It's a...

Yes, we are expecting
       and
         it's a girl!

Being in the States

 Until you travel or spend time in a different culture, it is difficult to know just how deeply we have been shaped by our home culture.  Our three years abroad has brought this to light in my life.  The way in which I do things or the filter through which I interpret things has been challenged and often didn't function well in another culture.  Granted, I could get by just fine with my own cultural ways if I kept to myself, but as we desire to build relationships with the people we live among, it requires we not only learn their ways, but also take on many of them.  Having spent three years learning culture and language, and trying to apply it, we now find ourselves in our home culture with very new perspectives. 

 

Fair and Frontier Days' parade



The end of August brought the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days.  We enjoyed the festivities, but froze in the unusually cool weather.  Though we are still getting some warm days, the weather is beginning to cool off and we are finding our two pairs of long sleeves each will not be enough to get us through the winter months. 

Mutton Bustin'
(sheep riding)



A Ribbon from Mutton Bustin'

 Caedmon is rather a cautious child.  He has always been one to sit back and watch what is going on before jumping in.  I, Erin, was very surprised when he said yes to Mutton Bustin'.  When it came time to let the sheep loose, he asked for the guides to walk along side and help, resulting in a rather calm ride. 



Caedmon roping a steer

Whitman roping a steer

We have been blessed with opportunities to be involved in many activities unavailable to us overseas.  Again these opportunities feed my feelings that life is great here (when really it is just another place in our broken world, though with a few more conveniences). 

Most activities I jump into with excitement and appreciation for the chance, but their have been a few that have seemed a little ridiculous in the extent to which they are taken.   

Caedmon playing soccer



Caedmon heading to the goal

We signed Caedmon up for youth soccer, which has been a blast.  John also signed up to coach the team.  Caedmon has thoroughly enjoyed both the practices and games.  It has been a great way to meet other families here and expose Caedmon to organized sports.  I applaud the Parks and Recreations department here as it is a rather large program.  Our first game was a new experience for me.  The parking lot at the sports complex was packed with cars, six games were going on at once, people were all over getting kids to the right place or cheering them on, and of coarse there were concessions, as with any other sporting event in the States!  Since the soccer season is in full swing we have found if much more difficult to get together with people as the business takes over and seems to trump relationships with others. 
Soccer may be the most world wide sport, well known even to those we live among in Barat.  Though kids will play pick up games during their free time and there are two indoor soccer fields, the only organized games in Barat are for adults. 





 

Homeschool group field trip to the library. 

Another experience has been schooling, both for Caedmon and Whitman. Though I am not homeschooling the boys currently, I have been able to become slightly involved in the homeschooling community here.  Since homeschooling is done by a large number of families, I have been able to discuss curriculum, look over materials used, and even join a group that meets once a month to co-teach their children about different countries and cultures.  In our first meeting the kids were exposed to maps and globes, characteristics of both, and then taken on a field trip to the library to see a large globe. 

In our host country overseas the only local children that are homeschooled are child stars who have private tutors to school them around their performance schedule.

Caedmon has been in school here for four weeks now.  It is going well and he seems to be enjoying it.  I have been amazed, and very thankful, at all that is sent home to the parents on a daily basis.  To begin with, I received a handbook from the district and another specific to Caedmon's school.  Papers are frequently sent home, some are Caedmon's work done while at school, but others are letters for the parents which are to be signed and returned.  There was an open house to meet the teachers and see the classroom and there will soon be teacher-parent conferences to discuss the child's progress.  In contrast, the boys' school in Barat did not have a handbook, nor did the district.  Instead the boys would only occasionally come home with instructions indirectly given by the teachers about dress or conduction. 

Whitman's preschool has been quite the experience as well.  Whitman is enjoying the new setting and all the 'new to him' toys.   The preschool is a parent co-op, which in and of itself results in a great deal of parent involvement.  My first couple days of exposure to this program left me feeling it was all very excessive.  He is one in a class of 16, with at least 4 adults in the class at all times. In contrast with his preschool in Barat, Whitman was one of about 20, with occasionally two adults in the class.  The activities, interaction, and facilities are all very different.  When I first visited the preschool in Barat, I was astonished.  Now back in the states I find myself surprised at the extent to which the preschool here goes. 

Again I find myself having to step back and recognize that we have had a unique experience, have fresh eyes to see our own culture, and there are reasons why things are the way they are (mostly good).  Here I definitely feel that the well being of my child is being put first!



First Day of School...again

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 was Caedmon's first day of school. 

In his seven years Caedmon has had multiple first days of school.  2012 brought his first day at a local school overseas, unfortunately that experience lasted only two weeks.  He had his first day of home school in 2013.  2014 brought his second experience at a local school in the town of Barat, which turned out to be a great experience for him (probably attributed to his improved language ability and familiarity with the culture).  This year Caedmon entered second grade, but it is his first experience at what he calls a "real school" in the States, thus leading to another first day of school. 

Dressed and ready to head out!

He desired to arrive at school early enough to play on the playground prior to the start of class.  Upon arriving, he asked me, Erin, to stay until he went into his classroom.  He stood right by my side the whole time.  The second day we arrived early again, this time Caedmon ventured half way to the play structure a couple times but never quite far enough to play before class.  The third day he recognized a few kids in the morning and actually played for awhile, though he asked me to stay again until class started.

Playing before school on day 3.
Caedmon's in light blue - center.

When I asked Caedmon how it went on the first day, he responded with, "Great."  The second and third days brought the same response.  So far he seems to meeting classmates, getting accustomed to the routine of school, and enjoying it all.  We are so very thankful to this smooth transition into "real school."

Whitman seems to be transitioning well into life without his brother at home as well, though when asked what he thinks about it he responded with a big "thumbs down." 

Whitman Climbing

Trying new things with grampy.

Whitman's transition has certainly been smoothed by the presence of grandparents, good weather, and lots of fun activities at home.  On Friday we made a short visit to his school.  In September Whitman will begin 3 day per week preschool.  He seems excited, but at the same time pretty happy at home, even without his brother!



DIY Party

John coined the "DIY" term for Caedmon's 7th Birthday Party last Thursday the 6th. 

The day started with our family tradition of cinnamon rolls and opening presents!

The first family present came the day before!

Breakfast with Grandparents

Caedmon - the 7 year old!



Opening presents from family.

We invited a handful of similarly aged children, all of whom, thankfully, Caedmon had met, at least once.

We prepared a top-your-own-pizza and flavor-your-own-soda lunch.   

Lunch with friends

More friends.

After lunch the kids played games in the yard.





Playing Games

Keeping score!



Caedmon was blessed by the attendance of two of his cousins, Emma & Mason.

 Then they hit a piñata; which only took a few good whacks to bring it down.



Instead of a blindfold, we had the kids spin around the bat.

Add caption

Waiting their turn.

 

Happy Birthday was sung and cake was eaten!

Blowing out the candle. 
Caedmon picked cake-in-a-cone.

 Then, Caedmon opened presents.  This seemed slightly weird to me, at first.  When we first moved overseas, we were surprised to learn of the custom there to accept gifts, but open them at another time, alone.  Coming back to the states, I now realize I became use to that custom and felt a little embarrassed to have Caedmon open the gifts from his guests in front of everyone. 

 

Swing with friends!

Playing Basketball



After the party, Caedmon spent the rest of the afternoon putting together the many Legos he received.  At the end of the day he was exhausted and happy from the very many blessings he received throughout the day!

A Wonderful Weekend

Last weekend we were blessed by time with old friends and new ones. 

We spent Saturday afternoon at a cook-out.  Our old friends added two children since we last saw them, for a total of six, and our new friends have five of their own.  Amidst a great deal of catching up, we did a lot of name memorizing as we met many new-to-us kids.

Then that evening we were blessed by a visit from a family I, Erin, began babysitting for when I was in high school.  They greatly influenced me as I was privileged to see them raise their children as I not only babysat for them, but also traveled with them on many trips. 

Their two daughters, Claire and Courtney were flower girls in my wedding.  Unfortunately, their mother, Linda, was unable to attend our wedding due to the birth of her son, Charlie, two days prior. 

 

Claire, myself, and Courtney - 2006

Whitman, Charlie, and Caedmon - 2015
 

The weekend was such an encouraging time catching up with friends, fellowshipping, and getting to know a new family.  It is times like these that have made being back in the States a big blessing. 

 

Then this week we were blessed by a visit from family. 

Cousins
Emma, Whitman, & Mason

 

Life is so easy here.

...In the States

Our transition back has been very smooth, even amidst all the traveling.  Now that we have gotten into a routine in one place, I too quickly think life here is very easy.  Just about every building and most transportation, is climate controlled.  Buildings are well sealed resulting in one bug here or there, instead of swarms traveling up and down the walls.  Showers are hot.  Bathroom floors are dry; even if there is a puddle on the floor you can wear your shoes into the bathroom to avoid getting your feet wet.  Public bathrooms don't instill fear: there are sit toilets with toilet seats, there is running water, and almost always toilet paper and soap (even in out houses).  Laundry takes about 2 hours and can be done all in one room; no need to travel back and forth from the line outside.  The electricity and water are consistent.  Then there is the shopping; just about anything that you need can be found in one climate controlled building.  That is not to mention the variety, the consistency of stocked shelves, and the pre-prepared food readily available.  I could probably get away with never turning on the oven again.   There are many play grounds and parks to visit that are clean and safe to just let the boys play!

Though there are aspects of living here that are easier, that doesn’t mean life is easier.  I have to actively remember the most significant difficulties that people face transcend country lines.  Just since leaving Dallas, we have met friends who… are battling cancer, lost a brother to suicide, struggle with depression, have had 4 miscarriages while trying to add to their family, are seeing their children walk away from the Creator, lost their 2 day old baby, struggle in their marriages, had a child jailed, lost a parent, and faced death from toxic shock syndrome.

It is a good reminder that though there are some incredible conveniences here in the states, we all still live in a broken world and are in need of help. 

Home at last!

June 11th we arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina.  July 11th we arrived to our state side home!  Traveling for that long and over so many miles does wear on you: inconsistent schedules, a lack of sleep, and a lot of eating out.  At the same time we feel incredibly blessed to be able to make a trip like this.  We not only had the time, but also the finances, health, and stamina to do it.  We spent many hours with friends and family, often late into the night, but yet it always seemed too short.

We were very encouraged by the time spent with people and truly enjoyed seeing the beauty of this country.  Though we wouldn't trade the time we spent, there were some humbling and awkward moments.  In Durham, NC Whitman caught a stomach bug resulting in him loosing his breakfast in the church parking lot.  He then passed the bug on to dear friends we were staying with, causing the mother (a labor and delivery nurse) to have to step out of a birth-in-progress during her night shift.  Then our first morning at John's sister's house in Virginia, John and I both got sick.  Thankfully the bug stopped with Caedmon a couple days later.  Then there was dinner at a friend's house in Virginia, where Whitman caused a toilet to overflow.  In Princeton, NJ when we stopped to walk around the campus of Princeton University, Whitman had to pee and before we knew it decided to relieve himself on their football field...which is turf, not grass!  All in all we had a very good trip with very few break downs and Whitman really is a good kid.

 

Sparklers in Durham

Making friends with old friends.
We lived on the same floor of an apartment building with this family; they were our very first friends in Dallas!  Olivia, in the middle, is only one month older than Caedmon.

With cousins in Virginia! 

Two 4 year olds, three 6 year olds, and lots of boys!

Princeton Football Field

Times Square
The boys weren't impressed, they didn't know the significance of many of the places we visited.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, US side

Niagara Falls, Canada side

Meaning no disrespect, Canada has the much better view of the falls.  You can get much closer on the US side, but both should be visited if you are ever in the area!



Playing with a friend!

We spent a week in Denver with friends from overseas.  They too came to the states to visit and connect with friends and family.  This was the first trip to the states by the wife and their one year old daughter.  Unfortunately the wife experienced Toxic Shock Syndrome and has been the hospital for almost a month.  She is doing much better, but the road recovery will be a long one.  Please be lifting this family up as their timing for a return and continued work overseas is currently unclear.

Fun with Uncle Ryan

Our travel plans were very flexible; depending a great deal on people's availability and how many miles we comfortably could cover in a day.  Due to the unavailability of one family, we were able to make it to Portland before John's oldest sister Jill and her family returned home to Minnesota.  This was an unexpected blessing as we were able to see Jill and her family, meet a niece and nephew (John's younger Mary's children) whom we had not yet met, and even connect with my brother Ryan, who happened to be in town from Salt Lake City!

Fun with cousins in Portland!

Decorations welcoming us home!

We are now in Walla Walla to stay. Okay, just until January.  Our goal is to have John's work visa in hand for a January return to Barat.  For the time being we are looking forward to being in one place, with the occasional trips to the Portland and Seattle areas, putting Caedmon in second grade at John's former elementary school, getting involved in various groups here in town, and enjoying friends and family!