  I'll miss the bliss of warm water on a hot day.

 

My parent's house has been home for four months.  I keep snapping "just one more picture," wanting to capture people, places and memories in megapixels for preservation.  I have mementos taped into my journal to accompany my written notes and souvenirs packed into my suitcases.  But the best parts will still be here in Mozambique, waiting until I come back, whenever ever that may be.  In the meantime, I'm so thankful that I will be able to picture my folks at home and at work.  Mozambique and her people will have a special place in my heart.  

 

The next step of my journey will begin tomorrow.  I have a sneaking feeling that the East Coast of the USA will offer weather a teensy bit colder than I like.  Although goodbyes are making me sad today, with every goodbye there is another hello.  The hello at the end of this journey will be my US family :)  See you the other side of the Pond!

pôr do sol na praia (sunset on the beach)

Mom and I took our daily walk a little later in the day today.  We reached the beach right as the sun was setting, which made for a beautiful walk.  Of course, I took some pictures to share with you!

There are stories behind some of the pictures.  This first one is the sunset behind the Grande Hotel.  The Grande is an old hotel, built in the 1950s to be a luxury hotel.  It hasn't been in use as a hotel since the 80s but it is now home to over 2,000 people.  From what I've read, there are even small markets inside the hotel for the residents.  It doesn't have running water or electricity.  

The above picture is the Cathedral in Beira.  The Portuguese brought Catholicism to Mozambique with their arrival in the 1500's.  Vasco de Gama arrived in Mozambique in 1498!  The Portuguese built a fortress at the city of Sofala in the early 16th century, called Sao Caetano.  (Sofala as a city dates back to the 700s.)  Modern day Beira was built north of Sofala.  This history is relevant because the cathedral above was built using some of the stones from the ruins of the Sofala fort.  Although the fort didn't last long as a command center for the Portuguese, the colonial governors were granted the title of "Captain of Sofala."  

Suco de Coco (Coconut Juice)

Dad arrived back from the southern part of Moz last night after a long day of driving.  He brought a few gifts from his passengers, including onions, cassava, a monkey orange, and a few coconuts.  He discovered at conference that he likes coconut juice.

Although there was some discussion on what method should be used, Dad drilled into the coconut and drained the liquid from the center.  He then used a hammer to crack open the coconut.  We may be having coconut pie at some point this week. 

Coconut is used in a lot of ways here in Moz.  The wood of the palms are used for building homes and even boats. The fronds of the palm can be used for roofing.  The coconut itself is used for a variety of foods, as well as seasoning for foods.  One website I read states that 15% of the population in Moz depends on the coconut as their main source of revenue and nutrition.  

Flores e plantas (Flowers and Plants)

We had winter weather today.  It was overcast and windy, with a high of 74 and a low of 65.  The wind felt cold when Mom and I went for our daily walk, although we both were still only wearing short sleeves.  We kept to the streets today, walking in the direction of the center of town rather than towards the beach.  Today the various colors of the plants and flowers seemed more vivid, perhaps because of the grayness of the skies.  I hope you enjoy some pictures of the flora of Mozambique!  

Dinner Party

Tonight was an absolutely fantastic evening.  I invited my very first London friends over for dinner.  B&L recently returned from visiting L's family in Brazil for a month.  Given my nearing departure date, we knew we needed to schedule this soon, so on Thursday, we booked it in for tonight.

I've come to realize that I love hosting at my house.  I started off by doing a quick tidy of the lounge and even went so far as to iron the place mats (which they always need but never get).  L always lays a fantastic table and I wanted to do my best!

I did my shopping this morning, making several stops and walking all around my high street.  I popped into Iceland for the super cheap but oh so yummy vegetarian spring rolls.  I figured those would be good for nibbles once they arrived.  I also got loads of veggies and stir-fry sauce at the store, along with my usual shopping for the next week.

The grocery bags always require a bus journey home.  From across three lanes of traffic I saw my bus, which only comes every 15 minutes, at the light, about to pull up to the stop.  Fortunately for me, the first two lanes of traffic had a red light, and the oncoming traffic was, as they say, "chock-a-block."  I worked my way through vehicles, and got to the stop at the same instant as the bus.  I always feel like a victorious conqueror when that happens, even though all I've conquered is a bus timetable and usually accidentally.

B&L arrived about 6:30, and Laura and I chatted with them and got the spring rolls and drinks ready.  In a few minutes, I checked the brown rice was done and started the stir fry.  Ten minutes later, we sat down to eat.  Reality sank in a little deeper as I looked at the three lovely people sitting down to eat with me.  These times are precious.  We talked and laughed, told old stories and new, caught up on holiday news and plans for the future.  I love these three.  I am blessed with exceptional friends.

After we finished, we relocated to the sofas and I went to the kitchen to make the pudding (dessert) and prepare coffees and teas.  I had wanted to make a dessert that went along with stir fry, because making a cake or brownies just didn't seem like a good fit.  I found a recipe for a dessert stir fry and thought I would give it a go.

I have a new favorite dessert.

It's super easy.  It took about five minutes to make.  You just need to slice up some bananas and mangoes (tinned are ok) and then grate the zest of an orange.  Melt a tablespoon of butter in a frying pan and add the fruit and zest, stirring it for about two minutes until it starts to brown.  Then you add two tablespoons of elderflower cordial and serve it topped with custard!  That's it!  Easy-peasy and just yummy.

Well, B&L have headed back to West London and Laus and I have done the dishes.  Josie got home and we are secluded in our rooms ready for bed.  It's been a long week for us all.  I am so incredibly thankful for this home.  These girls have been real treasures.  Laus and I act more like sisters sometimes.  Tonight we were both in the bathroom brushing our teeth.  Laura said something funny with toothbrush and foam still in her mouth.  I completely understood her, which made us giggle even more.

As I reflect on my dear friends tonight, I can't even recall all of the jokes and stories that made us laugh.  But I know we laughed.  I think that is the sign of a good friendship.  It certainly has made for many precious memories.

Victor Hugo said, "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."  I love that imagery.  Laughter warms you from the inside.  Even London in January can't overpower the warmth from an evening with friends.

Back in London Town

Well, the brief mini-break is over.  Yesterday, I got a bus back to the airport (woke up way too early) and had an uneventful flight back to London.  Thankfully, the tube was running a normal service!

Goodness, looking back through my pictures, I feel so thankful for this short trip.  Wow, what a lovely part of God's green earth!  Scotland has become the 33rd country I've been to and it was a delightful one.  Here are some of my favorite pictures:

St John's Church

Palace of Holyroodhouse, as seen from Calton Hill 

The National Monument, and me, in the gale force winds on Calton Hill

Abbey Church

Abbey Church

Me at Edinburgh Castle

On the way up to Calton Hill in the wind.

Oh goodness, the memories I have.  You know, my overwhelming reminder on this trip was that I am blessed.  And I've not done a thing to earn it.  I have so much to be thankful for and trips like this are the sweet, sweet icing on top of a very large cake.

The Abbey pictured above was one of the highlights of me.  It is all that remains of an Abbey built by King David I of Scotland in 1128.  1128.  Wow.  It is attached to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, also pictured above.  This is a working palace and the royal family stay there when in Scotland.  It is also the historic home of Mary, Queen of Scots.  I paid my entry fee and walked into the palace, listening to the audioguide as I walked.  At one point, I was directed up a tiny winding little staircase, to the private bedroom of Mary, Queen of Scots.  I'm not a huge fan of that particular part of history, but for some reason, this impacted me the most.  As I carefully climbed the stairs, a father behind me pointed out to his daughter, "Wow, Mary, Queen of Scots would have walked up these steps too!"  Just wow.  What a reminder of the footsteps of those who have walked before us in history.  Now Mary wasn't exactly a role model, but history fascinates me.  That tour was a great reminder of the fact that history is people just like you and I, who lived and loved and dreamed.  Mary probably would have found it odd that one day, her bedroom would be a tourist site.

Edinburgh, day two

This is not a vacation I will soon forget for both lovely scenery and more memorable reasons.

I'm staying in a lovely four star hotel. I got a great deal! My first night, the power went out for ten minutes. Last night, the fire alarm went off at 1:30. I had to grab layers and go down six flights only to stand out in incredible wind with everyone else on the hotel while the fire department came. Fortunately, after about twenty minutes, we could go back inside. Rather than wait for the lift, I took the stairs back up six flights. Crawled back into bed. Woke up at 3:00 to the fire alarm AGAIN! We were experiencing intense wind at this point, and when I got to the lobby, the staff directed us to a large room rather than outside. Once we were allowed to head back to our rooms, I heard one of the firefighters explain that it was faulty wiring complicated by the wind. I'm note sure that answer actually comforted me! Again, walked back up six flights of stairs. So ready to crawl back into bed again. I pulled off one boot and the alarm went off again.

I groaned. It was turned off. I went to bed and didn't wake up until ten. Got ready to head out the door and wouldn't you know, it started pouring. Maybe pelting is a better word. It was painful rain. I ran across the street and found shelter in Starbucks, figuring I would wait out the rain. After a little while, it seemed to clear and I headed to the Scottish national gallery. It started pelting again. It almost felt like hail. I reached the national gallery in desperation and then found out that I had come to the paid exhibit. The free gallery required going outside again. So I did. By this point, I was nearly jogging across the courtyard.

The gallery was worth it though. It was really nice and also let me warm up.

Then I headed out and made the bold choice to go to Calton Hill, a public park wth great views over the city. Great views because, as the name suggests, it is a hill. it was deserted due to the wind. The sky cleared enough that I could get some pretty pictures but then the rain came back with a vengeance. I started to head back down the hill. Literally the wind was moving me along. Then the pelting rain reached monsoon levels. And started to include snow. By the time I needed to cross the north bridge, I had to stop at one of the bus stops for shelter and a reprieve from the wind. Let me tell you, the BBC headlines include "Gale force winds batter Scotland.". No joke. This is not just my flair for storytelling. Winds have reached 53 miles per hour here in Edinburgh, and 90 miles per hour in other parts of Scotland. I felt like a physics calculation crossing that bridge...125 lbs moving one direction at a brisk walk and 50 mile an hour winds moving another way...

I just read that the castle was closed to visitors because of the wind so I'm very glad I went there yesterday! I'm still headed in the direction of the Palace of Holyrood, home of Mary Queen of Scots at one point, but in the meantime I'm in Pizza Express enjoying a free coffee and snack thanks for a voucher from a friend. The sky is blue now. What are the chances that as soon as I bundle up I'll be back in the rain?

Edinburgh, day one, part three!

First view of the castle as I started walking around the city. Many more pictures followed! I think the buildings in this city are so pretty!

And of course, this warranted a picture for my sister.

This is Victoria Street, which winds it's way around to the Royal Mile, the oldest street in the city. I love the different colors to the doors and shutters. It adds such color on a bleak winter day. By the way, I say bleak because of the gray sky, but it really wasn't that cold today. Tonight and tomorrow the weather is to be rainy and windy, with winds up to 70 miles per hour tonight, but it should clear up by morning.

Tomorrow is another day! I'll plan to spend it much the same as today. Outside in the daylight and relaxing in my hotel in the evening when it's dark and cold outside. Then Thursday morning, I will be heading back to work!

Edinburgh, day one, part two :-)

Me standing in front of Edinburgh castle :-). Most of my pictures will have to wait until I'm home but here are some to start with! next you'll see edinburgh's camera obscura (the white building) and the spire of the Hub, a cafe and ticket office for the famous festivals.

Adam Smith, the father of modern economics

Edinburgh, day one

Oh my word. This city is gorgeous. I fell on love with it just walking around to find coffee! As I write, I'm sitting on Castle Street, and the castle is literally just down the street. I have plans to visit there first but there is so much to see! Originally I thiught this would be s low key, meditative sort of holiday, but now I think two days won't be enough to see all the sights! I could just walk and walk around the streets here. It's not a very big city, population 500,000, but it is lovely, especially with Christmas lights still up. Words will not do this justice so expect lots of photographs!

Christmas Came Early

Today was the only day we three housemates would be together between now and Christmas.  We decided to have our favorite breakfast (pancakes) and then exchange our presents before we needed to go our various ways.  (I'm staying in London but I still needed to go out today, and Laura and Jo were both traveling out of London today.)  

My sister included a little present for Joanne and Laura when she mailed my Christmas presents!  They loved the gloves!

Laura bought me this lovely faux fur winter headband in a Christmas market in Munich.  I love it!  The blanket wasn't a present, it was just to keep me warm.  We did joke that this looks like a wanna-be Pocahontas picture. 

I also decided it was only fair to open one of MY presents from my sister today.  (After all, Laura and Joanne got to open theirs!)  My sister knows me and she knows English winters.  She sent me an insulated coffee mug.  I often have days where I need to reheat my coffee cup twice before I finish a single cup of coffee.  I will admit, that is partly just because because I take a long time to drink a cup of coffee, but the other part is the cold!  

Sunset at the farm

Heavenly Storehouses