Moving Day

December 1, 2007


We awoke to light snow/rain and overcast skies today. Temps continue to hover around freezing. We missed A's first high school BB game last night. Have heard no word on the outcome. I was able to see online that the varsity boys got hammered by our friends over the mountain, but no word on the freshmen.

Today is moving day for us. We'll be meeting with S later today and packing up to make the train tonight for our region. Any of you who have taken this train know what an adventure it can be. I've only done it once before. This is about a 4-5 hour drive. The train leaves around 7P and arrives around 6A the following day. The toilet situation on the train is a bit stressful, but I'm sure we'll manage. Again, I say I am a fan of public transportation. It is a bit hard though not to stand out.

We had a great day yesterday and ventured out farther than before. We got out a little late. I'm ashamed to say that we are still adjusting to the time zone. We met with the U family at the metro platform and then on to the underground mall a little after noon and ate a quick bite. This was the first "American" food that we have had. We were also able to speak with Don the phone during our mall time. She sounded pleasant, but our conversation was short. KB talked to her for a bit, also. She has historically be fairly shy to talk on the phone. My words to her were, "D, eta papa!" - Her reply, "I know" She continues to try not use her native language to communicate with us. We can't wait to see her again.

After that we were to meet with our other facilitator, B, and his family at their home out in the suburbs. We were to meet him in the metro station downtown on the platform. Now we are still figuring things out a bit and we had decided that rather than him coming all the way into town (a 20 minute ride) and then turning around with us to head back home, we would just head in his direction and meet him on the platform at the station near his home.

Gina had told me of her metro adventures from last year - packing people like cheap sardine in a small space and then fighting like mad through the crowd to get off at your stop - we had not yet seen this. But this time, it was on. The main station where we boarded in downtown and the passenger demand is relatively high. So we boarded and had to stand in the crowd the whole way. I was anxiously reviewing my metro map and watching the screens to make sure we did not miss our stop. KB was a little bothered by it, but hey, she likes the thought of being a big city girl. So after 9 stops we decided to disembark and hope for the best. As God would have it B had just arrived and was standing at the door where we were to step off. I'm learning to look for His hand in all things especially the little ones and to be thankful at all times. So thank you God for riding the metro with us. In reality, this was a real confidence booster for us - however, not yet invincible. So we rode with B and his wife to pick up two of their children from school and then to their home for a very nice dinner. Their home was so nice and cozy. We really enjoyed this time to "fellowship with other believers." Their family is also incredibly beautiful - such grace and kindness - a happy home indeed. They are doing great work for the kingdom here and we are happy to know them. Our dinner consisted of a chili dish which was quite tasty and was made with tomatoes which they had grown themselves. We also had juice from their small vineyard. G and B's wife really hit it off with the decorating talk. KB and their eldest daughter also had a great time playing together. It was a very nice time and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you guys for being so kind to us.

BTW, I was dubbed "Buddy" by their son. This is the name he calls his grandfather who also has facial hair. We all got a kick out of it. He was so cute and such a smart young man of 3 years.

We made our way back to the metro station and were able to ride while sitting this time. We made our transfer correctly and were home by around 9. I made a quick run to the market for some supplies and then we began to try to sleep.

Please continue to pray for us as we travel again tonight. It will be a sleep deprived night, but we are looking forward to being in the region.

Papa

PS, We are 4 deep on phones. Thanks to all who have allowed us to borrow. Here are the best numbers for us at the moment: 380673921930 and 380984250118