Hard to believe that we have already been here for a week! So much has happened it the last week- so much to be thankful for…

First I just wanted to say- so sorry that we have not posted anything on here in forever! The last month as been a whirlwind and continued to be so once we landed on Monday, January 17th. When we got here we were told that the first few days you are in a “fog” because of traveling and the time change… I didn’t really believe it at first, but now that it has been a week since we landed- I totally believe it. Not even real sure what all went on those first few days- ha! I am going to try and give a recap of the last few weeks for you along with some pictures 🙂

The “Good-laters” (this is what I called all the good-byes we did to our wonderful friends & family)

• We are so blessed by our community in Lubbock… I am still trying to wrap my mind around how loved and cared for we felt when we left Lubbock. We both said that we didn’t deserve the send off that we got- so thank you. Our weekend in Lubbock was filled with a going away party (thanks again for it friends- was a huge blessing), Sugar browns (our fav coffee shop), Thai Pepper (delicious), Mexican food (even if it was tex-mex still great), quality time with our closest friends, a great place to stay (thanks again Hedges- we love our new room!), a great send off at our fellowship & many joyful tears of celebration and sadness to leave such great people and a dear place that we have called our home for the last 7 years.

• We had the blessing of spending the last weekend in the states with our families in Dallas. Everyone, and when I say everyone I mean all 3 sets of parents, all our siblings, nieces & nephews, a few cousins & my aunt and uncle came to town to send us off! I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t sure how the weekend would go with my tendency to try and please people & make sure everyone is happy, however I was pleasantly surprised at how GREAT it went. It was so much fun, relaxing & a blessing to get to be with all the people we love in one place! It was filled with great food, shopping (finally got to take my mom & sisters to the wonderful Charming Charlies...), packing, great stories, games, great friends, pictures, laughing kids, lots of hugs, and bittersweet tears for what was ahead. We are so blessed by our families and could have not asked for a better send-off. Thanks again- know that we love you dearly & think of you often!

Our Travels

Everything went great… all our luggage made it, the flight went smoothly- we slept, watched movies & ate- it actually seemed pretty quick (I know that 15 1/2 hours is not a quick flight, but nonetheless it wasn’t too bad!), and we were greeted some great new friends at the airport who have been so helpful since before we even got here. They have been such a blessing to us- driving us around, helping us get our house set up (even if it meant spending 8 + in the mall!), taking us to get food, and showing us around town. It was so fun to finally meet them after months of talking through email & we really like them so that is a huge bonus!

this pic is from my itouch- so the quality isn't great...

I think this post is long enough… so I will share more of our adventures here later! Know what we are doing great- we are joyful & ready to jump into language study. We love you all & appreciate you.

– Britt (and chase)