And We're Back!

Well, we are finally back in the US after our amazing adventure in Africa. I had such a wonderful time there and met some incredible people. It's hard to describe how much being there has changed my perspective on the world and on my own life. It really gave me perspective and helped me realize what's important in life and what isnt. Jake and I are working on setting up a shelter for women who suffer from domestic violence in Mozambique, and I can't wait to help some amazing women.

Before we left two of Jake's friends (Denis & Vivaldo) came over for a pancake breakfast.

I sent Jake to get some fruit to eat with our breakfast. Turns out fruit stands weren't open yet, but he did pick up some coke for us to drink with our pancakes. LOL.

We got to hang out in the air france lounge for a few hours in Johansberg. So much yummy food and drinks!

eating pastries and watching tv while waiting for our flight

Getting some yummy guava juice

I don't think I've ever been excited for a plane flight, but our first class flight from South Africa to Atlanta was exciting! I watched 3 great movies and ate amazing food and tried to pretend that I was as classy as the rest of the passengers, although I think the picture taking proved I am not!

The seats layed all the way flat, but I was loving the movies too much too sleep much lol

We are now spending a few weeks in Georgia! First stop--Rita's Gilati. It's one of Jake's favorite places to visit when he comes home. Its a mix of frozen custard and fruit icey stuff. Ok bad description, but it's delish!

I was sad to leave, but it's sure great to be back!

Learning how to cook--Mozambican style

A couple days ago, we spent the day with some of Jake's Mozambican friends, learning how to cook (and eat) their food and playing with all the neighborhood kids. It was so much fun I didnt want to leave! To prepare a meal here takes a lot of time and effort and it's amazing how hard these woman work! It puts a whole new meaning on "made from scratch!"
First I learned how to cut yuka root. It's tough and I was a slow poke, but I tried lol..

Then they taught us how to use a pilador. Basically you use a really heavy piece of wood and smash it over and over into tiny pieces. Every couple minutes you take everything out and  put it in a basket. You sift out the pieces that still need to be broken down, by tossing the basket up and down lightly. Then you repeat the process over and over until what you were smashing looks like flour (or at least I think that's what the goal is.. lol). For many meals this can take hours.

We also learned how to shred coconut using this cool little bench with a metal piece attached to it. Let me tell ya, it's hard!

I didn't even come close to preparing an entire meal and it was a ton of work! It gives me so much respect for the awesome women here!

Adorable Mozambican kids.

I have been in "Moz-am-bee-key" (as the natives would pronounce it) for about a week, and I love it. The people and the culture have taught me so much and I just can't get over how adorable all the kids are here!

In the capitol city of Maputo, where we have spent most of our time, there seems to be a lot of babies. Their moms tie fabric around themselves and the babies sit in there like a sling, they look so happy and content. It's about to be winter time here, and the temperature is around 75-85 degrees. But for
babies that must be cold because they are all bundled up with little winter hats and blankets, just cute as can be.


I've also noticed the kids are SO creative with making their own entertainment. We're talking homemade kites, toys out of pop cans, and homemade soccer balls. Kids in America need to learn their skills! We went to a place called Magoanine, which is outside of the Maputo. The kids there don't see
white people very often (or so it seems), and especially not blond girls. It was so entertaining for me to watch them see me and stop dead in their tracks and stare. Then I would smile and wave and they would give me a big smile and wave back. This one kid saw us and started yelling "white people, white people" at the top of his lungs (in changana but it was translated for me). So funny, and so much fun!

this little girl is dancing

Jordans Bridal Shower

Well this post is long over due.. but a few weeks ago Jordans roommates (Tessa, Whitney, & Emma) threw Jordan a super cute bridal shower! I attempted to take pictures however my white balance was all out of wack and I dont know how to fix it in photoshop, soo until I have my smart husband fix it.. here's some funky colored pictures of Jordan's bridal shower! Don't worry boys, I censored a bit for you, I didn't want to scar her brother for life ; ).

lemonade

pretty flowers by whitney

yummy cake pops

chicken salad sandwiches

sugar cookies!

fruit salad

I made these mini key lime pies.  They were super easy, pretty good, however not so pretty. lol ..Click here for the recipe & a prettier picture.

Dear Earth, I'm sorry for my giant carbon foot print.. I promise to recycle.

I am so excited about my summer plans! ..Can I share them with you??
I  am curently in Virginia with my sister-in-law Kimi and my cute little nieces, and I've been able to see my in-military-training brother too!

...Then, I will hop on a plane and fly to paris, where I will have a 15 hour layover in PARIS. Oh hello Eiffel tower, crepes, and amazingnes... nice to meet you, let's fall in love.

...Then I will fly overnight to Johannesburg, arrive in the morning and catch a plane to Mozambique where I will finally, finally be reunited with my hubby and get to meet all the people that he loves so much!

..After 10 days Jake and I will fly to Atlanta together where we will spend 2 weeks with Jakes family, relaxing at the lake house and eating yummy southern food.

..Thennn.. I will fly to Seattle to spend a week with my parents (Jake will stay in atlanta).

(pike place market)

..Theenn (we are talkin June now..) Jake and I will both fly back to SLC where we will have 1 week to get super excited for Jordan & Bradys wedding.

(photo added after original post)

.. Then we have summer term of school (6 weeks)
               ..........bleh
..And we finish out the summer with a week in Seattle & a week in Spokane.


(haha, mia i couldn't resist.)

Then back to school for a long, long, time.

 I'm thinking we better enjoy it now, because how can life get much better than that? I feel more blessed than I deserve and more excited than I can handle.