An Update (Part 2)

While Bill was recovering from eye surgery in Florida...

(Bill post-op)

(Bill recuperating from surgery.  He spent MANY hours in this position.)

...the kids and I continued our life as usual.  That included school, church and extra curricular activities.

After training for a few months, they all participated in the Academy's field day. Ethan had just sliced his toe open receiving 6 stitches, so his participation was very limited.  

Eli throwing the discus.  He got second place.

Liam in the triple jump.

Ethan doing the softball throw, the only event he was able to participate in.

Simon working on his high jump.

Bronia perfecting her javelin throw.

While some of the events were not our kids' favorites, they all did their best to participate, and we had a good day.  Although they sure did miss having dad there to cheer them on.

Saying Goodbye

During our time in Canada, our kids have made some deep and lasting friendships with other TCKs (third-culture kids), as well as some church kids.  Learning to say good-bye is a hard but necessary part of being an MK/TCK.  Having friends over to our place, or being invited for one last dinner at a friends house are important parts of saying goodbye.

Ethan with his friend Jared, whose dad is a missionary pilot, and they go back to New Guinea this month. 

Bronia with her friend Amberly, who is the sister to... 

...Drew, who is a good friend of Simon's. 

Liam snapping towels with friends Jaden and Byron, after doing the dishes...

...which came after an impromptu pizza party with some of our kids' friends.

Our kids also had quite a few classes with Holly Dyck, an MK Care & Ed. coordinator (Missionary Kid Care & Education), learning about transitions, and how to do it well. 

   (Vern and Holly Dyck raised their 5 kids in South America, and are now      sharing their knowledge, love and care, for MKs with other missionary parents.)

(Check out her blog post about transitions for MKs here)

We are so grateful for the friendships our children made, and that they were given tools to be able to say good-bye, and leave a place well.  God loves our kids more than we do, and even though life for MKs/TCKs is one of many moves, transitions, and difficulties, we as parents can rest in His sovereign plan for our kids' lives, knowing that our decisions for their lives is all part of who they will become as adults.