The Vander Pol's Arrive!

09.11.12

We slept in our new place last night!  It would have been AMAZING (and it really still was), but right before I went to bed I killed 2 cockroaches of the large variety!  I really thought it was no big deal, but I know whenever I was consciously able to last night, I thought about them crawling in my bed or on my kids--YUCK!

Rob was gone for most of the morning today running errands and getting supplies with Rickerns and then headed to the airport to get the Vander Pol's.  I finally had a little quiet time while Toby was asleep and Brooke was entertaining the girls.  It ended a little early thought wen Darla stopped by to visit.  This time was so SWEET!  She is such a kind, caring lady and the only reason she stopped in was to check on me and see how I was doing.  Man, have I been missing that!  We had a WONDERFUL conversation about transitions and seasons and she verbally affirmed for me the value of allowing yourself to experience emotions and putting name to them, but also of being PATIENT with where your heart is while you continue to seek the Lord and to remain malleable.  It really was so so sweet and a GREAT time for just raw, authentic conversation...something I have really been missing!  This too was interrupted when Toby woke up and I needed to find him some lunch.  It ended up being Haitian spaghetti that had been served for 10:30am meal.  I just can't do it-I can't bring myself to eat spaghetti that early in the am (it comes in 2 varieties even-spaghetti or elbow macaroni with "hot dogs" in it).  But today it did work out well b/c when Toby went to eat it so did the 3 little ladies and it was 12:30 so we basically were able to eat it for lunch!  Toby prefers just to eat the hot dogs out of it--as does KJ...but everyone ate really well!  These are ALWAYS small victories!  Speaking of food, something must be going on with my sugars or I am in withdrawal or something--I have been having the weirdest cravings today--skittles, salad, berries, squash, veggies, chocolate, grilled chx...mostly things you can't get there of course and the things no one can really send.

On the high note of the day--the Vander Pol's arrived today!!!  The girls were so anxious and were asking all morning "How much longer?"  The VP's got a little hung up trying to get through customs, but finally arrived and the look on their faces when they got here showed that they were ready to be done with their travels!  You could feel an immediate staff shift when they arrived...even as simple as everyone preparing for another and more transition.  We are just so thrilled that they are here!  They get the heart beat of COTP coming from the prinsburg/Wilmar area, and they bring life experience in areas that we don't.  My girls really love playing with their boys-especially Elijah who is closest in age with them.  It is interesting to watch someone else arrive--I saw so many of the same emotions that I was feeling on Christina's face and it was so comforting to later talk about it and feel ok about being overwhelmed and maybe even a little anxious.  I made sure to give them space upon arrival to settle in a little and catch their breath.

So I was able to come upstairs and got to spend sometime chatting more with Brooke and getting to know her.  I love our chats and I love that she feels she is able to talk with me.  In all honesty, I think at this point we are good for each other as we both are missing our relationships back home.  I continue to find myself daily thanking God for knowing my need in Brooke and appreciating her!

Tonight ended so well!  We took baths--the kiddos took baths outside in a laundry tub with the hose.  They ABSOLUTELY LOVED this~  All of them listed this as the best part of their days.  They thought it was so adventurous and so fun!  They came off the high of getting the chance to dance in the rain.  I had already put Toby in the bath so I couldn't join them, but it was so fun to see their smiles and watch them twirl and be so carefree!  For a split moment I wanted to be the one out there with them, but I was loving that Brooke was there to lead them in acting without a care in the world.  That is so healthy!

Toby had a GREAT evening too!  He has really taken to one of the older boys here and laughs with him and at him all the time.  He even reaches for him now to hold him and carry him.  It is so good for both of them!  This boy is so gentle with him and comes quickly down to his level!  While the nannies were rocking out down the side of the house tonight too Toby was playing in the yard.  He started shaking and dancing to the music of their singing--BEAUTIFUL!  It was so cute to watch him dance and wave his hands in the air to their singing!

Thanks God for today!  We are feeling more and more settled-We are so GRATEFUL to have the VP's here.  Lord, continue to humble me and keep me in line with your will for us here...I am your hands and feet...I am willing...