::comfy travel outfit::

I'm not the expert on travel but I will say, I've learned a few things traveling overseas.

First of all, airplanes can be super cold. I remember on our way back to Chicago from London a few years ago with my parents + grandparents, it was absolutely freezing on the airplane.  As in, it was freezing.  I promised myself then and there I would never again travel without a jacket.  A scarf is a great addition, too.

Flats:  super comfy + easy to slip-off at security checkpoints.

Cute tote that holds my essentials which are:  chapstick, lotion, wet wipes, make-up, Nook [Bible, books, games], notebook + writing utensil, mints, candy.

Can't wait for the next time I take an airplane trip...it will be with Leon.  :)

::learning::

I'm taking a class called "Second Language Acquisition Methodology." 

I love it!!!

Guess what?  I have two languages to learn in my future.  Two. 

From a girl who only speaks one....it sounds // it seems daunting.

One of the best parts about taking this class is that my language helper will be a girl from the church in Kabwe so I get to learn Bemba!  Basically, the language helper is one who speaks another language [but not a European dialect] and we practice the techniques we've learned in class on the language helper.

How amazing // awesome // wonderful is it that I get to learn from Brenda who speaks Bemba?  Priceless.

This course equips me with the tools // teaches me how to learn a second language.  It is positiviely fascinating.  I cannot wait to start learning Afrikaans!

I thought my school + book-learning days were finished.  I was so incredibly wrong and couldn't be enjoying it more. 

Now, ask me if I"m still loving Afrikaans after I hit that proverbial "wall" in a few months.  :)

 

::my wedding board::

I was playing Words with Friends with a friend and she asked if I was pinning like crazy on Pinterest.

My shocking answer -- "no!" <----- I know.  What is wrong with me?! :)

This wedding planning is so much fun.  More fun than I dreamed, that's for sure.  My reason for not pinning like crazy on Pinterest  is because I have an actual, physical board in my bedroom where I have pinned all my ideas.


Thirteen weeks from tomorrow is when Leon flies in to Chicago and that is when all wedding preparation+planning will be done.  <------ It.will.be.done.  And that is when the real fun begins!

On the plane flight home in December, I listed all the weeks [1-17] from when I left Kabwe until Leon flies into Chicago with a main "to-do" for each week.  There's been a lot of chicken scratch + re-arranging on that sheet but I'm pretty much on target.

Any time April 23rd feels "so far away", I remind myself that when I see Leon next, it will be for life.  [confetti!!!!]




 

::the Fig::

I took a few more pictures at The Fig while I was in Kabwe.

Their food is absolutely delicious!

The lawns outside are so well-maintained and beautiful.

They even have industrious, cute little cashiers!

The Great North Road runs North--South in Africa and the family's restaurant is located right on this highway.  It sees a lot of traffic Monday thru Saturday. 

People said that the restaurant couldn't succeed without selling beer and alcohol and being open on Sundays.  But God always blesses those who honor Him!