Home!

We have been home for a few weeks now and are finding a new rhythm to life. When we think about what we were doing, where we were, who we were with even a month ago it all feels overwhelming and different. 

Bit of a life update:

We are back in our house with all of our things gathered from storage (thank you friends!). Kids are getting excited/nervous about school starting in only a few weeks. Jeff is interviewing for jobs. I’m already setting some things aside for my return to Ghana. We have had more “welcome home dinners” than I can count. We have bought $1,000+ in groceries restocking everything from salt and pepper, ketchup and flour. It’s finally feeling real and like home again. 

The culture shock is real, that’s for sure. Standing in a grocery store and seeing 50 different kids of cereal after only having access to 3 is a bit wild. Kids will say things like “what would ______ say if they could see this?” talking about our Sierra Leone friends. We say other crazy things like “the sky is so blue!” (Pollution is terrible there). 

Both kids and us have been staying in contact with friends from around the world. Lots of texts received at 3am saying hi to kids and showing pictures of people settling back into their lives. It’s always good to see but also hard to be reminded of our old life we loved so much. 

In only 3.5 weeks I return to Ghana. I’m excited to see friends again and use my skills to help new people and a new country. 

Prayer requests: 

1. My flights/visa/bags as I go to Ghana. Lots of logistics involved! But also pray I am useful, helpful in physical therapy but also pointing hearts to Jesus. 
2. Kids transition back to American school. They were at Mercy Ships Academy with 4-12 kids in a class from around the world. Public school in California will be a big adjustment. 
3. Jeff’s job interviews. Pray he finds the best job for his skills and has the hours/flexibility need while I’m in Ghana. 
4. All of our hearts as we stay in contact with friends from around the world, but need to make roots here as well. It’s a lot. 

The big things (moving our things to our house), small things (encouraging hugs and texts) to the unexpected (checks in the mail!) have all been such a blessing. Thank you doesn’t see like enough. We are only able to do what we do because of you. Really. We are being the hands and feet but you are the powerhouse behind it. Thanks for letting us serve the least of these. 

Please continue to reach out with questions, encouragement and hugs. Love you! 

J2, L, S2

This is not even all of the bags we had!

We were all jealous of Sadie's ability to fit under the arm rests in the Madrid airport!

People ask "How does Jeff fit in Economy seats?" He doesn't. 

First trip to the library in 2 years! JOY!

First ice cream cones at "Burger & Cream" on a Tuesday night.