spring in El Paso.

One of the things that I realized since I’ve been back that I didn’t even realize I missed so much in Sudan is…spring.

There is no spring in Sudan, just dry season and rainy season.  Yes, flowers emerge in Sudan after lots of rain, but they are few and sparse.

I went out into the front yard in El Paso the other day to pick up the newspaper (a real newspaper I could hold in my hand!) and was blown away by the glorious smells erupting from every bush and tree and flower that I passed!  I had to pause.  I had to breathe in these splendid smells.  And the beautiful blossoms?  I had to stare.  Each one was ceaselessly dissipating the fresh and real smells of spring and new life and was brilliantly radiating color.

Here's some roses from the backyard!

Spring in El Paso also brought an end to the symphony season.  The final guest conductor for the season was actually the former maestro of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra: Maestro Gurer Aykal.  My grandmother was instrumental in bringing him to El Paso in 1993, and at his first concert, she gave the introduction and I, as a four-year-old, presented the maestro with flowers.   At his final concert in 2004, my grandmother again introduced him, and I again presented him with flowers.

For his special return concert, guess what happened?  The lady in charge of the concert called my grandmother and requested that she introduce him and that her granddaughter, that’s me, give the flowers!

It was very special night.  Getting so dressed up was most of the fun!  When the maestro came back on the first night after his first bow, he saw me and asked, “Is it you?!?!”

            “Yes!” I replied.  Then, he kissed my forehead.  I followed him after his second bow and handed him the flowers!  So wonderful.  So wonderful.

Here's me and my mom on our way to the symphony!

El Paso.  A rare gem located at the intersection of New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.  Childhood and forever home, no matter where I am or end up. 

The other day I decided I needed me some Scenic Drive, which by the way is the real name of this amazing street in El Paso.  It winds up the side of the mountain and takes you to a breathtaking view of El Paso and Mexico!  I paused up there and read some verses in God’s Word about mountains…and was led to these, absolutely perfect for me right now!

“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”  Isaiah 52:12

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the tree of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

Painted across the mountains in Juarez, Mexico: "The Bible is the truth. Read it."

A view of downtown!

Another thing about El Paso that I LOVE is the culture and the culture means REAL, delicious, serious Mexican food.  Homemade enchiladas was my first meal upon my return.  I ate lunch at La Malinche, a very cute, very Mexican restaurant, on Sunday, and when I got home, my jacket smelled of Mexican food.  And I love it.  Real Mexican food restaurants have that smell to them.  Not just the smell of salsa in the air, but the kind of smell that sinks deep into your clothes.  Mmm…it’s another smell that means home.

And just because she is the most amazing dog in the world...here's Maya!