Training

View from our front door

Our camera ingested some sand at Graydon's birthday party, but we're up and running again. We are drawing near the end or our training time. I was asked to summarize it in a word this week, and I chose "focused." Most of the days are taken up with things which are intensely relevant and which we would want to look into on our own; that is, if we even knew what questions to ask. The material is weighty and challenging. After the scheduled time is over, there are assignments regarding how we live as a family, community, and individual (e.g. reading, scripture memory, volunteering, exercise, etc.) It is not skills-based but character-based training. We are grateful to be here and feel like it's really helping us prepare mentally and spiritually for the transition overseas.

The community is tight, but I notice that, perhaps because many things here are so intense, group conversations tend to drift towards lighter topics and laughter. You won't see anyone else in the pictures; we are asked to post only pics of our family. But believe me, people are everywhere! We have formed some family and individual friendships we think we'll keep.

The boys have done well here, after a tough first week of adjusting to school. Ian now leads the way into his class each morning. Graydon wants to go to school on Saturdays. But we do notice, since we trade off childcare with other responsibilities most afternoons, that they keep close tabs on both of us and are always asking about whomever is away. The other highlight of their days is the playground that's right outside our door. They never tire of it, or the gaggle of friends who are always there. Graydon's newest interest is tree climbing. Ian's is picking up random objects and giving people "pokes" (shots).  There have been quite a few of those lately, as well!

Frozen Yogurt on Adoption Day, one year later

Beautiful Fall Days