Week 3 (Day 19)

(Note: I'm going to switch from third person to first person in this blog. Who am I fooling anyways? We all know David isn't the blogging-type.)

We have been here almost 3 weeks now. We've made a lot of progress getting settled over the last week. God has been gracious in helping us get settled pretty quickly with transportation, driver's licenses, and housing. All this couldn't have been done so quickly without the help of the ZOE family and new friends we have met here.

• Transportation: After a grueling day for David and one of the missionaries who drove him around from dealership to dealership, we finally purchased a car. It's a Toyota Avanza. Most people purchase used cars, as new cars take a month to receive after purchase, but after looking fruitlessly all day for a used car, they took a chance at one last dealership that happened to have a new version of what we wanted and that was available for pickup within a week! Cars are more expensive here, and there is no financing, so you have to pay upfront for everything. We picked up the car a couple days ago, and are so, so thankful!!! The ZOE family has been wonderful to drive us around every day. We're relieved to be able to get out on our own. It's been difficult for the kids (especially Eli) to be couped up in the house, so we've been enjoying just running errands together and going out to eat. David's getting used to driving around on the left side of the road, in the right side of the car, after a few times of using the window wipers to signal. He's always been great with directions, so after studying the map, he's able to get around with no problem. I've only driven once in the neighborhood. I'm still scared to go onto the main road, but will have to do so soon.

It's a 6-seater:

• Bike: We also purchased a new bike where Ian can sit comfortably on the back while we pedal. Before we bought it, David asked me, "Can you ride a bike?" I scoffed, "Umm...yes! I grew up riding bikes." When we went to the bike store to test-ride the bikes, I realized just how long it's been since I've ridden a bike. I wiggled and weaved around, but eventually got the hang of it. Sadly, this has been the most fun Ian has had since moving to Thailand. He absolutely loves it, even though the ride to school is only 2 minutes. He loves it so much that, one day, when I showed up without it, he had his first meltdown. He said disappointedly, "Where the bike?" When I told him I couldn't bring it because I had to stroll Eli over too, he screamed at the top of his lungs, "I WANT THE BIKE!!!" And then he started bawling...all in front of the other parents and kids at pickup.

• Housing: We've also made a lot of progress with the house. David has been busy going out every day buying appliances and furniture for our new place. We plan to move in after our beds arrive next week.

Thai kitchen...no stove, oven, or dishwasher:

• Critters: Ian was excited to finally see the geckos who live with us. This pic is for my nephews who've been wanting to see them. They come out when it's dark and we've been gone for a while. I've been hearing stories from the other missionaries about accidentally stepping on them or having them fall on your head. I hope to avoid this fate. One of the other missionary's has a great post about geckos. Ian was also thrilled to go to a local restaurant where there were about 20 geckos hanging out on the walls and bugs flying about. We've been getting a few mosquito bites here and there, especially if we stand still in the evenings right outside our door. We've gotten in the habit of moving around and shaking before we walk into the house. There's that added fear with the mosquito bites of contracting dengue fever, which some people have gotten here. Speaking of critters, I just received an email from one of the other missionary families. Les is pictured below after he killed that snake on his front porch.

 

• Ian & Eli: Ian continues to love school, even being disappointed that he doesn't get to go on Saturdays. We're so thankful that his transition here has been so smooth thus far. Eli, on the other hand, continues to be a challenge every day. With a combination of all the changes and his current developmental stage of wanting to do everything himself, while not fully being able to do so and not having all the words to communicate, his tantrums begin from the moment he wakes up until he goes to sleep. Now with the car, we're hoping just getting him out in the mornings will help him get some of his energy out. We finally had a chance to let them play at this indoor play area at the local food court. It costs $1/kid for 30 minutes. It's great. I was hesitant at first because these are the kinds of places where the boys would always get sick, but seeing how much fun they had, it'll have to be a regular hangout.

Ian finally got his uniforms. I have to say, I feel bad seeing these kids run around in the heat in polo shorts and khaki shorts on the soccer field. They have PE tshirts and shorts, but they don't always wear them for all activities:

Playing in the play area:

• ZOE: I'm more and more encouraged by the ZOE family as the weeks go by. This past week, I was particularly strengthened thinking about how year after year, these missionaries commit another year beyond their initial commitments. I see their energy and efforts, and know that it is the Lord sustaining them each day. This encourages and challenges me to daily find my strength and sufficiency in Him.
• David: David will begin a Thai language class at a university beginning in November and will continue every other month as classes continue. On the off-months, he will orient himself at ZOE.
• Ester: I'm now 14 weeks and entering my 2nd trimester. Praise God for carrying me and baby through thus far. We got some referrals for a doctor and will see someone next week for a monthly prenatal appointment. Hopefully, these visits will help us decide soon where to deliver.

Here are some other pics from the last week or so:

Playing at the Lego exhibition at the local mall:

Church service:

Each home has one of these rubber black cauldrons outside their home. This is where we put the trash:

Saw this on the road and had to take a picture:

Red Mango:

Pizza hut...which we never ate back in the States, but it's kind of a comfort food here. That's something I'm getting used to. Back in the States, we tried somewhat to avoid processed foods and fast food, eat healthy foods, and just try to be "natural" whenever possible. But it's not always convenient, cheap, or even possible to do so right now. Regulations aren't as strict as they are in the States, so we're told to peel all produce. Water quality is not the best, so we drink filtered water, but still wash dishes and brush our teeth with the sink water. I'm learning to entrust ourselves and our health into our Maker's hands, and not in our own efforts, as He is in control every minute of the day. I'm finding much peace in that:

Thanks always for your thoughts and prayers. It's a great comfort to know we are not alone out here, but supported by you all. Check out ZOE's blog to see what's going on at the children's home: http://zoechildren.org/blog.