Apple Juice and Fishing Nets

From Quincy (written on Sunday):

The first few days were hard but now its getting better and better. Today we went to the the beach, which was fun and yesterday (Saturday) we went down to the Seaside Festival. A little bit ago, we walked down the river in our backyard. Tomorrow we are going to get fishing poles because we have a river in our back yard and have seen lots of fish of the dock that is the river right behind our house. We also saw a speed boat going down, it was going really fast down a pretty small river.  Then dad and I went to see the fireworks.  We walked.  They were awesome and cool:)

From Betsy:

Ahhh.  Culture shock.  It's always a challenge to adjust to living in a different country, adding 4 kids to the mix has definitely upped-the-anty.  We have certainly had plenty of lows, I'll spare you from specific details, but to say that there has been weeping and gnashing of teeth would not be putting it mildly.  Add in a new place to live and different everything, to a 7-hour time change and bright sun from 5am until 11pm, and it's been an adventure.

Slowly, we are all finding our way and finding things that make this shift better.  Annie was the first to note that the apple juice is much better here (the milk, not so good), and the yogurt and chocolate pudding help too:)

Quincy loves living "in the country" and has already been swimming in the river behind our house (which is a bit questionable:/), but daily logs his desire to be at home.

Jackson has occasionally asked to go to our "super-big house," but is enjoying the noodles and the fishing.  And we finally found some syrup (a bit pricey at $10 for a small bottle, but he's got to have his pancakes!). Nala, well, she unites us with the world with her quick "Hello" and "Thank-you" in her sweet, husky voice.  And she still loves to nap:)

Aaron and I are doing well.  Keep the prayers coming, because navigating grocery stores, major purchases, and starting a new job on top of helping kids can be a bit stressful.  We know God hears them, because we are not operating on our own strength (or sleep) at this point.  I am pleased to now have an iPhone (!), storage bins, and a car.  But oh, do I miss my kitchen and being able to find familiar food.  Who knows how much sugar we are all eating, I likely won't be able to read the food labels by the time we leave:)  And Aaron is satisfied that he could set up phone service and buy a van in a foreign country.  Next on his list is a bike…and a little more structure:)

So, yes, we purchased a van today.  A couple thoughts on this.  It is really hot here.  I know you all in West Michigan are already celebrating fall weather, but it is high 80s and humid.  And no one here has air conditioning because they wait all year for the 3 weeks of warm weather.  I don't like this weather, here, there, or anywhere.  And after walking the 20 minutes to the grocery store with all 4 kids on Sunday, it was time.  We lasted 4 days without a car.  Sad, I know.  Entitled Americans, yes we are.  But we happily drove to the grocery store and the beach today.  And the van has air conditioning:)

A couple other highlights.  We have met a wonderfully helpful family.  They have been indispensable our first 5 days here.  They have answered so.many.questions.  Some before we even thought to ask them.  They have brought us to the grocery store and the beach.  Invited us over for soccer and pizza.  Helped us find fishing poles and a car.  Don't underestimate the power of kindness and hospitality.  I pray I don't forgot just how well they have aided our transition here.  Huge answer to prayer.

And the beach!  We love the beach!  Folks that have been here have compared the beaches to the Lake Michigan shoreline.  It is true.  The water has been great, Quincy can walk about 200 yards out.  It has been refreshing in more than just the physical sense.  And the kids have loved it.  It helps that they sell ice cream all over, even an ice cream bike cart!

For me, today was hopefully a great preview of one of the many reasons I was looking forward to the move here.  I really have nothing to do but love on our little family!  And to watch our kids begin to smile and laugh, and really just care well for each other through this is great.  A big turning point was walking along the river behind our house on Sunday night.  Quincy, Annie, Jackson, and Nala looking for frogs and minnows, laughing, carrying each other, and just being.  I know that could have happened anywhere, but it was powerful to see:)

So, thanks for your prayers!  Much love from Lithuania:)