Our four younger children have live in the United States now for 4 months! We're still trying to keep their lives very simple. We've not put them in outside activities. We've focused on family life and family rhythm. We get up close to the same time each day, their bed time is firm, we've setting patterns with school work. Spare time is spent swimming, fishing, playing in the yard, having camp fires, visiting kids' parks, and doing some kids' crafts.
Our outside activities involve church and enjoying relationships with friends. We're looking forward to a summer of spending time with friends at the beach, continuing our quest to catch fish, going kayaking in the lake, and other fun!
Soon (maybe this weekend?) they'll have their first "honest to goodness American shopping trip" where they'll pick out a bicycle and helmet and elbow pads (would it be over the top if I wrapped them in bubble wrap when they take that first ride?? heehee). This was the one thing each of them wanted when they came "home"! The snow is gone, the mud has dried, and now it's time!!
Outside activities can have their place. We've been there, done that for sure. We'll likely do some of that again. But boy, it's hard to keep all that from taking over! There's nothing like having a few kids in baseball, or soccer, etc. to send life into a frenzy! You feel like you have friends and relationships, but when the sport is over so are the friendships often times. To be honest, I much prefer gathering friends for whiffle ball over a baseball team any day!
Everyone's English has taken a huge leap which is very encouraging! Day by day, bit by bit we are all adjusting and finding our new normal!
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under Heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
