on missing things...

Just upstairs from where my friend Hanna works, there is a music store filled with beautiful guitars and other instruments. They have Washburns there. I never expected to see a Washburn guitar in Israel. That's the brand of Daddy's last guitar; the one he gave to me. The one I left behind in the states. The only "thing" I cried over leaving behind. My sweet brother is taking good care of it for me, though, and I hope he gets it out every now and then to play a little.

I've been in the shop a couple of times and Hanna went with me today. She is an amazing musician who does fun stuff like drumming on her pillows or on water and recording it. How creative is that? Anyway, we went in looking today. I really want to have a guitar here. There are so many quiet moments when I just want to pick one up and play my little heart out. That's usually the only time I play -- when it's just me and God. I think His ears are more forgiving than most people's are! Maybe one day I'll get one. Right now, my novice status won't let me justify the expense.

God's grace really is sufficient. All the things that I thought I would totally miss just haven't been that big of a deal. Food wise especially, other than me making myself give up Coke--four days and counting! As I sit here and try to think of things I miss, I'm actually having a hard time, because there are upsides to not having some things...

I miss having a clothes drier, but my washer is amazing and the clothes just don't seem to get worn out as much.
I miss having a car, but I definitely don't miss buying gas and car insurance.
I miss movies, but my time is better spent without them.
I miss Barnes & Noble, but -- okay, I really miss Barnes & Noble! But at least I found a little shop that has two of my favorite magazines: Elle Decor and Marie Claire Maison!

Of course there are things that nothing can replace or even make up for, like my family, my friends, Cat and Daddy's Guitar. But God is good and He keeps us connected. So I'm thankful for that. Well that's enough sentimentality for now. I have to work.