Hi Everyone,
I'm writing from Washington, D.C., taking a break from holding my grandbabies, Hatcher and Lavinia. Yes, being a grandparent is all it's cracked up to be and more. I'm having a great time learning their personalities and marveling at how well Mary and John are managing life with twins. I'm so glad we made the trip and happy with my decision to remain in D.C., and let the rest of the family come to me. And come, they did! Dana was on the end of her semester break from her MBA studies at Berkeley, and was here for the week prior to our arrival, thus overlapping for 3 days. Ellen, Kevin and Troy drove out from Columbus and were here for 2 1/2 days. Mike then drove back to Columbus with them so he could see his family and give greetings to friends around town.
One of the goals of Peace Corps is to bring our experiences back to the US, so Mike is presenting talks to members of our church and to his sister's 6th graders at Jones Middle School. Since we knew we are allotted 2 checked bags each on an international flight, we decided to take advantage of that space and bring items back to Swaziland for those whom we know can use them.
We spread out our requests to various groups: Mike's extended family, my extended family, our children, Bethel church and the students at Jones. We were thrilled with all the donations. More importantly, the kids at the orphanage, and our homestay family will be overjoyed with their gifts - items they need and will use, which are for the most part, unavailable, or of vastly inferior quality there. Thank you, thank you to all who contributed. Best of all, they all fit in the suitcases, and we're just under the weight restrictions. So, we'll be just as overloaded on our return trip as we were for our first journey, but it won't seem so daunting now that we've done it before.
After Mike & the kids left, we had a day break before my mother and brother, Steve, arrived from Sarasota. Then, a surprise visit from my sister, Helen, from Denver was quite a thrill. Next came sister Alice for 2 days. Despite all the commotion and strangers, these babies continue to be remarkably well behaved and calm. I know it was especially fun for my 94 yr. old mother to come up to meet her 2 latest great grandchildren. We're all going to have quite a readjustment period when we go home.
Our trip from Swaziland wasn't that difficult, just long, primarily because there is no transportation after dark. So, it took 2 days to get from our home to Johannesburg, and only 1 full day to fly from Jo'burg to D.C. I might just have to come home one more time to see these adorable babies who will change and grow so much over the next few months. Although it will be hard to leave, I'm finding my heart is also attached to the kids in Swaziland. The needs there are so great, and I have a wonderful opportunity to do my part in facilitating their growth and development, and eventual independence. That's all for now, babies are fussing & my arms are ready.
Love, Gail
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