Randomness

Photo 1: we went out with some of our training buddies to watch the Tennessee game last night
Photo 2: William was excited to get a William and Mary shirt
Photo 3: The boys had airport day at school yesterday, where they practiced presenting passports, answering questions about where we are going and why, etc. They made fake passports. Not sure that the strictest of immigration agents could keep a straight face if they had to examine Daniel's.
Photo 4: we love Cook Out Burger!
Photo 5: each Sunday night we have cross-cultural worship and last week was European night. Zack and I led a worship song in Norwegian.

Colonial Williamsburg

We are still alive, just busy! The last post was about William being sick. Unfortunately he ended up with pneumonia, but he is all better now.

Training is going great. Only 2 1/2 weeks left. We are definitely on information overload.

We had a great time last Saturday in Williamsburg. Josh and Savannah (Zack's brother & his wife) came up for the weekend. And despite lots of rain, it was an awesome visit! We are so grateful to them for a fun time together.

Here are a few pictures from Williamsburg.

Prayers for William

William started feeling bad Friday evening. Around 9:00 I realized he was running a fever. We had a low key weekend and he rested a lot. But unfortunately the fever is still lingering tonight, and his cough sounds rough. So unless I see a drastic change in the morning, we'll be headed to the doctor.

Please pray that he will start feeling better very soon (and that no one else gets sick).

(This picture was taken after our sweet friends brought us cookies last night. Cookies make everything better!)

Prayer Cards

We're doing some exploring in photoshop, attempting to design our prayer card. Here are a couple. What do you think?

Not the Same

God spoke to me this morning through my washer and dryer.

Okay, before you think I've gone crazy, read on.

As I was thinking about our current living situation here at the training center, I was reminded of cultural differences.

Everyone here lives in a quad: four apartments with a shared living room. My assumption then, and apparently the assumption of many, was that all the apartments were the same.

I was talking to one family about the frequency of laundry because of the almost doll-sized washer and dryer. They looked at me oddly and we discovered that their W&D are full sized.

On another occasion, a couple couldn't figure out why our boys were sharing a room - that is, until we realized that their apartment is three bedroom, while ours is two.

And as I thought over those interactions this morning, it hit me: what a powerful lesson for us as we prepare cross cultures and learn to live with another peoplegroup. Just because we do things a certain way does NOT mean others do the same. We must be careful to not make assumptions. We need to seek to understand the practices, habits, and cultural norms of those with which we want to meet. In fact, we may need to give up some of our preferences in order to really gain an understanding of their values and mindset.

It's easy to think our way is the best way. It's easy to just assume that others do things like we do them. But I have a feeling that over time our minds will be broadened to some of our habits daily practices that are extremely Western, and maybe even extremely unnecessary.

(And as I try to start wrapping my brain and heart around all of this, I am, appropriately, starting on this helpful book!)

Week 2

We are about mid-week through our second week of training. Things continue to progress nicely. Last night after the boys were in bed, Zack and I started on one of our big homework projects. It was really enjoyable to read together about Norwegian culture and customs!

Back to School

We feel like we are back in school! We arrived at our training facility on Monday and began classes Wednesday. Things are going well, but we are staying VERY busy!

This is a book we're just
starting to read. Anyone have any
thoughts or opinions on it?

Please pray for us as we get into a new routine and try to learn as much as possible over the next week.

Also, there are LOTS of people living and working together. Please pray that everyone stays well and that sickness does not become a problem in this close environment.

Thanks for checking in. We'll try to write again soon!

An Added Blessing on the Road

It just happened that the halfway spot for our drive could easily place us close to several adoptive families that I've known through blogs and email for a long time - some for probably 4 or 5 years.

And it worked out that we were able to meet three of those families for dinner last night. What a treat to finally meet people I feel I've known for years! I loved seeing our kids together. Honestly, walking into the restaurant and seeing faces you've only seen in photos is like a great big celebrity sighting!

Thanks to our sweet friends for taking time out of your weekend to meet up. And thanks for your friendship and prayers!

Hitting the Road: July 22

Today is a big day!! We plan to attend early church, and then will begin our drive to Virginia. We are staying the night near Charlotte, NC, where we are meeting up with several adoptive families for dinner. Then tomorrow we will arrive at the training center. We have a meeting Tuesday afternoon and training officially begins Wednesday.

The last couple of weeks have been busy and emotional. We've said our good-byes and packed up all that we'll need for the next 8 1/2 weeks.

Please pray for us as we enter this next big phase...

While transitions can be tough for anyone, we ask for specific prayer for our sons. Please pray that throughout our moves to Virginia, Vancouver, and Norway, they will feel safe and secure. Our prayer is that it will further affirm that even when outside circumstances change, families stay together.

Please pray for Zack and me as we enter a time of intense training and preparation. Pray that our hearts and minds will remain focused on God, and on the calling that He has placed on our family.

Please pray for our parents and extended family. Pray for them as they say good-bye and as the reality of our move sets in.

Packing

As I type, the movers are here and packing our belongings. They will stay in storage until we arrive in Norway.

It's yet another reality moment for us, as we think about the fact that the next time we'll see things like our beds and table and sofa, we will be in Oslo!