Riding the bus & soccer!

It's been another fun filled week.  This week was easier than last so we are thankful for that and hope as we develop a routine with structure things will continue to be easier.   Josh and Cate got to ride the bus this week and they sure loved that.  I think it helps them to get some wildness out on the ride home too.  They get to socialize and be with friends.  They are so busy being good and translating all day into English at school that at the end of the day it is fun to just let loose with friends on the bus.  They get off everyday with a big smile.

And we did some normal American things like grilling out, dunking homemade chocolate chip cookies in milk for our after school snack, and of course....homework.

Soccer has been really really fun.  These kids love it and for having never played they sure have taken to the sport.  We are finding out if it is something these kids love they give it their all!



We also experienced their first high school football game.  They were very attentive and loved the game and the band. 

It really has been a great week.  I know I say that every week but I feel like it just gets better and better.  A large part of this getting better is all of the support and prayers we get from you guys out there.  Thanks so much for loving on these kids.  You have made a big difference in their lives.  And as we say often around this house....God is good!  All the time!  and All the time!  God is good!

School begins in the USA

Last week was a very long week of school starting and lots of doctor appointments.  Both Josh and Cate had a really good first week of school.  There were no meltdowns or behavior issues so I count that as a terrific week!  They both are enjoying their teachers and meeting new friends.  The most dreaded event was the lunch line and the most looked forward to event was riding the bus.  Most of us would way prefer lunch over the bus but for these 2 those items were the low and high of the week. 

Along with starting school it was a week of Dr. appointments.  They both had several immunizations to receive along with eye tests, hearing tests, and other fun medical pokes & prods.  They are tough kids that is for sure.  They not only didn't shed a tear, they didn't even flinch when the needles went in. And they sure had a fun time filling the plastic cup in the bathroom.  Try explaining some of these things when there is a communication barrier.  We do alot of charades around our house.  Their English has improved dramatically in the 4 weeks they've been here.  They are really great great kids and we are blessed.

Their friend, Pastor Ray, stopped by for a visit on Saturday and went to The Chapel Church with us.  It was fun having a face from Kings' Garden Children's Home visit.  Pastor Ray and wife Mom Deborah were interim directors at the orphanage where the kids were living.  The kids loved having Pastor Ray here to visit.  Thanks Pastor Ray for stopping by.

Bikes are still great fun to ride.  Josh is a big help and very curious anytime there is a fix it job to do.  He helped Daddy fix his brakes.  Both kids really love to talk on the phone and are quick to try and answer if someone calls. 

We had fun with our friend Miss Mindy at Jefferson Point.  The kids hadn't seen her since last summer and it was fun to reconnect. 

It was another good week in the USA for the Clark family.  Please continue to pray for us.  We covet your prayers and really really appreciate all your support. 

Last week of summer.

We have had a busy crazy week.  On Saturday we did some much needed work on the outside of the house.  These kids are great workers.

The kids got bike helmets to go with the constant bike riding they love to do. 

 I love that these kids love to have their pictures taken!  Perfect for this mom!

We met Luke and Susi at Mississinewea for some laking.  The kids loved reconnecting with the older siblings and the tubing and relaxing on the water was great too.

Jeff took a few days off so we could be at the lake for the last hurrah for school.  The weather was chilly but we did lots of hiking and eating ice cream.  Hopefully the constant activities with these kiddos will help burn off some of those calories for the constant ice cream and eating!  It was a fun few days. 

We got a really fun package in the mail from our niece and family in North Carolina.  Thanks Jessica, Daniel, Arabella, Jacob, and Caleb.  They love the water/snack bottles.  How clever they are with their names.  Love it!

I had to work school for 2 days before the kids go so Ate (Big Sister) Susi came into town to stay with the kids.  When we rode in Ate Susi's car the kids found some fun things in the back seat. Thanks so much Susi.  We love you. 

Our good friends, Mike & Mary Noonan along with Elizabeth & James, invited us to a Tin Caps game.  First time these guys have ever done anything like that.  They loved the ballpark and the game.  Thanks Mike for the tickets.  You were a big hit with these guys!  We love you too!

Susi met up with our cousins at the splash pad one day and everyone loved that.  It was great to see Diana Moore with Savannah and Tesla. 

 Susi cooked for the kids and took them to their new school to check it out.

 They really hated to see Ate Susi leave and even tried to crawl into her trunk but they know they will get to see Ate Susi and Kuya Luke as often as they like.  They are family now!

So good bye to Ate Susi and hello to Kuya Nick and Ate Autumn. 

These guys are loving having older brothers and sisters.  What great role models our older kids are for these 2 young ones.  Thanks older kids!  We love that you love these kids like we do.