A day with a lot of new experiences......

Good Morning,
It is a beautiful morning here in El Paso. The kids are still sleeping.

While we were at the park yesterday Roxie, our dog, was attacked by another dog who wasn't on a leash. It was a good 2 to 3 minute tussle as I tried to kick the other dog who was biting Roxie as the kids stood there and watched. We were all shaking and uptight by the time it was over. As we walked home I realized that I had gotten bit during the episode. Thankfully, it wasn't bad and didn't need to find any medical help. Roxie also seemed to be fine other than some spots with hair missing and one surface wound.
They had a good introduction to the way of life in Mexico last night. We crossed the border around 4:30 and made our way to the church to meet Elma. It was an adventure as it seemed only the major streets were marked with signs. We stopped to get some pesos and paid the man who gave us directions. Everything is new to the kids and they are handling it quite well. We went to Elma's house and the kids had some apple juice - they were all impressed with how good it was. While we visited they tried to keep themselves occupied - something that they are going to have to get used to.
We were suppose to be at church around 7 and we arrived at 7:30 and the service started around 8. We sang four songs - two of which the kids knew in English which helped them to feel like they could connect. After the service they served us a meal of Chinese food.
We left the church around 9:15 and after several attempts arrived at the border crossing. It was a 45 minute wait as we slowly inched forward. There were many people selling things, asking for money and others who wanted to clean our van for money. One man who was missing one arm wiped down the van and we paid him a few pesos. Olivia wanted to know how come we didn't give everyone who asked money. Gerald tried to explained that he would rather pay those who are willing to do a little something to earn it.
By now it was 10:30, it had been a really long day and we were still sitting at the border crossing. The kids were doing amazing and Gerald and I commented on realizing that people were praying for us and it was evident at that moment. It could have been an unsettling event for the kids but they handled it beautifully. We got back to the guest house and Andrew, with moist eyes, said he missed home, as did the rest of us. It felt like a long time since we left home.
So, we decided to let everyone sleep in this morning instead of trying to get an early start. We handle new situations better when we are rested. We are thankful that we should arrive at our final destination today and we can get settled.

All in all it was a day filled with emotions - thank you for your prayers! We need them, we felt them and we are so blessed to have you walking with us on this journey. God's blessing on you today.

Sandy(for the sleeping children too)