On Hope

The last time I (Jenni) posted was on the first of September. Since that time (4 months) our life has undergone a radical shift with change on all horizons. I don't like change. I am a sloooow processor. So-the last few months I have been "processing." I will continue to process as well as be in process. I have had moments where I have felt numb, confused, sad, angry, joyful-deliriously joyful, but overall...I have felt HOPE. As I am adjusting and thawing a bit, I feel a new season of aliveness. Life is such a series of ebbing and flowing and everything in life has seasons. I am in that season that feels much like spring to me. I thought I would post some of the things that have been on my mind lately, bringing me hope and inspiring me. Some may seem silly to you, but to me-they speak of God's desire to give bring hope and glory-to show His Love to a weary soul and world. And the infinite care He has on an individual.
Things That Are Inspiring Me:
-thinking about what it would be like to adopt a baby girl from India (after watching "Slumdog Millionaire" I don't think I can look at the world the same again)
-organic gardening, sustainable living, and big piles of compost :)
-international students who live in our own city (the movers and the shakers of their countries)
-learning about raw food preparation (check out aniphyo.com)
-after coaching my sister's labor and seeing the beauty of a woman focused on the most painfully intense job known to man-I am inspired to further pursue becoming a doula
-what incredible gifts my children are-brilliant little lives entrusted to us
-the insanely generous and loving friends in our lives!!!
-community, community, community
-my husband, his life, his passion, his heart (I am a thriving woman because of this man!)
I have so much to be thankful and hopeful for!

WELCOME... Roman Grey Staples. 12-23-08

Congrats to Simon for his Gold Belt!!!

Never a white belt again.

Merry Christmas!

Cafe con leche ala Stumptown

Viva Portland!

Life is a journey with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This January our family will be heading back up to Oregon for a season or two. We are excited to see friends, family, the green, and of course Stumptown coffee. Is it still a buck a cup? Probably a buck fifty now...

Jenni will be home schooling the kids along with most of our friends up there. They even have "friday school" where all the home schoolers get together for elective activites. Simon is really stoked to be around some more boys his age... I will be working with the Summer in the USA team to develop the greater Portland region. I think it will be a good season for all of us.

So to all our friends in the Rose City, "Can't wait to see ya!"

We made a trip to Colorado... and winter arrived.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman! (aka Simon)

Halloween with friends.

Simon, Zane and the boys at Zane's B-day.

Sisters happy to be back in the USA!

HOPE

Let nothing disturb you.
Nothing dismay you;
All things are passing:
God never changes.
Patient endurance attains all that it strives for;
Those who have God find they lack nothing.
God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila

True Confessions...

Sometimes, I really like being naughty. I can't help it, but everytime I eat beans I have a little song going through my head. I couldn't resist teaching it to my children. "Beans, beans are good for the heart, the more you eat, the more you ..." You get the picture. Now, when the kids eat beans, they can't help but think of this little song and we all sing it together. Except for Gerald. He shakes his head in disgust. The other day, I had another little song from my childhood running through my head. Once again, I couldn't resist letting my kids in on this little diddy. "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Where is the groom? He's in the dressing room. Why is he there? He lost his underwear." Shameful really. But hearing your 3 year old sing it is worth it! This is Miriam's adaptation: "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Where is the broom? It's in another room. Why is it in there? It has lost it's underpants."

More Pictures at the Port

More Photos By Miriam and Simon-On the Port

Pictures Near Itziar

Beautiful Basque Country

Introducing...Txerra!

Gerald has a new name. This past year he has answered to many different versions of his name-the most popular one being: YERAL. I personally love this one. It makes me laugh. But today, he and Joseba were at the surfboard repair shop to fix a ding on a board (ooh, don't I sound so surf savvy?!). The guy was writing down their names to call them when their boards are repaired. He heard Joseba say Gerald's name and this is what he wrote down: TXERRA. Pronounced: Ch-err-ah. And then confirmed it by addressing Yeral, I mean-Gerald, as "Txerra."
Gerald is quite pleased with the new Basque version of his name. I will miss the old Yeral, but am welcoming in Txerra.

Hey Good-Looking!

Simon has had a rough year. School proved more difficult than we thought. He has struggled with the language and with adapting here. We are figuring out a few different ways in which to lessen his struggle and to adapt with more ease. One thing we are focusing on is helping him to feel competant. He has mastered a few household chores that he takes great delight in. For instance, I no longer have to do any laundry. Simon loves sorting and keeping the laundry clean! He is also quite a coffee making expert. He enjoys grinding the beans and mixing just the right amount of coffee and water. We especially are appreciating this new talent Simon has!
We have also given him the job of "milk guy." When we run out of milk we send him two blocks down our street to a little shop to buy milk. He has the system down to exact change. The women who work in the store seem to have taken a real liking to this blonde headed american boy who buys milk for his family. Sometimes he comes home with freshmade desserts they give to him. The other day Simon came home smiling. He told us he got the store laughing. When he went in, one of the ladies greeted him with: "Hola Guapo!" and not missing a beat, Simon returned the greeting with this: "Hola Guapa!" Apparently, it was a real hit!