a walk on the beach

yesterday was our first day that felt like a normal day back in our life here. Josh attended a leadership training course that we have been taking at the church and i had the whole day at home with the boys. It was wonderful. The kids and I baked banana bread, went for a walk down to the local shops, at lunch and while they took their afternoon nap i finally unpacked all their clothes and sorted through and organized both their dressers. Sorting out stuff for friends and stuff for goodwill. It was a huge job but it felt great to get it done. When Josh got home around 4:30 we went for a walk down at the beach. It is so beautiful here.

the long trip

What a long journey. but we have finally make our way back to Mossel Bay, South Africa. On monday we said goodbye to our families there in the states and Josh’s parents drove us to the airport. We left around 11:30 stopping for one last taste of Chick-fil-a before heading up to Dulles. We said goodbye to Josh’s parents and then headed through to our gate. Noah was so well behaved the whole time and just so excited about riding the tram and then getting to ride on an airplane. We boarded our flight around 4:40 and the flight began. Josh and I were concerned about Noah would handle all that time in such a confined space and if Nathan would sleep like he usually does. You just don’t want to be that parent on the flight with the screaming kid. And the Lord answered our prayers and I know many of your prayers. The flight went so well. Josh and I were amazed. Nathan was his usual sweet self and Noah slept, played and ate contentedly in his seat.

When we landed in Joburg it was 6pm on tuesday their time (7 hours ahead). As we were taking the shuttle to our hotel for the night we realized that Josh’s backpack had been stolen. This was so disheartening especially after such a good flight. It had our laptop, camera, ipod, Josh’s glasses and year supply of contacts and many more of Josh’s most important things. Josh stayed at the airport another 2 hours looking for it and filing a police report but there was nothing really to be done. The worst is all the pictures and music that was on our laptop that we will never get back. It is heartbreaking. Especially the pictures…

We spent that night in Joburg and then the next day around noon boarded our flight to finally get back to our home in Mossel Bay.

It was such a long and emotional trip. Saying goodbye to friends and family in the states is never easy but seeing the grandparents have to say goodbye to the boys makes it even harder.

But we are happy to be back here. And the kids seem very content and happy to be back in our own space. Returning home we were again so grateful to God for providing the house we are renting. It is really the prefect place for our family. And it is so nice to come back to summer after being so cold in the USA.

 

noah was having some fun in the water yesterday

Josh turns 28

the birthday boy

Happy Birthday to an amazing husband and father!! Today Josh turned 28. Hopefully he had an amazing day. Noah and I made cupcakes while Nathan supervised from the high chair. It was pretty exciting. Noah completed them with sprinkles. I have to say they were pretty beautiful and we celebrated tonight with his parents, my mom and his friend Mike. Then after a birthday dinner of the most amazing Crozet pizza, and cupcakes, Josh, Mike, Josh’s dad and uncle went bowling. Josh’s birthday wish come true. Here’s to another year with you my love!