An Update From the City

Summer is officially here. Which feels weird to think about considering its been hot pretty much since March over here. But it is different now, in that I’m to the point where I can only plan indoor activities with Ari. Unlike last year, I’m not trying to brave by going to the zoo or park in 100 degree weather - even if it is a good opportunity to get tan. It’s just too miserable … and sweaty … and exhausting.  Right now we are at my new favorite “kid hangout”. It’s called Stomping Grounds – a kid-proof air conditioned place where kids can play in an elaborate play area consisting of tunnels and slides, etc And the adults can sit at one of the numerous tables and sip espresso drinks. And in my case, write blog posts =)

God’s been faithful to provide a somewhat sporadic stream of dental temp jobs. So far things have gone pretty well and there hasn’t been any horrific experiences (besides getting blood splashed on my face. Absolutely horrible, right Abbie?)  He’s also provided an opportunity to nanny a baby starting this fall as well as possibly helping out my pastor’s family one day a week with homeschooling/childcare. I mentioned before, I don’t foresee myself in this “nanny” position forever so I may as well live it up as much as I can for now =)

It’s interesting to think back when I first came here and how I swore I would never drive the freeways and how I would just take the train everywhere. I took the plunge in January. I knew with my dental job I would need to drive lots of different places. I also would need to make trips to the airport to pick up visitors. I’m so glad I did. I now love driving the monstrous freeways; much more than crowded little streets. And since January, I’ve driven a total of 7 roundtrips to the airport to pickup/drop off people. And I’ve also traveled more in the past 10 months than I have in my entire life. And crying in the airport is becoming a common occurrence. Such is life now.

I've also been blown away by the love and support of our church family over here.  It truly does feel like a home away from home. I never imagined that we would be led to such a wonderful body of believers and how readily they would welcome us in.  Just like SCBC, the love the members show to each other reminds me of the importance God puts on our relationship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (and how Acts describes  the early church) Like John 13:35 says “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Only Christ can take people from all over the world, all different professions, all different backgrounds, and give them a common bond through salvation in Jesus. Pretty neat!

Aaaannnd …. I miss home. Some days more than others.  I had a Skype date last night with Lincoln. He gave me the cutest smile (and the rest of the time just stared at me) I miss him.

That’s all for now …