28July2009 Thirty Beds

We did some figuring this afternoon. As of last night, the six of us have slept in over 30 different beds over the last month. Thankfully, while we are at school, we will be in the same digs for eight weeks. The kids are all settled in and love our new apartment.
Oh, we have a Post Office box here so if you'd like to send any of us a letter send an email (just click on the stamp icon in the right column) and we'll forward our address.

24June2009 The Kids' Perspective Part III - A Rose Among Thorns

M our third child, and only daughter, is just two-and-a-half-years-old so we asked ourselves why bother asking her about our big change. She's very precocious so we figured it couldn't hurt and besides we were curious how she would respond.
Where are you moving too?
(Giggle)A new apartment....(Big smile)The Middle East.
Are you excited about moving to a new place?
Uh-huh.
What color do you want your bedroom to be?
Pink.
Who (which brother) do you want your roommate to be?
S (He's gonna have a few words about her choice of paint).
Are you happy about going to a new school/friends?
(Humongous grin) Yes!
Is there anything else you'd like to say about moving?
Yes, we're going to see new peoples.

23July2009 Sad Salams

We have spent the last couple years forging relationships and being knee deep, sometimes in over our heads, in the lives of our refugee friends. From being at the hospital when babies were born to being there to grieve the death of loved ones and most of what life has thrown at them in between, we have been so extremely blessed to walk along side these dear people. Saying goodbye or "salam" has been tough. We are praying that some of our friends, possibly someone reading this blog, will pick up where we are leaving off. Your life will never be the same. That's a good thing, right?

18July2009 Beach Bums

Twelve beautiful feet are at the beach this week. We are having a great time playing in the sand, swimming in the waves, fishing and, of course, eating seafood with family.

10July2009 Unemployed & Homeless

Okay so the title of this post is a little dramatic. We are "homeless" but have a place to stay. Part of the family is in Kentucky still, part is in NC. Tomorrow we will be under the same roof again. Not our roof but the same roof nonetheless.
While we don't have jobs we will be gainfully employed again in a couple weeks. I wouldn't say its scary without a paycheck but it is a bit sobering and what a great reminder that God provides everything any way.
We have sold all of our vehicles (as of 10:30 this morning) but we're not without transportation. Green Street is letting us use a car and Dr. Steele has made his van available for "as long as we need it." It's humbling to be the recipient of such blessings!
We have a PO Box which is great news for all the companies still sending us bills. :)
We should have phone service next week. Checked into Magic Jack, Vonage and Ooma and have decided to give Ooma a whirl. Hopefully it will fit the bill. In the meantime our mobiles work (we will get new ones overseas).
Transitioning is tough but God is good!

04July2009 Some Kentucky Fun

Here's a first attempt at posting video (sorry for the quality these clips were taken with my cell phone).
M riding Crackers (thanks to Mr. Adam and Uncle D).

S & Z chasing (and eventually catching) butterflies.

A playing with some toys courtesy of Mrs Margie.

03July2009 The Kids' Perspective Part II - Numero Duece

Part II
We get a lot of questions regarding the kids so what better way to share their perspective than to let them answer for themselves. Here are some of the things we asked our second child, Z:
Are you excited about moving?
Yes.
What will you miss?
My friends, my cousins, Papa & Dede, Grandma.
What has been the hardest part about getting ready to go?
Packing is hard work. Selling my toys at the yard sale.
Are you scared about going?
No
Which stores or restaurants do you think you'll miss?
Wendy's, McDonalds, Toys-R-Us, Walmart, the Lego Store
What do you think school will be like?
Like our school but they speak Arabic.
Anything else you'd like to share?
The food is good.

2July2009 Bluegrass State

We're visiting with family in Kentucky this week. After the breakneck speed of the last month it is such a blessing to take a deep breath, sleep in a bit later, eat some wonderful home cooked meals and hang out with great folks. We needed this time. Apparently everyone has been going a little crazy.