The last few days have been a little tough. Cultural adjustment, no matter how much expected, is still HARD. Something just broke inside me on Friday I didn't feel like adjusting that day. I just wanted things to get done, to have reliable internet, to have people who honor their word, and the ability to do simple things (like order pizza) without help and without total confusion. Add in tiredness from being busy and I was a little out of sorts. Nothing to worry about though... all part of the cultural adjustment process. At least I can say that nothing (major) has taken me by surprise. Life is what I imagined it would be, only better because I didn't imagine living in a house/neighborhood/development that I love so much and I didn't expect to have good friends already.
Anyway, since I was still a little down yesterday (feeling better today) I just walked around the house and found little reminders of why I am blessed, of why happiness surrounds me And this is what I saw...
Three little kids who took down, folded, brought upstairs, and then put away laundry -- all without being asked.
Gorgeous flowers to remind me that at least it is fall somewhere...
Sweet little, messier-than-anything eater Katie with two new teeth trying to pop their way in
Homemade, from-scratch chicken enchiladas being made. Yummy.
Listening to the kids sing STEP BY STEP all day long (they had to sing it for our school dedication) and they like to practice...even after the fact
New scrapbook magazines in the mail. Better late than never, right?
Watching Levi watch TV -- upside down
Seeing Alaina give Caleb violin lessons while Katie looks on
Bathtime....hearing Caleb say, "Mom, I LOVE my new bathtub!" HA! Seriously, what kid wouldn't love their own private tub. No more fighting over toys!
"Hey look, mom! I'm a rooster! COCK-A-DOODLE DOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"
Reading with Alaina before bed each night...watching her learn to love stories and to start picking out words she knows.
See? My life is filled with so many good things. So who cares if my shipment hasn't arrive. Who cares if we still haven't found a way to buy a car. Who cares if a simple shopping trip for groceries takes a minimum of three hours.
Well, I care. But I shouldn't.
Oh, your blog was so good for me to read today. There's plenty of sweetness around even on the tough days. Great reminder! And I love the little rubbermaid bathtubs - too cute! Hugs!
Posted by: Jacki | October 14, 2008 at 02:53 AM
I love your blog. You are a true inspiration. I can relate to your last few days, but for me I felt like for months. I suffer from depression, recently started taking meds and I can now see life through brighter eyes. Thanks for your post.
Posted by: Kristin | October 14, 2008 at 03:08 AM
(((Hugs)))
Posted by: Stephanie | October 14, 2008 at 04:33 AM
I love your blog and how your share the good times and the more difficult times. It is good food for the soul. I love the picture of your son watching tv upside down. As a pediatric physical therapist who works kids who have delayed motor skills I am always letting parents know that kids- even those who haven't mastered movement still have an innate desire to stimulate their sensory systems. I have been making digiscrap pages that I hang in my room to help parents learn about development in a non threatening way. I would love to use the upside down photo on a page about sensory input- email me - (Erika'a Aunt Laurie)
Posted by: Laurie Weaver | October 14, 2008 at 06:10 AM
Such good everyday life pictures/moments! I will say a little prayer now that God gives you a little patience with the adjusting and shipment (and internet - yikes - I would struggle!)!
Posted by: MandaKay | October 14, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I still know that God has you there for a reason, and by following His will you'll be rewarded - in your case every day with the sweet faces of your children! I'm sure it's a struggle still, so I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us involved in your lives!
Posted by: Daisy | October 14, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Oh I just love the photo of all the little bathtubs! What a wonderful solution. Too cute!
Even after spending 16 years in a foreign country, there are still days I just don't feel like stepping out the front door. But God also uses those days to refresh us to go out the next and show his Grace to those around us.
I love how positive you keep your blog. Even through the bad days, you Live on Purpose to look for the positive. Thank you for your wonderful example.
Posted by: Holly in Japan | October 15, 2008 at 02:13 AM