We returned from our three week trip to the Philippines and our village area (in a different part of the country) a week ago Saturday, and have been busy getting settled back into life here. We're thoroughly enjoying a home of our own, after 8 months of house sitting (for which we are forever grateful) and transition. What a simple pleasure to have enough shelves and closet space to empty your suitcases! 
We are getting used to the sounds of the city (endless bustling of traffic and construction, as we are near a major thoroughfare). We are getting a hang of the buses (pleasantly not overcrowded and occasionally air conditioned) and using our feet for transport. I buy our produce and fresh meat at the local market 20 minute's walk away. (We have the perfect system, with Abe in the carrier on my belly, and the groceries in a backpack on my back). I've never felt so safe in any living situation overseas (we have security guards at the entrance and our apartment is at the end of the walkway, so no people are passing by). We have yet to discover any crawlies here, with the exception of the occasional fly or mosquito. What freedom!
There is a pool below, so Mark and I are enjoying the opportunity to alternate swims for exercise, and teach Abe. I found a book on teaching your baby to swim, and we have had him in the pool twice. He floated (with some head support) on his first try. One of the theories behind baby swimming is that babies will follow their in utero swimming reflexes if you get them in the water before 7 months. Abe seems right at home! His only challenge is the urge to stick his feet in his mouth... which doesn't work so well when you're trying to float on your back.
Abe is developing well, rolling regularly (now from front to back as well as back to front) and loving his world. His favorite game is to stand on our laps and smile. A few days ago he discovered the rubber duck in his bath. He's also the slapmeister, which is cute in the water but a bit more interesting when he slapped mommy's plate (thankfully not hot by that time) and invited the whole of mommy's dinner onto our laps.
We have so much to tell about our time in the village. There were some great times with our host family and a few challenges too. So stay tuned! We have internet at our new home now, another major blessing.
We are looking forward to moving to the village in August when we have finished our language studies here, but in the meantime are grateful for this season.
Above: the view from our bedroom window, Abe's first swimming lesson
1 comment:
Hi, Rachel. I'm Christy and I used to work with Danielle at Prevent Blindness. We met several times while she was there and at her wedding. While my kids are still asleep, I thought I'd let you know that I linked to your blog last year through Danielle's and have been keeping up with you and your family. I admire you for having the faith and courage to do what you do and where you do it...especially at this time of your life with a beautiful new baby. I think of you often and pray that all of your endeavors are successful. Abe is amazing! My oldest is 5 today and it seems llike yesterday that we were in the hospital. Enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast!
Post a Comment