A Week of Firsts!

First time in Spain!

Three planes and 38 hours of travel had us arriving on the Africa Mercy Saturday August 11th at about 10:30pm.  The kids were super excited, and they had slept on the flight from Madrid to Tenerife so they had energy to spare.  It was all a bit overwhelming, and we were very thankful for our already made up futon and bunk beds.  The boys wanted to decorate immediatly.  We vetoed that idea and opted for straight to bed.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather in Tenerife, had gelato, and played at a playground.  Jacob learned to say, "Lo siento, no hablo espanol."  He was sad when he realized his new words would not help in Africa.  However, they are learning french in school.  Thursday I was greeted at lunch by three "Bonjour, Mama!"  So cute.

First day of school!

All three boys started school on Tuesday!  I have to say it felt bittersweet to have them all go off at once, but I am confidant that this will be a good experiance for them.  I can already see areas where they have grown.  Caleb took to school right away.  He loves his kindergarten class, and has completed all his homework on his own.  Matthew's week had been a little tougher, but by Friday he decided that he really likes school and that his teacher is in his own words, "really nice because she loves God very much."  It is so wonderful to know that the people that are spending so much time with them have hearts for the Lord!  Jacob really did not like being woken up in the morning.  He has had nine years of waking up when his body tells him to, and this has definatly been an adjustment.  Like Matthew by Friday Jacob had also decided that he likes school and that it actually is really fun. 

Reading Friday after visiting the library.

First time sailing!

We started our sail Thursday morning.  We moved our T.V. to the floor, and secured everything that we didn't want broken.  We stood on deck seven as we pulled away from the dock, and a local Tenerife man played "How Great Thou Art" on his trumpet.  It was an amazing experience!  The ship rocks continually, it feels like being in a giant rocking chair.   Blessedly, we all seem to be good with the movement.  No sick bellies!   This picture is of us standing on the bow of the ship.

Soon to come...first time in West Africa!