September marks six months since we've been in the US which is hard to believe! I have a lot of thoughts floating around in my head about the transition, and I thought I'd get them down to paper - or blog, if you will. The thoughts are changing regularly, and had I written this post even a few weeks ago, I think the outlook would have been vastly different; things are beginning to come together for us, and it is making a world of difference.
The first months here were marked by an over all feeling of loneliness and being overwhelmed by everything. That's when Dexter was in school all the time, so I never saw him, either. The shelves at the grocery stores packed to overflowing and I couldn't decide what to get. Yogurt had more ingredients than I knew what to do with (I got lemon yogurt once that had NO lemon in it. what?), there were so many choices I often left in despair. I'm getting the hang of that now, though from time to time I think it is all a little ridiculous. My days were long, slow, and lonely. Kyalo and I spent a lot of time wandering the neighborhoods just to fill up the day.
But we started going to the local library's story hour, and made a friend - she has a 10 month old daughter and happens to live around the corner from us. So the two of us go on walks to a local park now, and let the kids play as we chat. Each day that relationship gets a little easier and more comfortable.
Just last week we decided on a church that will be our church home for the time we're in New Jersey. I hadn't realized just how difficult it would be to find a church - and what a difference it is making in our life. It is the most warm and welcoming church I think I've ever been to. Dexter's already joined the men's Bible study, I'll be doing the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program there once a month (hello four hours of child care!), we're joining a small group, and, I hope to do a women's book club. We're really jumping right in! But after living an hour away from a church for so long it is nice to be able to actually participate in things and get involved. I hope we'll make some great friendships there.
I miss Kenya. Every day. This weekend there was a baby shower for Evelyn (who, yes, is having their first baby in October), and I cried a little when I realized I couldn't be there, helping with it, or just being a part of it. I'm sad when I hear about the Mulandis all getting together, I'm sad when I hear about the changes and developments that we're missing.
But you know, I missed out on a lot in America for the seven years I was gone. I guess it is my time now to enjoy what I can here in America. Like being close to my family. Fall. Winter. (? can I really enjoy this? I will enjoy watching Dexter & Kyalo experience snow for the first time!) Holidays. Being able to call people who are basically in my time zone. Safety and security. And so on.
And so, it is good. The days are gorgeous right now...we're in that in between time: not quite summer any more, not yet fall. I love it! We continue to see God's hand in our lives. These two years will be hard, of course, for a number of reasons, but God is bringing us friends, community, and continued affirmation that this is the right thing for us at this time.
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