School, Safaris, Sailing, Surgeries and Settling

So much has happened in the last several  weeks that I haven't had a moment to post about it all. Finally, life feels like it is settling back into a bit of normalcy and we can move forward with all God has in store for us this year in Madagascar!

Here's a bit of a picture timeline of the last couple months:

After returning  to Durban, South Africa on August 1 (following an amazing 5 weeks State-side visit), we found ourselves  moving back into a guest house. . .instead of the ship (like we thought), as the ship was still getting repairs done and the environment was unsafe for the kids. It wasn't what we expected but I wouldn't say we were "roughing it" too much as our accommodations were really beautiful. (see pics here) During this time Adalynn started Kindergarten. Her classes were held in one of the bedrooms of the guest house. She is really loving her class and learning so much!

She skinned her nose playing the day before. . .it's not chocolate :)

The last weekend before we moved back onto the ship our family was able to take a weekend getaway to a small safari park/reptile zoo just 30 minutes from Durban. It was a lovely weekend away and it was amazing to get to see some great wildlife! The kids loved it!

Amazing views!

Our little chalet!

The girls LOVED the park.

Ready for our safari.

Zebras!

Giraffes too!

They were so close!

Looking at the crocodiles at the reptile zoo.

The girls were so brave to hold a snake.

Adalynn also held the tarantula. . .eek!

Chillin by the pool.

Crocodile for lunch to finish off a great weekend!

On August 17 we moved back onto the ship!! Hurray! But then John had to fly off to the States for 3 weeks for his brother Tim's wedding. He also was able to spend some time visiting some good friends and the International Operations Center for Mercy Ships in Texas. 

On August 20 we set sail (without John) for Madagascar!!

Sailing away from Durban.

Unfortunately we had a few situations that slowed our progress so what was meant to be a 5 day sail turned into 10 days at sea. . .but we made the most of the time and got to see a lot of whales! 

Photo by our friend Patricia!

Cora officially started Preschool on the sail and has really been loving the time with her teacher and classmates.

This is her new friend Hannah! She also has another girl, Olivia, and a boy, Lucas, in her class.

We arrived in Madagascar on August 30.

Pulling into the dock with our matching Madagascar Tshirts!

Ever since we arrived, everyone on the ship has been working very hard to get this place up and running.  Jack also got to start his nursery program when we arrived. He is currently the only student but hopefully 2 other boys will be joining shortly.

His teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth is amazing!! She is from the Dominican Republic but has lived with her family on the ship for many years. She has my full permission to speak to Jack in Spanish only so he can maybe learn a bit! :)

The hospital was opened in record time and surgeries began on the ship on September 8th, the day that John got back home! 

Our airport reunion!

We are so happy to be a family of 5 again living in our home! John came back to a very busy office and has been working hard since his return. I have begun work in the Admissions tent and am looking forward to my time with patients. We are so glad to be a part of all that is going on and we are so excited about this year and all that we will have the privilege to see and experience.  Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us!