We have been one busy family. It hardly feels like we've had much time in our new city. We arrived a little over one month ago and have only had 3 weeks at "home". But it is amazing how quickly it has become just that - home. We are settling in to a new house, new routines and new foods. I'm amazed at how well our kids are adjusting. I've never seen them so adventurous! This is a huge answer to prayer - thank you!
There have definitely been moments of homesickness, however. Connor has cried himself to sleep on several occasions - he misses his friends and grandparents desperately. Logan and Hailey have joined in the tears a few times after seeing Connor mourn the loss. But most of the time the tears are at night when the events of the day have come to a close. Upon waking Connor seems to be in a great mood ready for the adventures of the new day. I've struggled a bit myself. I've had 2 bad days. One was right before our friends from Salem had arrived. I had been harrassed in a grocery store and was tired of all the stares, heat, and having to cover every inch of skin! It was my first and only "I want to go home moment" so far. One of the things that helped get me through was knowing friends were coming soon.
Thank you to all who sent notes, goodies and items we requested. We felt so loved when those bags got here. It was a real treat and really touched our hearts.
My 2nd hard day was the day our friends left. I hadn't realized how much it helped with goodbyes stateside - knowing friends would be coming soon. Now we were really gonna be left all alone - at least that's how it felt. I felt stripped away from one more comfort. I cried a good deal and slept off a good portion of the day. It helped that I had Hailey's 5th birthday to get ready for so I had a little distraction. I'm doing much better lately as I depend on God to give me strength. He is faithful!
We've also had many travel adventures since arriving. Our first was a trip to Petra, which you saw pictures of in an earlier post. The second was a week retreat in Egypt with our bigger team. It was an amazing time of meeting new friends, hanging out with old friends, receiving training, and getting a break from the cultural differences. It was such a wonderful time. We got to swim in a variety of pools, snorkel in the Red Sea and just visit with friends - no cooking or cleaning!!!
And most recently, we took a trip to a town four hours north of here. We got to shop for home things and groceries that we can't find in our city, reconnect with friends we had hung out with in Egypt, and go to an American restaurant and visited a citadel that Uriah the Hittite was killed at (Bathsheba's first husband)!
It's been fun to see a little of our new country now since school begins in 1.5 weeks and traveling will be over until Christmas Break. The kids have enjoyed "coming home" and upon returning this last week they all mentioned how good it feels to be home. And from a parents persepctive we are grateful.
We will write again when school starts if not sooner. Please be praying for this new transition. We are all a little nervous. Love to all. Brandee
