POLAND 365 :: WEEKS 20 & 21

May 20 - We got to join Isaac on his class
field trip. It was fun to be with all these
little kiddos and we were amazed at how
much they walked without whining (all
of them!) Olivia got to join us as well
and she had fun being a part of Isaac's
class for the day. Also, it was funny to
converse with the kids (as they all speak
only Polish) and we could understand
a lot of what the kids said, which tells
you about how much more we have to
learn as we study this hard language!

May 21 - It's not often we get to go on a date,
so when some sweet friends called us up and
offered to watch our kids, we jumped at the
opportunity to go out for a short time. A short
bike ride over to a small cafe nearby was just
what we needed!

May 22 - Poznan International Church puts on two plays a year
and it's been fun to watch people from so many different cultures
come together and perform together to proclaim the name of Jesus.

May 23 - We have not had red meat like this
since leaving America. It's quite expensive to
buy a steak here and so until now we have not
had this...until Jenny saw them on sale and
jumped at the opportunity to buy a couple for
dinner on the grill. It was a great meal and we
are glad for the sale prices when they happen! 

May 24 - I think technically we are in summer, however it
doesn't really seem like it since the kids are still in school.
But since it's been hot lately, the kids have asked to go to
the ABC store around the corner from our house for a
cool treat...today we obliged and popsicles were enjoyed
by all, even daddy.

May 25 - Group texts (well iMessage in general), along
with What's App have been a valued resource to stay
connected with our family and friends back home. It's
often hard to be apart, but we are thankful for being
able to stay connected to our family/friends across
the ocean.

May 26 - This is mother's day in Poland - Dzien Matki -
and so Karis decided to make me a card and give me a
gift (which meant she went to my jewelry and picked
out a necklace and earrings to "give" to me). Love
being a mom and fun to celebrate this day in Poland! 

May 27 - A play date with friends and this girl
was showing off her hula hooping skills, which
is quite impressive and we're not quite sure
where she acquired this skill! 

May 28 - Lunch with friends from PIC and we are thankful
for this lady immensely. As the Lord would have it, the
AirBnB flat we rented upon our arrival in Poznan last
August is owned by her and her husband. She was so
welcoming and kind then and we looked forward to
having her over for dinner and inviting her to come to
PIC. As it turned out, they showed up at PIC the day
we had planed to have them over for dinner and it has
been a joy to get to know them over the past year. She
also has three kids and told me that when they were little
like ours are now, that you just feel like an Octopus
trying to keep them all together, and I've loved picturing
myself that way when my kids are all doing their own
things at the same time. She is a huge encouragement
to me in mothering and we are thankful for this family.

May 29 - At an after church lunch at some friends house.
Olivia can not get enough of this guy...He helps lead
worship at PIC and Olivia adores him. 

May 30 - Steve sitting in his language session, and this is the
view outside the window (sunroof) where he meets for lessons.
He never thought he would be taking lessons at a cafe inside
a castle, but there ya have it! There is so much history here
that continues to amaze us.

May 31 - Evening reading and preparation for small group.

June 1 - Dzien Dziecka is children's day in Poland. The
kids are treated extra special that day at school (going
on special field trips) as well as getting gifts from their
teachers. Also, around town wherever you go, they
usually have fun gifts or special activities planned for
the kids. After I picked up the kids from school, I
headed to the grocery store and inside the kids were
invited to paint and given a set of crayons to take home.
It's fun to learn about all these new holidays celebrated here.

June 2 - Isaac has come a long way in becoming more
comfortable in Poland. He struggled a lot in the months
after we first arrived and although he still has many
challenging moments with anxiety, we are finding
ways to comfort him and help him feel secure. One
of those ways is by spending one on one time with him
from time to time. Daddy took him to the place
of his choice (McDonalds of all places!) and he just
snuggled daddy the entire time they ate and talked.