Firsts

Today was the first day of preschool for Josee and Natalie.  As we arrived, Valerie was fitted to be tied.  The ever nervous mother hoping that it will all be fine.  The girls had new blankets and pillow pets to go with them.  Yea school, was the mantra.  Yea, Mrs. Fox (school director).

Mrs. Fox showed us the door rather quick and told us to call later.  So instead of worrying all morning, we spent it running up Animas Mountain.  This was a first for us.  We have not had any time as a couple since we picked them up in the DRC.  I am not complaining, but it was rather refreshing despite doing two loops up and down the mountain.

After our run, we called to check on the girls.  No problems.  No crying, fussing or anything like it.  Just plain ole fun at preschool.  This was such a relief to Valerie, as she was so worried about how they would do.  Now we just had to wait until the end of the day.

After picking up our older daughters we headed to get Josee and Natalie.  As we pulled up they were fully engaged on the swings.  Walking through the gate, Natalie saw us first.  Running in her funny way that she does she stopped at the slide set and began climbing and showing her skills.  No hug, just play.  Josee almost refused to acknowledge us, as she was engaged in swinging.  Just like our older daughters, leaving preschool was about to become a challenge.  If they only knew that going home now would result in a trip to Baskin Robins.

School completed, kids rounded up and a trip to get ice-cream.  Both are requesting to go back to school tomorrow which is good since they are lined up to go.  So here are two little girls who have only been in the USA for 5 weeks and they are experiencing a new and very different life.  I wonder what they are thinking?  This is not how it was supposed to be for them.  I have heard so many people say that they are lucky.  This is so not the case.  We are lucky that God has blessed us with them.

It has been a while since I have written, but it has been hard to get anything but cleaning and doing laundry.  Only this week did we actually feel like there is some breathing room.  Thank God for school.

So I my title is firsts.  Here are some of the firsts.

A pro bike race attended
School attended successfully
"Oh my gosh Kate, I can't believe it." Josee
rang cow bells like Tour de France fans
most likely their first going to school pics
wearing jean jackets
school clothes shopping
hugging the dogs and letting them lick them
sledding down a hill on sleds  (No snow yet)

I am sure there is more, as they are learning English so quickly.  I will post pictures soon.

Thank you for food

Every night that Valerie lies down with the girls they pray.  Most nights it goes something like this.  Thank you God for Kate, Thank you God for Abby, Thank you God for papa daddy, Thank you God for Momma, and then Josee says Thank you God for food.

This says it all.  I can't imagine what they are thinking right now.  They have 3 squared and snacks.  Did they ever get this before? It is very doubtful that they had anything like this.  When we first saw them they were bloated and looked really bad.  Now they are streamlined and they have definition.  Like I said, I can't imagine what is going through their mind.

Thank you God for food is my favorite.  I think of the times that God gave us sustenance while we were in the DRC.  Not only did he provide for us physically, He also met us spiritually and emotionally.  He took care of us when there was no answer to our questions.  He met us in our deepest darkest places.  He provided us with answers when there were none.  He provided our friends with rooms when they were supposed to be sold out.

Do you get what I am saying?  God is there when you need him.  He may not always show up the way we are expecting Him to, but He shows up.  For us, it came at the misfortune of our friends.  It came in a way of fear for our friends.  It came.   It reminds me of 2nd Corinthians 1:1-11.  He comforts us.

He comforts us with food and etc....  I could prolong this and talk for ever,  but I think the scripture speaks for itself.  Thank you God for food, and everything else you give.