30 more sleeps. And we arrive back home 354 days after we left. Yep - we are coming back to Houston. It was a surprise - we expecting another year from now - but things change. For better or worse, Fluor needs Dave elsewhere and I'm (well, we) are following him around the world. We have a lease application in on a property in Walnut Bend - ironically a first-time x-pat family moved to London and we (hopefully) will be squatting in their home. The challenge will be fitting in our stuff but we will make it work. The treadmill is really the biggest issue now. :)
And, we get Homer and Sadie back! The Good Lord found a "vacation" spot for them so I hope they remember us and aren't too sad to leave Lydia's.
I'm in the midst of managing all the details, which is a full-time job in itself, as well as wrapping up AWC duties and an INTENSE Beth Moore Bible Study. All good but I'm pretty tired already. :)
I don't know if I will cry like I did on the way down here - we shall see. We've met some truly quality people here - I'm so thankful for all the friends we've made. They are the icing on the cake and have certainly altered my perspective on who I am and who I want to get to know. This year has been a year of change and it's all been good. I will be glad to be home to help with my family - lots going on with them and especially my nieces.
I trust The Lord even more now. Such radical things as getting as far out of your comfort zone as possible are bound to change a person. And they have. Each one of us. I feel like I've changed the most - but that maybe because I think I had the most TO change. I would not trade this experience for anything - God has done such a work in me, I'm not even the same as I was 2 weeks or even a week ago. But yet, He retains who I am and I can rest in that. Confused? Yeah, me a little too. Complex stuff going on in this brain that only got 4 1/2 hours of sleep last night.
(X-Men Wolverine is an AWESOME movie, if you like super hero movies or just great special effects, in my opinion.)
I will end with a couple of lines from Brandon Heath's "Wait and See" which I am listening to as I write. I think this guy is actually writing the soundtrack to our lives. He has some mean talent, I tell you what.
There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans He’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet
See you soon Houston!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hello!
Well, it certainly has been awhile. And I update this on the eve of the girls and I returning to Houston for 15 days. We are coming back to spend Easter with my family, which will in turn give us more time to spend with Dave's family this summer (trip to be booked after we get back to T&T). We actually have been out of the country since we got home from Christmas - to Grenada (pictures on FB). Before we take our home leave to The States in early July, we will also go to Tobago and to see the Turtles in Grand Rivere! So, while we've settled down in our routine and life here, we are still having adventures. Natalie and Sophia both start in new (and different) schools come August - Natalie in Kindergarten at The International School of Port of Spain and Sophia in the 3 yr old at London Montessori (which everyone else's 3 & 4 year old we know!) It will be interesting because that will be the first time in 18 months they have been apart. I am praying for an easy transition.
Since March began, we've also had lice go around the family (not to Dave though, lucky guy) and a 24 virus (I was the only one without it). I've also taken on my new position of co-leader of my Bible Study and 3rd VP of the American Women's Club - over Service. Natalie is playing soccer, they are both done with gymnastics for now but going to start swim lessons when we get back. Dave has been working A LOT (busy is good in this economy). Life since we got back seems to have gone from relatively slow to warp speed in a few weeks time. Oh yes, I also was able to find a Pilates studio and a Masters Swim Team, so I'm back into those sports! WHEW!
Our goals and activities still focus around strengthening our family and making new friends. We have several families we spend time with, others we would like to spend more time with (before they move) and new folks we are getting to know. That has been the very best part. And these are also folks from Trinidad as well!
In short - we have kept busy and made a life here. Which was the goal at the outset. Where we go from here - how long we stay here, etc. - is still very much in God's Hands. Who better that to rest it with?
I promise to try and update this more - but we are doing very well!
Since March began, we've also had lice go around the family (not to Dave though, lucky guy) and a 24 virus (I was the only one without it). I've also taken on my new position of co-leader of my Bible Study and 3rd VP of the American Women's Club - over Service. Natalie is playing soccer, they are both done with gymnastics for now but going to start swim lessons when we get back. Dave has been working A LOT (busy is good in this economy). Life since we got back seems to have gone from relatively slow to warp speed in a few weeks time. Oh yes, I also was able to find a Pilates studio and a Masters Swim Team, so I'm back into those sports! WHEW!
Our goals and activities still focus around strengthening our family and making new friends. We have several families we spend time with, others we would like to spend more time with (before they move) and new folks we are getting to know. That has been the very best part. And these are also folks from Trinidad as well!
In short - we have kept busy and made a life here. Which was the goal at the outset. Where we go from here - how long we stay here, etc. - is still very much in God's Hands. Who better that to rest it with?
I promise to try and update this more - but we are doing very well!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Leaving on a Jet Plane!
Less than 48 hours and we will be on a plane to Houston! YES! I can't wait. I didn't sleep well last night - I was making lists in my head. But our bag is more or less packed, except for the stuff I will need until then (the important stuff like makeup and a flat iron). I will probably be up at 5 am on Sunday (3 am Houston time) getting ready to go. We need to leave the house around 6:15 am or so, but the traffic won't be bad at all. The girls are excited and we have a Christmas party between now and then so lots of good distractions.
Today is a chill day - still in our PJs and playing today until Alfie can go swimming! Then naps and movie/pizza night. After a week or so of challenge, Dave and I doing good and he has his list to do before he joins us, for our trek to Indy, next Friday.
We will be in Houston till the 19th and then driving to Indiana and there until we start our drive back around the 28th or 29th. Then back to Houston - Dave leaves on the 3rd and we leave on the 7th. I'm sure it will fly by!!
We are also trying to get some work done at our house in Houston but surprisingly, everyone has been slow to respond. Probably the holidays.
Giving a devotional at BCUMC staff meeting on Monday so I will get to see part of our church home then and our Sunday to worship is the 3rd (Dave's plane doesn't leave till 1 pm). Can't wait and many pictures will abound!
Happy Christmas and Old New Year! (That's what the Trini's say!)
Today is a chill day - still in our PJs and playing today until Alfie can go swimming! Then naps and movie/pizza night. After a week or so of challenge, Dave and I doing good and he has his list to do before he joins us, for our trek to Indy, next Friday.
We will be in Houston till the 19th and then driving to Indiana and there until we start our drive back around the 28th or 29th. Then back to Houston - Dave leaves on the 3rd and we leave on the 7th. I'm sure it will fly by!!
We are also trying to get some work done at our house in Houston but surprisingly, everyone has been slow to respond. Probably the holidays.
Giving a devotional at BCUMC staff meeting on Monday so I will get to see part of our church home then and our Sunday to worship is the 3rd (Dave's plane doesn't leave till 1 pm). Can't wait and many pictures will abound!
Happy Christmas and Old New Year! (That's what the Trini's say!)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
WHEW!
It's been awhile - again! We were busy with Wilma and Terry, Dave's Parents, visit and it was a great time. We did not get to go down the islands like we'd planned, unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. When you have the captain of the boat telling you it won't be good for kids - well, I'll listen! But they got LOTS AND LOTS of time with Natalie and Sophia - who were miffed when they woke up Monday to learn Me-Maw and Pa-Paw were not around, only really hitting Natalie hard Tuesday morning after she slept with Sophia all night. I asked her why and she said "because I wanted to love on her." I can't argue with that!
The Vogels in Indy did wake up to snow on Tuesday, a far cry from balmy Trinidad. It hasn't been too bad lately, actually - minus the rain. It seems to be a little cooler than it has been. They were glad to leave the traffic behind and it's only a few weeks before we invade their house this time!
In fact, we only have 24 more sleeps to go before our return trip to Texas and then drive to Indy on the 19th! I'm SO happy, I'm really enjoying it here - all the friends we've made and things we do (which we want to do more of) and most of all, my Bible study. But there is just no place like home. And of course the highlight is seeing all my family and friends.
I miss you all but will see you soon!
We hope to go down east to visit some friends out there this weekend - so hopefully we will have more pics to share. We will experience Thanksgiving away from home (either family) for the first time - which will be interesting too!!!
More to come and see you soon!
The Vogels in Indy did wake up to snow on Tuesday, a far cry from balmy Trinidad. It hasn't been too bad lately, actually - minus the rain. It seems to be a little cooler than it has been. They were glad to leave the traffic behind and it's only a few weeks before we invade their house this time!
In fact, we only have 24 more sleeps to go before our return trip to Texas and then drive to Indy on the 19th! I'm SO happy, I'm really enjoying it here - all the friends we've made and things we do (which we want to do more of) and most of all, my Bible study. But there is just no place like home. And of course the highlight is seeing all my family and friends.
I miss you all but will see you soon!
We hope to go down east to visit some friends out there this weekend - so hopefully we will have more pics to share. We will experience Thanksgiving away from home (either family) for the first time - which will be interesting too!!!
More to come and see you soon!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Trini Halloween 2008 Complete!
We'd been hearing how Halloween is kind of the "hidden" holiday here and it gets BIG in our neighborhood. Since Christmas trees/decorations are out EVERYWHERE you wouldn't think people paid much attention to it. The girls had a little party at school - Natalie was a witch in all black, complete with a cape and broom. Sophia was also supposed to be one but when we put her costume on, all I heard was "SCATCHY MOMMY! SCATCHY!!" (Scratchy) So, I had to improvise. She ended up wearing a dress-up tutu that she loves, so it all worked out. And when you have white blonde hair and an angel face, you look cute in anything. She really is a hit here everywhere we go.
We had a low key day after the party, waiting for the trick or treating to start. We decorated and got ready and around 5:30 pm 1/2 of Trinidad, at least the under 12 crowd, showed up in our neighborhood. It was CRAZY. You see in the pictures, and I dressed up as well, as a witch (the plan was for all 3 of us to be witches - oh well). The Scotts and the Hosmans joined us and we had a great time. Everyone went home about 8:45 and the girls were asleep by 9:15 pm. After we ran out of candy, the kids played in the playroom and really enjoyed themselves. Wyeth, the Scott's little boy, kept "introducing" all the girls, Natalie always seemed to be first. Samantha, the Hosman's little girl, was so cute in her full princess outfit. Wyeth & Samantha are both 3 and those ages really play well with Nats and Sophers.
Just a great time. The great thing about Trinidad is that parties don't have to be very formal affairs and you don't have to plan everything to the last detail. Most are just "limes" where people get together, talk, let the kids run around and develop friendships. We are very lucky to have met some really awesome folks and this was a great experience.
We continue the merriment tonight with a "appletini" party at the Brzenzkis and that leaves us with only 6 more sleeps till Me-Maw & Pa-Paw get here. It's 8:22 am and Sophia and I are still the only ones up. We are about to get breakfast, so enjoy!
We had a low key day after the party, waiting for the trick or treating to start. We decorated and got ready and around 5:30 pm 1/2 of Trinidad, at least the under 12 crowd, showed up in our neighborhood. It was CRAZY. You see in the pictures, and I dressed up as well, as a witch (the plan was for all 3 of us to be witches - oh well). The Scotts and the Hosmans joined us and we had a great time. Everyone went home about 8:45 and the girls were asleep by 9:15 pm. After we ran out of candy, the kids played in the playroom and really enjoyed themselves. Wyeth, the Scott's little boy, kept "introducing" all the girls, Natalie always seemed to be first. Samantha, the Hosman's little girl, was so cute in her full princess outfit. Wyeth & Samantha are both 3 and those ages really play well with Nats and Sophers.
Just a great time. The great thing about Trinidad is that parties don't have to be very formal affairs and you don't have to plan everything to the last detail. Most are just "limes" where people get together, talk, let the kids run around and develop friendships. We are very lucky to have met some really awesome folks and this was a great experience.
We continue the merriment tonight with a "appletini" party at the Brzenzkis and that leaves us with only 6 more sleeps till Me-Maw & Pa-Paw get here. It's 8:22 am and Sophia and I are still the only ones up. We are about to get breakfast, so enjoy!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Onwards
We are only 20 sleeps from Me-Maw & Pa-Paw's visit and we are glad for it. I think we've reached another burn-out on each other phase, especially as Dave worked late every night this week so we just need a break. :) Plus, I think both are in growth-spurts, which I've found makes them both very sensitive.
Either way, we are adjusting, getting our routine down. I had a rough last couple of days, just missing home. The GM of the Fluor office here was surprised to hear that we hadn't been home yet, and said we will be more than ready by the time we go. Only 56 sleeps. :) We have a chock-full vacation planned and I've also been told we will be glad to be back in our beds when it's all over!
It does get lonely, I won't lie. It's hard breaking into groups and making close ties - everyone is pretty guarded from what I can tell. Plus, not working and still being "the new kid" just means it takes a lot longer than I'm used to get to know people. But I'm working on it!! I know I've said we've met some really quality people but life often makes it hard to get together. Plus everyone has their friends from home they talk to as well! So, it's just hard to break in.
I thank God everyday for the Bible Study I'm in, those women, while mostly all locals, I just have so much in common with them, they are so welcoming, it has given me an island of fellowship in the midst of the unknown.
I am also very thankful for Dave. He has been very understanding and supportive on the days I've been down - I think in these situations men get along a little easier - kind of feels like the women are more reserved with their friendship but the guys, I guess all in the same boat together, tend to get along quicker. He has been very encouraging as well and we've become much better parenting partners as he knows weeks like this last one are very tough on me.
But all is not lost, we are going swimming this morning and the Women in Petroleum Chili & Chutney Cook off is today - so that is an opportunity to get to see/know others! The teachers at the girls school are wonderful, one of them is an American who I think I will make a point to get to know because she has been here 2 years. It all just takes time and that's my weakest link. :)
God has so much in store for us, it's really a growth opportunity for all of us - but you know sometimes that means you have some speed bumps to weather! Miss everyone and look forward to seeing you soon!
Either way, we are adjusting, getting our routine down. I had a rough last couple of days, just missing home. The GM of the Fluor office here was surprised to hear that we hadn't been home yet, and said we will be more than ready by the time we go. Only 56 sleeps. :) We have a chock-full vacation planned and I've also been told we will be glad to be back in our beds when it's all over!
It does get lonely, I won't lie. It's hard breaking into groups and making close ties - everyone is pretty guarded from what I can tell. Plus, not working and still being "the new kid" just means it takes a lot longer than I'm used to get to know people. But I'm working on it!! I know I've said we've met some really quality people but life often makes it hard to get together. Plus everyone has their friends from home they talk to as well! So, it's just hard to break in.
I thank God everyday for the Bible Study I'm in, those women, while mostly all locals, I just have so much in common with them, they are so welcoming, it has given me an island of fellowship in the midst of the unknown.
I am also very thankful for Dave. He has been very understanding and supportive on the days I've been down - I think in these situations men get along a little easier - kind of feels like the women are more reserved with their friendship but the guys, I guess all in the same boat together, tend to get along quicker. He has been very encouraging as well and we've become much better parenting partners as he knows weeks like this last one are very tough on me.
But all is not lost, we are going swimming this morning and the Women in Petroleum Chili & Chutney Cook off is today - so that is an opportunity to get to see/know others! The teachers at the girls school are wonderful, one of them is an American who I think I will make a point to get to know because she has been here 2 years. It all just takes time and that's my weakest link. :)
God has so much in store for us, it's really a growth opportunity for all of us - but you know sometimes that means you have some speed bumps to weather! Miss everyone and look forward to seeing you soon!
Monday, October 6, 2008
"MONKEY TOUCHED ME!!!!!"
That was pretty much the best highlight of our trip to Barbados. Oh, don't get me wrong, it was beautiful and we got to do some really cool stuff - like standing in the middle of wild monkeys at feeding time and Natalie & Dave swam with turtles! It was great, a really next experience, but we won't be going back to Barbados. It's a good tick mark - the resort was ok (food was awful) and we were kind of far from the real tourist area, although close to the Nature Reserve. It was just a matter of driving around, which we did.
We have a party cruise around Port of Spain tonight and Chili Cookoff next weekend. Busy next few weeks and in 27 sleeps, Me-Maw and Pa-Paw come down! Then, just a few more weeks after that is HOME!
Anyhoo - enjoy the pictures!
We have a party cruise around Port of Spain tonight and Chili Cookoff next weekend. Busy next few weeks and in 27 sleeps, Me-Maw and Pa-Paw come down! Then, just a few more weeks after that is HOME!
Anyhoo - enjoy the pictures!
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