Italian Birthday Party with Mexican Food

One quarter of a century. That is how old I am now. Wow, I'm old. (If you are over 25 please disregard that statement) What better way to spend your quarter of a century birthday than in a foreign country. Well, at least that is how I spent mine.

At the last minute Shannon decided we would throw me a birthday dinner at her house. So I, at the last minute, invited some Italian friends for dinner.

We spent the whole day cooking, and it looked like this...

Though we are in fact in Italy, we opted to make Mexican food for dinner. Of course. I mean, we are American. So I got out my rolling pin and rolled out 80 tortillas or so.

An enjoyable way to spend the day, in the kitchen with Shannon. Oh the memories we shall have in 20 years from spending whole days in the kitchen.

And maybe right now you might be wondering why I was cooking for my birthday dinner. Well it's mainly because Shannon tortures me. Okay okay, just kidding. The kitchen is fun place to be, I was not pressured in any way. I promise. :)

At least she didn't make me make my own birthday cake. That would have been a little rude. Fear not, Shannon made my yummy carrot birthday cake all on her own. Brava!

We actually finished all of the food and preparation ahead of time. So then there was nothing to do but sit around and wait.

and wait...

and wait...

Eventually, everyone showed up.

Even Elmo joined the party.

It was an enjoyable, though late, night. I guess no matter how American you try to make things, it just doesn't work if you're not in America. So run on Italian time.

My prayer last night

Before going to sleep...

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for tonight even though I only understood half of what was said.

Amen.

Ministry in a foreign country.

Life Journey

If I could describe my feelings in a picture....

Maybe, I am the only one who is affected by this picture. Maybe, I am not.

Music.... insert sigh of relief.... now smile.

Yes that is me when I look at this picture. If you know me, then you know I love you music. It drives me (not really, because Jesus drives me). It's one thing that I would not mind doing 24 hours a day. When there is too much music in my life, then I am happy. Why am I telling you this? Because in thinking about what my life will look like at this time next year, I have been reflecting on where I have been already.

In 1996, I started playing music. My sister had a flute, so I was forced to play it. Moving right along.....

In 2000, I started learning to drum because I was tired of not being heard playing the flute.

In 2001, drumming brought me to a new school, in a new city, for no reason other than to drum.

In 2003, I started college and left music behind. Sort of.

In 2004, I needed money so I joined the college band and started drumming again. I played two seasons, and then quit to be able to finish my degree on time.

In 2006, I started learning guitar.

In 2007, I decided God was leading me to stay in school and pursue a music degree. Where in the world did that come from???

In 2008, I began pursuing a degree in percussion performance, was teaching drum and guitar lessons to children, and playing guitar and drums at church. Music was, well, a big part of life then.

In 2009, I moved to Italy. Where music is a little harder to find.

Why did I just list my musical history? Because when I look back, I see a continual draw back to music every time I walk away from it. I love it. God has blessed me with a heart for music and the ability to play it. So what on earth am I supposed to do with that??!!?? This is where you now tell me your opinion on what my life should look like next. Thanks. :)

p.s. I'm only thinking about this because dear sweet Paul and MacKenzie just went home and I realize how time flies. But I'm in no rush. :)