First Week

Honestly, it's hard to even know where to begin. So many interesting things have happened this week, and every time I think, "We need to put that on the blog." And, now that I sit down to write it, I see how hard it is to remember all those things. But, I've picked out some pictures that Cara has taken to help me out a little bit. This first picture is just the sign outside of our apartment building. Our home really has been a huge blessing. We are still getting the inside set up, so we will show you those pictures when it is finished. Father has just been so good, and we are really starting to feel more and more like it is home.

One of the more humorous experiences I have had thus far is purchasing our bikes. We really wanted to get them sooner rather than later so we could put the children on the back and go exploring the city. We found some nice bikes (mine below is blue and Cara's is pink!). Then, we were informed that a basket and a bell were a necessity. WHAT? I felt like such a dork buying them. However, after riding down a busy street and trying to carry groceries home in my hands, I understood why both items are so important. The kids have had a great time on the bikes, and they have allowed us to feel comfortable in the city so much faster.

We have also been able to meet several people who have some English ability. Below is one of those individuals. She works at a restaurant near where we live and we were able to begin a relationship with her two days ago. Today for lunch we are supposed to go back and she is going to wait on our table. She is extremely nice and has been so very helpful. Who knows what is in store!

Finally, we just have a picture of me wrestling with the kids. They really are adjusting rather well. Autumn doesn't know any different and is just her normal happy-go-lucky self. Isaac has had some issues with missing people from home and not really knowing what is going on. But, the bike, the bunk bed, and just time to be a family has helped him immensely. Now we are just hoping for Father to show us some friends that children so desperately need. We know He is good, and we know He already has them somewhere. We are just looking forward to watching the process.

One thing we've learned is we need to take our camera with us more often. Those pictures really trigger our memory and allow us to show you so much more vividly. One of those memories that I really wish we had a picture of was one day outside the local market. Cara and I had stopped for about 30 seconds to find something in our bag. We had Autumn in the stroller and Isaac was walking with us holding our hand. When we looked up, we counted no less than 16 people surrounding Autumn in awe. They absolutely love her here, and everywhere we go they laugh and want to hold her. Isaac is glad they give most of the attention to her, because he doesn't like it so much. They play with him too, but if you know Isaac you know that strangers are not his most comfortable environment. So, he is more than happy to allow his sister to receive that attention.

We love you all and will write more later.