We're Here

Caleb helps Gwen position her glove for a good catch.

We really are here.  We are living in our Chicago house again, as of Monday night.  The house isn't put together, not by a long shot.  We are still waiting for our air shipment to arrive, which means dishes and pots and pans, clothes beyond what we packed into our suitcases three weeks ago, pillows and other bedding.  The air shipment also has some books and games, stuffed animals, bikes.  We hope that shipment will clear customs in the US more quickly than it did on the China side and be to us by early next week.  For now we are sort of camping in our house, but with our beds, which came out of storage after a five year nap.  Beyond that we are waiting for our sea shipment, which includes all the furniture we took to China, like our couches and chairs, dressers and cabinets.  Hopefully those items will make it to us by mid-July.

Despite the missing items in our house, it feels like home to be back in the Midwest.  Lots of the same neighbors still live on our circle.  They've been so welcoming.  Our church feels like home.  The vibrant children's and youth programs there have been awesome for our kids, and I've breathed many prayers of thanks and relief to the Lord for the way they have all been included and drawn in.  Walking back into the big field at the elementary school behind our cul-de-sac to play baseball with the kids in the evenings, Trigger running after the stray balls, feels like home. 

Scott's back to work this week, riding the train into the city.  The boys started driver's ed and got their permits.  The girls have played with friends, and I've tried to make progress with the house.  Tomorrow, our 21st anniversary, we venture to Valparaiso for an orientation overnight with Caleb, while Scott's parents stay here with our other kids.  Life rolls on.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

P.S.  My sweet friend Carol is working on a new header for my blog.  Wait and see what she can do!