A few fun things.

Well 2 weeks from yesterday, I leave for the Philippines.

I - AM - PUMPED.

to put it nonchalantly   : )

some random things popped into my mind.
as I have been going over everything i need to get done before I actually leave.

go figure. my mind not thinking like crazy? mmmmm so here are my conjumbled thoughts.

How to follow me and receive my updates....

1. your reading this blog so this is a perfect way as I am going to strive to update once a week. Time difference is a lot more then being in Haiti, 13 hours ahead to be exact. So if you already find the links on my FB perfect. 
             ** if not you can always SUBSCRIBE to get emails when I post. <<< you can do that on my main page, top right. just add your email in and click submit. 

2. Sign up for my Mailchimp emails. I am going to plan on doing these 1-2 times a month and will be more in-depth on adventures, stories & more personal things. 
                  ** Which I just accidentally deleted. so when I figure whats going on with that UGH I will let you know how to receive those updates!

3. SNAIL MAIL. I will have an address and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have some pen pals. So when I get my address I will post it : ) 
                ** who doesn't love anticipating a letter in the mail. and sometimes I think its good to go without technology right?!

4. INSTAGRAM. emschoneman is my name and posting beautiful pictures is what I am gunna do. Whether they are of beautiful babies & mommas, the tropical beauty of the island & ocean, or crazy fun times, its an easy way of seeing just what I am doing!!

>> So there are just a few ways to join me on this adventure. <<

+ The other day I went and visited my sweet sweet friends who I met in Haiti. Erin and I stayed with them in Las Cayes for a week - when we went jumping off that beautiful teal blue waterfall : ) yeah that family!

 They have a huge beautiful place south of Dallas. I got to hold baby fawns. Shoot guns. ( which I hit every single target the first time! Didn't miss a shot until I tried skeet )  Drive 4wheelers. and have wonderful fellowship with them and their kiddos. I am thankful for the Easleys support and friendship and hope to visit them again whether in Texas or Haiti. Please pray for them as they are seeking clarity in when to return back to Haiti. 


Had a delicious meal the other night at my parents neighbors house. IT WAS DIVINE. I am pretty sure I have made them with my sister too. It is a recipe from The Fresh20. If you don't like to cook but want to eat healthy you seriously need to sign up for this. Every week you get meals monday-friday. with your grocery list already, nutrition facts & meal prep. EVERYTHING is clean eating. So all natural, full of goodness & amazing for your mind and body.

anyways we had Watermelon Gazpacho ( it was delicious) and Chinese Chicken Lettuce Cups.

INGREDIENTS
For Chinese chicken lettuce cups

8 butter lettuce leaves (cups)
3 cups shredded chicken 
1 medium carrot, shredded or thinly cut into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
1 green Italian zucchini, shredded or cut into thin matchsticks 

1. Rinse butter lettuce leaves, dry, and set aside.
   
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with carrot, red pepper, and
   zucchini.
   
3. Add in 1⁄4 cup of ginger soy dressing (see recipe below) and toss
   to coat.
   
4. Serve chicken and vegetables inside lettuce leaves with any extra dressing on the side. 

For ginger soy dressing
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 1⁄4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄3 cup grapeseed oil
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red
pepper flakes (optional) 

INGREDIENTS
For watermelon gazpacho

4 cups roughly chopped seedless watermelon plus 6 cups diced watermelon
2 cups diced tomato (2 large)
2 cups peeled, seeded and diced
cucumber (2 large)
1⁄2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 Tablespoons diced red onion, plus
more to taste
3 Tablespoons finely chopped basil 3 Tablespoons chopped mint
3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime
Juice (2 limes)
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest 2 teaspoons minced ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon minced green serrano
chile, plus more to taste (optional) 1⁄2 Tablespoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper 

1. Put 4 cups of chopped watermelon into your blender and puree on high for 30-60 seconds until liquefied. Pour into a large serving bowl.
   
2. Add the 6 cups of diced watermelon and all the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine well. Tweak flavors to taste (you many want additional onion, lime juice, chile or salt).
   
3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours, but preferably 12-24 hours to allow the flavors to fuse and the vibrant red color to develop. Before serving, tweak flavors again (if it’s too spicy, add some lime juice). Pass additional lime juice and salt at the table. 

The best thing about making a delicious, tummy happy meal is sharing it with others. So get together family, friends, neighbors, ANYONE and enjoy the conversation that coming to the table brings, and of course you will have made the most amazing meal too. 
















Have an amazing week. Enjoy the little moments. Say yes to experiencing those things that are special to others. Laugh until your stomach hurts. Cry if those tears can't stay in any longer. Share memories with those around you. And LOVE every second you get. 

In Christ's Love.

Emily Elizabeth

** Prayer requests

- That funds will be raised to apply for my Missionary Visa when I get to the Philippines. I am in need of $800 and that is an amount that ONLY God can raise through peoples hearts, not me alone. 

- Travels these next two weeks 

- My future roomies, as we all spend these last moments with our friends and families, that God will give them peace and comfort as we prepare for the Philippines. And also strengthening our desires for what He has called us to do as midwives.