life as usual...

You'd think after making this trip a few times I'd be used to experiencing the differences between Taiwan and Canada. I'm not.

I felt slightly uncomfortable being surrounded by "foreigners" at the mall yesterday. And I felt a little guilty being able to understand the conversations happening all around me. I didn't stick out to anybody. But I felt a little out of place.

It was also kind of overwhelming to be in a grocery store. I'm so used to tuning out so many products and items that I have no use for or have no idea what they're for. Everything jumps out at me here.

I forgot how beautiful and fresh Canada is. I can't get enough of the endless blue skies. (For the record, those blue skies exist in Taiwan too...just hard to see through the concrete jungle) It also seems so quiet here. I laid out in the hammock on the back deck tonight (kind of felt like a holiday) and didn't hear a noise. Not a car. Not a person. Just quiet. And fresh air. That was nice.

The kids are doing well. Nate is on cloud 9. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy. And his joy makes him very agreeable and obedient. So, ya, he's awesome.

Gemma has been doing very well too...she's pretty excited to be here. The plane trip was a bit of a nightmare with her. But I have vowed to speak of that never again. She's almost over jet lag and really is enjoying herself and the extra attention from loved ones.

We're excited to hit up St Joe's soon and see some more family. And we're just looking forward to a great summer of catching up with people and enjoying our beautiful homeland.