I woke up to a thunderstorm

In Iraq
Amazing.
It rained on me on my walk to the shower and I was actually cold. I think I got goosepimples. It thundered and lightning-ed last night all through the Husker game-which I stayed up for. It didn't get over until after 2am :) I thought of the thunder as God's way of saying, "GO BIG RED!" (I'm pretty sure God is a Husker fan. I don't see how he could NOT be.) There really hasn't even been a cloud in the sky for many many moons. The last time there were clouds was probably late February. It truly was one of the best things to see clouds after endless and continuous days of the unshielded bright desert sun. The only other weather we had other than sunny was dusty. Now it's been overcast all day. It's quite an amazing sight to see clouds when you haven't seen them for 6 months. I never knew that before. I find myself just staring at the clouds in amazement. wondering how I could ever take for granted how the sun barely peeks through the clouds and how the clouds billow and roll through the sky. wow. The smell of rain is still in the air. It is only 90 degrees today. It's beautiful. For a long time now the song that goes, "Let it rain, let it rain, open the floodgates of heaven," has been on my mind and God opened his floodgates last night and today for us. He had mercy on this dry and weary land. Praise the Lord oh my soul.

We had church today too. Our church now has a worship band :D :D There are three of us who play guitar...including myself and a drummer and a singer! I never thought I would or could ever play in front of people for real. But when I first got over here there was no one who played and people were aching for music. I couldn't say that I wasn't good enough to play when people were begging me to play for service. So I played...awkwardly and with lots of mistakes, but I played. Then, when these other guys showed up who played guitar I've not only gotten better at playing and singing, but I've also learned how to jam out with others AND a drummer. It has been an amazing experience and I've overcome my fear of playing my guitar in front of people. Well, we played for service this morning and I get to play again at the service tonight. Just when I thought I was alone here and the person I love had to leave to go back to the states and my heart ached with how much I missed everyone, God provided. I've been blown away more times than I can even count at how awesome our God is. Who knew God could open my eyes so much with just a simple thunderstorm.

Poke poke POKE!

How to poke a yawn
By Bethany "yawn-poking" Davis
and with original inspiration of Jennica Huscher who taught me everything I know about yawn-poking...and Andrew Lierman for giving me (not willingly) lots of practice on yawn-poking which is why I am now an expert. Thanks!

Once the opportunity presents itself, you have to prepare yourself. Look closely at the open mouth and position your finger directly in front of the mouth. (This could take some practice. As you can see, I am quite focused).

Once your finger is positioned, move your hand slowly to the open mouth so as to not miss the target.

As you move your finger closer, you must pay attention to any signs of the mouth closing and the yawn finishing. An unexpected closure could result in an injury on the poker's part.

When the yawn is in full swing, insert your finger into the yawner's mouth just enough to break the plane, but careful not to touch any part of the inside of the mouth. Unless your hands are freshly washed. Then you could lightly poke the yawner's tongue for an added bonus.

Once your finger has broken the open-mouth plane, quickly remove your finger. Usually the yawner is quite upset because you will ruin a perfectly good yawn, so it is vital to remove your finger quickly so they do not bite in defense. Once you have successfully poked the yawn, it is quite necessary to celebrate...just a bit. You did, after all make it out with all your fingers attached!

Congratulations,
you have just become a certified yawn-poker