LOTS of things...Part II

Well, we can start with Bitsu's first day of school. She was excited and nervous. I had to stay with her awhile before she felt ok about me leaving. But being her typical, extroverted self, she greeted all the kids and came home asking if she could just go right back. We told her that you can't sleep at school :). She loves her teacher, who is a sweet, older lady and who is the type that inspires others to become teachers. Turi, on the other hand, asked Bitsu how much homework she had and what she did at school. Bitsu's homework was to pick flowers and she attended an opening drum festival and played outside. Hey, it was the first day :). Turi was pretty upset as she did both math and reading on her first day and hasn't been without homework since. Both schools are PERFECT for the girls!
Tihi attends a dance class that she loves. She has always loved dancing so we found a jazz/hip hop/ballet class for her age. Yesterday was crazy with dropping off Turi and Bitsu, meeting girls for discipleship, picking up Bitsu, food shopping, picking up Turi and taking Tihi to dance. Who said I would have more free time since I am no longer homeschooling???
Lastly, today is Carmen's b-day. He is 1!!!! We cannot believe it. He has 6 teeth, is 2 days away from walking (he'll do it if you pretend to be holding him. Guess he just lacks confidence), loves his sisters (and wanders a bit now that two are gone for the day), loves Ellie (as you can see from the video), loves water, still is thin and long and looks forward to being a swimmer like his daddy when he grows up :). Happy Birthday, Carmen!!!

LOTS of things...

First off, Turi's first day of school: August 19th. She was super nervous with not knowing what to expect. But it hasn't taken very long for her to adjust. It is a TINY school. There are 2 other kids in 5th grade with her, a boy and a girl. She has some serious competition as this school is very high in academics. She has been working hard at school and then coming home with some homework. Her teacher doesn't believe in homework and gives them independent study time to get stuff done at school. But Turi, due to lack of vocab, can't keep up as well as the others. So, her teacher, after we had a conference, is adjusting her schoolwork so that she isn't dying under the amount of homework every night (which she was up until 9 trying to complete). I think the school is perfect for her. It's tough and challenging but willing to work with her to help her get caught up.
Next: Bitsu's b-day. Her b-day was August 26th and she is now 10. It was actually a pretty hard day with me re-injuring my torn ACL and Tihi jumping in the deep end of the pool (unknowingly) and having to be rescued by the lifeguard. But Bitsu didn't really notice and had a good day. It ended with the Ethiopian dinner she requested and cupcakes she herself made. She starts school TOMORROW so stay tuned...
Please pray for the ministry here. First of all, our staff team has dwindled as one of the couples we worked with has left. We are down to Dave, our director, Curt and I, a mom of 4.5. So far, there are no men to work with and we are praying for this specifically. The women however, are beginning to come out of the woodwork! I have my BBS I started last semester (coming over tonight for dinner for the first time!), a possible new study (I have heard of about 6 new, interested sorority women) and some new women I am discipling. I will be "on campus" 2 days a week this semester, as opposed to the 1 from last semester. That is until the baby comes and stops life :). Pray that I would connect with the women that God wants me to, especially to start this new group. Thank you!

Never Enough Time

There never seems to be enough time to get everything done. But I guess when I take on a task like steam cleaning my home, there wouldn't be enough time :).

What has been happening? Curt was gone for 11 days for a course that will benefit us greatly on campus. He has been trained in wilderness medical training so that when we lead students out rock climbing or hiking, he is certified to treat people if something were to happen out on the trail and before they get to a doctor or hospital.

A few of my students have returned so I have slowly been getting back into discipling or just meeting with them. I have already started up the neighborhood women's story group that I led last year and we picked up with David's life. We are nearing the end of the Old Testament (those prophets are WAY too hard to story :))! We have a sweet friend moving into our house for an undetermined amount of time while she is raising support to join staff. We are glad to have you, Leah! But that does mean no visitors for quite an amount of time :(. Well, actually, our laundry room still has some space....

The girls are well. BIG NEWS: Bitsu is going to school!! She got into a Waldorf charter school here (she was on the wait list). It is free as in AZ, the state pays for the charter schools. We have heard great things and love the way she will be learning. It seems right up her alley. Turi, as most of you know, is also going to school. That one is a private, Christian school that is very heavy in academics. We had a registration time for here and interacted with her teacher and I think she is going to love it. Tihi will remain at home, which she is also excited about. I cannot imagine what I am going to do with all my time!

Actually, I will be taking on more responsibility on campus. Leah, who will be moving in with us, will be watching Tihi and Carmen every Friday. This will enable me to attend meetings and do ministry alongside of Curt, which we are both excited about. Curt will also be continuing to take one day a week at home so that I can meet with women and lead my BBS.

Lastly, Carmen is well. He now has 5 teeth and it looks like a 6th should be threw any day. He is almost walking (we think) and is really just as happy as can be. He is excited about another baby in the house!

It's a Girl!

That's right. Unless God has some surprise for us, we are going to have a girl in mid-December. Hey, who doesn't need 4 girls in the house?