Point #1 peanut butter in candy doesn't exist here, I have yet to see even a jar of it on the shelf in the store, and a stash of chocolate is necessary to the life of Audra.
Last night I walked home from the office all by myself! This may not sound like a big deal but it really was. My coworkers and host family have gone out of their way to make sure I know the routes and feel safe. On my 10 minute walk from work to home I pass bakeries, 1 huge grocery story, a handful of armed police officers, and about 9 pet stores(just on my block).
Point# 2 I so very much appreciate their concern for my safety but realizing I could stop in any one of the stores without asking was a mini high.
My host dad is now back at the apartment. Whether he is improving or stagnating, I am not sure of what to tell you. Physically, he is healing, walking better, his hair is growing back, he cracks jokes once in awhile. As for being himself, he still isn't, he has trouble remembering some things and his personality is still off, the doctor says it will take around 3 months to fully recover. His 10 brothers and sisters, plus cousins, aunts and uncles have been here every day, talking with him, helping my host mother, it is incredible. Please continue your prayers for him and the rest of the family.
Point #3 Faith is keeping my family going, the love, the memories, each other, and the numerous people from community who come to give their love, support and time. I am at a loss of words for explaining my thoughts and feelings here.
Point #4 everything all in one:
- Mailing information!!! DO NOT send packages regular mail, unless you send it now, there is a chance I might get it before I leave. Send packages with Fedex or DHL, usually takes a week and everything arrives in the package. and make sure you include peanut butter/caramel/mint chocolate of some sort
- In order to get a visa I have to leave the country, not having a visa makes taking language classes a challenge, and I am not sure if I will actually get a visa.
- I am beginning to miss things about the northwest. Homemade jams, fresh apple cider, the changing of seasons, being able to access nature, mountains, bodies of water safely within a 30 minute drive, familiar live music, and microbrews...
5 comments:
The term that comes to mind is "Comfort Foods" just the smell or taste can really bring up memories. All in all it sounds like you have really been able to create new memories. I hope you are taking pictures and also keeping a journal about the many things you have come into your life everyday.
We have had a cold front come through our way out here and it is great now when we go outside to work (little things like putting a new roof on etc.) we get to enjoy some cool weather instead of sweating it out. I really love this time of the year as well as early spring. Well I am off to do some painting in our out building "The Coupe". It is called that as it was a chicken coupe at one time. Your cousin Sara is moving back from her job in Idaho next week and she is going to be staying with us for a while. It is like old times, I sure miss all 6 of our children being home at times. Love YA!!!! Aunt Sue
Might I just say that I love the fact that you included microbrews in your list of missed things. Congratulations on being able to walk on your own!
Audra, Reading you "blogs" is like having you right here, all are so informative and interesting, "blogging" is very new to me so you will have to tolerate me for a bit. My/our life is going and being very busy, sold another house and the market is still good. I am going to have to really get into it this year, as I have an aggressive goal to achieve. It is do-able, just have to get my mind around it all. Life there sounds interesting and quite an adventure, have you been out of the city yet? do they have lots of fruits we northerners have not heard of? how about the veggies? what a treet to try them all. We will miss you at the "thanksgiving" do this year. I will be bring an agent that is from Holland, she is quite the personality and fun to be with, we will all enjoy her, she has no family here and was/is excited to be included. Miss you Audra, take care, you are constantly in our prayers along with your host family.
God's blessings - Love Gram
Dear Audra:
Hope your host father knows that many people and churches in the States are praying for his recovery and return to good health. Please know that we love your blogs, even though many of us have no idea where one would start if they even wanted to blog, which I for one don't!
Peace from the Diocese, from SJOM, and from St. Luke's Church in Coeur d'Alene.
Bob Runkle
Loving your day by day info - I can almost feel the streets, although I think I'll get a better picture once I view the little "traffic changing" video you enclosed in an email.
Your list of things missed is so interesting in that it points so clearly to the items that we just take for granted, they'll always be there - until they're not:) I could skip the microbrews but the chocolate is a favorite of mine also. I keep myself on a rein even here at home on chocolate though because of the caffeine and those darned calories.....you're not having to worry about those things yet.
Walking on your own must feel amazing and I can imagine you standing up even straighter with just a little strut that no one but you would see:)
Keep bloggin' - it's great to read of your adventure.
xoxo
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