School Celebration-Multi-Culturalism

The childrens school (in lieu of Carnaval) held a fiesta to celebrate other cultures. It was funny for me to realize our family is one of the "other cultures." Simon and Jillians grades were dressed according to Arabic fashion. And Miriam's class was from China. In many ways-it is so refreshing that "political correctness" doesn't seem to exist here. On the other hand, I was bewildered to see Miriam's face had actually been painted yellow when we went to watch the children's special dances!

This is Miriam and her wonderful teacher-Miren.

House For Rent

Our house in Portland is now being vacated by the current renters. If you are in the Portland area and know of anyone wanting to rent a great 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in a central location-let us know! :)

Entertainment From Our Window

A few weeks ago we had Tamborrada. We had a 24 hour band playing outside our window. Lots of drums. Lots of people (really it was quite exciting!) This last week we had Carnaval. Just when we thought the bands had ended we heard the drumming beckoning us to our window. Here is a picture of the tail end of the band, and of Gerald and the girls enjoying the show.

Sick...again

Once again...Simon is sick. We were anticipating a lot of sickness this year as we are exposed to more new germs and viruses and changes. The girls and I have been blessed to have been virtually sickness free since moving here. But poor Simon-I think now he has missed close to a month of school (all in all.) On the other hand, I have been enjoying getting a little extra time in with my son. We are working our way through "Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis, learning about the State Capitals, discussing the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S., and trying to satisfy Simon's unquenchable desire to know all about World War One. I am learning all kinds of history at the same time he is! We found a great website: firstworldwar.com and I can't seem to spend enough time that satisfies his curiosity on this subject. We also discovered the world of podcasts. We can download all kinds of great fairytales and cool stuff-great imagination building and entertains for hours!

Dumpster Diving...Spain Style

My husband loves to find a good deal. Even better, he loves things that are free. His sisters have been known to tease and marvel at Gerald's "connections" or his witty ways to get a bargain. Here in the Basque Country...he is still at the "top of his game." The other day he came into the house and told me he found something next to the dumpster and wanted me to come see it.
My first response was "no way, no thank you...que asko! I don't want to see it, take it back, please." But, I could tell by the look on his face that he found something good and he knew I would like it. Well, he was right, and once again...he found something good! The girls now have a solid wood, beautiful "chabby chic" style bedside stand. We are so excited about it. Definently not "made in China."
I think I will start to hang out near the dumpsters more often.

Interview

What is your favorite thing to say in spanish?
Simon: Que Asko!!! (how gross)
Jillian: Como te llamas? (whats your name?)
Jenni: Que Rico! (this is so amazing, delicious, rich, incredible, you will be missing out if you don't try it!)
Gerald: Vale, claro, por supuesto (okay, of course, of course)
Miriam: Uno (one)

Life On Hold

I haven't updated the blog for a bit because we've had a house full of sickies. In our little apartment, we have had 9 people living in it for the past two weeks. 7 out of the 9 have been sick. 3 out of the 9 have been REALLY sick. Like-stay in bed for days sick. Half of our team has now gone home after a week and a half of classroom presentations, reunions, and parent meetings. We have one more day of presentations to go (Chris and Megan and my parents!!! will do this one in France) and one more parent meeting left. I'll post some pictures later.

A Little Something Cute

Miriam to my mom: "I used to be Cinderella for a long time, but now I am turning into Sleeping Beauty."

Simon At Tamborrada

This is is the day of Donostia (San Sebastian). Incredibly, tonight (Saturday) the city is alive with thousands of drumbeaters. At 12:30 a.m. a drum procession (complete with fireworks) begins and does not stop...that's right....does not stop until 24 hours later! All through the night and then through the day the city is alive and loud! Unfortunately, our little guy is in bed sick, so we can't join in the festivities. But, we will definently HEAR the party goers! :)

Here is a picture of Simon during their school celebration of Tamborrada. He is the cutest drummer i've ever seen!

Class Time

A Busy Week

Up to date, there have been 30 classroom presentations given. The hours have been long, voices are sore, but we are excited and are hoping for a great summer with lots of students!!!

Our Friends Are Here!!!

"The Guys" in a game of Uno.

Please pray for Iban!

Iban is a student from the Basque Country that stayed in Portland last summer with our program. He had a serious ingury to his head while skiiing over Christmas break. Thankfully he came out of a coma and now is speaking, recognized his parents, and is moving his body parts. Please pray with us for this young man's complete recovery! Please pray for his family as they have been in suspense for several weeks now. We are thankful for his recovery so far and know that God will use this for good. Thanks for praying with us for Iban.

Kirstie and Mia

This is Miriam's little friend-she is the "other Mimi." She is french and Miriam always calls her "my little french friend."

Miriam with Ane For Her Birthday

My Baby Turns 3!

We just finished off the last of the birthday celebrations. This time...it was Miriam's. She cried a bit the night before because she wasn't sure if she'd still be "Miwium" in the morning, since she wouldn't be 2 anymore. I assured her that she would indeed be my sweet Miriam!

She had "Happy Birthday" sung to her in 4 different languages: Basque, Spanish, English, and French! She even got to celebrate it in two countries: The Basque Country (spain) and France! This is the kind of thing my sister loves!!! Eat your heart out Candace! :)

And Happy Birthday to the little queenie!

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 :)