Sweet land of liberty

Good Morning!  I guess you could say with my team of supporters and the numerous amounts of prayers coming our way, we are beginning to settle in here.  Yesterday was the first day I didn't cry at the end of the day :)  So I guess you could say we are making progress.  I spent time with the hubby at his office, we met some other Americans and spent the entire evening Friday enjoying burgers, fries, beer, and movies!  Plus we got to do our laundry which was fantastic.  The hotel has a service but it's per piece and pretty pricey.

It was so nice to get out and see the city yesterday even if just by car.  The downtown area wasn't as bad as I imagined and I saw some adorable pink wooden doll houses someone was selling on the side of the road which I want to go back and get for my bear's birthday!  As if yesterday couldn't get any better, I met another American down by the tennis courts and we chatted forever :)  She answered a lot of my questions about schools, shopping, and if I could get Parisian macs here (for the bear's birthday next month!) I could definitely see us chatting over cocktails soon!

This weekend we are headed out to see some sights and go to the supermarche which is a lot like the netto in Germany.  I am slowly feeling better about building a life here.  I've met so many expats who love it here and love Africa so I'm eager to get our home and begin this new chapter.  I can't tell you enough how much I've appreciated your words of support this week.  Many of you have dropped in on twitter, facebook, and here on the blog to say hello and that you are thinking of us.  I don't think I could have come this far this week without all the unwavering support you have given me.  I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of friends and family. 

I have found another aspect I love about this city besides the warm weather:  The city really lives up to it's reputation of being hospitable.  Everyone we meet, even strangers on the street, are constantly greeting us.  It's like being back in Oklahoma where people are friendly with a smile and a wave :) 

Au revoir mes amis

Comments

[Julie]

You've put a smile on my face! I am SO SO SO happy to hear that you have met some wonderful people you can connect to/relate to (that is priceless, big sigh of relief) and that you had such a wonderful day AND that things are starting to look up. A big hooray for laundry, that alone can lift your spirits ;) Big hugs to you Ash, proud of you missy!!!

[Jessica]

Love reading the updates!

[Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies]

I am so glad it is going better. I could not imagine such a transition. The pictures look amazing and I can't wait to see what you put together in Africa.

[Rhiannon]

I am so happy everything is going much better, Ash! I love you so much :) Your photos are beautiful too. Thank goodness we can follow along here with you! xoxo

[Naomi]

I'm always thinking of you...no kidding. Lately I've been thinking, "I cannot do this! Why can't I just have what I want now?" which is when I think of you. You are doing something only a few could do. You are such an inspiration, Ashley! I can't wait until you get in your home so I can send you real mail! Thinking of you! XO

[Anna Elder]

Soooo happy to read things are looking better and better. I've so enjoyed looking at your photos the last week. It really looks like an amazing place. And I just know you're going to look back on this time and think how amazing it was that you got to experience something like that. :) xoxo