a mix of updates

so, i didn't think that i had given you all a look into our 4th of July celebration here. it was a lot of fun and was filled with incredible food. it was nice to gather with friends to celebrate this holiday. i was also so grateful to talk over the phone with some family that i hadn't gotten to talk with yet. a true joy, indeed.

pictured here is our fabulous spread of food for the holiday. check out the lovely jello creations and those hot dogs--some actually being pork, while others are made of duck is i think what i was told. beans, salads, cole slaw, and potato salad--wow.














later that weekend a group of friends went with some birthday folks to go bowling at our local mega mall. when we walked through the doors to the mall we heard this major techno music going on. i got really excited. we looked over the railing onto the ground floor to see this stage set up and local kids gathered. there was a techno dance competition i guess. it was way fun and made me want to dance. i didn't enter the competition--maybe next time around. it was fun to see these kiddos in their element and to see the European influence lived out in these kids.

earlier that week i got the opportunity to visit the local beach with a new friend. it was an interesting experience as i had just been to another beach a few days earlier. this beach was definitely more frequented. my friend was totally fear-less as she was about jumping right in and swimming out into the waves--it was fun. she even went to the other side where the river comes in and totally dove off these rocks and was hanging with the guys--which was so interesting to watch in the midst of this guy/girl polarized culture. she is a sweetie and i look forward to getting to know her more soon.