The drive from Denver covered a week, July 17-23, because we decided en route to stay two nights instead of one in Kansas City and St. Louis. (The children's museum in St. Louis is absolutely terrific!) Everyone had a much better trip because of those two extra nights.
We've experienced our share of hiccups in the process of settling in to our new home: unexpected appliance purchases (refrigerator and dryer), problems setting up internet and phone service (many phone calls and 2 tech visits), and the usual broken or temporarily missing items.
We are now feeling settled physically, and we are gradually getting settled spiritually and otherwise. We are attending a church, St. James, not far from our house. The congregation makes it a point to welcome children (and all of the accompanying noises, movements, and messes). This makes worship a very relaxed experience for me - well, as relaxed as it can be with a 4 and 3/4 year old (Skylar is counting down to her birthday) and a 2-year old.
Skylar had her first day of pre-K today, and she was very positive about it. She is registered for youth soccer and for a dance class. She already has two friends, whom she has invited to her birthday party. She is adjusting very well, and whatever stress she is experiencing, she takes out on her brother.
Elijah loves the space we have here. Our house here is more than twice as big as our apartment in Denver, and we have a large yard. He heads outside first thing in the morning, sometimes in his pajamas, and he usually sneaks in one more ride on his trike as Daddy is drawing the bath at bedtime.
Jordan and I have sorely missed all of the pieces of our support system in Denver. We have just begun to find those here who will form the foundation of our new community. Sewanee does a magnificent job hastening this process with lots of "down time" during orientation, during which the classmates can begin to gel into a community. The school also organizes and hosts multiple events from picnics to luncheons, which give more opportunities for building relationships. I especially appreciate the extent to which spouses are included and cared for.
Classes have not yet begun for Jordan; orientation has occupied his days. Orientation will continue each day until classes begin on August 27. I am probably going to avail myself of the opportunity to take French classes, and I hope to connect with a psychology professor in a research project.
Thank you for all of your prayers! Please continue to lift us up.
