School

Yesterday we started school. Yep, its that time of year again. Last year I taught the boys, and their cousin Thomas two days a week. Nothing too exciting, just trying to get them familiar with sitting still for half and hour and their letters. This year we are sending the boys to the local preschool and I am going to do an english preschool, everyday for a few hours. So, yesterday they started both. We started out our morning with our new calendar board. I have seen this idea on multiple websites and I remember doing something like this when I was younger. Since we're still overseas I haven't had a chance to laminate and finalize the calendar board, but for now it is great. The boys' favorite part is getting to look out the window each morning and figure out what the weather is like.

After we walked through the calendar board we got out our new letter and number puzzles that I found in the local market. They are great puzzles, there was even one with Arabic letters which I didn't get, but might go back and get it now that I know just how cool these puzzles are. They love them. 

After doing English preschool it was time to go to Arabic preschool. They were so excited, and a bit nervous. Both boys understand a little bit of Arabic, but are really shy about speaking it.  

The school is small, and has just a couple rooms. This is the preschool, there are other schools in the city we live in that would be like our elementary school, middle school and high school. I am honestly not sure what all the do in school. Josiah said they read a book and played, but that's all we know. They were both SO nervous and SO cute, I almost died!

The day ended with a discovery that the alphabet and number puzzles stick to the side of the wall in the bathroom. That was probably their favorite part of the day. I can't believe my little guys are getting so big and going off to school. I am so proud of them for going to a school where they don't know the language or anyone else. They are brave little men, I am so thankful to get the chance to know them and watch them grow! We are looking forward to what the rest of this year holds and what new friends we're going to make!

England!

One week ago today we were making our way back from visiting our good friends Tom & Caitlyn in England.  It was a great week!

We took the train from Nador to Marrakesh. On the way down we took our time, stopping for two nights in different cities. On the way home we did the 15 hour train ride all in one trip. Lucky for us our kids LOVE to travel!

Our first stop was in Fez, where they have a McDonalds, and our new friend Ronald. Anytime we passed a McDonalds after that Benson would say "hey, there's our friend!" 

They couldn't get enough of looking out the window and taking in the sights. Like I said, they LOVE to travel.

William didn't mind it so much either. Traveling is easy when you're strapped to mom.

Part of our time in England was spent in the south with Tom's parents Uncle Paul and Auntie Allison. We were so spoiled while there - hot tub, clotted cream and fresh scones, and yummy English tea!

We also got to go down to the Beach. And what a Beach it was - the very best kind. A bit stormy, crashing waves, tide pools, not an ounce of sunshine. It made me think of home!

It was a really great trip. We were so blessed to see our dear friends and enjoy their hospitality. Now we're back home missing them and looking forward to when we'll all be together again!

Ramadan

Well we've survived a week plus of Ramadan. For those who don't know, Ramadan is the Islamic holy month. Muslims fast from sun up to sun down for a lunar month. Once the sun sets and the call to prayer goes out from the mosque then the festivites begin and most people gather with family and friends to break the fast.

For us it means a month without work and time to relax as a family. We've been spending our days hanging out at home, working on various projects and soaking up the sun at the beach. In a little over a week we will be headed up to England to visit dear friends and take in a bit of western culture. The boys are most excited about taking a taxi, a train and finally an airplane to get there. 

This month always causes me to reflect on my faith, the freedoms I have and the lives of those around me. I am so thankful for all I have been given and the amazing opportunities I have. Shoot its not everyday that you get to sit beside the crystal clear Mediterranean, watching your boys play in the sand and soak up the sun or take a nap in the middle of the day because you've got time to kill. What a life!

This was taken on our weekend away, I just love their faces while they enjoyed pizza on the floor!

One went to work with Daddy, and the other stayed as Mom's "Moroccan" helper. Can you tell who did what?!

The other day we went and visited our friend Amal in her new house, Benson missed his partner in crime

On our way to see friends, aren't they just the cutest!

My New Favorite Photo.

Weekend Away

Well, we're in the big city for the weekend. Nothing like fast internet, air conditioning and swimming pools to make you feel like a queen. It is nice to be away and have some time as a family to relax. We're almost done with our season of volunteer teams. Well, at least the part that happens before Ramadan, and Ramadan is quickly approaching!

We've been having a great summer so far. The boys have gone on many adventures. Spending the night with a friend, being dropped off with kids who don't speak the same language as them so they can learn, and more swimming than most boys know what to do with. They love living in the land of rocks and dirt. It really is great being here and getting to experience so many things.

Photos!

When I arrived Joey had taken Josiah for a haircut and he took Benson the next day, I LOVE them with their short hair!

I was excited to see our little friend Amal. She has grown up so much and still has the cutest cheeks in the whole world!

The boys have loved getting to hang out with "cool" Uncle Bubby.

With no high chairs, walkers or other baby stuff William is making due with laundry baskets and empty water bottles. Personally I think it is GREAT and might have to keep up the simplicity when we get back to the states. Seriously, since when did we need so much stuff for babies?!!! (sorry minor rant :-s)

There are a few photos, more soon I hope!

July

Well, we've been here in North Africa for almost a month. It is incredible how quickly time is flying. We have had non stop volunteer teams since arriving. At this moment there are 33 people total in the house - including kiddos. It definitely keeps us busy and on our toes, but it is a huge blessing to be with like minded folks who are actively putting their faith into action.

We just have 4 more weeks until the month long holiday of Ramadan arrives. During that month work pretty much stops and we get to relax and visit with friends. Our favorite thing to do is go sit at the beach and soak up some sun, especially since during Ramadan not very many people go to the beach, we get it all to ourselves!

I wanted to upload a few photos, but our internet connection is super slow and it takes forever. Maybe I'll be able to slip away to an internet connection and get some photos on here for you all to see the fun we're having. The boys LOVE it here - dirt, eating with your hands, loads of friends and more sugar than you could shake a stick at. It is pretty close to heaven!

Hope your July is going well!