It's just cultural

Enjoying the mud and cold water at the ocean

There have been many conversations in our house about how life is different in Honduras. And usually it comes down to the fact that, It's - not right - it's not wrong - it's just different ---- It's cultural. Life in Honduras is different and that is OK.

Now, being in the states these last few weeks I have realized something. Life in the states is different. It's not right - it's not wrong - it's just different ---- It's cultural. I have been able to slide back into life in the states because that's been my norm my whole life. My kids on the other hand, are discovering and becoming a part of another culture. The culture in the states is not necessarily what my kids are used to anymore. (and yes, I am really ok with it).

Here are some fun differences:



He might be driving down the street without
any clothes on :)

It is normal for the power to go out often in Honduras - so Isaac just announces "powers back on" whenever he hears a frig. turn on.

Both kids are a little put out that they have to wear bike helmets whenever riding. Isaac down right refused one day.

We are freezing!!! need I say more?

Isaac doesn't understand why in the world he has to wear clothes - even underwear - He thinks it is completely appropriate to be naked all day.

Also, the rule at Granny and Papa's house is that - if you must pee outside, it HAS to at least happen in the backyard.

Just because Mountain Dew is available, does not mean you can have it for every meal - Hannah



We may not be in Honduras but that does not mean it is safe to walk to 7-11 by yourself. - Hannah

Walmart may have 8 Aisles of toys and 300 different options of cars but that doesn't make it any easier to make decisions - sometimes, only having one option is a good thing



SLURPEES!!!

Isaac loves watching the toilets at Walmart automatically flush. - He squeals and giggles every time

We still look for the filtered water whenever we go to fill up our water bottles :)

Hannah will be telling a story then look at me, " mom what's that word in English? I forgot"

Hannah feels uncomfortable in just spaghetti strap tank tops.

Policemen are friends in the states - this isn't a 'normal' thing in Honduras. Isaac was a bit nervous around Jeremie's friends. He loved all of the fire trucks and police cars though - 'the weo, weo's'

Isaac was very disappointed when papa turned on the 'football' game and soccer didn't show up



I love both of our cultures. I love laughing at ourselves. I love watching my kids grow and learn.
 I love our blend of cultures - Catringos (Catracha/Gringa or Honduran/American)

can you just feel the happiness?
Slurpee heaven

Enjoying the cold lake with friends -
hot chocolate anyone?

Granny and Papa time

Walking with Granny

The last few months have been filled with family time. Mom came to Honduras for 6 weeks this summer. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her in the country we love.

When she came, we were in the middle of 'team season' so we spent most of the time just doing life. She spent many mornings playing with the kids while us mom's and dad's were busy. We went on walks through Lo De Reina, spent hours at the park, and the grandkids had tons of snuggle time. Us families took turns having Granny over for dinner so the kids could just really relax and get lots of Granny time in.

Dinner - just us. mom, me and Beth

Even though it was a busy summer, we made sure we got a lot of playing in. (that's a Granny's job, right?) We made several trips to the pool and even had a girls evening in town.



One of the highlights was that Granny was able to watch Hannah dance at church. Hannah was so thrilled. (and so was Granny)







Before church when Hannah danced



a morning in center square
 



Snuggle time - with Maddy and Isaac

When the summer was coming to an end it was so nice that family time didn't have to end. We had our furlow time in Oregon right after the clinic dedication. We actually beat mom and dad back to Oregon a few days :)



me, Daniel and mom

The last 4 weeks have been full; picnics, s'more making, wrestling, snuggling, shopping, swimming and just spending time together. I love seeing my kids play with their grandparents and I think that its awesome that after a month, we still all enjoy each other.

Living so far away from grandparents, we have really learned to take advantage of every opportunity to play and make memories. Everyday things become special. It is special to me when I watch my dad wrestle with Isaac or when Granny and Hannah go to school to 'work' :)

Playing cars with 'Papa"

 I miss the everyday spending time together but I am so thankful for the time we are able to spend.


Time in Oregon has been wonderful. We have been so blessed with family and friends. We have loved the cooler weather :) Hannah and Jeremie enjoyed the bounty of the ocean and Isaac got to ride in a fire truck. I love sitting and having coffee with friends and taking walks on the beach. This time has been wonderful but we are getting ready to move on with our trip. Monday, we head to MN with a few stopover's in Montana and North and South Dakota.

My cup is so full with family time and it's going to get fuller with more grandparent time in MN. (HUMMM, I think I know what my love language is :)





Fishing with daddy

Me and Sarai (my sister-in-law)

creating a lego masterpeice

Catching butterflies in the rain

Fire trucks!!! Definitely Isaac's highlight