Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (literally)

We're here! Sorry it's taken me a couple days to post. We're just finishing day 2. On Tuesday morning (CST) we took the light rail from downtown Minneapolis to the airport, then caught our flight to Chicago. At O'Hare we had a 3 1/2 hour layover. Then we had a 7 hour flight, 2 hour layover, and a 3 hour flight. It took us 2 hours to get out of the airport in country by the time 3o of us got through customs, got our luggage, and exchanged money. We met the stint team who got us to our bus. Then a 5 hour bus ride to our final destination. By that time it was 2:30 CST on Wednesday. So 30 hours of travel - we were absolutely tanked! It was 10:30 here when we got here. So we got Liv a quick bath and to bed, and we hit the hay at 12:30. Praise the Lord she slept through the night like a rock and so did we. A solid 8 hours really helped.

I have to say, Liv traveled like a trooper. We had a few meltdowns - mostly having to be strapped in her seat during take-off and landing, but she really did great. I just feel like in these first few days, the Lord has granted extra grace and we've been doing really well. One of my dearest friends lives here. She and her husband also met us at the airport and rode back with us. My friend Sarah has spent the last 2 days specifically helping me and Liv settle in. Again, the Lord has been so good in his provision. We live in a super great apartment with plenty of room. There's a great little market with all we need 2 blocks away. Then 2 blocks in another direction is their version of an Aldi. I almost laughed when I walked in. Some of you know of my great love of Aldi - of course the Lord would provide one here :). I was walking around with Sarah yesterday just thinking of how much the Lord was providing for us. I'm back, my language is coming back a little, I'm not having a break down... we're doing okay!

I've hardly seen Aaron, but we should be getting into a routine soon and things will settle down. I think last night we finally really talked when we went to bed at 11:30 - and even then I could only keep my eyes open for a few minutes. These first couple days have been super busy - especially for him. I've hardly really unpacked.

So my friend left this evening and I'm a little more "on my own" now. But I at least have my bearings in the neighborhood. Next steps are to try to figure out the bus that goes by my house. I haven't been into the city center or campus area at all yet. I'm sure that'll come in the next week.

So, I'm excited to keep you posted on the adventures here. The students are settling in and we're gearing up. The girls had to come home to a nearly bear apartment with almost no water and not hot water. They had a bit of a break down after 30 hours of travel. But things are getting resolved, and we're doing well.

And a little P.S. to those that have emailed... I'm not having a ton of time to get on the computer (but what's new :). But I'll try to be in touch as we get more settled!

Much love from across the ocean :).