A very full week! We have been busy getting to know as many people as we can, and this has been so much fun. I have had conversations with British, Irish, South African, American, Norwegian, and Polish people. Having the boys with me has been a very natural conversation starting point. We are trying to understand the cultural differences while also recognizing the similarities in humanity. A tremendous amount of activity is going on at the church, reaching out to the community and offering moms and children a chance to connect with others. We've enjoyed play dates, music class, MOPS, Little Laughs ( a free play time for children and mothers/carers). In the afternoons, we have been busy exploring Richmond and walking along the river. The weather has been unusually pleasant and we have soaked this in--letting the housework take a rest while we have explored.
Todd has been busy getting settled into his new position. This has kept him very busy, and is very exciting as we have glimpses of what the future holds for us here.
Our boys have been very happy. Ethan says, "I love England!"
We are truly thankful to be in this place at this time. It has been a difficult road, but life is settling into a pattern and routine. Its getting easier to do the shopping (a friend from church has offered to take me so I don't have to struggle with the bags and the stroller). I am finding more of the special food items that we need, (but I did send Trader Joes an email requesting they open a location here :)
I have been teaching Ethan a hymn, and this weeks lyrics really underscore how we are feeling...
"Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wonderously reigneth,
Shelters thee under his wings, yes so gently sustaineth.
Has thou not seen, how thy desires have been
Granted in what he ordaineth."