Abe's on the move

Well, where do I begin? As I go through the week my mental list of "things I need to blog" continues to grow expotentially. It's been a great week in many ways.

But I'll start first with Abe's big accomplishment for the week... he rolled over! Unfortunately, both mommy and daddy missed it. Dad was in the other room doing his language study homework while mom had stepped into the kitchen for a few minutes, and we heard this cry of astonishment from the living room. We rushed in, and there Abe was, laying on his belly. (He had been on his back playing with his baby gym previously). We picked him up and celebrated the event, while he studied us in bewilderment. "What was all the excitement about?" He has turned to his side a few times since that day, last Friday, but no complete turns again.

His personality has really been blooming this week. He squeals and giggles with glee now when we play with him. I'm not sure which was more delightful-- the first smile or the first giggles. What a joy he is!

Abe has been busy making friends, at church on Sunday (a fellowship in the national language, mostly made up of immigrant workers from the country where I used to work) and everywhere we go.

Thursday evening was a national holiday (Isl new year) so we went exploring in the late afternoon a the neighborhood nearby where there are lots of speakers of the language we are learning. We decided to stop for milk tea at a shop on the side of the road, and before we could even sit down, a couple ladies were gathering around us to play with Abe. It turned out that the one lady, "Jenny", is the spouse of the owner of the roadside cafe. They were such gracious people, and it didn't take long for them to invite us to dinner. We stopped by and saw them on Saturday and they extended another invite, so we agreed and had a wonderful meal at their house Sunday afternoon. They have a 20 year old daughter ("Wendy") who is at home with them: all the other children are grown up. When we were visiting, Abe had a turn on Wendy's lap and proceeded to share his lunch with her, all over her lap (as he is want to do). She smiled sweetly and said that in their culture, you know a baby really likes you and feels at home with you if they spit up on you. Way to go, Abe!

Meeting this family is such an answer to prayer. We're amazed at their kindness to us in such a short time. They truly are the "men of peace" the disciples were told to look for. We're looking forward to continuing the friendship, and are looking at apartment rentals in their neighborhood.

Abe's hair seems to have finally sprouted on top of his head this week. See for yourself (in the album below).

Ah yes, one of my favorite things about this city is our Saturday morning runs at a Botanical garden nearby. It has a great running loop, with plenty of other walkers and joggers to enjoy. This flower descends along a great tree at the entrance, like a sort of parasite. Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

(CLICK on the picture below to link to this week's photo album and a bloom close up. Click slideshow view to see captions).

Botanical Gardens