Lately

So, I finally finished a book last week. It's hard for me to find time to sit down and read for a long time (even here). And when I do, I still tend to take breaks. But this was a really good book. It's called Marley and Me by John Grogan. You may have heard of it....they are making a movie about it. It's about this newly wed couple who decides to get a Lab. They name him Marley and soon find that he jumps on everything and everyone, tears up and eats everything in the house, and is deathly afraid of storms. It is a really funny book and easy to read, especially if you love dogs. It really makes me want a dog....but that will have to wait.

Todd's work got a 2nd intern for the summer. Her name is Kristina and she is about to be in her 3rd year of law school at William & Mary. She's really nice & we've hung out with her a lot this week. I first met her when I went to Todd's work last Wednesday to do this "conversation partner" thing. Several local Azeri girls (mainly associated with the Women's Bar Assoc.) come every week to practice their English and ask questions about anything they are interested in. Unfortunately for me, last Wednesday they only had questions about politics in the U.S. and how certain offices were elected. I guess I'm interested in politics, but I don't have much to comment on. And even when I do have something to comment on, I tend to keep my opinions to myself. But I still enjoyed being there and listening to the conversations that took place. I haven't had too much interaction with the locals and it was interesting. I hope to go back next week.

On Friday nights, Todd's boss, Dave, and his wife, Alicia, host "Friday Night Flicks" on the roof of their apartment in the Old City (see pics in album). They spread out rugs on the roof, have snacks & drinks, and show a movie with a projector on a white sheet. It's a really nice atmosphere and the views of the sea and city are great. The movie that we watched, however, was not my favorite. Has anyone seen Spinal Tap? If you have, I'm sorry. If you liked it, I'm even sorrier. It's a mockumentary about a rock band named Spinal Tap. It had some funny parts, but overall I don't recommend it (Todd might tell you something different).

On Saturday, we had a PeaceCorp volunteer stay the night with us. Her name is Kat and she lives out in the "regions". She was passing through Baku and needed somewhere to stay for a night. She's been here for 2 years and gets to go home in September. It's definitely a different kind of life. Todd and I are planning a trip to Georgia (the country, not the state) and Kat helped us figure out how to do it pretty cheaply. We all ate dinner and played cards at my aunt and uncle's friends'- Gary & Sharon- apartment. I do love playing cards....especially when I win...by a landslide! :)

Sunday, we decided to do a little sight seeing (again, see pics on facebook). We started in the Old City....the part of town which is exactly as it says- old. Todd and I really like this part of town. It is surrounded by walls and the streets are mainly cobblestone. Compared to the rest of Baku, which is all under construction to be transformed into tall skyscrapers and cool looking buildings, the Old City is really quiet and gives you a feel of how Baku might have been years ago. Inside the Old City is the Palace of the Shirvan-Shahs. It was built for royalty in the 15th century. Honestly, I don't really have much to say about this palace....but we did get some good pictures!
We then kept walking through the Old City, which really is like a maze you could get lost in! Passing kids playing, cats sleeping, and an old woman carrying a pot of tea, we finally made it to the outside of the walls again.
Our next venture was to see Martyr's Lane. We began our short hike across the city. Then we began to climb up several flights of stairs. And then climbed a few more. And then a few more. We thought we were almost there, and then found more stairs we had to climb. It was a really hot day, but we finally made it to the top of all these flights of stairs and the view was breath-taking and well worth the sweat and burning in our legs. Baku might be dirty up close, but is really beautiful, with its buildings and shoreline, from afar. We finally made it to Martyr's Lane. A memorial that was constructed above the city to honor the 100+ Azeris who were massacred on January 20, 1990 by the Red Army. There is a tall monument with a flame that is continuously burning. If you walk a little farther, you pass tombstone after tombstone of those who were killed. In Azerbaijan, tombstones have a picture of the person it belongs to etched into it. It is kind of creepy. Two brothers had tombstones side by side- just 15 & 16 years old. War is sad.

On another note....I've been thinking a lot lately how I have felt spiritually dry lately. I'm not sure if it has been the busyness of my life this past year, or the laziness in me that can be so hindering. But no matter how"dry" I feel, I know God is still here...all around me. I've seen His beauty in the scattered white clouds against the bright blue Azeri sky. I've felt His power in the mighty winds that almost knock you off your feet. I've felt His glory in the warmth of the sun. I am slowly being reminded that it does not matter who I am or how I feel. All that matters is who He is. I will never measure up to the greatness of who He is, but the great thing is that He takes me just as I am....flawed and all.

so
Thank you Jesus, even when you see us just as we are....fragile and frail and so far from who we want to be

Sightseeing in Baku- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025110&l=3d083&id=61700300
Martyr's Lane & More- http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025111&l=e3505&id=61700300