A look back...

Today I took some time to read my blog from its beginning, and I was reminded of a few things...

I'm super cheesy and a big dork! :)

Kenya is a beautiful country.

I've been blessed a LOT in the last two and a half years here.

God's plan certainly was not what I had in mind.

Looking back, I see all the wonderful things that happened in Kenya, the friends I've made, the adventures I've had, and it makes me think... What does Kenya still have for me? We have less than six months in Kenya, which causes us to think of the things we want to do before we leave. Most of our agenda involves the friends we want to spend time with and the places we want to visit. But I also want to leave with the awe in which I arrived, remembering that Kenya is a magical place for me and always will be. (See, I am a cheesy dork!) I'll stop bla-bla-bla-ing for now, but one last thought... If so much happened in Kenya, it's exciting to think what Hungary holds for us!

We're moving!

Where in the world are Will and Kim going next?...

Budapest, Hungary!

Last weekend I went to London for an international job fair. This is how it went:

Two full days of interviews,

crying,

smiling,

getting pep talks from Will via phone and skype,

being nervous,

being excited,

worrying,

second interviews,

more emotions,

talking with new friends from all over the world,

gossip about good schools and bad schools,

some rejections,

and finally...

I was offered a grade 4 or 5 position at the American International School of Budapest! Of all my interviews that weekend, Budapest was my first choice. The school. The location. The cost of living. The pay. The possibilities. Will and I are very excited for the next adventure. We move in six months! There are lots of possibilities for Will in Budapest as well, but we don't have to worry about it yet. Honestly, this school and this city in this country are completely a "God thing". We know He's opened these doors, and we're excited to jump through them! Thank you to all who have been praying for us as we went through this process and made our decision. You have been a great blessing to us!

So who is going to come visit us in Hungary? We're close to the beaches of Croatia, the beer in the Czech Republic, and everywhere in Europe is only a train ride away! Our guest room will be awaiting you!

There and back again

We were in America for Christmas...

And now we're back...

It was wonderful to be with family and friends and get a break from the chaos of Kenya.

We...

relaxed

hung out

traveled

ate

shopped

ate some more

caught up on movies (mostly on airplanes)

got joint checking

slept

ran errands

enjoyed family and friends.

It was a much needed break, but I will admit that I liked coming home to sunshine and warm weather in Kenya. Now I just need to get over jet lag by Monday because it's back to work I go. No matter how many times I go back and forth and travel over time-zones, the jet lag feels like I was hit by a semi-truck every time. Any jet-lag remedies out there?

December in Kenya

This is what the month of December has held for us...

New flowers blooming on our patio.

We cooked chili and cornbread,

But we added 2 tbsp of Kenyan chili powder, instead of American chili powder, so the chili was HOT! Next time remember, Kenyan chili powder is a LOT hotter than the recipes call for.

Made tortillas for tacos. Can't wait to eat Mexican food in America! Can't wait to buy tortillas at the store!

This is the extent of our Christmas decor at home - cards. Will took the Christmas tree to the Children's Center, since we won't be home to use it, and they loved decorating it! They should keep it anyway. More people to enjoy it there, than in our little flat.

One of my students made me a birthday cake, so I celebrated with my class and received beautiful hand-made cards throughout the day.

We had Roman Day at school, after studying Ancient Rome all term. The day included some military battles, a big Roman feast, and going to the "Roman baths".

While the boys swam in the "Roman baths" (swimming pool), the girls relaxed and chatted away. Sarah, my co-worker, and I got the girls to give us massages. Great way to spend a school day! I'm an advocate of child labor. :)

The rest of our December will be spent in the wintery cold of America hugging and hanging with family and friends. I can't wait! This girl needs some much needed rest and a bit of a break from Kenyan chaos (even with the year 4 masseuses).

Christmas Pool Party

Last weekend we met the kids from Limuru Children's Center at the home of our friends, Joe and Linda. Everyone enjoyed the pool party, BBQ, and Christmas gifts. Most of the kids from the Center have gone home to their villages to be with their extended family for the holidays. Those who remain at the Center got to enjoy this fun day. The best part for me was getting to hang out with the kids. I don't get to do that much these days, since we live in the city, far from the beautiful tea fields of Limuru. How could you not smile at these kids?...

Singing Christmas Carols.

Kind of funny to listen to Kenyan kids singing, "Dashing through the snow..."

Will's favorite little girl, Jane.

Eating sausages, a rare treat!

Pool party!

Daddy Will taking care of his kiddos...

Smiling girls.

Getting dry and cozy after a good swim.

I wouldn't have wanted to be the dorm parent that night who had to deal with the noise makers and sugar highs that followed! Merry Christmas from Kenya!