Past the honeymoon stage

Well, we're past the honeymoon stage. Things are going great for the most part! But I think in general all of us tend to write about the exciting and fun things we are doing and we tend to not write about the frustrations or challenges.

So, not to sound whiny or complain (we're all aware what a great opportunity this is) but here's a post dedicated to some of our challenges or frustrations at this point in the year - just so you don't think its all super easy all the time.

The question: "What is challenging for you?"

Grace:
1) I don't know.
2) Not school...its not that hard anymore...well, still a little hard.
3) It is a really long school day.
4) I don't like climbing up the hill everyday (to our house)
5) Its kind of sad that I can't find a swimming pool
6) I miss chicken pesto tortillas
7) I miss rain

Theo:
1) Some of the different stuff at school, like making up stories for class
2) Talking Spanish is still hard, but understanding is easier
3) Missing all my family and friends
4) Its hard to find stuff to do at recess

Dan:
1) I am still struggling with Spanish because I'm inside working in English during the day and speaking English at night at home (Theo just suggested we switch to Spanish at night!)
2) It was challenging to get UPS and its subcontractor to process my new work computer out of customs... it took about 5 weeks and only after daily phone calls from us

Laura:
1) I love that we're going without a car this year, but I get super tired of hauling groceries up our stupendously steep hill everyday (milk and orange juice are the worst- sometimes I splurge and pay for a $2 taxi). Perhaps, we are eating more.
2) It's starting to get cold here and I can tell I'm going to miss central heat big time - not to mention our electric blanket (we may have to splurge on the latter item since we can't do much about the former)!
3) Again, love that we're helping the planet with no clothes dryer this year, but sometimes I'm afraid our jeans might mildew before they dry.
4) We all miss family and friends - no question. I also miss the intellectual stimulus and gratification of my work. I don't miss the stress though.

Well, that's it. I have to say everyone has done great with rolling with things. The kids haven't complained about not having their toys or bikes or a yard or even cheddar cheese! Probably the most challenging part for the kids has been adjusting to school here, both socially and linguistically. For Dan and me, it's probably been about finding ways of building meaningful connections with folks and the community here. But that's the fun of challenges, figuring out how to overcome them. We'll keep you posted on our progress.

Laura and gang...

p.s. Oops, can't talk about our challenges without mentioning the bane of Theo's and my existence- the ever present fleas in Valparaiso and the resulting flea bites! Ouch.