Susie in Lithuania: July 2012

Happy Birthday, America!

Today is the 4th of July! America's Independence Day! I wouldn't say that I am an overly patriotic person, but I do appreciate the privileges that being and American brights into my life - especially now that I live abroad. Today was not my first time being out of the country for the 4th, but this was the time that I celebrated the most. I dressed in red, white, and blue (even wearing an American flag scarf - that I had received free at Dress Barn last year on the 4th!) At the morning coffee break someone spontaneously broke out into the National Anthem and the rest of us joined in - kind of a funny moment in comparison to being at Goshen College for many years where it was such a controversial song! :)

For my RD meeting tonight I made an apple crisp (didn't quite have time in my busy day to make an all American apple pie!). My team of American RDs enjoyed the sweet treat!

Kaitlyn, Alisha, and Josh

and here's me in my American pride attire from today! :)

Sunday afternoon - Orvydu Sodyba

The final stop on our tour of the Lithuanian countryside was an outdoor sculpture park called "Orvydu Sodyba." It is full of art that is made from mainly natural or found objects - much of it religious in nature. It was an odd place, yet quite peaceful.

the coat of arms of the family that owns the museum

me with an old soviet tank

simple beauty

piles of little rocks

praising God!

a lovely scene

Marlene

beautiful

iron crosses

And on the way home I tried to capture the beauty of the Lithuanian countryside, but this photo just doesn't do it justice!

Sunday afternoon - Salantai

As Marlene and I continued our leisurely afternoon tour of the countryside we happened upon the town of Salantai. We found another gorgeous old church to take photos of there...

Jesus - man of sorrows

church doors

I love the angles and colors in this photo

looking up...reminds me of Psalm 121:1-2

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains-

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth."

can't get enough of that sky!

self portrait! :)

Sunday afternoon - Darbenai

Sunday afternoon Marlene and I went on a Sunday drive to explore the Lithuanian countryside. It was a beautiful sunny day. It was warm, but not hot. It was just a perfect day for such an adventure. Our first stop was in a little town called Darbenai. We saw a lovely church in as we entered the town, so we pulled over to take some photos of it. As we were taking photos we heard music playing in the distance and decided to follow the music to see what was going on. We happened upon a little outdoor muge (or fair) in the middle of a field. There was a stage set up where local (I presume) singers were singing. Around the perimeter of the field there were little booths of artisans selling their wares. And, of course, there was a food area. We walked around the artisan booths and bought a delicious dinner of sausage and cabbage. It was so fun that we just "happened upon" this festive afternoon!