Meet the Maertz' and a reprieve from the heat!

I failed in the photo department but we had the lovely experience of meeting out Social Sponsor family in person! Social Sponsors volunteer to assist families moving into Embassy Posts. They answer questions, do research, set up house and internet and lots more. Our social sponsors are kind, good people with 4 sweet girls. They sold us their 8 seater Pilot to be accommodating and they helped us hire Miss. Virginia who will begin working for us next month.  Unfortunately they're leaving post next month as well. They came by and the girls were SO EXCITED to see other children.  We got a swimming invite the next day and it was lovely timing.  The other events of that day included a Visit to TAISM, the International School the youngest 4 will attend and taking photos for Residency Cards.  We spent the whole morning at TAISM so Alena and Brigham could take assessments tests. The Admissions Counselor gave us a personal tour and answered many questions.  The kids have a much better picture of at least some parts of what it means to go to school. Elise was a little confused and thought she was there to start school and was a little disappointed. I'm really thankful for 

1. The kids seem fairly comfortable. Alena being the exception but even she is accepting.

2. I am at peace with this. If I am being honest, the very idea of putting my kids in school has always ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED me. I  was always terrified at the prospect of being "put into school" growing up.  It was a threat made to rebellious or complaining homeschool children and it terrified me like Jersey Devil or Lou Garou. This school feels right. I'm sure it won't be perfect and I have held a spot in reserve to back off and make another decision but there is absolutely no terror. PS Talk to me again at the end of August. haha.

One night Matt made me come out onto our Party Deck. I went reluctantly and . . .I didn't hate it! I couldn't believe it. The oppression that had been in the air since our arrival was gone. It was a breezy, comfortable straight up 90 degrees and I was comfortable. The next day the kids and I did our best to mop the incredible amount of dust that coated the floor in an effort to make it usable. This was the result. I really love Muscat. It's truly a beautiful city at night or in the day, especially when the air is clear.

This will eventually be a lego room. Brigham has many sets to reassemble. I guess he will again in 3 yrs as well.

Eli plays war with Elise. Elise is not used to losing war (Matt cheats purely to get the game over with sooner). I think she was offended that she was losing. Haha!