Now, with only three months left of school, he's not only surviving in our precious little Portuguese Kindergarten in our village, but he is thriving! He speaks fairly well, has many friends and is sort of the cult hero of the small school being the only foreigner with a goofy Mom and really cute older sisters.
Next week, the school will be closed for three days for Carnaval. (Mardi Gras) Then at Easter they get another two weeks off. School is out for summer the middle of June but we will leave for furlough at the end of the first week of June.
When I start to consider that time is winding down...school is almost out and we will be leaving VERY soon....I get overwhelmed.
This will be the first time that our family has returned Stateside in 3.5 years. It will be a shock for most of us, especially the younger kids that don't remember much of our time there.
I need advice.
Any of you veteran missionaries reading this.....any information that you can share with me will be greatly appreciated.
I'm looking forward to spending some time with friends and family, but there will be extensive traveling done to raise some much needed funds. We have a lot to accomplish is a very short time.
Advice...Anyone?
9 comments:
There's a good book called don't pig out on junk food...I'll try to find a link...you might be able to read it via computer. It's the only positive furlough/missionary kid book I've read...and Liked! Let me think on any advice...
Don't Pig Out on Junk Food: The Mk's Guide to Survival in the U.S
Can't seem to find an e-version...maybe have it when you get home--we borrowed it from an international Christian school when in St. Pete!
My thoughts...enjoy the people in the states while you are there, and enjoy those in Portugal when there too! Focus on the now...not what you are missing.
I know the feeling, Nina.
well, where do I begin? jeje
I prepared some fun things for the kids for traveling. their own carry ons. Things to keep them busy as well as a few of their own special things. This was very important when they were pretty small.
We always got sick when we went back minus this time. I would advise some echenesia vit. C and propolio to boost their imune systems now. We are taking this now and it seems to be nipping the creepy crud in half.
I started cleaning and organizing the house months in advance. getting it ready to shut down.
The traveling in the states... well... it´s just like deputation. So.. well, We tried to do some fun stuff with the kids. Stay in places a month at a time. Let them unwind as much as possible. ;) But you know what all that is like.
I will be praying for you all during this transition time.
oh .. well, you have heard my trick for not gaining weight in the states too. Get a membership at a YMCA so you can workout on the road. ;)
Love you and am so happy you get to go visit your families.
Your neighbor,
Dani Joy
Hey, I don't know if you have your churches all mapped out that you plan on going to, but if you happen to be in or around Minnesota, you should give my church a try. We love missionaries! It's Midwest Bible Baptist Church in Rochester, MN. Our church's website is midwestbaptist.org. My pastor is Joe Grimaldi. If you need a meeting, maybe you could give him a call! The phone number is on the website. I hope this helps! Sincerely, BreAnna Hanson
Thanks ladies for all your advice!
And Karen, I had that book on our book shelf! Another missionary family whose kids are grown just passed it down to us, and from the looks of all the names written in the front cover, it went through several other missionary families before reaching us...how cool is that?!---I've already read most of it, and it's been a blessing. Thanks for recommending it!
Betty - We will only be there for three months. Just while school is out. Even though you don't have any advice, just knowing your there reading and interested in what were doing is a blessing in itself....God Bless You sweetheart!
Dani Joy - Yes, mam...and Yes mam! ;)
BreAnna - Thank you so much! But we will be staying in the southeast while on furlough this summer. But what a blessing for you to 'invite' us! :)
oooo I hope I didn´t come across to bossy. I surely don´t have all the answers and every family goes through different experiences. ;) I pray it goes smoothly and is a wonderful growing time for you all.
Love you bunches,
Dani Joy
Dani Joy - No, sweetheart...you're fine! You didn't sound any way but helpful. You gave advice that I asked for. I'm sorry if I sounded 'tart' in my response. I love you sweetie and thank you for your friendship.
No you didn't just wanted to be sure I wasn't coming off to strong. Jeje like normal. :)
Love you too!
Lots of great advice here... my growing up in a transient military family may not be compared to life as a missionary family, but I moved about every 2 years from when I was 3 years old until I graduated high school. And some of that time we were stationed overseas (Taiwan, Japan, Philippines). One of the things I remember well, is that whenever we transitioned/traveled to a new place, I felt the excitement of my parents. Then when I married my military hubby and with our kids, we moved about every 3 years...with them, we also would talk about the anticipated move or travels, looking forward to some things that would be special to each of the kids ( a special place they would like to see, eat or experience. taking photographs to remember those times)...and yet, also balance that with some of the favorite routines (like regular routine of reading together at night before bed, talking about what we did that day).
Have fun, feel the excitement and enjoy each moment. Oh, yes, if you can, be sure to take your vitamins, and maybe try Airborne while you are on the road or in the plane.
Blessings & Aloha!
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