All this togetherness...

I counted on it being a challenge and enter it with determined optimism. I am intrigued by this social experiment , stripping away all the context that our relationships  and roles and routine give us, and seeing what’s left. The good the bad and the ugly.

I will start with Avi, not much has changed there. She is as animated and secure in herself as ever . Boldly rocking the makeup and hair in an effort to compensate for the uniform. So proud my girl doesnt worrying about conforming and is testing the boundaries like any 15 year old should. She is a bright light in her world and her peers were instantly attracted to her and extremely welcoming towards her. There were birthday presents on the fifth day of anyone knowing her and a birthday lunch at a groovy restuarant a few days after that. Young ladies and men alike, it warmed my heart to see her find a tribe so easily. Avi has risen to the expectations of high school beautifully so far and even taken up soccer! Couldn’t be more proud.

Joelle has also brilliantly met expectations in the school environment and routine , always the first one up and ready . Though I have more difficulty getting information out of her about her day, her temperament has been quite even and I dont hear any complaints.  My shy girl is more cautious finding her friend group , preferring to watch and observe first ,but the culture of an international school doesnt cater to that. She will adapt to this inclusive environment where every student is held to a higher level of conduct and respect . AMEN! Joelle has also joined the soccer club and is finding her grit! She happily participated in an hour long practice in the pouring rain and raging wind and came out smiling. I cant wait for that girl of mine to fully discover how strong she is! I will say that Joz is definitely my most homesick, she texts me regularity to tell me she’s at the airport getting a flight home😂 Love the spunk of that girl when its not killing me !

What can I say about Ms Marlo...she is a force, and thankfully because I think this has been the most “taxing” on her. She has had to be so brave in so many new and intimidating experiences despite her anxious little soul. There are much higher expectations of her at school in terms of the academics and a lot of  homework goes with that. Poor girl is beyond herself at night, but still the bright, happy and beautiful child during the day. Marlo and I went to the driving range recently and I think I have a protege on my hands, and ,she loved it ! In addition to golfing , Marlo is doing gymnastics and robotics after school and still has her passion for all things science. So much respect for my baby!

I can only tell you my impression of how Sean is doing ( maybe one day I’ll give him a turn at the keyboard). He’s a rock...actually he’s more of an iceberg. Formidable and anchored, steady and true, I can always count on my man to be my pillar of strength , my calm in the storm,  my comedy during the drama. Unless he’s “ Hangry” then forget everything I just said. What many people dont realize about Sean is the width and depth of his thoughtfulnes and heart. Like all of us ,the stuff beneath the surface is reserved for those who know us best. That said, I think sometimes the enormity of this move weighs heavily on Sean, he feels a lot of responsibility for his families happiness ( or not).  While I dont hold him accountable for our happiness , I get that it is his burden. When Sean is not worrying about his family he is scheming up ways to market water to local bistro’s and wineries. Living Hope ( the agency he is working with) sits on top of a large fresh water aquifer that they have brought into production. Now its upon Sean to “sell” their water so that those revenues can finance all the other amazing work that they do. In Christian terms you could say they are providing “living water” but regardless of where you stand, its hard to deny the divine design of this blessing in a land gripped by drought.

I miss my Dog. Its not uncommon for me to tear up most days when I think of Hugo...there I go again. 

Moving along, I have a friend! Her name is Jen ,she’s from California and she can really talk! I like her. She’s candid and intelligent and warm, just like all my other friends😘 Our families are having dinner this weekend and we are looking forward to it.  I am surprised by the relief I feel in having one friend, or rather the unease of not being known by anyone. A stranger in a strange land.In some ways I was really looking forward to being anonymous after my high profile life in Calgary LOL, but seriously , I needed some time to reflect and process my life so far and to prepare for the next half ( BIG assumption). Avi refers to this year as her parents mid life crisis...she’s not that far off!  Sean and I spend a significant amount of time together here, partly because we only have one car , but also because we are both natural explorers ( and shoppers but dont tell him I said that). We cant say enough about the beauty and look forward to hiking and biking and discovering every decent restaurant and coffee shop this place has to offer. I am having some difficulty filling my days in a satisfying way when I’m not with Sean . I’m not good at being home all the time and I need to find my purpose here. I will soon meet with the head of Living hope to see where I might fit there ,and Ive also come across a literacy volunteer program that interests me. In the meantime , I walk with the Guinea Fowl and the Ibis and an occasional peacock, sometimes I even talk to them🙃 and when I’m not doing that , I sit at my keyboard thinking up stuff to write.

With love from a far away place

Jan