Wow, has it already been a week since we left the US?! My goodness! Let’s continue where the story left off. So we got to Moz, stayed with some dear colleagues, and headed to Q on a 6+ hour trip to our language study city.
“What was your favorite part about traveling to Q?” I asked them while flipping through the pictures in my mind. Stick houses. Cement houses. Brick houses. Burnt houses (sadly). Tents. Abandoned houses. Open markets. Sand and wild brush everywhere. Young children wandering. Freedom found in piles of sand and water jug companions. Hours of balancing things on heads. (I even saw someone carrying a hand plow on their head!) Goats on shoulders on motorcyclists. Whole families piggy backing on a traffic-dodging Yamaha. Semi truck flatbeds overloaded with a blur of crates, chickens, people, farming tools, bags, groceries, water jugs and so much more. Sometimes we would pass a man sleeping on the top of a fully loaded cargo bundle on a semi bed. …
(yes, that’s my guitar strapped to the top of the car!)
The oldest three road with car seats ratchet-strapped into the trunk.
It was hot and bumpy so we had one car sickness victim who later enjoyed the Dramamine side effects. 😉
When surveyed independently each of their responses were the same: “Peeing in the portable potty outside” was the best part of the trip.
Did I mention that there are no public bathrooms in Moz? 😉
#kidworld
With settling in at the new house we also got a chance to see around a bit, visiting Rachael and Abi’s future school (by Feb 2017 since the school year ends soon), a local grocery, and city church. I’ll let the pictures share themselves. Enjoy!
Our House: (I am obviously not sharing the view from the street for security reasons. 😉
I love how bright and colorful Wanne made the girls bathroom with a cute shower curtain. Such thoughtfulness in making it a fun kid space.
Each bedroom has a bathroom and due to current preference and transitions, the girls are all sharing one room/bathroom.
They transition better together.
Rachael and Abi’s new school starting in early Feb 2017 (on the African school schedule).
A local grocery store (complete with frozen squid!):
And once we learn to drive (a stick on the lefthand side of the road) and the driving “rules”, here’s how we’ll ride in our new car (the exterior is also not pictured for security purposes). 😉
Yep, this week has been a blessing! We visited a city church this morning, but I’ll share about that later.
Up on the agenda for this week?
- our house helper joins the mix tomorrow and starts to get familiar with the kiddos
- Matt and I will start language school Wednesday or Thursday of this week
- and another week of settling, transitioning and getting used to our new norms.
Love you all, take care!
Thanks so much for sharing pictures. Looks like everyone is enjoying the adventure. Your house looks very comfortable. How are the kids doing with new foods? Have you met your neighbors that you share a wall with? So good to hear from you and see that you all are transitioning well.
Love you
Mom
We have yet to meet our neighbors (keep in mind that we only know 3 words in Portuguese right now so it’s hard to even talk to our guard yet. Lol). But we have exchange a hello with our neighbors’ guard. We met a neighbor 2 houses down who speaks English. That was nice :). Kids are doing pretty well. We’re still cooking mostly things we are in the states right now to aid in gentler transitions. When everything is SO different, it’s nice to have a “normal” meal. So rice, beans, pasta, and veggies for the win! 😉
So thrilled to hear you arrived safely. Such big changes for all of you — exciting and maybe a little daunting ? Glad you have people there looking out for you and helping welcome you. Love seeing the girls sweet faces and how they stick together. Hurray for the guitar !!! Your new house looks very comfortable and what a great yard for the kids to play in. Blessings to you all. We love you and you are in our prayers. xoxoxo
So glad you made it safe and sound ! Love seeing those precious little faces ! And how they stick together — Looks like a great house, with fabulous yard for the girls to play in. Hurray for the guitar ! Anxious for some yummy squid recipes !!? And thankful for those who are welcoming you and protecting you. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send all our love…..xoxoxo
Love you, Luanne. Thanks for your encouragement and love. =)