A Thankful Heart

 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)


We have now been in our apartment for 1 whole month!! Sydney said to me the other day, " I'm so glad we don't have to move this month.  I'm so glad we finally have a house!"  It has been so wonderful to be on the path to transition and getting settled.  The first 2 months here were full of looking at places to live, trying to learn where we were at in the city, trying to find the right bus, tram or metro, learn where to buy groceries in each new location we landed and doing everything we could to help ourselves and our kids through all the emotions of landing and living in a foreign country.  This last bit is still a work in progress and will be in the months and maybe even years to come.  I am thankful for the process.

Culture shock hits everyone differently.  I've heard so much about this and read up on it in the last month.  One definition is: a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to (Merriam-Webster). It is expressing itself in many different ways for our family.  It is difficult.  Lots of different emotions are expressed daily in our home.  Feelings of sadness, happiness, numbness, homesickness, thankfulness and discontentment can all be expressed in the same 24 hours.  Oh, the grace that we are experiencing through it all.  It doesn't mean there aren't lots of tears...because there are.  So many of you have emailed, written letters and skyped to let us know that you are praying for us.  All these things are treasures for us!  I am thankful for people who love us from near and far.

In the mix of culture shock we are preparing as much as possible to meet our sweet little girl.  Summer is due to arrive July 16 however in typical Bisson style I (Susan) am already having contractions.  We were able to find a doctor and now at 35 weeks a facility to deliver at.  For weeks we had no idea where to go or what to do if I would go into early labor.  At the moment we know where we will go and the number of a taxi to get us there :)  Things will be very different on almost every level, but it's much more comforting to know more then the weeks before.  I am thankful for more clarity.

Two sweet ladies also took me out for lunch to celebrate Summer's upcoming birth.  It was a fun time of girl talk, baby talk and just connecting as friends.  They surprised me with a gift certificate for a pedicure before or after I deliver!  I was excited because this was one of my traditions in the States before having our other children.  It sounds silly but I loved it that my toes were painted.  I don't know if I'll be able to use it before she comes but definitely after!  I am thankful for sweet friends here and thoughtful gifts.

Thankful things to add:
-All our visas arrived!! We can stay!
-My Mom may come to help after Summer's birth!
-We have a good start furnishing our flat - making it feel like our home!
-Andrew is doing well in his first weeks of language!
-We have most things we need to bring home a baby!
-We now have a fan! (no air-conditioning for us)
-Cherries are falling off our trees outside.  I made some jam that didn't turn out but it was fun!

Visas

 

Very prego!

Picking Cherries

Our hospital

Girly lunch celebrating Summer's arrival

We continue to ask for prayers through this time.  Prayers for eyes to see what God is doing all around us and fullness of our hearts as we try to find healthy routines, rhythms, as we learn language and the culture this first year.