Only 5 more sleeps

Well, we survived the first day! I woke up yesterday to a message from Shane saying he made it to the airport in an hour and a half! That is record timing here! Funny thing is....the airport was closed until 4am so he had to wait outside. You never know here what to expect! He then wanted me to email him some specific photos that he forgot for his presentation. It was a bit difficult seeing as he had the computer with our email on it. I figured out how to email them, but it took some time!

Shane made it safe and sound to Australia. He is freezing cold, but other than that going well. Today, he has many doctor's appointments, and then tomorrow the forum starts. It is hard not being able to talk with him. I would kill to talk with a doctor right now.

Good news....no blood...no emergencies...no sickness! YAY! So glad to have survived the 1st day.

Driving has gone really good so far. No crazy things have happened. That is a blessing.

Yesterday, some neighborhood kids came to play with Dave and Maggie. This was amazing to watch. One kid had a bike so Dave went and got his bike. They rode bikes for awhile together. One time, Dave fell off his bike and they all ran to help him up. So good to see that the locals can be kind...for him to see that is a real answer to prayer for us. He played with them for quite awhile, and I opened up our gate so they could come in to play. They are normally in school, but for some reason had a holiday yesterday. Maggie loved it too, and they played great with her.

Last week, at the Friday playgroup, I met a woman named Cheryl. She is from Scotland, and has lived here for awhile. She is married to a local man, and they have a 2 year old and a 4 month old. Well, we had some new neighbors move into the house across the street, and I noticed they had a baby. So, I convinced Shane to "mampir"...the local term for drop in...to their house the other night. Guess what? Cheryl lives there, and they run an orphanage for 20 kids, and they will be moving the orphanage to the house across the road! How exciting! She told Shane they have a lot of kids Dave's age, and that they can come play anytime.

I have been praying...I mean really praying for Dave to have some local friends, and the Lord has literally put them on our doorstep! I am excited about spending some time with the orphans too! It is so hard for me to get out with Dave and Maggie because Dave has had so much cultural stress, and now it is like the Lord has brought everyone to us!

I had Dave's best mate, Ethan here all day yesterday. On my own with 4 kids!!!!! It was crazy...especially since I did language too. Today, I feel a bit sad. Ethan and his family have gone back to the states for a few months, at least until August. So hard to say bye. Kim is a real support to me. We will always have a lot to do with them. They are actually our Area Leaders, but I will still miss her friendship. Hopefully, we will see them again in August.

My close friend, Robyn, is really looking out for me while Shane is gone. Robyn and Kevin are so dear to us, and the kids really treat them like family. We have sort of started up a little routine when Shane is gone. Robyn always comes over 1 night and helps me get the kids fed, bathed, and to bed. Then on Saturday, we go to their house for breakfast, washing their dog (the kids LOVE this), go to the park, and then lunch together so that the kids are exhausted and sleep really well in the afternoon! I really love this time. God bless them for helping me. They teach at Noah's School. In fact, we are so excited for Robyn because next year, she will be the new high school principal!!! The end of the year is always crazy for teachers, but they have made time for us nonetheless. Tomorrow is teacher appreciation night at Noah's school, we were going to have to miss it. There is just no way I can sit through a ceremony with 3 kids. Robyn and Kevin are going to sit with me and help me with the kids so that Noah doesnt have to miss it. God bless our team here in our current city! We just love them.

Oh yeah...I almost forgot. We found evidence of rats inside the house! Just great! I'm alone with these creatures running around my house!

I woke up this morning feeling a bit sad about the situation in America this morning. Just check the news to find out what I'm talking about. However, I was spurred on to make sure I was able to vote come November by absentee ballot. I'm printed out all my paper work and will send it off when Shane gets back. Then, in November, I will get to vote online! So cool! It is time that all believers start making a stand. I also registered our family with the US embassy. Shane is suppose to do it with the Aussie Embassy, but hasnt yet. Naughty I know! I was a bit concerned though when there was no where for me to register my kids. Anyways, they know I am here with my family. Dont know if it makes any difference though because we are all here as Aussie citizens, and we would all stay together now in an emergency. I think it is good policy to let them know, and now I receive emails from the embassy giving me updates, etc.

Well....I think that is about all for now. Much love...and I'll try to update as much as I can while Shane is gone.