New stuff

The last week of August, we bought a whole lotta stuff. A house, car, furniture and all the other things you need right away. And I don't really like to shop! I knew this was coming because we sold off everything before moving overseas. It was just sooner that expected and a bit overwhelming. The girls and I are pretty settled in now. The walls may stay bare for a while though! School is great, my kids expectations are very low - understanding the language and not being stared at! So they actually want to go. The cul-de-sac I moved to has a lot of kiddos riding bikes and playing outside everyday, we love it. It's nice to visit with other mom's who don't stare at me and speak a different language :-) We are very blessed.

Back in the USA

A few months ago, the girls and I moved back to the states while Mark stayed in China. It was very sudden and unexpected. That decision took about five minutes and two days later the girls and I touched down in the USA. Prior to leaving China, Kathryn had quickly become seriously ill, and Lisa was not far behind. Both girls were developing asthma due to the environment. Additionally, Kathryn caught a nasty respiratory infection that sent her downhill fast. She had further complications due to some scar tissue from being incubated as a newborn. She was having a hard time breathing, not getting enough oxygen and just bad spasms. I was watching my little girl coughing, turning blue and gasping for air and couldn't do anything for her. I took her to doctors, but the treatment in China was not working. I finally got an appointment with an English doctor in Shanghai. After looking at Kathryn and doing a lung function test, she asked when we were going back to the US and if we really needed to return to China! Basically, if she stayed in China, Kathryn's lungs would get back to a decent function, but she would most likely keep getting infections and never be at 100%. That was the scariest conversation I have ever had! All is well now, Kathryn made an amazing recovery. It was so fast her doctors were very impressed. Lisa is great and I still have my sanity, kinda! I gotta say, I have learned to let it go and pray - it will all work for good! Having your family split on opposite sides of the Earth is not easy, but we can handle it.