Lately

Look at my sweet family! Philip is such a trooper and so is Adalynn! I am so blessed to be here with them by my side. Adalynn brings us joy each day, and Philip is my steady right hand. He has broken out of his comfort zone many times: exchanging money, buying shoes, ordering food...the list goes on.

This is our 3rd full week here. Time has flown! Here are a few ways you can be praying for us!

--Language learning! We had our 3rd session this past week and suddenly I felt a little overwhelmed. Not because I didn't know what was going on, but because it is hard to communicate with our teacher. She is good, but it is just a little bit of an adjustment for us. We are trying to learn new vocabulary each week, kind of on our own.
--Using the language! It is kind of scary to actually talk to Russians in Russian! We need boldness to use what we know because that is the only way we will become comfortable. But let me tell you honestly, it is HARD!
--Patience. Especially with Adalynn these days because she has gotten clingy. Obviously a lot of it has to do with our big transition. We are her security and she just doesn't want us out of her sight. It is hard at times to deal with the whining...I think all you mothers out there know what I mean!
--I have been having a pain up my left leg/thigh lately. It hurts and I am sure it is due to being pregnant and all that lovely stuff, but pray that it goes away.

Thanks for your prayers, support, love, and encouragement. You all are the best team out there!

Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and baby Gwen

We had a chance to enjoy a mocha at a coffee shop in the mall. Funny how they serve the mocha, isn't it? You would think it would come in a big fat mug with whipped cream on top...but instead it is in a glass cup with a straw! The chocolate is delicious...soooo creamy. (Better than Starbucks' chocolate, I have to say!) I am looking forward to a nice hot caramel white chocolate in a big fat mug when we return to the States...but this will due for now!

All our snow! The little pink shed looking thing is the garage. This picture is part of the Ministry Center.