Home again, home again!

Home again, home again jiggity jig! We have been back in the US for over 2 weeks now and it has been a whirlwind of fun and crazy. The reverse culture shock has not been too bad- so far Charlie has not pulled down her pants and peed in any public location- or at least that I know of.

I think the transition has been so easy because we have been blessed by people who have taken care of us and doted on us in so many ways. Our first US blessing came when our plane landed in Chicago. Dear friends of ours picked us up, let us take showers at their house, fed us, and supplied a plethora of toys for Charlie to play with. It was the best 8 hour lay over we have ever had! Then when we arrived in Phoenix, Josh's parents picked us up at the airport and have been blessing us non-stop since. They have graciously let us stay at their house until Josh gets a job and we find a place to live. They have also taken on the role as "the most funnest people ever" according to Charlie. As soon as she wakes up, she wants to play with Grandma and Grandpa and amazingly they usually want to play with her too! This provided me lots of time for my consigning project.

(Notice the outfit Charlie is wearing- 6 month old outfit that should have gone to the sale, but is perfect for "tea" with Grandma).

Much of my time so far has consisted of getting Charlie's old baby items ready to sell at a consignment sale, working at the consignment sale, and buying new fun toys and clothes at the consignment sale. There was also a few shopping trips thrown in there- ok more than a few and also several dining out experiences.

Josh has been keeping busy looking for a job in the IT field- searching for openings, networking, and brushing up on his skills. And lots of Myth Busters watching.

Charlie has been having a blast playing at the playgrounds and splash pads. We have gone to the library and the Children's Museum also. Add to that swimming and new toys- we have worn her out every day. She is having a blast, but almost everyday asks when we are going back to our home in Banyo because "she misses her friends."



We have transitioned back to the American lifestyle quite easily, but occasionally I look at the things around me like one of my African friends might. The first time I went to the grocery store, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of produce- and how clean it was. There was no dirt on the carrots! When I walked through the mall, I thought about how crazy/amazing it is that there are so many brightly lit, beautifully decorated store there were that just sold clothes! When we first drove on the roads in Chicago, Charlie kept on saying "whoo, whoo, whoo." She was so excited by how "fast" we were going.

Thank you for all of your prayers! We are so thankful to be home with family and friends.