Last Thursday brought us some family from Poland (Mr & Mrs G), visiting us for an Arizona adventure. It was great fun, as Mr L got to play interpreter for days and the girls and I got to learn a few more words and phrases.
Day one was the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which I had never seen before. It’s true, it’s very different from the north side. Unfortunately it was raining (not to mention FREEZING) the entire time, but it was lovely none-the-less. The girls counted up to twenty some deer, some of which were quite close.
Now I know why we haven't had rain in the Valley - it's all here in Northern Arizona!
Day two took us to the South Rim with clear skies. We walked down into the Canyon a bit and just enjoyed the company and the view. The girls learned to respect not giving their mother a heart attack by hanging too near the edge. At one point we were all taking pictures and of course everyone was speaking Polish. Some of us were sitting on a wall getting ready for Mr L to shoot a picture. A couple was approaching as they were reading a map when suddenly the woman signed, “look, wait”. So I waved to them and signed back that Mr L was adjusting the camera and for them to go ahead. The gentleman had this great smile on his face and said thank you. Mrs. G asked what was that? So I explained that I saw the couple signing and knew they were either hard of hearing or Deaf, so I told them to go on through. We all laughed about our odd trio of languages. Polish, English, and ASL. Who would have thought?
Lunch for one of the locals.
This doe is about 30 feet away.
As if the Canyon wasn't enough, we continued south and stopped at some Indian ruins. This is Rose on her way in to check out the sleeping quarters.
Another local, this time sunbathing. You can barely see the black collar around his neck. Looks like he's all dressed up with no place to go.
Next up was Sunset Crater. We ended with a hike STRAIGHT UP to a point that overlooked the sight of a forest fire from last year. It was an OK view, but I’m not sure worth the agony it took to reach the point!
The view coming back down from KILLER hill - lovely.
While there were no major events going on in Flagstaff at the time, it was hotter than . . . well . . . it was very hot in the valley, so many of the hotels in Flagstaff were booked solid. The 4th hotel at which we stopped had two rooms and in we settled.
Day three drove us through Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, and finally home.
Mrs. G, Rose, Daisy, and myself, entering Oak Creek Canyon from the north.
While it was only three days of travel, they were three long days, and two of them very hot, so we were all very happy to be home. Within a few hours we had the dogs back at the house (they had been farmed out to friends) and were settled in. Simple dinner, hanging out, quiet evening. I got to teach Mrs G some basic crochet and was able to send her with yarn and a hook to finish a scarf.
Monday morning was like Christmas. We all slept in a bit, and woke up to even more friends. Mr & Mrs K were in from Minnesota for a wedding and some business, and had joined our lodge in the middle of the night. Mr L was on his toes, interpreting for 7 of us, and I must admit it was funny when he’d shift from a Polish speaking person to and English speaking person and still be speaking Polish. Poor guy. He held up beautifully though, and earned his stripes to be sure. Mrs K cleaned up the poor crochet technique I had taught Mrs G the night before, and I taught them both some embroidery stitches. Mrs. G took a set of pillowcases I had started that she really liked. I hope to see them finished when I get to Poland sometime (probably) next year.
Time came too soon and Mr L had to get Mr & Mrs G to the airport. It was a sad departure, but we were happy that we’ll most likely get to see them relatively soon. What dear, sweet people.
After their departure, Mr & Mrs K headed to their aunt’s house for a swim. I came in to catch up on email, and adoption board postings. I found out that two other couples, who submitted dossiers at the same time that we did, got referrals over the weekend.
Ouch.
This must be what it’s like when one is struggling to get pregnant and hears that Mrs So and So is expecting again. I confess to having a 3 hour pity party but then started looking at the Lord’s perfect timing. I would really like to be in the US for the end of October (Quilt Market in Houston!). If we got a referral for children this soon, I’d most likely be in Poland. Yes, children out weigh Quilt Market. But I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that I REALLY want to go to Market this year, as it will most likely be my final Market. Thankfully I came full circle and am excited that referrals are coming through, even if they aren’t referrals for us.
Mr & Mrs K had their business meeting the next day. As per usual CPS is screwing up and parties both Christian and non are lying and behaving in an unfathomable manner. Amazing. Simply amazing. And people wonder why we aren’t adopting from within the US . . .
They’ve since departed and now we’re back to ‘just us’. I love my home, I love it when it’s full, and I love it when it’s ‘just us’. I pray to always be so.
Time for bed!
Mrs. L | 