One of the blessings of being in PP during Maria’s birth was all the friends, new and old, we were able to interact with. There were several families that stayed at the CMA Family Home while we were there and our kids enjoyed getting to hang out with them.

Our kids especially enjoyed when the Waldocks stayed a fews and overlapped with the Kanes. It was like an MK summer camp – lots of loud, fun group games. Our teammates the Kanes and Farmers were also there for several days. It was nice for the kids to have friends to play with.

We enjoyed many visits with the Nhoemvans. The kids worked on the Mary Poppins rehearsals twice each week and enjoyed those get-togethers. I enjoyed all the extra chats with Ayra and Kim C.

We loved being able to attend CCOP each Sunday. The younger kids loved having a service in English and going to their classes. We enjoyed meals with the Whittakers – who have been our friends since we arrived in PP. A few people from CCOP provided us meals after Maria was born – I was so touched by their kindness. I cannot mention meals without thanking Heather W. for providing us at least 4 freezer meals…and she is a very busy IW.

We thoroughly enjoyed Josh’s participation with the SIL Grammar workshop. Our family got to eat lunch with the participants each day, and the kids loved interacting with the grammarians. It really was a treat for them. The kids also did baking for the grammarians to have snacks. At the end of the workshop the whole group along with other SIL workers went on a dinner river boat cruise. It was a bit stressful with little kids and not exactly safe railings, but the kids loved it! And there was karaoke! I rewrote the words to My Favorite Things and started off the evening singing about Grammar. I think all our girls got up and sang hymns without accompaniment and Josh joined a group of guys to sing a S&G song. Very fun.

I wouldn’t chose or suggest having to travel 9 hours away to have a baby, but if you have to do it, it’s a blessing to be in a place where there are people who love you and your family. We enjoyed getting to know other new people too – who would invite us over or visit with us. So thankful for the IW family in PP and for the kindness of the staff ladies at the Family Home.

We left PP on August 14 and drove to Crowelys’ house and then returned to our home the following day. Everyone did great in the car and a few days later a friend came to welcome us back. So Thankful!