4 weeks later

I thought some of you might want to know what is going on with us at this point after arriving home. There has been great progress in many ways, and tiny steps in others. Regarding language, Kayla (13) is the undisputed winner of "who knows the most English" contest. The boys are trying. They understand more than they can speak. We have periodic moments of brilliance followed by periods of normal fits and starts. For the most part, the international relations underneath our roof have been smooth. We do have times where tempers flare over frustration with language, or over rules that aren't so easily understood. We have had to decide sometimes whether it is worth starting a skirmish over things of little consequence. In the long run, about half the things we used to worry with really boil down to just a few items that need immediate correction. We have to pray for God to supply grace so that a level of trust develops, and this helps in "earning the right to discipline".

Each of the 3 new children seems to love American food, and despite the cool outward appearance on the older 2, they also really seem to like where we live. We've gone from constant fascination with everything, to days where they are somewhat bored. Vickie and Kelsey have been doing English lessons and math on a regular basis and mixing it up with time for backyard soccer and some swimming. I think they are glad our other kids are home now for the summer. We continue to pray for God to transition them from orphanage life to family life and for His glory to be displayed in our family. Pray for us that we do not lose this focus amidst life with 9 children.

We will keep you posted on the changes in the days ahead. We continue to walk forward one day at a time trusting His fresh supply of grace daily.

Blessings

Psalm 86:10 "For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God."