This Week (Days 18 - 22)

This week was rough.

The kids seem to be settling in at my parents' house.  They're having fun and they're able to play outside, which is something they wouldn't have been able to do here for about 2 weeks straight.  It's been so ridiculously hot.  The kids are excited to talk to us on the phone, but they're also not complaining about Grandma's rules any more (my mom is adorable and kind, but she can be strict about her rules!), and they don't sound home sick.

Here, I was falling apart a little.  Things seemed very overwhelming.  One of my classes has a lot of homework and projects, and I was trying to get them done and not accomplishing as much as I wanted to, and feeling like this whole term was a mistake, and wanting a hug.  And one particularly bad day, I just wanted a hug from my kids.

On that same day, we got a package in the mail from them.  They made us little gifts.  One is a key chain that Miciah made that I fashioned into a bracelet.  Some hot pads that they weaved.  And a little rainbow-colored peace sign that Tank made all by himself (he was quick to point out).  I tore open the package, put the bracelet on, read their notes, and cried.

I decided that I probably shouldn't drop out of all my classes.  Rob and I went out for ice cream and talked and it was nice.  And the next day, the world was a more inviting place.  A place that I might just be able to navigate successfully.

It's 3 weeks in, and I now officially miss my kids.