Finally Arrived

We are finally in Richmond! WOO HOO!!! We arrived Monday afternoon and moved in. There were some helpful movers from First Baptist Church Roanoke, VA. Everyone told us how glad they were that we were here, but we assured him them all that we were more excited than they could imagine - 8 weeks in the same bed, the boys have separate beds (fianlly), no more eating out, no more living out of the suitcases (atleast for now) and a schedule (yeah for mom!). We've met up with other M's that we've met along the way and the boys have found fast friends already. Micah seems to be becoming a big brother to many. There always seems to be a little one hanging around his knees. They both got to visit their classrooms today and start school in the morning. Our apartment backs up to the soccer field and frisbee golf course, so Micah is excited. Tonight he met a group of young guys (early 20's) who included him in pick-up basketball game. They wanted to know which apartment we were in so they could come and get him when they play. I think that made his day. Both boys are having to adapt to little girls being in the house. We share an apartment house (called a quad) with 3 other families. Between them there are 4 girls and 1 boy and they are all under 4. This should be an adventure. I will try to add pictures of where we are soon. It is really hard to describe without pictures. Pray for us this week as we begin to oreintation and as the boys begin school.

Last Day in Williamsburg

We had a wonderful time this morning worshiping at Smith Memorial Baptist Church. Pastor Wade is an IMB trustee and on the Western Europe committee. We were able to share about Portugal and ask them to pray for us as we prepare to go. Ethan went to children's church and they decided to be pen-pals with him. He is so excited. After lunch we went back to Old Williamsburg and watched some dramatizations. I think the kids enjoyed this part best - history in action.

Tomorrow we will head to Richmond for orientation. We have enjoyed traveling but have grown a little weary of living out of a suitcase and eating out. The thought of being in the same bed for 8 weeks sounds wonderful right now. Pray for us as we move in, see old friends and meet new ones. We will all start classes on Wednesday morning. The kids are so excited about that - NOT! It maybe a few days before we update as we begin a new schedule, but check back soon.

Williamsburg

Today started out quite cold (40 something degrees)and it never got much warmer. The boys commented that they could see their breath. We spent the majority of the day in Old Williamsburg. Ethan got to help make wooden shingles, Andy got to be a judge in the courthouse and Micah was chosen to be a rooster in the storytelling area. For those of you who know Micah well, it was way out of his comfort zone, but he hung in there. We also visited museums, homes and stores. We've really enjoyed the slower pace compared to the last few days in DC. We've learned the background of a few of our sayings. "Passing the bar" came from the concept that the judge had to ask you to cross the railing (the bar) in order to be heard. It was all very interesting.

Pray for us tomorrow as we visit a local Williamsburg church. The pastor is an IMB trustee that is on our Western Europe committee.

Last Day in DC

Today was our last day in DC. The weather had dropped by 20 degrees, as you can see by the change in our clothing. As we left town we stopped at the Jefferson Memorial. The view across the river was beautiful. We then drove by the Pentagon Memorial and stopped at Arlington National Cemetery. We knew it was big, but didn't really grasp how big. We were there almost 3 hours and only saw a portion. We saw where President Kennedy and President Taft are buried, the Arlington House (Robert E. Lee's former home) and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony at the Tomb was so moving. Everyone was silent as it took place and then taps was played. As the bugle rose above the cemetery, it was truly moving. Once back on the road to Williamsburg we were able to experience a taste of Washington traffic. OH MY! It was only 2:00 in the afternoon but it took us 2 hours to travel about 50 miles, then it began to rain. Needless to say we were glad to finally get to Wiliamsburg. The rain has brought even cooler weather and the leaves are in full color, so we feel like falll has finally arrived!