EVERY DAY

THE BUS RACE
The videos had to be returned and so at 7:00 p.m. I headed out the door to catch the bus. The night wasn't bad just a little chilly AND since I was actually by myself I decided to grab a mocha as I made my way to Blockbusters. That was my first mistake. I don't think I've learned that I just can't have that much caffeine late at night. However, it was great while it lasted!

There is no greater feeling than coming to the bus stop and having the bus pull up! It's like you have the greatest sense of timing in the world! On the other hand, there can be no greater let down (among common happenings) as watching the bus pass by before you can start running to the bus stop...which is a clear indication that you don't have perfect timing! It's like you've missed the last bus in the world. There is no hope! You will have to wait another 8-10 minutes before the next bus comes!

Well, on my big night out....I walked out of the video store and looked across the green (park) and there was my bus. Yes, passengers were loading. I had a bit of a sinking feeling because I knew there was no way....even if I could fly, that I would be able to make it in time. I didn't even attempt the challenge. So I thought, I'll walk over to the bus stop and see if I can see another bus coming.

I reached the bus stop and nothing, no E1 bus. I thought it would be better to walk to the next bus stop than sitting around doing nothing, so off I went. As I approached the next bus stop I didn't see a bus so I went on. When I reached the NEXT bus stop still no sight of any bus! Then finally, a bus coming the opposite direction! It would take the bus about 10 minutes to go around the route and get back to me so the race was on! The question.....how far would I be able to go before the bus caught up with me?

Since I had coffee in my hand I didn't run....but I found I picked up my pace a bit. There was no big rush, I mean it's not like the bus driver knew he was in a race! If he had made that realization he would have driven like a mad man! hahahahaha

Now, my second mistake came as I heard footsteps behind me. People are always rushing every where and I try not to get caught up in the hustle. But I let the footsteps get to me! A man passed me, almost running. I didn't let it bother me. However, when the lady that was behind me started to pass.....I got a bit of road rage! hahahahaha I picked up my pace and was matching her stride. (It was hard because she was taller, with longer legs!) Then she started walking faster.....I know....I should have let it go....but you have to entertain yourself as you walk! :-) As we both crossed the street...I used this as an excuse to run....then she ran......we got to the corner at the same time....it was going to be close....but then she turned. Thankfully. I was about ready to throw down my cup and just flat out run!

The bus I was racing finally caught up with me just around the corner to my house. Yes, if I would have waited at the bus stop I would have gotten home about 2 minutes earlier but I wouldn't have had the joy of racing AND seeing a cucumber on the sidewalk! hahahahaha I know, strange but true. Someone went to the grocery store and lost things on the way home. I thought about picking it up....(it was wrapped in plastic) but I didn't, just in case the person was retracing their steps to find their salad "fixings".

EDUCATION
Last week the kids and I went to the British Museum. Our goal was to see the MUMMIES and the Rosetta Stone. For some reason the Rosetta Stone really intrigued Ben and he really studied it. The mummies were a little bit gross to the kids because they really understood that these had once been breathing people. But we still looked at everything!

The biggest question came when we saw that there were animal mummies. Why......why would they want to have a cat as a mummy? I tried my best to explain.

With the kids, there is only so much that they can care about during a visit. When we passed by the Greek and Roman vases, they sighed. When we pasted by all kinds of rare and early coins, they complained their feet hurt. This went on and on. I finally got the hint and we just sat down. This wasn't a good idea either. Now, they were hungry!

On the ground floor there is a little place to get snacks, so the kids enjoyed chocolate cake and a drink. I started asking questions. "What was your favorite part?" Abby quickly said "the mummies!" Of course, she really remembered the gross bits. I turned to Ben, "What was your favorite part?" With a mouthful of chocolate cake he said, "the restaurant!" I started laughing but Abby quickly scolded Ben by saying..."This, is NOT a restaurant! THIS is a cafe!"

QUESTIONS
People have asked me how the kids are doing, how they have adjusted. I would say they have adjusted even better than I expected. They say "chips" instead of "french fries" and "trousers" instead of "pants". Abby works on a little British accent and Ben couldn't care less!

Ben loves going on public transport. He loves the trains, tubes and buses. He even has some stops memorized...like what line this tube stop is on...or that one. What buses stop at certain points. I very rarely get lost with him. He has a great sense of direction! Walking with Ben is seeing things in a whole new light. Everything is amazing to him. Every ride is not quite like the one before and every building is wonderful. The only thing he really complains about is not being able to take the bus 4 blocks down the road to the grocery store! The other complaint is about the sidewalks. (In the States the sidewalks are smoother and level. Here.....if you don't watch it you'll trip and fall!)

To watch Abby you would think she has lived here all her life! She weaves in and out of traffic and people like a pro. She is so fun to watch, very much like a city person! When we get on the tube or the train, she looks like everyone else. She gets a seat and falls asleep! It's great! She said that the movement makes her sleepy. It's true, the movement does make you sleepy and she feels comfortable enough to just sleep. The wonderful thing about her...she just pops up when our stop arrives! She doesn't mind walking either. She is such a trooper! She would rather walk than take the bus. She says it's just healthier. That always makes me smile. I think she says that because she knows how much Ben doesn't like to walk!

Christian is walking now. He gets better and better every day! He has grown and changed so much since Abby and Ben arrived. I know they have really encouraged his growth. They show him how to do all sorts of things! Some....like jumping on things....I wish they never did, much less show their baby brother! But they really get excited when Christian does almost anything!

Personally, I was really thrilled when Christian drank through a straw! Now, I don't have to carry as many cups with me! Just a little bit more freedom for me....and a huge milestone for him. Christian can say several words and we attempt to teach him more every day! He is such a clown though! Always making us laugh!

TOMORROW
As I write this, I realize that these experiences might be short lived. We don't know yet how much longer we will be staying and about Skip's job. But I do know Who holds all things and is in ultimate control. Yes, there are times when I allow fear to creep in; however, I am holding firm to what I believe God has spoken to me. Either way, there is nothing I can do....and if I could it would probably be the wrong thing anyway! :-)