Keeping the Faith - Day 7

Keeping the Faith                                                 

Today I was  on a mission.  The sun came out first thing this morning so we were headed out to get as many pictures as I could of the beautiful things that I saw while it was raining.  Now I am NOT a photographer at ALL, but I love love love taking pictures and putting them in a scrapbook.

We first went to the library for story time which was a great experience for all of us.  They read two books.  One Natalie had heard before, and the other book was new to all of us.  The librarian reading the story had a strong accent and talked very quiet so Natalie got a chance to see what it might be like in some of her classes.  I was very thankful for this moment.  We talked about what she should do if she had that much trouble understanding a teacher at school.  She said that Mrs. Parker told them when reading to always listen to the whole sentence to see if maybe then it would make sense.  So that is exactly what I told her to do.  Listen to her carefully and by the end of her sentence, you should get an idea of what she wants you to do.  If you don't know for sure, then we ask.  She has for sure seen me do that ALL week with directions, food, finding restrooms, and any other task that I had NO idea what I was doing. 

After the story they had craft time and Denman was first in line.  He LOVES making things and putting it all together.  As we were standing there a little girl walks up to Natalie and asks if she can work next to her.  Natalie says SURE.  They talked back and forth and shared all the supplies and then the little girl asked, "What is your name?"  My heart dropped again.  Natalie told her what her name was and then asked her name.  I had to walk away because of course the tears were coming AGAIN!  I was so proud of her and this little girl was ADORABLE.  I found out she was there on a school field trip so we didn't get her mom's name, but I was so grateful for that little girl that day.  Natalie told Rusty as soon as he walked in the door that night....I met a new friend today!  Now that made today the best day ever.  Guess it was a day to start keeping the faith!

We then headed to find a place to eat and as we were walking we passed by tons of places that Natalie thought made perfect picture spots.  So, of course we stopped to get some pics.

I had to talk Natalie in to going to stand by him to take her picture...

Then Denman said, WHAT ABOUT ME!!!

Denman liked that he could climb up this wall so we had to get a pic of that.

Natalie put Denman in the "right" spot for this one.

Natalie thought if she got on the pole in the middle we could get all of the stairs. 

We had to run up and down these stairs a few times before we left.

This is a huge lion that Denman spotted from the other side of the road.  So here is the lion!

We walk on this bridge everyday and Natalie makes it look very pretty.

I might need to start checking out what these things are before I take a picture of it.  I have NO idea what this one is... but don't they look cute?

I think he makes a GREAT little prince.

We found a Pizza Hut on our little adventure so we had to stop in and eat there so everyone was happy.  I love this Kid's Menu.  It has a ton of fun facts about all of the surrounding countries.  What a great idea for a Kid's activity. I had to take a picture of this one because it was the most fun!  Try it!

See if you can match the food with the flag.

After Pizza Hut we were now on a mission to find a stroller for Denman because this DUDE was not digging all of this walking!  He did great until about 2:00 and then he was done!  As we were walking down the street I heard a song in one of the music stores.  It was Tiffany from the "80's" singing "So you think you're alone now." I HAD to stop and call Kelly of course.  So we talked and danced with Kelly on the phone which totally made my day.  If they keep the 80's songs playing around here we are going to be JUST FINE!   We were having such a great day and then out of nowhere this song of pure happiness comes on.  I truly believe little things like that happen for a reason to let you know that you are in fact at the right place at the right time.  We of course then found a couple of movies to buy in that store too. :)

We also found out that they have Build a Bear here! Natalie found a little mint bear and Denman found some bagpipes for his BEVO!!!! 

So now we were then off and ready to search more for the stroller.  I soon found out that strollers are not called strollers here.  They are in fact called buggies or push chairs.  Good to know now!  I bet the last 10 stores that I went to had them they just had NO idea what I was talking about. LOL!  Oh the language is so much fun to learn.  How on EARTH do you go to a country that speaks a completely different language!!! Let's just pray I don't have to find out!

We then headed to a store that is going to be where I LIVE as soon as we get in the house.  It is called John Lewis. It has EVERYTHING!  We walked around for a while and then realized that is was starting to get late.  We had been to at least 5 stores there, and the monkeys were getting tired. So we all decided we might need a little sugar to make the walk back. 

Now the troops are ready for the walk to the hotel.

As we start for the door, Rusty calls and says he can meet us at this shopping center and take us back.  I was soo glad because it just started to rain and I was NOT looking forward to that walk.  We were loading up the car and then he jumps into the passenger seat.  You have GOT to be kidding me.  So I'm guessing he wants me to drive!!!  So, I play along and drive back.  I was very impressed.  Rusty stayed very calm the whole way.  He just kept telling the kiddos to be very quiet so I could concentrate.... little does he know I have the power to totally tune them out. :)  The ride home was very successful...I only got one honk, but I didn't hit ANY cars so that was a definite PLUS!

So today, I saw the light.  The day was full of laughter and fun.  Watching the kiddos run from place to place for the photos was the best!  I am looking forward to many more happy days like this. 

The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ

Give hope for what's ahead;

But focus on life's obstacles,

And faith gives way to dread.