This is Kelly, posting for a change. Crystal usually does the blogging, but she is currently in Kuwait struggling to get our internet connected and so she is unable to post anything. I am in Baghdad right now with a good connection and thought I would add something to the blog so we won’t be forgotten. We hope to have our internet connected soon, so Crystal should be back online and I imagine she will have a lot to say about our adventure thus far.
Our family is doing great now. We had a rough initial week in Kuwait, as everyone developed a GI virus and we had a veritable puke-fest. We had nowhere to go but up after that. Everyone is healthy again and adjusted to our new timezone (8 hrs ahead of Eastern Time).
Everyone recovered in time to celebrate Christmas in our new home. We were blessed to have new friends set up a Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments, prior to our arrival. Kids always make Christmas fun. We especially appreciated being as close as we've ever been to Bethlehem during the season. We didn't have a white Christmas this year, but perhaps a bit more like the original advent 2000 years ago.
I was in Kuwait for just over two weeks when I had to leave for Baghdad. Crystal has been working diligently to organize our new house. Huge boxes of belongings have arrived that were packed several months ago in Michigan. The kids were happily reunited with their box of stuffed animals they have worried over for months. I’m sure Crystal will have stories to tell about her packing and unpacking experience.
The oldest girls started school yesterday and they are really enjoying it. I believe they have been starved for interaction with other kids, as we were somewhat isolated as a family in Washington DC for so long. They are attending an international school with other students from all over the world. Grace is in 2nd grade and Faith is in 1st. Luke and the twins have more mommy time to themselves now and Luke is getting some undivided attention, for a change, when the twins are napping.
I am currently working in Baghdad. I am impressed with the great group of people serving here to try and help this country. I’m limited in what I can talk about regarding the details, but the people at the embassy are great. We have people working here from over 50 countries. There is a large dining hall, and I have enjoyed each day meeting someone new from another place in the world who has voluntarily chosen to work at our embassy. I have dined and talked with people from Peru, Ukraine, Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Norway, Senegal, Hungary, India, Bangladesh, and Canada, a truly international experience, without the jet lag.
Our family is doing great now. We had a rough initial week in Kuwait, as everyone developed a GI virus and we had a veritable puke-fest. We had nowhere to go but up after that. Everyone is healthy again and adjusted to our new timezone (8 hrs ahead of Eastern Time).
Everyone recovered in time to celebrate Christmas in our new home. We were blessed to have new friends set up a Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments, prior to our arrival. Kids always make Christmas fun. We especially appreciated being as close as we've ever been to Bethlehem during the season. We didn't have a white Christmas this year, but perhaps a bit more like the original advent 2000 years ago.
I was in Kuwait for just over two weeks when I had to leave for Baghdad. Crystal has been working diligently to organize our new house. Huge boxes of belongings have arrived that were packed several months ago in Michigan. The kids were happily reunited with their box of stuffed animals they have worried over for months. I’m sure Crystal will have stories to tell about her packing and unpacking experience.
The oldest girls started school yesterday and they are really enjoying it. I believe they have been starved for interaction with other kids, as we were somewhat isolated as a family in Washington DC for so long. They are attending an international school with other students from all over the world. Grace is in 2nd grade and Faith is in 1st. Luke and the twins have more mommy time to themselves now and Luke is getting some undivided attention, for a change, when the twins are napping.
I am currently working in Baghdad. I am impressed with the great group of people serving here to try and help this country. I’m limited in what I can talk about regarding the details, but the people at the embassy are great. We have people working here from over 50 countries. There is a large dining hall, and I have enjoyed each day meeting someone new from another place in the world who has voluntarily chosen to work at our embassy. I have dined and talked with people from Peru, Ukraine, Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Norway, Senegal, Hungary, India, Bangladesh, and Canada, a truly international experience, without the jet lag.
I’ve included some pictures (can't figure out how to place them where I want them) and hope you enjoy them. We’re all looking forward to getting our internet going to help us feel more connected to friends and family. Hopefully soon and Crystal will have lots to post.
