Distracted

I have not been as disciplined about posting in the last few weeks. Sorry. I am not sure if it is because we have a new camera and I am not as familiar with it therefore taking less pictures. OR if it is that in less than 2 weeks Genevieve and I leave for our home visit to Oregon. Devin will be staying here for two weeks and then joining us on April 17th.
I have been trying to gather up as many things as possible that we no longer need here with us. For example both Devin and I brought a few jackets each.....have not worn a jacket here in Malaysia yet! I did wear one in Australia...but not such need here EVER. So those are going home. I have also spent my time preparing to be in Oregon where although it seems Spring is arriving- we do need jackets and shoes...not sandals! I just ordered Genevieve a pair of fake uggs from target and had them shipped to grandma's- cause this girl only has flip flops. I know the life, right?
Devin has been working endlessly to get our car insured...cause that will be important. I can't wait to see how hard it is for me to drive on the OTHER side now. But I also love the idea of having my own car- going where I want- when I want- ahhh independence.
As excited as I am to come home for a bit- for an infusion of friends and family- familiarity and comfort...I also see this journey as a gateway into our final months here when we return. I have very mixed feelings about our time here closing in. I appreciate our life here. I respect the work my husband does each day. I love the freedom to travel. I love hearing the prayers come echoing through the trees to remind me I live in a culture where prayer happens 5 times a day. I love the sunshine and the swimming pool. I love the spices and the choice of foods. I deeply feel grateful that while the economy is struggling...we have stepped outside of the chaos- I mean into a different type of chaos- but I am aware of how lucky we are for Devin to have a job. And me to have a practice/job to come home too. BUT the main thing that keeps us from having another year here is education. Don't even get me started on my thoughts of the Malaysian education system.....but it is not what we want for our daughter. A year of cultural education is priceless- what she has been exposed too could shape parts of her life. BUT too long in an education system that is based on rote memorization, product not process and never being encouraged to ask "why"- does not illuminate the love of learning or develop critical thinking...and well- I want more for our child. So we will come home in time for Genevieve to start school next year in the States. The other thing I know I need...is involvement. I need to be involved- with people, friends, family, organizations, schools, community, collaboration...so for me even though I think the transition back to the States will be really hard...I will welcome involvement. A level of involvement that does not reach the levels before I left the States....but just enough for fulfillment and not too much for chaos in each day. I have learned so much in our time away.
OK stay tuned for more posts as I get back into the ritual of blogging. LOVE