Communication

This was a short conversation I had with Simon after school today:
Me: "Simon, did you learn any Spanish today?"
Simon: "No. But I think I am learning sign language."

A Whole Week of School

Today our kids finished their first week of school. They were totally immersed. The phrase Jillian secured under her belt was "no say" (meaning "I don't know") and"no intiendo" (meaning "I don't understand.") She also had mastered asking for the "toilettes." Simon on the other hand, was content knowing one word..."No." Which-when I asked him, he seemed to have used a lot this week.
I am completely baffled that each and everyday they came home from school they were NOT crying. In fact, they were SMILING! and LAUGHING! When I asked about their day-they said they LOVED IT! They couldn't wait to go back. God has been so gracious to us during this process. This had been one of my utmost concern.

Guess How Much?

For 6 measley pencils, 2 dinky erasers, and 2 plastic pencil sharpeners: Here in the San Sebastian...only 5.90-in euro's that is. Where is Target when you need it?

Have you checked out Simon's blog?

Check out Simons blog...see it on the right over there, yeah...right over there. it is under "connections" under "simon's blogging." You can't miss it. It is really cool. You should check it out.

The Fire

One night-around 3 am, I smelled smoke. In fact, smoke was filling our bedroom. I panicked, because earlier that day I had a crazy thought about what would happen to us (being on the 3rd floor and all) if there were to be a fire. I heard sirens and a crowd of people. With my heart racing, I jumped out of bed, preparing to gather my children and wake up the rest of the house. I looked out the window and saw the firefighters with their hoses spraying down the dumpsters right underneath our piso (apartment). I didn't see flames, just smoke. It seemed like they had everything under control. So, I quieted fears, climbed back into bed with the wafting smells of smoke and went back to sleep.
Later we found out that burnign dumpsters is an act of terrorism here. They do it as a protest. I hope that will be the extent of the protesting! :)

Settling In

We've been here nearly 2 weeks. Our journey has been filled with new experiences, trials, and great blessings. Our first week, we met several of our students from the summers past. It was so good to reconnect. They have so helpful to us as newcomers into their country.
We are so excited to report that we have a permanent place to live!! We get to move in on October 1. God provided a wonderful piso (apartment) right above a park. Every step of this finding was filled with His fingerprints. The kids will be starting school next week. I think Simon-our social guy, is longing for friendships. It has been so frusterating for him to not be able to communicate with the kids around him. I think school will help to quickly expediate the language, and give them some structure.
After October 1st, when we will have an internet connection in our home-I will be blogging and emailing more regularly. Currently, we have to work on the computer at a nearby cafe.

Cutie Pie in her new home!

Jillian says:

"I see people when I look out this window. They are walking and speaking Spanish and Basque. They are riding bikes, they are riding scooters, they are pushing strollers, they are driving cars. The kids are playing, and most of all the are having fun!"

Jillian enjoying the view from our flat

Jillian and I have been people watching like crazy! There is so much activity going on outside our window. It keeps us entertained for hours.

Hanging Laundry

We've made it! Our entry into this beautiful country has been so good. Here I am hanging laundry outside our flat. No dryer...talk about conservation!

Jenni and Igor

See Jillian in the back!

At Phoenix Airport - Saying Goodbye USA & Hello Basque

Headed out

Bags at the door

Almost at the door . . .

a last goodbye...the sign Jillian holds says Basque and the blue notebook Gerald is holding represents the ocean and Simon is holding the sign that says USA. ....all this to mean that we are crossing over (the big blue ocean) from one country we love to a new country we love.

And We Are Off!!!

Well, the day has finally arrived!!! Our bags are packed, and we are off to the Basque Country today! We are full of excitement and nerves. We said goodbye to the things we know: English, familiarity, our beds, the grocery store, our family, the kids trampoline, and so much more. We are getting ready to say hello to the things we do not know: Spanish, Euskera, directions, culture, shopping places, and so much more that we don't realize we didn't know!!! The next post I add will be in the Basque Country! A journey of 13 hours awaits us! We feel God's Peace. Thank You!
....and we are off!

First Class

My parents are flying with Simon and Miriam 2 days after Gerald, Jillian, and I. My mom is very bold. She likes to ask God for things...things I don't even dare to ask for. She has been telling the kids for weeks that she is asking God that they can fly first class, even though they already have their tickets. Their tickets are the cheapest you can get. I have cringed everytime she said it. I have told them each and everytime when they have gotten excited about it that there is NO WAY the airline would just GIVE first class to people..especially people with little kids.
Well, yesterday...I came home to a house of screams. Gleeful screams. Jillian announced as I walked thought the door that God answered Nana's prayers. She told me that they were all flying FIRST CLASS. I said...NO WAY. And then, I got the full story. As my parents were going over their tickets, they noticed the airline had scattered them and put my mom on the last row. When they called to get their seats adjusted and put together, there were no more seats available. Except row 5...First Class.
And this is the story of how my mom likes to ask God for BIG things, and how He often likes to give her them. Anybody have a prayer request?
And...one more thing. This morning, Simon's teacher emailed me to tell me that he told her how they would be flying First Class to Spain. He said his Grandma had been praying that God would give them First Class....and He did. And that is proof that God exists! :)
Needless to say...I had NOT been praying for First Class and Gerald, Jillian, and I will be flying coach. Jillian is a bit unhappy with me.