A visit from mom

The last week or so we’ve been showing Sarah’s mom what our life looks like here. She’s drunk tea and eaten lots of treats with our neighbors and friends. In her short time here she’s done a great job of learning some language and customs. If only she could remember to take her shoes off in the house. It’s been a great visit for us and it seems to be for her.

We smell gooooood!

Apparently it's that time again. This morning we woke up to no water running from our faucets. After talking with neighbors, friends, and the guy at the corner market we found out the city has turned it off for repairs. The expected date of turning the water back on is Monday, giving us four days without water.

The guy at the market was shocked we didn't know. "It was on the news last night, didn't you see it on the news?" Well, we don't have a TV at the moment, so no, we didn't see it on the news.

Ahhhhh, this should be fun.

Vacation Pics

For vacation, we traveled to Rome and Barcelona. Pictures, especially these, can't do either place justice. We haven't been everywhere, but we've been to a lot of cities, and in our opinion Rome is the greatest in the world. It has something for everybody - history, art, architecture, shopping, great food, great nightlife, and fabulous gelato. If you ever want to go, call us and we'll go with you.

Everywhere you turn in Rome you'll find fountains.
Trevi Fountain is the most famous.

View from the top of the Spanish Steps at sunset.

The most famous monument in the greatest city in the world.
Sorry Lewisport, you're a close second.

Needless to say, this woman was stared at a lot.

A scene from the facade of the
weirdest church building we've ever seen.

On the roof of the coolest apartment building in the world.

View of the Barcelona Pavilion at night.

Good looking couple, don't you think?

Grandma

While we were away on vacation my grandma finally went to be with the Lord. I say finally because for the past few years my grandma has suffered from severe dementia. Now, instead of remembering her as she was in her last ungraceful years, I can remember the grandma of my childhood. The grandma who went sled-riding with us down her monstrous hill and played wiffle-ball with us in her front yard. Who I could count on to take me up the road to get a child's 3-way and coney from Gold Star Chili when I spent the day at her house, and who would pretend to faint every time she smelled my feet. Who tirelessly played “Old Maid” with me and kept me supplied with pudding pops. Who sang “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” to me long before I understood what the words of the song meant. I’m so thankful that she truly has turned her eyes upon Him now, and for the joy she must have in His presence.

Home Again, Home Again Jiggidy Jog

Yes, we made it back home and are way behind on our posts, so please be patient with us. Vacation gave us the rest and relaxation we needed to be able to get on the plane back here. We got back just in time for a volunteer team to arrive in our city, and we traveled around with them for a few days. Now we’re doing our best to get settled into our new place. We’ll post pictures soon!