I just have to put a plug in for my amazing husband. We just got our BYU financial letter today- it announced that Jess was chosen as a recipient of the Edwin S. Hinckley scholarship. The letter says it is the most prestigious private scholarship given by BYU. Pretty much, Jess is incredible!! I am very grateful for him in so many ways, but I am certainly grateful that he works hard enough that BYU not only pays for his tuition, but books and more! Yay for a great husband!
P.S. This is the 2nd year in a row that he has gotten this amazing scholarship
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Mel's intro to blogging
I am attempting to join the blogging world. Everyone is always asking me, "So, what's up with life?" Usually, I just respond, "Work." Often, it seems like that is all I do. Don't get me wrong, though. I love what I do. Who else gets to assist with miracles every day? However, since Jess and I recently got back from Bulgaria and the East Coast, I figured I had at least of couple of things to talk about besides work. I hope it all works!
Driving in Bulgaria
We rented a car while in Bulgaria, and driving was quite an adventure. Most two lane roads turn into at least three, if not four or five.
World Travellers Extraordinaire!
Okay, maybe not extraordinaire, but we did love our time in Bulgaria! We travelled all around the country for two weeks, seeing the people, eating the food, and experiencing the culture and sites. I'd have to write a book in order to tell all, but I hope a couple of pictures will suffice!
Here is Jess in front of St. Alexander Nevski church, the largest Pravaslav (Bulgarian Orthodox) Church in Sofia
Rila Monastery, in the middle of the mountains, the largest working monastery in Bulgaria
Jess with the beautiful paintings of Rila Monastery behind him. There are depictions of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the entire book of Revelation, to name a few.
Assen's Fortress, originally built in the 9th century during the Byzantine empire and fortified by Tsar Assen in the 12th century, it was to guard the Aegean pass. Asenovgrad, Bulgaria.
Jess eating an American classic with a Bulgarian twist. French fries with sheep cheese ("seer-i-nay" to us English speakers).
Jess and I standing in front of the Russian Orthodox church in Shepka Pass. It was erected as a monument to the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers that held back the Turks and freed Bulgaria from the Turkish yoke.
Here we are with the Donev's, Nikolai, Dede, and Davidcho. We were able to visit with many of the people that Jess knew while he was a missionary in Bulgaria, which was a real treat for both of us to see everyone.
In Varna in front of the Black Sea. We spent a couple days swimming and enjoying the beach there.
Again at the Black Sea, this time at Slanchev Briak (Sunny Beach) with Nessebar in the background. Nessebar is a little peninsula where over two dozen churches once operated.
Jess on a cobblestone street in Plovdiv. All the streets in Old Plovdiv are still cobblestone, narrow, and very uneven. Quite an adventure to drive on, especially trying to fit two cars on them!
Here is Jess in front of St. Alexander Nevski church, the largest Pravaslav (Bulgarian Orthodox) Church in Sofia
Rila Monastery, in the middle of the mountains, the largest working monastery in Bulgaria
Jess with the beautiful paintings of Rila Monastery behind him. There are depictions of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and the entire book of Revelation, to name a few.
Assen's Fortress, originally built in the 9th century during the Byzantine empire and fortified by Tsar Assen in the 12th century, it was to guard the Aegean pass. Asenovgrad, Bulgaria.
Jess eating an American classic with a Bulgarian twist. French fries with sheep cheese ("seer-i-nay" to us English speakers).
Jess and I standing in front of the Russian Orthodox church in Shepka Pass. It was erected as a monument to the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers that held back the Turks and freed Bulgaria from the Turkish yoke.
Here we are with the Donev's, Nikolai, Dede, and Davidcho. We were able to visit with many of the people that Jess knew while he was a missionary in Bulgaria, which was a real treat for both of us to see everyone.
In Varna in front of the Black Sea. We spent a couple days swimming and enjoying the beach there.
Again at the Black Sea, this time at Slanchev Briak (Sunny Beach) with Nessebar in the background. Nessebar is a little peninsula where over two dozen churches once operated.
Jess on a cobblestone street in Plovdiv. All the streets in Old Plovdiv are still cobblestone, narrow, and very uneven. Quite an adventure to drive on, especially trying to fit two cars on them!