Normalcy

I am sitting at my computer today with a whole new frame of mind because I can finally report that we are finding some normalcy here in North Texas.  Applying sunscreen has become a regular part of our day, Nicole & I are on a first name basis with the cashier at the grocery store and we have come to accept the fact that Texans don't think 91 degrees is hot.  Additionally, we can now identify the difference in the air on days when it's going to storm and when it's not.   We're even starting to recognize some of the bugs.  Finding this small amount of normalcy has grown my capacity to handle this transition with greater amounts of curiosity and flexibility.   I'm finding myself ready and able to branch out to create new connections and routines for myself and Nicole.

She's not crawling yet, but she loves to stand up! 

One of the first things Nicole and I ventured out and did together was attend a free 'Mommy & Me' fitness class at our community center.  Nicole was delighted to watch all of the activity and I was thankful to be in the presence of women and children who lived in my community.  I didn't show up expecting us to make friends, but my prayer was that the class would be a place where we would have fun together and share part of our day with others.  The first week we attended only one mom engaged with us in conversation.  I left feeling victorious because we had tried something new, found it on our own and met a new person.  This week, we went back again and almost every mom there found time to talk with me.  It may seem small, but these are the things that remind me that God hears my prayers.  He knew that even though I wasn't there seeking a friend, my desire was to encounter people who were friendly.  The women who introduced themselves couldn't have been nicer and were incredibly sincere about welcoming us to the class.

Other adventures include an infant story time at the library, driving by myself on the tollway for the first time and visiting Shawn at work.  We also made our way to the local pool to purchase season passes in anticipation of all the fun in the sun we're going to have together this summer.

Shawn & Nicole swimming together in our friend Sharon's pool.    

I'm still hoping and praying for a lot more normalcy to surround our days here such as a church to call our home and someone to cut our hair.  In the meantime, I'm incredibly thankful for all of the things that are becoming familiar and routine.

Thanks for taking the time to check in.  We're so thankful for you and your desire to journey with us from afar!

Love,
Erica