Settling In - by Heidi

It's evening.  The sun is sinking and this was the first day of pretty near perfect weather.  It was a scorcher the day before.  The wind was still and the bugs were grazing on our white American flesh.  The precious Mayan family living below us clued us in to the tiny gnats that like to appear when the breeze disappears; however, the day ended, we survived and a powerful storm brought a cool rain that lifted my spirits again.

Who is that stud muffin?

It's amazing that it has only been a week.  I am surprised at how comfortable we feel here.  I am sure it is because we came together, including Layla, as a family unit.  Having each other on this adventure makes us not feel so far from home...because we are home.  We ARE each other's home.  I have not heard one complaint from the kids.  Yes, I think my kids are pretty awesome, but to be honest I don't think it is just a testament to their attitudes.  I think in general kids are more resilient and more flexible than we give them credit for.  I also believe, as my mom always told me, they will rise to your expectation of them.  So far though, they are loving it.

Our typical day is started by barking dogs, not roosters, awaking us around 6:00 or 6:30.  I like waking up early here...I think it's the best part of the day.  If you have seen our pictures you have realized we have a pretty awesome view.  It makes the mornings and evenings pretty magical.  It's hard not to love it!


We have started homeschooling a bit, though next week is our real kick-off (I'm still a bit nervous....but kids can smell fear so don't tell them).  Richard works from home when the internet is working or a nearby coffee shop when it's not.  I love that his schedule is flexible and he can take breaks to swim with us or play soccer like we did today on the field in town with 2 cute little barefoot Belizean boys whose names I still can't pronounce.

 

We bike everywhere as the whole town is only about 1.5 miles long.  It is a fishing village, but I have only managed to find a fish to buy 1 day out of our 8.  I haven't figured that system out and I never seem to get a straight answer from anyone as to when and where to get them.  I guess we need to learn to fish!!

We are taking things little by little though and resisting the temptation to feel like we need to figure it all out right away.  We've got time...for the first time in a while!
Talk to you soon!
Heidi