3 Months and Getting into a Groove

I’m a pretty patient person ... actually, I’m not. That’s been my greatest challenge with moving here. But I’ve learned first-hand that you really appreciate things when you’ve had to wait for them. Our shipment arrived 3 months to the day it left our house in Arlington and it was a wonderful day! The boys came home from school and Max immediately ran to his bike (just like his Zayde) and was jumping with excitement about getting to go for a bike ride in the neighborhood. Charlie just ran from toy to toy hugging them. It was fun to watch. Lucy was already engrossed in her Dora dollhouse urging the boys to quiet down because her baby was sleeping. Max loves having his own room and decorates and rearranges things quite often. I wonder where he gets that from? Lucy and Charlie love sharing a room and listening to them talk to each other at bedtime when they think we can’t hear is hilarious. During these last 3 months I’ve experienced every emotion and learned a lot about myself. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster but it’s amazing how things just settle down after a few months. The boys love school, or at least Charlie is resigned to the fact that he’ll need to attend school for the next 13+ years of his life so he may as well make the most of it. They have made good friends and enjoy their activities, especially Badminton. Who knew it would be such a popular sport? Lucy is picking up the French very quickly and is a happy girl, talking non-stop. I’ve started French classes - a tutor comes to the house three times a week and works with me while Lucy plays nearby. That’s been great and I’ve started to get out more and explore Bamako with friends. Yesterday I went to the Palais de la Culture where they were having an artist expo of different West African artists, mostly of fabrics and textiles. I bought a nice handmade rug for the family room - my first purchase here without Fred to negotiate for me. I may have overpaid and certainly gave the artist a good laugh with my broken French, but it was fun. Not it’s time to take Lucy for a swim.