You Carried Me, a daughter’s memoir By Melissa Ohden Plough Publishing House, NY (2017) Missy Cross always knew she was a beloved, adopted daughter. And she was fine with that. One of her siblings was adopted as well. But at age fourteen, when she learns that her birth was via a botched abortion, her contentment with life takes a radical U-turn. This poignant and penetrating memoir tackles the realities of abortion and post-abortion syndrome with a provocative yet gentle perspective. Melissa’s telling of her journey to recover her self-worth and learn the truth about her birth mother’s decision is bathed…
That Unforgettable Christmas when …
An Unusual Christmas Eve Three years ago today (yes, January 7, not Dec. 25) it was about 10 degrees F. at midnight (yes, not in California) and I experienced an unforgettable Christmas Eve. One never to be repeated, but always cherished. You may have already guessed that I was in Russia, where Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7. The holiday is centered on the birth of Christ (what a concept!), and the churches are full in spite of the freezing temperatures and the mid-winter darkness. As it turned out, I was welcomed into the festivities of Nina and Volodya…
Just released – “Of Stillness and Storm” by Michele Phoenix
Book Review: Of Stillness and Storm Author Michele Phoenix (In Broken Places, The Edge of Tidal Pools) left me heartbroken, dismayed, and amazed as I came to the final page of her new release, Of Stillness and Storm. Aptly titled, but in an unexpected way, this is not your typical missionary story. The last time I was both moved and troubled in this way was after reading Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible. Set in contemporary times, the characters take command of this story. Although, you would guess that the setting of Kathmandu, Nepal, would provide plenty in the way of…
Tips for Living Abroad Part 2: More Advice from Expats and Experts
Tips for Living Abroad Part 2: More Advice from Expats and Experts Welcome Back! Hope you have had time to read last week’s post, which was Part 1 to this one. It contains great advice from expats covering the practical aspects of relocating to another country. If you didn’t see it, you can read it HERE. This week, the tips and suggestions from our panel of expats and experts deal with fitting in and adjusting to a new culture, communicating, coping without creature comforts, and, most important, keeping a smile on your face. Fitting In and Adjusting: Give yourself time…
Tips for Living Abroad: Advice from Expats and Experts
Thinking about living abroad? The world is shrinking, or so it seems. Reality TV has brought people who have decided to leave the USA and live abroad into our living rooms, and, perhaps, into our considerations. Opportunities for teaching English in other countries are on the rise. Retirees are looking for the best possible lifestyle for the least amount of money. Adventure seekers, especially millennials, are postponing careers and starting families to experience life elsewhere. Hey, why not? Have passport, will travel, right? Or, is it really that easy? Traveling abroad is one thing – but establishing a new life…
