The school that Ed is attending here in London has been such a privilege. Yes, the lectures are incredibly educational. Yes, the opportunity for growth in leadership has been fantastic. Yes, the events have been phenomenal. Yes, the building is my favorite place in London. Yes, the phrase "once in a lifetime" comes to mind over and over. But, there is just nothing like the people...the people have been the highlight and understanding their countries, perspectives, and lives has been an honor!
International Night was brilliant as my British friends would say. Another opportunity of a lifetime. Not just another evening of food, costume, and dance...but food, costume, and dance with people you know, respect, and love.
Edward and I were finishing our set up with the American flag placed securely behind us. Well, securely was the goal. I jumped up to help and the air conditioner came on. Nothing like a little Marilyn Monroe in front of the world, literally. Along with our sweet Navy family, we served Cowboy Cocktails (brisket, beans, and coleslaw) and brownies. A little taste of home to share.
Jefferson with Colonel Wang from the People's Liberation Army (China). If Jefferson and Colonel Wang are in the same room, they are often somehow connected. Arms around each other, holding hands, Jefferson in his arms again. I get tickled at what big buddies they are. His daughter was here for six weeks at the beginning of the course, I can't imagine how he misses her. Zengmin continues to invite us to come meet his family in Beijing; I wonder if he really knows what he is asking. We are praying about accepting the invitation!
Sakib and Edward donning their traditional hats. My sweet father in law carried this over on the airplane as we didn't really know Ed would need his cowboy hat in London. Sakib is from Bosnia and has the most beautiful wife and daughter. Gana explained to me last Saturday how she and her mother were refugees during the war. Her brother was born in Germany as it was still not safe for him to be born in their homeland. Ed spent a Christmas in Bosnia during this time period.
This picture just makes me want to sing a few rounds of "Jesus Loves the Little Children". Melanee Kate had so much fun joining her friend in painting Henna on all of the ladies. We know from other friends that in Middle Eastern cultures this is a great honor to have someone do Henna for you. Melanee Kate was so darling in her Hawaiian dress which was our choice of traditional dress with the Navy family who also lived in Hawaii. Our Hawaiian Ohana (family) is still loved and missed. I'd forgotten how I love to wear beautiful floral dresses with crummy flip flops!
The Middle Eastern men worked very hard to recreate their little piece of home. If I didn't know better I wouldn't guess they were in London. The Al-subaie's have also offered a sincere invitation and I'm actually warming up to the fact that I'll be expected to come in the side door with the rest of the women. They are a very kind and respectable family that we are so grateful to be friends with. Three of their seven children joined us last Saturday evening. They have the loveliest girls...
Major and Grammy jumped in on the fun. Bless their hearts, it was their first day here and jet lag was being served up for them along with foods from around the world. It was their favorite thing we did and I'm so grateful they didn't miss it despite how tired they were.
This is one of my favorite pictures. Let me introduce my friend Steve from Ghana. He always looks so handsome in his suits and here in my Texas view he looked like he'd walked straight out of National Geographic. Which is why I love the picture as it reminds me that every page I've ever turned are not just amazing photographs, but real people, with real lives, real loss, and real love. A great reminder that Steve is not playing dress up, but being who he is!
My boy loves food from Asia! I get tickled over how he so proficiently works those chopsticks. We had to cut him off lest he embarrass his family and country. "Darlin' you have to leave some of Miss Mio's rice for others." Miss Mio would have been happy for him to have eaten it all. Mio's English is great and I tried to not act too horrified when she told me months ago that she practices her English by watching "Friends" on television. "Oh Mio, please do not think that all young people in America are like the people on that show!" 
Miss Vanesa is the daughter of an officer from Brazil. Wyatt was more than happy to take his picture with her. The great thing is she is beautiful inside out! Her Godfather is American and her mother lived in North Carolina yeas ago. It's been neat to hear of our international friends American adventures, including the British officer who rode his motorcycle through 36 states. He survived for one year on Sambo's $1 breakfast and by going to farmhouses at night. He would politely ask if he could "pitch a tent in your garden" in which he was always offered a hot meal and a warm bed! Thank you for your hospitality America! We took care of General Hickson in 1986.
I've introduced you to Hani before. My sweet husband sees the value of titles and we've used this along with family names as one avenue to teach our children to respect adults. Hani very humbly didn't not want the children to call him General Diab, so General Hani lovingly stuck. He is from Lebanon. He has been very generous to share parts of his story with our children. Our children have clearly seen that this man has sacrificed for his country and his family.
Our Australian friends very generously donated their hats to the girls at the end of the evening. The corks keep the flies away. We certainly could have used these hats cooking Christmas dinner in Hawaii. Elizabeth and Adam are wonderful people and live just around the bend. We had already had them over for dinner but had to invite them back as Ed was horrified that Adam had had a poor experience with American grits in the mess hall in Afghanistan. Ed was very confident I could remedy this tragedy. They introduced us to Vegemite (beer scum that Australians eat on their toast on a daily basis) and were surprised that I LOVE IT! Elizabeth is the first officers wife to homeschool her children during this course. The Australians have been coming here for forty years. She had never even considered homeschooling and I respect her so much for diving in with such courage. Ben and Emma are delightful children!
Along with everyone else, I danced my way through Africa. I know there is a picture of me being sent to Africa via the Internet but you just can't resist!
Oh the Armour's...don't you think this is a perfect name for a Royal Marine...Graeme Armour. Tanya is taking the course and has been Ed's sponsor. The first time I met her I enjoyed her, the second time I met her she stole a place in my heart! The Armour's hail from Ireland and Tanya has been the reinforcements sent from God. She's answered every question (that I continue to have) and has taught me the ropes around here. The Armour's have two amazing children that were not here on this particular evening. You'll see Erin and Patrick in the future though as we're going to spend a long weekend in Ireland with them over Memorial Day.
Nothing like a little game of Cowboys and Irishmen...we have a video where Graeme is chiding in this his thick Irish accent, "Who should be controlling these American children?"
See, I told you. Please notice the South African horn that we now have TWO of. We are enduring these horns in the hands of our boys due to our love for our new friends!
God is good! We are so grateful...
Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops
