Settled Into a Bit of a Routine

     Besides sharing with lots of churches and people about our ministry, catching up on doctors appointments, raising support, and utilizing the library to catch up on books on the recommended reading list from our organization for where we live and work, we've also settled into a bit of a routine with our family.  One of the biggest blessings is that my mom is homeschooling Anneka!  She is in first grade now, and they both are loving this time together.  It's fun to see my mom have the joy of teaching and Anneka have the joy of learning!

 

     Another blessing of being here is getting time with my grandma. She has special toys and puzzles that she bought for the kids to play with when we visit her.  They have liked eating at the dining hall in the assisted living place where she lives, as it's like a restaurant and they can order whatever they want.  =)

 

     Each Wednesday we take the kids to library story time at our local library.  The librarian leads the time with reading books, singing songs, and playing with educational toys.  We've really enjoyed having access to so many books in English for our kids.  Anneka is really taking off with reading and Ike and Ella love when she reads to them.  On this day there was a special fort making time at library in Cheney.  We met up with some friends and their kids and had a good time together.

 

     Also on Wednesdays, our kids are in a Bible club called Awanas.  I was in this club as a little girl and still remember many of the Bible verses I learned almost 30 years ago.  It's so great because they even have a class for 2 year olds!  Each of our kids love it and are learning a lot and sharing what they learn.  It was so cute the first night when we asked Ike what he learned.  He told us that God made the sunshine and the clouds and the stars.  I loved to hear his little voice speaking these truths. He always asks when he can go to his school at "Mawanas".   Ella and Anneka have been learning Bible verses and enjoy the songs and games there. Leif and I take advantage of this time to go on a date!

     On Friday nights, the girls are in a Russian school.  Ella is in the zero grade and Anneka is in first grade.  They are making friends there, and growing in their skills in reading and writing.  It goes until 9:00 which is pretty late for the little ones, but the girls have a good attitude about going and it's been really positive for them both.  Often my parents will take Ike on this night, and it's freed Leif and I up to do things like to go a conference about God's passion for the city, visiting one of our supporting life groups, going to a prayer meeting for some of our friends who are missionaries in Africa, and getting together with others. 

     We feel thankful and blessed for these opportunities that our family has had this fall.  Our kids have made the transition to the States well.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for this!