Catch Up

Every time I realize we should update the blog I'm either 1/2 asleep, 1/4 awake, or no where near the computer. Tonight I was convinced I wasn't going to let that happen again.

Last time we were overjoyed to see (again) two of our three boxes we shipped back on 8 July! With minimal casualties we considered them major successes and awaited the next arrival.

Well... Monday was the first day of school -- and all things considered it went remarkably well. The school principal was feverishly working on getting the students schedules set and Ken was helping where possible. Joy was still working out of a suite case in Ken's office because her new classroom wasn't done (until Tuesday). The last of the new school books arrived the same time as our first two boxes so Joy (and other teachers) had spent a large chunk of the weekend planning her curriculum.

Tuesday and Wednesday were not too bad with one exception - Abigail had had some difficulties in school and had her "clip" moved to yellow. Thursday we had a very good meeting with her teacher where we encouraged to hear how overall Abigail was actually doing very well in class and that the clip movement was a precaution to ensure the teacher still had discipline. Now, given my current tired-state this may not make a whole lot of sense but please rest assured that Joy and I are in full agreement and understanding with the teacher.

The week ended on a good note as Joy had had her first auditions for the Charlie Brown musical and was very excited by the prospects of casting AND Abigail had ended the week with two consecutive "green clip days".

Emma has mostly been along for the ride. She started her homeschooling -- err, a misnomer because she is being schooled at her way-cool desk in Daddies office with Mommy.

As I recall it was also Thursday when box number three arrived... and then it sat in our garage until Sunday. Joy had audition call backs Saturday afternoon and a drama planning meeting Sunday afternoon. Ken wrestled with the girls, did some cleaning around the house and took a nap (shhh, Joy doesn't know).

Oh yeah, Saturday night around bath time we emptied one of our gas tanks so there was no hot water for the girls bath -- not to worry because we had a spare tank... yeah right. In the nozzle of the tank is a small rubber gasket-like-thing which ensures a tight seal so no gas escapes. Well, apparently they come in tight and really tight sizes. We needed the tight size, however, were blessed with the really tight gasket. Bottom line: really tight rubber gasket = no gas because hose nozzle don't fit = no hot water = no gas range (electric stove, ok) = no shower before church Sunday morning :0/

After Joy's drama planning meeting we went over to chez Hanken for supper (delicious chili and cinnamon rolls) and a hot shower/bath. Life was good.

Today marked the beginning of week number two of school. Gas guy came and changed really tight rubber gasket for a tight rubber gasket (w00t!) The night before we had quickly pulled everything out box 3 and put it in the house so after school today Ken assembled Joy's piano and our futon -- ah the comforts of home! Joy had her first batch of rehearsals today and was really encouraged. She feels like she might end up with less work in the end than originally thought. Abigail had her clip moved to yellow again today. We ask for prayer for her as she continues to have some difficulty adjusting to a new teacher and new expectations.

Well... I think that is all... umm... yep -- goooood night!

-knme

2 of 3 boxes arrived

W00t! Two of the three boxes arrived at the school this afternoon! The Guatemalan staff were amazed at the size of them.

So far, as we quickly unpacked, there has only been one casualty - a small black que card holder. The toy box, Canadian glider, and dishes all seem to have survived.

The remaining box has Joy's keyboard, our bed, and futon in it and may arrive tomorrow or Monday. We'll see.

-knme

Boxes

Our boxes that we packed and shipped still have not arrived. Please join us in praying that they get here soon. The grownups don't really mind, but some of Abigail's school supplies are in there and it would be nice if she could have them for start of school on Monday. Thanks!

Oh, and I (Joy) am learning quickly that just because I am getting up earlier, like way earlier because of teacher's week and my morning classes - doesn't make me a morning person. This stinks!

Let the fun begin

And they're off... Yesterday marked the beginning of the school year for us (teachers). Teacher orientation/workshop week is here with full vengeance. No more sleeping in -- bless the alarm which rings at 5:50am.

In all we have around 61 teachers and staff this year. I have yet to learn much more than their names but I'm sure that will come in time.

We've continued work on the news letter. Our hope is to have it out to all of you in early-mid september.

Not much more to talk about right now.

-knme

PS: since returning Joy has changed her mind twice on the name of our new baby...

1st day back: ultrasound & unpacking

Good day today so far (nearly 10pm -- I think I can call it a good day).

We unpacked some stuff this morning... realized we forgot a few things (Joy's new Tim Horton's mug and one of Emma's new sippy cups)... oh well. We'll either get them in December or next year.

Joy went to school to check in and sit in on a couple of interviews.

Maribel had such a huge smile on her face when she was greeted at the door by the kids.

We went to the OB today for a routine checkup -- all is good. Joy is 22 weeks + 1 day and the baby is right on the line for normal growth to this point. We believe the OB is currently looking at 25 November for the surgery but Joy isn't in love with that date for obvious reasons (thanksgiving)...

Kim and the girls brought Snickers and Molly home tonight and stayed for supper. Snickers missed us (we think). Emma was chasing her around all night so I think it is safe to assume that she missed Snickers terribly.

Well, that is all for now...

-knme

Safe Arrival

It is Tuesday morning and we're safe in Guate!

We arrived around 8pm (CAT) with all our bags. In all the trip was rather uneventful. We left our family and went through security. After clearing security we proceeded to McD's to get lunch (to go) and then right onto our plane. We found out that the car seat we brought was not permitted on the plane b/c it was not FAA approved -- which was fine, but the ticketing agent told us it was fine. The gate agent was rather obnoxious to Joy about the whole matter.

We were blessed to arrive in gate D45 and leave out of Gate D43 in Miami. At one point it looked like they were going to change our gate but they decided to bump the other flight to after ours.

We want to extend a very sincere thank you to everyone who helped us during our furlough. It was really awesome to see those we were able to and sad to miss connecting with others. We learned a lot about this furlough so we'll hopefully be more prepared for next year.

From Guate,

-knm/jr/ab/eb/tg

Final Week

Our final week in the States was pretty busy. We fit in a promised trip to Story Land, a family pool day, packing, presentation/potluck at DBC, "back to school" shopping... our heads were spinning.

We realized there were many folks we did not get to see and we're really sad about that. We pray that next year we'll be able to schedule things a bit differently.

-knme