Big Gulps Uh?

I know we would all agree that our trip has been a good one thus far. Our time in Dallas was short but sweet, and our time in this beautiful country has had Dad’s hands all over it. We have already seen a girl meet Dad, which has recently brought us much joy and encouragement.

Our days look a little something like this: wake up to noisy hall-monitors, fire-crackers, old men hawking loogies, drinking “coffee,” and then going to class to learn about this country’s language and culture. Our favorite days of class, however, are the ones that we spend doing tai chi (like asian yoga) and painting.

But the real fun starts after that. Since our classes are only in the morning, the rest of the day is devoted to spending time with students and building deep and meaningful relationships with them. I think we have each grown in our own ways from these afternoons full of conversation about anything ranging from classes to Dad.

Evenings are the real joy, though. We either have dinner with one another or with students, and each night is something different. Whether that’s “Sidvicious” throwing deadly passes to to her Jordan Shipley, “The Clift Bar,”; Davey singing his lungs out to Phil Collins; Jordan preparing for his modeling career; Abby (aka “homeschool”) begging people to play Catch Phrase; Fatima doing.... what exactly is she always doing?; or “Texas Daddy” (David Betts) reminding us all of how many days are left till Texas football kickoff (86 by the way), there is never a dull moment in our “family.”

We already have so many crazy stories, like about eating frozen duck blood, and going on jogs that made us need the “tulet” (cough* Sidney cough*), and are so excited to share those with you upon our return. Our adventures with the “squatty” and the “pooping chair” are ones that you should be desperately excited to hear about in 23 days when we fly into D-town (perhaps with feet the size of cantaloupes). There are so many other experiences that I could write about, but that would take all the fun out of our home-coming!

So keep us in your “thoughts” as we wake up each day and seek joy in Him. Remember that we are here for a purpose, and petition for “the bird” to accomplish that purpose in us while we’re here.

Until next time,

The Family