Dracula, etcetera

I'm reading Dracula, well, actually, I'm listening to Dracula (not currently, but off and on). Iscool. I REALLY like it. It's so seldom that I get a really good book. Crime and Punishment is one of those. It's really weird, but so far (I haven't gotten that far) I feel kinda sorry for the vampire. He makes himself so likeable. It's also slightly humorous, as there are many things that I already know about vampires that the main character learns as the book progresses, such as the fact that he cannot see Count Dracula in a mirror. But I guess it's not that funny, mostly it's just a good story. Why am I writing a book review here? I have no clue.

So I guess I could tell you about audiobooksforfree.com. If you go there, don't click on the picture of the...um...I think it was some sort of gun at the top of the page. But besides that, it's a cool website. You can download audio books, either that you've bought, or you are getting for free. They're cheap to buy, but I'm cheaper, so I usually get the free books. You can hardly understand the reader, however. The more you pay, the better the recording sounds. So I've got The Three Musketeers, Dracula, 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, and, um, some book that I can't remember it's name at this moment and I don't really want to look it up (it's by Jerome K. Jerome, if that helps you). Dracula sounds the best. As a disclaimer, if you see anything you shouldn't on audiobooksforfree.com, it's not my fault.

While I'm talking about free stuff, I'm going to tell you about rollingrs. It told me to. It's this podcast I got that teaches you Spanish and it's a video, and, following the podcast tradition, it's free. The guy's likable and he really wants feedback (which I need to do - thanks for reminding me). So far, I've forgotten many things that I've learned. I could say "I'll pay the bill", but I forgot "the bill" in Spanish, so I've just got "Yo pagar...". I can say "Do you speak English", "I'm thirsty", and "I'm hungry", which are very useful phrases. So if I'm ever stranded in Mexico, I can ask them if they speak English, and if they don't, I can demand food and drink. Whether they will comply is an entirely different story. And if the water is black/brown/green, I can look up "Why is the water black/brown/green?" in my handy-dandy Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel. That thing's a life saver, I've got to tell you. Of course, I've never had to use any of the phrases in there (thank goodness) but you never know when I'm going to have to yell: "Alto, ladron!" (stop, thief!) or "Por favor, no me lastime" (please do not hurt me). The second one I'm trying very hard to remember, just in case. I'd learn the Japanese phrases, but I stink at Japanese, and I can't really read the transliterated words. Spanish is much easier. Oh yeah, they also have learning Japanese video podcasts, but I don't know how good they are. I just started Spanish.

Adios, amigos y enamigos!

Prayer Request

Okay everyone, I'm going on a very long trip to California and I have to start by the 15th. This would be fine, but the vehicle being taken is currently not working and part of it is in the shop, which means that it can't be in running condition until it's put back together, which means I won't be able to go to California with my dad on this particular vehicle by Saturday if the part doesn't get fixed in time for him to put everything back together. Which means everything is normal for the Weber family trips. PLEASE PRAY!

My trip to Mexico - Continued

Okay, if you're just joining us, you may want to scroll down to the previous entry, so that you know what's going on.

Monday, June 19th, 2006
Dear Journal,

To begin:

"Let the peoples praise You, O God,
Let all the peoples praise You."
-Psalm 67:5-

Hey, guess what? - Okay, as a disclaimer, I know that it's ridiculous to ask a journal a question, and really, I don't care for that particular question, but I end up asking it without thinking all the time, so I'm going to shut up now, kay? - I just figured out that I'm going to have a verse for every day in La Posa except the day we leave (Thursday), sweet! Also, the Rockportians (what I call our church family) are coming tomorrow to do the Drama here.

Sarah Weber
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Hello
you remind me of a tree
cuz you're like a bee
it's not too late to meditate
don't forget that you're a girl cuz
I shine like a pearl
So there you go don't read
this row.

(a drawing of a smiley-face goes here)
Ili

This is a poem that Iliana the translator wrote for me. She's the coolest.
It sounded kinda Beatnik-ish.
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Thursday, June 22nd, 2006 (the day of departure - 3 days later if you aren't paying attention)
Dear Journal,

I am SO sorry that I didn't write more!

Did I tell you about Pepperchuck? It's this beat up doll that was found in the dirt. They (some members of our team) played a bunch of creepy tricks on Ili and last night Señor Ricardo (Mr. Richard) broke open a glow stick and put it in Pepperchuck's eyes. It was creepy.

So now we're leaving, and I'm kinda sad and kinda not. I really loved it, better than last year even. But still, I think I'm ready to go.

I'd like to write down all of the stories, but I don't really feel like it at this moment. Maybe I'll tell you about the drunk man later (his name was Julian - pronounced: "hul-ee-ahn").

Sarah Weber
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Boy, what a pathetic ending. Sorry, I was traveling and tired. Actually, this wasn't a very good ending at all. It kinda gave things a fake sort of happiness, which was not the case. God truly blessed the trip. Well, "One man Band" has finished downloading and "For the Birds" is currently downloading, and I have to go change into my pajamas. Thanks for reading!

Sarah Weber

My trip to Mexico

Okay, everyone wanted me to journal while I was in Mexico, so here's what I journaled while I was there for the specific purpose of putting it on here:

Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
Dear Journal,
Tomorrow we leave for Mexico. I'm not ready. I'm so afraid. God help me!

1 God be gracious to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us-
2 That Your way may be known in all the earth,
Your salvation among the nations.
3 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For You will judge the people with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth.
5 Let the peoples praise You, O God,
Let all the peoples praise You.
6 The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God blesses us.
7 God blesses us,
That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.

Psalm 67 - my favourite.

Amen and Amen
Sarah Weber
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Thursday, June 15th, 2006
Dear Journal,

"God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us-"
Psalm 67:1

First day of travel is over. It's two minutes to 10 pm. We're spending the night in Waco, Texas, as opposed to Harlingen tomorrow night (we were going to keep going all night).
I am beginning to slip into the weary traveler's attitude in which the weary traveler becomes utterly revolted and irritated to no end by their fellow travelers - specifically those of younger generations. Please do not misinterpret this entry - I am not in an ill humour, only venting the irritation that builds up inside of me and I do not wish to reveal to others, but, sadly, I often forget this resolve.

For a summary of this day:
Long, rather monotonous and frankly rather boring, saving the books on tape.

God give us grace.
Sarah Weber
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Friday, June 16th, 2006
Dear Journal,

Today I spent the morning sleeping, after waking up feeling like I could kill someone out of irritation. Afterwards, I was much better, and eventually got to call a friend that is dog-sitting for me, which helped to pass the time.

Now we're at the church, and tomorrow we will enter Mexico.

How can I capture the sights and emotions that I feel and see right now and force them onto paper? If I described the sight, I would not give the right impression, I would not be able to coat the objects of the room in the soft bluish light that glows through the blinds and gives off the sense of quiet stillness and waiting. If I described the emotion, which would I describe; the emotions I feel, or the emotions that travel through the door that goes to the room of yellow light and sound, coming from those within, and sharply contrasting my quiet room of waiting and solitude?

To describe my own, how could I? I feel that I would give you the wrong impression still - one of loneliness and depression. I am not depressed, but for a while I felt lonely. Thank God for answered prayer and grace. I am so afraid.

Sarah Weber

"That Your way may be known in all the earth,
Your salvation among the nations."
Psalm 67:2
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Saturday, June 17th, 2006
Dear Journal,

"Let the peoples praise You, O God,
Let all the peoples praise You"
Psalm 67:3

Well, last night was pretty miserable until about 2:30 in the morning when I finally fell asleep in El Huevo. But, thank God, when I slept, I slept well.
I'm sorry that my past few entries have been rather negative. Please understand that I'm not like that most of the time. Lack of exercise has brought mood swings again, and I've been doing an extremely poor job of controlling them. Right now I'm happy! Not much has happened so far. It's only 8:44.
We go into Mexico in a little while. If I don't write on the trip to La Posa, I promise (as far as I am able) to write before I go to bed.

We have a great group, as far as I can see. I do hope that we'll be able to do the Drama in La Posa.

Sorry, I was not able to fulfill my promise.
Sarah Weber
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Up until now she had been confused, well, not really confused, but out of place. But now it was all right. She stepped through the door and knew she belonged.

The night was wild, beautifully wild. The warm wind blew constantly, bending the pointed grasses and whipping her hair behind her like a dark standard. She walked barefoot down the sidewalk. The night had a calming effect on her and her tears began to subside. She looked up at the humming orange street light and felt drowsy, the sound of the rushing wind and night insects lulling her to longed for sleep. Content, she climbed into what was to be her bed for the night, and after a few hours of tossing and turning, she drifted off to quiet, restful sleep.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 18th, 2006
Dear Journal

I have had the most awesome day (praise God!) today. I've got a friend, a job, everything happy!

I helped Mom in the Medical Clinic.

People that are vital to the Clinic:
Mom-R.N.
Miss Kay - R.N.
Sarah - Assistant Nurse
Christina - translator

With me helping (but not vital) was my new friend Kirsten - like the American Girl doll (that is so cool, since I have NEVER heard that name anywhere else and I thought it was a cool name when I read the books, well actually I only read the first one)! We sorted out vitamins and helped ppl who needed glasses. It wasn't hot, there was a nice breeze, everyone was in a wonderfully happy mood: all was perfect.

We went to Media Luna and I got to make friends with Judith. It's weird, having a friend with my late grandmother's last name. She's like a really happy Snicket.

God has truly blessed this day **Thank you, people who prayed!!!**

"Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For You will judge the people with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth"
Psalm 67:4

Sarah Weber
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I'll finish this later.