Roller Coaster Ride

Well, this first month has certainly had many ups and downs. We're elated to be home, but still struggling with the adjustment. And I still seem to be battling a parasite that I picked up in Thailand. Jay and I are both taking some natural remedies to help with that. Penny is quite healthy. She's been a real trooper in most areas, except when it comes to trying new foods. This first month has been a lot of learning of some very important life lessons for her. It's been quite a shock for us to suddenly be training up our child with lessons most parents start out with in the preschool years. We're trying to cram everything in from the toddler years through the teen years. The idea of personal responsibility is quite a new concept. She was used to the orphanage and the school giving orders and hitting her with a stick when she didn't obey. So, now she's not always sure what to make of her fantasy parents trying to discipline her but not with a stick, but with real consequences. There have definitely been times of testing this new set of rules. Needless to say, the new bicycle is not sitting in the garage yet. But this week has been much better. The "Responsiblity & Rewards" chart I made for her seems to have been helping a lot. We're also SO thankful for Jay's parents and for some friends from church who have been helping out with after school pick-up and care. We feel very blessed that most of the time our daughter is extremely happy and affectionate. She's already making new friends at school. Yesterday when I told her that this Saturday we'll have been in Colorado for four weeks, she said, "Really? Good!" Wow! What a turnaround it has been! Sorry the lack of e-mails and blogs. We were just literally learning how to survive. I think now we'll actually beginning living as we all start to settle into the new normal. Thanks for your loving patience, prayers and support!