Justin's parents are going to get on the plane in just a few hours! They'll arrive here around 9:30 Sunday morning our time.

Ya-HOOO!!!!

Don't bother checking my blog for the next two weeks! We are on vacation!!!

Boxes are unpacked. A neighbor from downstairs came up yesterday and invited the kids and I over for tea. We were there for 3 hours. The night before our whole family was out playing on the street and meeting the neighbors. Justin sat with the men and had tea, and I sat with the women. We didn't come in until 10:30. Noah met a little boy across the street who is the same age and grade as he is. Callie has met a few girls, but they are mostly older. Every neighbor in our building has kids except two- and one of those two is pregnant. Lucy is attracting all sorts of attention again. The staring hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

The move... so far, so good!

Moved

Hello... remember me? Yeah, we've been kinda busy around here. I am almost completely over my Hepatitis, and we moved on Thursday. Everything went great. The movers were amazing! You haven't seen anything until you have seen a young man carry a refrigerator on his back up 7 flights of stairs without so much as touching a wall. It was amazing!

I almost have all my boxes unpacked. We are loving our new place. Noah is especially happy to finally have his own space. His door has a key, and he keeps threatening to lock the girls (and us) out! We have hardly seen him. He is too busy playing in peace!!

Justin jumped through all the right hoops, and our internet was just connected, so I wanted to hop on here and let everyone know that we are alive and well- happy in our new home.

Please pray for new friendships for us!

I See the Light

I am on the upswing, Praise the Lord!!! Each day I have more energy. The only lagging symptom is itching. It is enough to drive someone crazy! But, that too is getting better. It is nice to have the distraction of moving to keep us busy. We hope to be in our new flat by the end of the week.

Friday was the last day of school country wide. They have a special ceremony, and then hand out the report cards. There is never a lack of pomp and circumstance in this country- they love ceremonies!! Callie had a great year in kindergarten. She learned so much and made some great friends. She also really fell in love with singing and dancing. Her class had a special teacher come in weekly to teach music and dance, and they did several performances. Now, that is one of the most common things that she plays. She is constantly working on a special show for Mom or Dad! She received "very good" in all things on her report card. She keeps us laughing, and is such a blessing to us.

Noah finished up second grade very strong. He got the equivalent of straight A's. He was in a special club in which he learned traditional folk dance, music, and games. He really enjoyed it. He makes friends really easily, and loves to play soccer and roughhouse! He is all boy!! We can barely get him to come inside for dinner now that it stays light outside a bit longer. He is a very good boy and deals well with being different. He is not afraid to go against the flow and is quite a leader. While it makes parenting a little tricky, we are so thankful that the Lord wired Noah this way. He is amazing!!!

Lucy is turning into a little chatter-box. I love to hear the things she says- it shows us so much more of her personality. She has a great sense of humor and makes hysterical faces. Her hair is still white-blonde. She gets a lot of attention because of her blonde hair and blue eyes. She loves to play it up and ignore people if they try to dote on her but flirt with them if they ignore her. I am quite sure we have a ham in the making! I think she is a bit spoiled by her brother and sister who would do anything for her. She is so lovely!

Diagnosed

I have Hepatitis. You can read more about it here.

Good News and Bad News

Well there is good news and bad news....

Let's start with the bad so we can end on a good note!

We have been and continue to be sick! Two weeks ago my allergies were really giving me a rough time. Then, last Sunday my shoulders, neck, and head started hurting really bad for no reason. I figured that I had strained a muscle or something and just took it easy. Throughout last week the pain and allergy symptoms would sometimes be intense and sometimes be fine. Callie came home from school on Friday complaining that she did not feel well. She slept until the next morning and seemed to feel better. That Saturday we had a birthday party to go to. So the girls and I headed over even though none of us felt great. Well, Lucy barfed all over my neighbor'theres kitchen, herself, and me!! She has been barfing on and off since then. We thought that she was through it all- she hadn't thrown up in 36 hours. But last night she did it again. In addition my pain continues, as well as an occasional fever, and extreme fatigue! Yesterday, Noah and Callie each had a weird red spotted rash.

So... all that to say, it is like the plague has washed through here! Please pray for Justin- for health, strength, and patience while he is carrying much of the burden. I am going to the doctor tomorrow. Please pray for wisdom and a correct diagnosis, as well as the ability to communicate and accurately explain what I am experiencing! Please pray that Lucy will stop throwing up for good. Please pray for complete health for our family.


Now... the good news!

We found a flat!! We are so excited, and will probably move as soon as school gets out (another week and a half- YIKES!!). It is exactly what we were hoping for, and more! Praise Him!

My brother and his precious fiance have decided to plan their wedding for next summer so that we will all be able to be there! Can you believe their unselfishness and kindness? We are so amazed and blessed by them. Praise Him!

Finally, Lucy is potty trained! To be honest, I have been dreading potty training for some time because I could not use my standard method of letting them run around in the backyard naked for a few days until they get it. But, I must say Lucy was a cinch! Only the very first day was hard, after that she caught on quickly- even when we are out and about! Praise Him!