Charis and Tobiko

I was well intentioned, but lacked the computer savvy and the devotion to keep up with this blog. My sincere apologies! I promise I will be more diligent!!! It has now been about a year since we have moved to Tanzania. There is quite a bit to report on.

First... The Kids

Charis has settled in nicely at a lovely school. She has worked hard to develop new friendships and has defined herself as compassionate and faithful friend. Her diligence in her studies paid off at the end of the year when she won a Merit award for  "The Greatest Application and Effort made Throughout the Year." It was an up hill battle for her to reach the academic level that is expected here under the British system. Fortunately she has a positive attitude and and persistent nature. I am very inspired by her accomplishments. Her desire to be around animals has been fulfilled. We now have three big Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, three cats, and three birds.  She has plenty of animals to cuddle up with or care for. However her beloved Misty (our Shitzu who lives in America with Grammy and Gump) still holds first place in her heart.   No matter how many animals we tried to fill this place up with none could compare to our sweet Misty. 

Tobiko has enjoyed becoming a Mama's Boy. He is my constant sidekick. If I try to go anywhere with out him there is a deafening price to pay. He recently celebrated his 3rd birthday.  We made homemade cupcakes and Charis decorated them.We sent him outside to give some to the guards but when he did not return in a timely manner we investigated. We found him polishing off the last of the cupcakes himself. He is truly my son, with a dangerous sweet tooth!
He also has a intense focus on cars and trains. Almost every conversation eventually ends up back to Thomas the Train or Lightning McQueen. He sleeps with cars and has to have one in his hand where ever we go.  

I have adjusted to life in the slow lane quite nicely. I enjoy being a stay at home mom and keeping my sanity in check. Life in Africa can be very frustrating and overwhelming at times.  Like right now .. the power just went off so I have to sign off until next time. 

The Patient Pulei's

As many of you know Moses has accepted a postion with World Vision. We had packed up our entire house in Spokane and were ready to board a plane for Tanzania. We flew to Los Angeles for a final good bye with my parents and family. Little did we know that God had other plans. The Final paper work for Moses' work permit did not come through. We delayed the flight  and made ourselves comfortable at Mom and Dad's house to wait it out. Moses Flew to Tanzania without us to try and get a handle on what was taking so long. While he was there he went to a conference, checked out housing possibilities and generally tried to get himself oriented with his new position. Meanwhile we patienly waited. He returned assured that we would be recieving notification of his paper work shortly. But still we waited. It has now been two and a half months and we are still waiting.  My poor parents have deserve a medal. They have graciously hosted us inspite of Tobiko's early morning crying, afternoon tantrums and evening meltdowns. They were so used to their quiet life and in blew the Pulei Tornado. We have taken over their car, living room, guest room, kithchen and office. I guess that leaves only the garage for Dad and the master bedroom for Mom. They claim they are enjoying time bonding with their grandchildren but I am sure they will collapse with exhaustion when the PuleiTornado blows out of town. 
Moses is anxious to start his new job and is doing everything he can from this side of the world to get us to our next destination. I have chosen to look at this time as a blessing. I have been so run down from working in Spokane. It has been a refreshing change of pace to be a stay at home Mom. I am enjoying time with my children. I started home schooling Charis which was difficult at first. We have fallen into a rhythm now and are actually enjoying the lessons. I was so surprised at how time consuming it would be. I figured that if I could handel a preschool class that two children would be a breeze. I was mistaken. My Mom has had to find ways to entertain Tobiko while Charis and I focus on lessons. So.... that is the latest news. I pray blessings for all who read this. I thank you for your love and concern. Until next time....