First Random Thoughts about the States

After a few fun days of living with my parents we are back in our old house.  (It's a God story I will save for another time, but we are so happy to be here.)  So I thought I'd post some first random thoughts about our lives back here in the States during our furlough.

• The dishwasher and the garbage disposal at our house are not seeing a lot of action because we honestly keep forgetting we have them. :>) 
• It's very strange to be able to drink water directly from the faucet.
• Being back together with the whole family at the airport brought tears to my eyes!  I missed those boys!
• I am starting to not feel quite so guilty when I pour out the remaining water in a glass.
• I am happy to once again be connected with internet.
• I am looking forward to Sandy Cove starting this Sunday.
• We took the kids to McDonald's yesterday for the first time....even bought them hot fudge sundaes. 
• We are able to use our Spanish lots as there are tons of Spanish speakers in our area, but I'm afraid I'll loose what little I have...must work on that.  We are thinking of looking for a Spanish speaking midweek church service to attend.
• The kids (and their mom) can't figure out why there is COLD air blowing on us everywhere we go...in the car, in the house, at the mall.  I had to buy a sweater to try and combat it.
• It's good to be back with the folks at BRBC and especially to see how many are going on summer mission trips!
• Joe had a good time in New York at Wading River Baptist Church. 
• I realize that what I used to call my closet here is actually room sized.
• We are having fun enjoying our pool....swimming at least 3 times a day!
• We are eating way too much.  Must start swimming laps.
• Cooking and shopping are sooooo easy here.
• "C" on the faucet does not mean "caliente" and it will not be hot.
• Walmart, Target and Costco are glad we are back for a while.
• Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and generosity of family and friends.
• Deer are the Bolivian street dogs of Virginia.....they are EVERYWHERE even in our front yard which is cool and dead beside the road daily which isn't.  We haven't hit one yet, but are expecting to before the year is out.
• Fast food really is fast.
• Movies are ridiculously overpriced.
• Days are flying by, but we are starting to feel settled in.
• I miss my friends in Bolivia and those who are traveling in other parts of the States.
• I look forward to seeing and visiting with friends here over the next year.
• Americans spend LOTS of time in their cars.
• People don't have 3 hour dinners here and waiters don't appreciate you wanting to stay that long.
• You can actually flush the TP...a concept the kids are still learning.
• A good camera is a good purchase.
• One of God's best gifts is relationships.
• I have lots still to learn but am excited about the journey.