My mom was able to make it here in time for Miriam's birthday. We are all so glad to have her! We took a walk the other day and I just wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

The next few weeks are incredibly busy times for the foundation work for "Summer in the USA." Already Gerald and I have visited 4 classes to give a lesson on geography, life for a teenager in the USA, and a bit of information on options for learning more english. One-of course, includes coming to live with a family (immersion) for 4 weeks in the summer (summerintheusa.com) This year our program will operate in 3 states: Oregon, Washington, and Indiana.

Tomorrow Megan and Chris (our teammates) come and my dad comes the following day. Party! :) In the next two weeks we will be in schools in Onati, Bergara, Donostia, Bayonne, and Biarritz. This time is crazy, but lots of fun.

Mi Madre Esta Aqui!

Birthday Clowns

Our Little Boy Turns 8!

I can hardly believe we have an 8 year old! For Simon's birthday we took his two friends (Inaki and Aidan) to a kids center of sorts. They had a blast jumping, running, and raging! After that we brought the troops home for lunch and cake. Maybe we were crazy...but we decided to make it a sleepover. Try getting three 7 and 8 year olds quieted down and ready to sleep...nearly impossible! They giggled and giggled until 12 am! In the morning we made pancakes-which Inaki had never tried. "Riquisimo!" he exclaimed and wanted more! :) It was a birthday Simon will never forget!

Our First Guest

We were so glad to show our good friend Todd around. We had a great time!

A Busy Season

Our first Christmas in Donosti (San Sebastian) was filled with lots of activities and lots of new things. We must admit that it was a bit lonely, though, and hope that next year we will have family here to celebrate with us. On Christmas Eve we journeyed with some friends to Pamplona (this is the city where they have the famous "running of the bulls.") We were also able to take a coffee in the cafe where Ernest Hemingway would hang out. On Christmas Day, we enjoyed celebrating the birth of the Saviour together with our family, and after enjoyed a fabulous lunch with friends. Our friend Todd came for New Years Eve. It felt so good to have fellowship with our friend who has known us for 14 years. We loved showing him around "our" city. My stomache is still a bit sore from all the laughing! We also have wrapped up 2 of the three kids birthdays. Simon's is January 4 and Miriam's is the 12th. And now we look forward to this New Year with thanksgiving at God's gracious provisions and abundant blessings. We are daily grateful for the Hope that He gives us and His constant presence.

I Have Taken Up Smoking

Actually-our entire family has. Now, mind you, we don't actually smoke cigarettes. We are just inhaling the second-hand smoke all around us. In my 30 years, I have never smoked a cigarette, but in the past 4 months, I've made up for a lifetime of abstinence. I noticed it a lot in the beginning. I'd go to get a cup of coffee and everyone all around me was lighting up. I'd walk by a group of people and into a big cloud of smoke, hold my breath for as long as possible, and gasp for fresh air on the other end. I'd be enjoying a nice meal with my family and before I know it-the taste of smoke permeated my mouth. The funny thing is, now I don't mind so much, and I hardly even notice. I have to just imagine now that smoke is actually good for me and my children and that it is really beneficial for our health. Cheers!

Nine Years Young...

I can't believe Jenni and I have been married for 9 years! Well, I guess since Simon just turned eight it shouldn't be that surprising! For our anniversary this year went out to a great Italian dinner and enjoyed every bite. I think the best part of our marriage has been the fun. I have alot of fun with Jenni (look at the smiles in the picture). Just tonight at dinner the whole family was laughing together. That is always good. And there is alot of forgivness. I once heard that forgivness is the key to marriage-to forgive even in the midst of being wronged, to always think the best of the other, not to keep a record of wrongs. Jenni gets to practice forgivness alot with me. But maybe the best part is really our friendship. I love that Jenni my best friend. And she is super hot too!

Happy New Year! Be Blessed!

In this new year my hope is that you are truly blessed. Long ago, God taught His leaders how to bless their people. This is what he told them to say:

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

May God's face shine upon you this year!

Thank You and Thank You

In the Basque Country, us newcomers (and monoliguists) have it a bit difficult. The people here operate in two languages-Euskara and Spanish. The first being the preferred but most difficult choice. For now we are focusing on learning Spanish, however, trying to be mindful to use the little Basque that we do know-first.
The other day as we were leaving la fruiteria (can you guess?-fruit store) Gerald invented a new way of saying "thank you".
-Eskerrik Asko is how you say "thank you" in Basque.
-Gracias is how you say "thank you" in spanish.
-Eskerrikacias is how Gerald says "thank you" in both languages at the same time.

*I don't recommend you try it. You might get a strange look.

A couple of cool guys in Basque Country!

Mi Padre

Today is my Dad's Birthday. Here are all the reasons I love my dad:
-He taught me all about the Beattles and why they were musical masterminds.
-I am NEVER bored when I am around my dad.
-He went to Woodstock AND gave Jimi Hendrix water on stage...and doesn't think it was a big deal.
-He let me listen to "The Doors", even though he detested Jim Morisson and his music.
-There is always music when my dad is around.
-He wrote a well-known song in the 80's and I have never heard him tell anyone. (You are My Hiding Place)
-He would spend time with me everynight while growing up, asking me questions and listening to me.
-He trusts me.
-He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked.
-He doesn't care about money or material things.
-My kids often admit to me that he is their favorite person.
-He will spend hours playing with his grandkids.
-My son is just like him.
Dad, I could go on and on and on...this is just scratching the surface for all the reasons I love you..but most of all-because you have demonstrated the love of a father and point me continually to the True Father.
I love you! Happy Birthday

There's Something About That Smell...

There is something about the way this city smells. And I am absolutely addicted to it! It is hard to describe, and you really have to experience it to know what I am talking about and not think I am absolutely crazy. But, it is a mix of diesel, cigarette smoke, a detergent (I think) called "WIPP," ocean air, chorizo, and other good foods. I never thought I would enjoy the smell of cigarettes and diesel, but the combo makes this city so...Europe! And I LOVE IT! Come and smell for yourselves!

Me...And A Handsome Local

Santo Thomas Day

Today we experienced a favorite fiesta in this city. The kids got dressed up in the traditional Basque dress and we walked to the center of town to join the festivities. They sell chorizo (if you haven't tried it...you are missing out!) and lots of local handmade goodies. I bought a Pastel Basco (a basque cake that is out of this world!) and Turron (a spanish christmas treat). The crowd was enormous. I think the whole city squeezed into two city blocks, but we managed our way through and had a great day.

Santo Thomas Day

Sometimes a Snuggle is All You Need!

A Good Thing!

My special "girls" sent us a package of some of our most favorite things. Included was Stumptown Coffee. I am convinced it is the best coffee in the world. We have been enjoying every sip and feeling the love.

Another Good Thing

Near our apartment is a little shop that sells fish soup. Fresh fish soup, made in house. It is filled with lots of little goodies from the nearby sea. Tonight we noticed some little octopus legs along with a few other unknowns. We are feeling healthy and a little more like locals. Especially when our son begs for an extra piece of octopus.

A Basquey Christmas

The kids participated in a live reading of The Nativity Story at the fellowship we have once a month. It looked a bit different this year with the traditional Basque hats. The kids had a lot of fun and little Miriam sure enjoyed getting to play the part of Mary. She sat as still as a statue for the 15 minutes or so.

This is a sign painted on a mountain. I see it often hanging out of windows of apartments. I found out that it means "Basque prisoners to Basque country." Apparently, the Spanish government sends the prisoners to far away places throughout Spain, which makes it difficult for family members to visit them. It goes against a law/agreement that stands in Spain or Europe (not sure) that allows prisoners to be imprisoned near their homes. It is an injustice to the people of the Basque country and a cause for more frustration.

Some Pictures of Basque Country

This past week the kids had 2 days off of school for a "fiesta." I LOVE it when my kids don't have to go to school-this was such a treat for me. The English teacher at the children's school took us on a little outing of a Basque coastal town. We had an incredible day seeing sights, and eating at a very "Basque" restaurant.

I Asked Simon To Set The Table...

And this is what I got!!! This kid sure knows how to do it right! (I lit the candles.)

Christmas Time!!!

Signs of Settling

Here are a few of the things that tell me our family is adjusting to our new life:
1. When the lights in public bathrooms or hallways (set on one minute timers) shut off and we are left in complete darkness the-kids no longer scream. They hardly seem to notice.
2. When we see the large pig legs (in the shops and the cafes) or the complete carcasses of animals (eyes included) hanging in the grocery, we don't stare (or make other obnoxious noises) any more.
3. When Miriam asks what things are called, she doesn't want the answer in english.
4. When I order coffee after a meal out, and it comes 30 minutes later, I am less annoyed.
5. I've stopped converting the euro into the dollar. (it's too depressing!)
6. I wonder if I ever used to be able to communicate effectively with retailers.
7. Mickey Mouse doesn't speak english, and we are okay with that.

Come One, Come All

This morning as the kids and I were lingering over breakfast, Jillian, in usual form, made up a little song to sing. This went on for a few minutes unil Simon piped in with his own unique version of "beatbox." Simon was very pleased with the music that the two of them made together (I was looking for the nearest exit.)
Simon: "Jillian, we should get together at recess to perform for everybody. The other day I attracted a whole group of third graders with my beatboxing. Now, with you singing, we could attract the fourth graders too."
Jillian (looking mortified): "NO THANK YOU, Simon."

Where Oh Where?

I haven't flossed my teeth in 5 days. I know they have dental floss here, but I can't seem to find it. I scoured the dental section at the grocery store for 10 minutes the other day. I didn't see any. And I didn't know how to ask where it was. (well, maybe I didn't feel in the mood to make a fool of myself miming a person flossing.) Maybe there is a special store just for dental floss, just like there are special stores just for socks, and fish, and meat, and bread, and fruit. I hope I find it soon. My teeth are feeling a bit funny.

The beach of Ondaretta.

Simon and Jillian in their "chandales." These are school gym suits. Jillian has now overcome her aversion to things non-pink.

A Twist in Pokeman Land

Thanks to all of our caring friends (including Igor and our babysitter Ane-from Basque Country)-Simon has a fabulous collection of Pokeman cards. He has such a large stack of them, that he has felt generous enough to share some with his sisters. This has been with failed hopes of getting them to play the Pokeman game with him. Miriam has listened as Simon has told the tales of trading cards, and Jillian has told her tales of trading stickers. Today we discovered that our little Miriam has been doing some trading of her own. It turns out that she has been packing some of her cards (along with a little from her brothers collection!) for the last several days in her backpack. She has been sharing them with another 2 year old girl in her classroom. Jillian discovered this at recess today while observing Miriam at recess:
Jillian: "Miriam, why was Christina (2 year old friend) walking around at recess with a bunch of you and Simon's Pokeman cards stuffed up her sleeve?"
Miriam: "Because I bring them to her everyday."
Simon: (about to choke on air) "WHAT???

A Pain

Living in a country where you are just beginning to learn the language is quite an adventure in humility. Gerald and I (along with Chris Probasco) have coined the phrase "bidiot." It is part baby, part idiot. That is what we are here. Gerald just hung up the phone with the receptionist at an opthamologist clinic. We are trying to make an appointment for Jillian to get her eyes checked out. She has been having some difficulties. I listened in the room while Gerald fumbled with spanish to communicate our dilemma with her. I whispered my helpful spanish when necessary. When he hung up the phone, he was sweating profusely. He looked at me and said: "That didn't go so well." I smiled at him and said: " I know. You just told that lady that she had pain in her eyes."

Shopping Stories

When I go to the grocery store, I walk. It is the only option I have and being only two blocks away it is not inconvenient...IF I am prepared. Because I walk, I must carry my groceries home. It's not a big problem anymore, because now I have a little cart to put my things in. The biggest problem I have is when I forget to bring a euro. One little coin can make or break my shopping experience! The carts here in Europe require a "deposit" to use the grocery cart. If you forget your coin...you are out of luck. No cart for you! But, I do have one last little option ("little" being the key word.) They have these small carts that you can drag along behind you as you do your shopping. These are meant for just a few items. Not for feeding a family of 5 for several days. Much too often, my girls each get a cart, and the three of us stroll through the narrow aisles gathering our items, Miriam bumping and crashing into things along the way.

Simple Pleasures

I never realized how much I loved peanut butter until I had gone without it for 2 months. Here in Spain-no peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches, no apples dipped in peanut butter, no peanut butter cookies. My mom sent us a package the other day. There were many delightful things from home-but it was the peanut butter (Trader Joes REAL peanut butter!) that got the immediate attention of the kids and I. We wasted no time diving into it. It's only been a week, and sadly, the jar of peanut butter is long gone (luckily, my mom sent two-this one we are preserving very carefully!) The good news is that I have now discovered a little shop that sells...peanut butter!!! We are back in business.

She's Just Like Jesus

Since moving here to the Basque Country, my children and I have had the privilege of being exposed more to disabled people and to people in dire need. The school that my kids attend has a large section of children who are mildly to severely disabled. They are in the lunchroom, and in the halls, and in the playground, right along side my kids. It has been a learning experience for my kids. We've been able to have great conversations about being thankful, being kind, and having the opportunity to extend Jesus' love. Every evening we go to the local bread shop to buy our bread. This is something that everyone does (picture Paris, France!) And every night there is a young woman (maybe 19) who sits outside of our bread shop with a little tin can. She is dressed in rags. I think she is from Romania. I know she is not begging because she is an alcoholic, or a drug addict. She is begging because this is her only way of eating. A few nights ago, I let the children each pick out a special treat-they spent a lot of time laboring (and drooling) over their sweet choices. As we gathered our goodies and left the shop, we came face to face with this girl. We had so much, she had so little. I gave Jillian some coins to give to her, but as we walked away, Simon stopped. On his own, he turned to her and handed her his own special treat. Jillian watched as the girls eyes grew big and she quickly gave thanks and took a bite. As we were walking home (and I praised my boy!) Simon kept remarking on how good that made him feel. We decided we wanted to continue to experience this joy, so each time we buy bread for our family, we will buy a loaf for her.
I can't help but be reminded of something Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

A Prayer Request From Miriam

After dinner tonight, Gerald asked the children to be bold and persistent with their prayers to God (ie. the persistent widow.) We all went around the table to share what we wanted to ask God for. This was Miriam's request:
"That my Basque friend Ivanna would find enough money to buy a pink cell phone."
*ivana is miriam's american cousin. she is 3-she does NOT need a pink cell phone :)

A Little Bit of Love

Today was an exceptionally difficult day for Simon. The language and relationships have been challenging for him. He was feeling lonely and discouraged. I think God has such sweet timing. He cares even for the little things.

A package arrived at our house today. In it was a gigantic pile of....(drum roll, please)...Pokeman cards!!! My little boy was practically jumping out of his skin with excitement and disbelief at his "good fortune!"

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Jen and Trey!!!

Simon's sweet teachers informed Gerald the other day that they were going to start taking english classes this week so that they could talk to Simon and help him more. I am speechless!!!

First Day

This is Miriam on the way to her first day of school.

This is one possibility of what could happen if you left an open jar of Nutella on the kitchen table and you have a two year old.

An Italian Dinner

In our language class there is a wonderful couple from Italy. We enjoy their company so much! The other night they came to our house and prepared a meal for us. It was all fish and seafood. I wished all my friends who loved good food were here to enjoy it-it was such a feast. An authentic Italian meal made by 2 AMAZING Italian cooks...in MY kitchen. I kept thinking a camera crew was about to enter any moment and put us on Oprah. We had crustaceans of some sort (?), octopus (a personal favorite of Simon), salmon, stingray, anchovies, fish liver (it was really good), and some other stuff. I went to bed that night deciding I could never eat again. Well...it didn't last.

It Has Happened....

This afternoon we had a Basque student to our home for lunch. Simon surprised me by bursting out a greeting in Euskara (the Basque language). I had never heard it before, but Simon knew it, and it was well received. I am so happy!!!! They are learning! :) Also, Simon has been enjoying putting together cool lego creations. Here is one that he made and took a picture of:

A Snapshot of Daily Life

In case you were wondering...I thought I'd give a snapshot of our daily life right now. The schedule here is a bit different from life in the U.S.

School for the kids begins at 9:15
Gerald's language school begins at 9:30
*I will begin school Monday the 29th
Miriam and I walk the 2 miles to school to pick Simon and Jillian for lunch at 1:00
They have from 1:oo-3:00 for a lunch break.
Gerald joins us.
This mid-day lunch break is the biggest meal of the day for Spanish and Basques. The whole town closes up and everyone goes home. The streets are like a ghost town.
We walk or bike the kids back up to school by 3:00 and then pick them up again by 5:15.
Between 5:15 and 9:00 people are out and about. Homes are vacant and the streets are filled with people. Coffee shops are crowded with parents gathering together and children playing in parks or on sidewalks.
People get in the last minute shopping for dinner or for the next days meal.
Dinner begins at 9:00 (unbelievable for Americans!)
and finally-bedtime by 11:30-midnight (yes-this includes kids too, but not ours!!)

I find it odd that my son does not even know his teachers name. You may find it even more odd, that we do not know either.

Pokeman

Simon has been coming home everyday talking about Pokeman. It seems that during recess, all the boys in his class sit together and "trade" or "play" with Pokeman cards. This is a new thing for me and I didn't have a clue what this was. He has been coming home in near tears because he doesn't have the cards to participate in what the other boys are doing. He told us that they don't let him hold theirs to look at them and he is often on the outskirts. Jillian has been reporting to us that our "social" son has been walking around alone at recess. This breaks my heart!!! So...Gerald and I have been on a quest to find these trading cards. Everyday after school we've popped our heads into some little stores that look like they would carry such things. Everywhere we've gone we've been told the same thing-"they have no more" or "they are all out." But, we have been determined to find some!
Today, when Simon came home for lunch he was beaming. He pulled out from behind his back a stack of Pokeman cards. It turns out that one of the mothers from his class knew we were looking for them and had her son bring some for Simon. We are so touched by this sweet act of kindness. I told Gerald that I pray that I am aware of others around me (as this woman was) to show love and kindness.

Tortilla de Patata (potato omlette)

This is a staple here in the Basque Country and I make it several times a week-I am trying to perfect it:

1 onion, chopped

4 potatoes, diced small

5 eggs, beaten

lots of olive oil

*the best baguette you can find!

Saute the onion for about 10 minutes until nice and tender in a lot of olive oil. Add the potatoes and saute along with the onion until they are soft. (I usually add some salt-3/4tsp.)

Have the eggs ready in a bowl, and add the potatoes and onions. Let this mix sit out for several hours to absorb.

Heat a small-med pan with nice sides (at least 2 inches high) and put in the egg mixture. The heat should be med-low. As the bottom cooks, push down the sides and move the pan around so the eggs on top get cooked by the sides (sorry if that doesn't make sense.) The tricky part is the "FLIP." You must get a plate ready and put it over the pan and "flip" the pan over so the omlette flops uncooked side onto the plate. Then you slide the omlette back into the pan (uncooked side facing down so it can cook.) Do this for a minute or so..and then...Voila!!!

For Americans, this will seem like a total breakfast food. But eggs are eaten here for lunch (the big meal, or for dinner-never for breakfast.) Oh, and the tortilla part can fool us Americans too. There are no tortillas in it :)

After Dinner with Ane and Igor

Couldn't Resist...

3 Observations

I have been observing the same 3 things over and over since arriving here. They are as follows:

1. I have seen more twins here than anywhere else in my life. Jillian and I have an ongoing competition to see who can spot twins first. I have also seen two different sets of twins-both over 50, dressed EXACTLY alike.

2. People over 85 or 90 are out and about just like the rest of us. They have great social lives and are an active and valuable part of the community.

3. Those with mental or physical handicaps or down syndrome are highly valued and integral parts of family life and social life.

These are just 3 observations that have stood out to me that I think is so cool (especially the last 2.) Maybe I just haven't seen it as much in the States as I have here. I like it.

Candy

Children are like candy here in the Basque Country. They look so good, and everbody likes them.
Daily I am amazed by the responses and attention people give to children. For instance, today I took a long walk with Miriam-pushing her in her stroller. I was stopped several times by people to blow kisses at her, or wave to her, or tell me something (I-of course, had no idea what???) about her. The kids are getting used to strangers patting them on the head as they pass by. Or their favorite-getting candies by little old men, or balloons. Gerald even got reprimanded by an elderly woman when Miriam fell asleep in her stroller and her head was falling on her shoulder. I am so enjoying how children are prized possessions here. They take priority and it is clear that they are highly valued. I think that is so appropriate!

A Vacation For Me

Yesterday, Simon told me he thought I should take a nice vacation with the girls (just the girls). He suggested I take a cruise...to the Bahamas.
Wow, I must be a really good mom! Or my son really wants to get rid of me!!!

My New Addiction

No one ever told me something this good existed. It is pure almondy sugary heaven. I put it in everything and dip everything in it. If you come to visit, you will want to buy several jars to take home to friends. Or, hide it in a special place that you only know about so no one else can get into it.

Miriam's "Special" Sink

Story Hour

I have had a full week at home with sick kids. Simon has missed a whole week of school! We've read together, watched Spanish cartoons, played computer games, written out Proverbs, listened to stories on cd's-anything we can do to keep entertained in an 800 square foot home without going outside. Yesterday, as I was putting out the laundry-I overheard this conversation between Simon and Miriam:
Simon: "Miriam, you want to hear a story?"
Miriam: "A one about Sleeping Beauty."
Simon: "Okay. There once was a beautiful princess and an evil monster. He wanted to capture her and take her for prisoner. Then a knight-the other Kings son, tried to rescue her. He went through gnarly battles. But first he was in jail. There was a giant labyrinth. The princess got the key to give to the prince to fight the Menator. The prince said, I can't escape all these people, cause then he will escape to the giant labyrinth. Well-said the princess, let me just give you this little dagger, that will be of much help to you. So, they threw him in the labyrinth very early. He gulped. Looking this way and that-running like a horse. And then, he saw the BEAST. He had 5 horns on his head, and he had the eyes of a bull, but the teeth of the fiery death of hell. As he got closer to the beast, he noticed the body of the beast was exactly like a man. He tried to ram him with his tusk. There was blood, and he took out his dagger swung it at the beast, but the Menator knocked it out of his hand. Then he through mud in his eye and he killed him. And cut off his head.

Apparently, there was not enough "princess theme" in this story, because Miriam ended it apruptly.
Miriam: "In Jesus Name...Amen."

100% Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

We were so grateful to have my parents help as we moved and transitioned here. Thanks Mom and Dad for making the trip! We miss you!

Our Cute Basque Girls

I Miss My Dryer

Do you know that it takes 4 days for one pair of jeans to line dry? 3 days for towels, 2 days for sheets. And this without rain.

All Moved In!

Here we have been in San Sebastian, Spain (Donostia) for nearly a month and so many good and difficult things have happened. The good things have been incredible gifts from God-the difficult things have been normal life being lived out by foreigners in a new land. We have purchased a car, we have put our kids in school, Gerald has begun language school, we moved into our apartment (piso)-which has exceded anything that I could have imagined (come and see!!!)! I long for a bit of stability and tranquility and I know that it is on the horizon. On Sunday, we moved effortlessly into our new place and our furniture came (well...at least half of it made it...) on Monday. Gerald and friends have been painstakingly putting this furniture (IKEA) together and it is coming along nicely. Our barren apartment is becoming a home. Our family has had a long trek of travel, adjustment, and changed long before arriving to the Basque Country. We feel we are finally home. We are tired, we are weary (bone-weary), but we are anticipating a new season filled with learning and growing and good things.
After being without internet or a phone or an address I am happy to announce that today we got all three!!! Now we are in full swing.
One thing...we seemed to have misplaced/lost our camera in the moved, so I don't have pictures to add. More to come!