free time

Now this is rare, two hands free and spare time to blog...
Lots going on, lots to blog about. I miss America, or rather I miss my family, don't really miss America too much except maybe being able to communicate easily. I can communicate here but I know I must sound like a retard. I speak slow and make a lot of stupid mistakes. It's especially worse after I spend weeks only speaking english. So as you can imagine I am having a down time right now with my spanish. And for an insecure introvert this is not good. But well, I forge ahead. I went through a downer first week back. I finally had time to assimilate all that had happened the last couple of months. We have been going literally non-stop since before Thanksgiving (end of November). Since Sophia's baby dedication we have been barely stopping to rest or breathe or think. Every day in America was spent with a minimum of 3 different families/households. We usually had every meal with a different family and then often times in between meals were used for more visits. Don't get me wrong, it was great to be there and see everyone. But I think if you realize how fast we were moving while we were there then you will understand why it took me over a week to recouperate when we came back to Spain. I got a flu just as I was getting over jetlag and this week we are fighting off a cold. But anyway, yes, December was grand. One to be remembered. Everyone was head over heals for Sophia. She was a big hit. She got about 8 boxes worth of Christmas gifts that are still on their way over via the postal system. Should get those before too long in the mail. She saw Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and second cousins. And lots of friends and supporters too. Christmas was great. We had several parties to go to starting the 23rd. The 24th we spent at the beach walking along the seashore on one of the most beautiful days I've seen in a long time. And the 25th we were back in Bakersfield for several meals with different family members. Every visit, every meal, every conversation is a polaroid in my heart that I will cherish for a long time.

So a couple weeks back and I have had time to get over jet lag, and reverse culture shock. Sophia is enjoying being back on a normal routine in her normal environment as are Jonah and I. We have a lot of hope and excitement for the new year. I have been thinking and praying about themes for the new year and I think this is going to be a year of bounty and harvest. Don't know what that means yet but excited to find out. And I have been busy getting some personal goals made out for this year. And Jonah, Jim and I have been making some broader goals for our Triburbana community which are quite exciting as well.

Sorry this is a longer post but I don't know when I will have another chance to post so I have to take advantage.

Sophia had her 4 month shots this month and she didn't even cry. All the other babies were coming out of the office wailing but Sophia came out smiling. Everyone in the waiting room was amazed. As was I. I was holding her hands and looking into her eyes when they put the shots into her fat little legs. She glanced at her legs and started to get a puzzled look in her eyes. But then I said "Sophia, it's ok" and smiled at her and her almost about to cry face turned into a smiling face. Pretty amazing.

And guess where Jonah and Sophia and I are going next month for a little family holiday??? Paris!!! Jonah has a 24-7 Prayer meeting there and someone very special has given me the money to buy myself a plane ticket as well. So yet another one of my big dreams will come true at the end of February.

Ok, I better get back to being a mom.

Comments

[margaret]

excellent!!!!
Glad you are back for a little while. I am sure your spanish will come back quickly once you have talked with your spanish friends a bit.
Paris in late February - I envy you!

[resa]

hello beautiful heather, glad to hear you're recuperating from the action-packed states visit. and excited to hear about the paris visit for your guys, nice one! i'm often frustrated over my swedish, but i'm told it will come. and let me say sohpia is beautiful and perfect and i'm so happy for you guys. love and prayers from us in sweden.