Donkeys, Neighbors & Bumps

Our next door neighbor, Ayup Bova (Grandpa Ayup), has been bringing his donkey into our backyard every day to eat our weeds. Will is absolutely fascinated, and I took him out there a couple times to feed her apples and give her water in a bucket. Yesterday when Ayup arrived, he scooped Will up under one arm and plopped him on the donkey as they walked towards the backyard. Will was all astonishment-- and made Daddy take him back out there later on (so Mommy could get a better picture). That's him waving to Ayup across the fence, in the second picture. Ayup burst out laughing when he saw us back there with Will again-- having a donkey is such a totally normal part of life to him, the fact that it should be such a novelty to us is hilarious.

And here's me, six months pregnant and very thankful I'm not super huge yet. It hasn't been a very hot summer-- lots of rain to cool things off every so often, and our house stays nice and cool like a cave inside. Even so, I get really warm during the day and am starting to feel full quickly and have heartburn (and the old bladder problem as well)... only 3 more months to go until we meet the 4th member of our family! It's starting to feel more real, not only for me, but also for James too-- and even Will says "baby" and pats my tummy (or a bit further up-- he gets a bit confused sometimes as to where the baby actually is!). He can say both of our name choices, for girl or boy, and I have an adorable book I read to him called "There's A House Inside My Mummy" which he loves.

Any good toddler preparation hints from you Moms of more than one out there?

In other news:

Aynora came to visit me today, after a long absence. As usual, she wanted something-- this time cream for her husband's cracked dry hands. Unfortunately, I didn't have what she needed, but that didn't deter her from staying to taste our dinner-- sweet & sour chicken (James was running late and it was already cooked on the stove), or from asking for a bowl of it to take home so her husband and daughter could try it too. This time when she came, it struck me that her eyes don't look quite right-- she hardly ever looks directly at me when she talks-- and I'm wondering if she's possibly under an evil influence of some kind... only G knows. Please keep thinking of for her, and for wisdom for me in how to handle her.

We didn't end up going to my friend's 50th birthday party a couple weeks ago after all-- James and I got a horrible flu the day before and were in bed all the next day. A convenient way out of what promised to be quite the party, and for which we weren't sure what in the world to do with Will, but I was sorry to miss it and brought over a gift for her the afternoon beforehand. She's been really kind, bringing fresh bread or steamed buns whenever she makes some, and getting her daughter to help me with my curtains for free... all without seeming to have ulterior motives, and just a generally pragmatic, helpful person. I really like her. She's already offered to help me with my kids, when I have two, and possibly with my house too, which would be a great relief. A really good friend to have.

My wonderful sweet Russian tutor continues to be full of surprises. The other day I was at her house, looking at the pictures they have displayed in their living room. Next to a battered 8x10 of her grandfather in his younger days was a lacquered Russian-looking portrait of our JC! A few lessons later I got up the courage to ask her why she had a picture of him in her living room. She replied that he's one of their prophets as well, and that her whole family is interested in learning more about what the K says and becoming better M's. We've already discovered that it's those who are more devout who tend to be more open, and so please keep them in your thoughts.

Thanks for lifting us up! Less than one month to go before we leave to head back to New Zealand... already I'm feeling sad about leaving, and already I feel so attached to our home and neighborhood here. We've settled in physically and emotionally in record time, thanks to God's grace and all of you who are thinking of us. I'm struggling with leaving a second house and place that I love to have a baby-- the last time we did that we never went back. Please ask for the ability to hold all things loosely and keep these rich blessings with open hands!