Fall has arrived! I’ve loved pulling out my oversized sweaters, snuggling under a blanket and watching the leaves fall.
Just kidding, it’s still the never-ending summer. I did wear sweatpants the other day (inside our air-conditioned apartment), and we also can catch the Thursday night football game on Friday mornings! The closest I’ve gotten to a pumpkin spiced latte is a vanilla fig latte. Close enough, right? I’m not really sure how much Halloween is celebrated here, but the mall by our apartment did decorate the entrance. We also bought Hez a cute little mickey mouse costume for $2 on Asia’s version of Amazon.
The highlight of this week was probably a trip to a big park here. It’s in the middle of the city inside of a pretty fancy apartment complex, but it’s open to the public and it’s great! You truly forget that you are in a city of over ten million people. You almost can’t hear the traffic.
I took Hez one afternoon thinking it would be great to get out of the house. However, after he woke up from his morning nap and I fed him and the taxi hit a traffic jam, we got to the park right at noon. It was hot, but Hez got to play in the grass (which is pretty sparse here), and we got to admire the crowds of people who apparently just go to the park to do photo shoots. In the whole park I saw probably over 25 people just taking pictures. Perks of going outside while the sun’s out—the park will be pretty dang empty. We walked around for a little bit, and then Hez started to get pretty red so we headed into a coffee shop. I’m pretty sure Hez has got Nathan’s skin complexion. I was terrified he was super burnt, but as soon as got in air conditioning I realized he was just warm. I got a tasty little lime slushy and then I learned that Hez knows how to drink with a straw. Pretty sure he liked it better than I did.
Other big news this month— one of Nathan’s friends gave him this disco ball helmet. It’s incredible. Pretty sure it’s illegal to wear out in public due to the fact that the sun would reflect off and blind people, so now it’s just sitting up on our book shelf, right next to our mini hoop. If that doesn’t say “Nathan” I don’t know what does.
Other highlights of this week include finding a climbing gym and spending time at a neat little cafe that is super baby/kid friendly.
Anyways, this month has been good. Living overseas continues to be challenging and growing and difficult and great. Great because we are so confidant that this is where God has called us for this season and nothing is better than walking in his plan. He gives unending joy and purpose and I am so thankful for that.
ALSO, I wanted to start including some things I’ve been loving each month (mainly so I can look back and remember what books I liked reading, or what recipes we thought tasted good) So, here ya go:
Books:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- I read this book so quickly, I couldn’t put it down. It’s captivating and hilarious and sad and great.
Educated A memoir by Tara Westover
- This book was so interesting. If you like memoirs, you should read it!
- I loved this book. The first half walks you through how motherhood fits into the whole narrative of the Bible and the second half is more practical application in our everyday life. It’s great. Even if you are not a mother, I really encourage it.
I’ve also enjoyed reading Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt & The Lies We Believe by Dr. Chris Thurman. Up next I want to read ‘Tis, the sequel to Angela’s Ashes and the Risen Motherhood book. Currently I’m debating if I should wait until we have our next visitors so they can bring it in and I can enjoy the real book, or if I should just order it on the Kindle app. Hm. Decisions.
Music:
People (Live) by Hillsong United (I don’t know how to link music… I’m not that technologically advanced).
- Specifically the songs “Highlands (Song of Ascent)” and “Another in the Fire”. They have been on repeat the last couple of weeks. It’s a little less concerty than some of their albums and I really like that.
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors— Pretty sure I’m late to jump on this bandwagon (get it…band) but better late than never, right?
Netflix:
Gilmore Girls, ha! I’m also a little late on this show but I absolutely love it.
Food:
- This is probably Nathan’s favorite thing I make, and it’s super easy. I sub Ritz crackers for the cornflakes and it tastes so good.
- Again, SUPER easy recipe. Perfect for fall (if it wasn’t 90 degrees out everyday here).
- By using whole wheat flour and honey, this banana bread is delicious and and seems kinda sorta somewhat healthy.
Maybe once I figure out this whole blogging thing I’ll remember to take pictures of the food I make;) (and figure out how to insert emojis).
If you made it this far, hooray and congrats! Enjoy this Hez selfie. 
THE DE PENNING FAMILY 