The First Weekend on our Own
We jumped out of the nest on Friday. We moved into the house we had waiting for us. Living with Chris and Heather Brooks was a godsend, really. It gave us a few days to get oriented. Our first night was not easy though.
We had lots to unpack, but the living was a lot different when there are not friends in the next room. The house is fine, lots of room and grounds. We met Alan, the gardener/day guard and Otto the night guard. We were not very happy with the watch dog however. He is a big old Rotwiller, but never seemed to bark, didn't come to the gate and overall was not instilling confidence that he would be "fending of the bad guys" We were told there was a dog available a four year old Rodesian Ridgeback and we went to see her Saturday.
The first night was pretty tense if you don't mind me saying. Neither of us were very comfortable and there are more locks than a medium security facility in Canada!! Ann's brother Willie is a Warden in the Federal system, and we bet he doesn't have this many keys! We survived fine, but things got a lot better when we went to see this dog. She is a Guard Dog, and works VERY well. she is also a big suck and is always looking for attention. she even gave our guards a message about who was boss when she met them but soon settled down. Ann LOVES her and feels much safer having her, and we keep her in the house at night which also gives us more piece of mind.
It has been a big transition, and I am VERY proud of how Ann is willing to learn all the things that will help us have a good life here. The next test comes tomorrow,when I will be gone overnight to the Clinic. Ann is getting set to survive that ordeal, and we have company in the other half of the house and friends close by.
We are learning it takes a LONG time to get things done in Africa, and we are adjusting with minimum stress. Please drop us a line on this blog to say hello.
Best regards, and plase keep us in your prayers
We had lots to unpack, but the living was a lot different when there are not friends in the next room. The house is fine, lots of room and grounds. We met Alan, the gardener/day guard and Otto the night guard. We were not very happy with the watch dog however. He is a big old Rotwiller, but never seemed to bark, didn't come to the gate and overall was not instilling confidence that he would be "fending of the bad guys" We were told there was a dog available a four year old Rodesian Ridgeback and we went to see her Saturday.
The first night was pretty tense if you don't mind me saying. Neither of us were very comfortable and there are more locks than a medium security facility in Canada!! Ann's brother Willie is a Warden in the Federal system, and we bet he doesn't have this many keys! We survived fine, but things got a lot better when we went to see this dog. She is a Guard Dog, and works VERY well. she is also a big suck and is always looking for attention. she even gave our guards a message about who was boss when she met them but soon settled down. Ann LOVES her and feels much safer having her, and we keep her in the house at night which also gives us more piece of mind.
It has been a big transition, and I am VERY proud of how Ann is willing to learn all the things that will help us have a good life here. The next test comes tomorrow,when I will be gone overnight to the Clinic. Ann is getting set to survive that ordeal, and we have company in the other half of the house and friends close by.
We are learning it takes a LONG time to get things done in Africa, and we are adjusting with minimum stress. Please drop us a line on this blog to say hello.
Best regards, and plase keep us in your prayers
posted by Pat Laforet | 1:40 PM
2 Comments:
Hello folks,
Well again I was trying to get some details hammered for our first MOPS meeting on Wednesday and I just changed my 'signature' on e-mail check out my parents at lifelinemalawi.blogspot.com - well maybe it will jerk people into reality. It definetely will require training and discipline on this side of the ocean for people o get this is how we communicate. Can you sense my frustration?
So I thought I'll check and see if there is a new post. You guys are sleeping as I post and my kids are fighting getting down. I hope at least your sleeping.
It feels like sooo much has happened since we spoke on Friday, I was thinking I will start journalling on computer esp. about the fundraising. Cause I am sure that is something in the back of your mind. Meegan and I had a great conversation today. Give me a few more days and I will have a wee bit more of a roadmap for you of what is happening. I would like one of your couriers (ha!ha!) to bring me some pens like you gave me, a token of Malawi.
Kids are great, Ethan is LOVING French - teachers dream sitting with dictionary learning words. Kat is not as convinced about school, but is loving her new dance class on Saturdays - I see Braodway in my future. Mykala is learning words by the boat load and today put 2 together - Mama Baba. I'm not biased, but she is a cleaver one.
Tom is well, busy. The 30 new hires are a handful, but it is good and he is still travelling to Mtl every week. I might just see if I could go one of these times, probably wishful thinking on my part.
Construction is finished today- waiting for tub. THANK GOD !!!
Glad to hear about dog, locks and I hope everything went OK for you mom somewhat alone. I'm sure you fell asleep with Bible in hand. I'll have Ethan pray for some 'angel warriors' as he likes to call them. Hope you set some hula hoop boundaries on your 'staff'.
I know your kids are constantly thinking about you and we miss you !!
Looking forward to some picts and stories.
Naiomi
Mom & Pat,
Well it certainly sounds as if you'ver had your hands full for the first couple of weeks. I'm glad that you've managed to get a big suck of a dog that is willing to rip off any leg that sees fit to interfere with your safety and work.
The first few days after you left were really rough. I found myself (as I'm sure all the kids did) questioning not only the journey that you are embarking on but also the journey that we all should be making.
Pat, my family owes you a debt of gratitude and I hope that we made that extremely clear to you in the time leading up to your leaving. I feel that you are one of the reasons that my family was able to survive the ordeals we have. So thank you! And thank you for having the courage and conviction to be on the mission your now on. Take care of Mom.
Mom, I really miss you. I love you. However, I am firmly convinced that you are going to be just as important impacting Africa as you were all of us. But I wonder, do you think it is harder with 800,000,000 children rather than 8? (Rhetorical I assure you)
Anyway guys I am extrememly proud of what you've accomplished and what you are sure to accomplish now.
Love you lots.
SDM
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