So long 2012.

2012 began with us living in Tijuana.

When our time was finished in Tijuana, we were able to visit with friends and family for a little while before heading to Virginia for training.

We ended the year in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  

My, how things can change in a year. 

This year has been full of family, friends (old and new), and many adventures. 

We are excited to see what 2013 has in store for us.

Leaving Tijuana.

Last night we packed up the car, and by packed, I mean our car is packed and every inch of available space has been used.  (Please remind me of this when I am tempted to buy ANYTHING.)

We had our last taco feast:

We had a friend come over to take all of the food and cleaning supplies that we couldn't take with us.  She gave us some cookies to take with us on the road, and then we were ready to go.

We woke up early and took our last family picture in our Tijuana home.

We crossed the border for the last time.  I am not going to miss the border.  AT. ALL.  I think I have mentioned that before, so I won't dwell on it.

The border- for the last time.

Now for home leave.  We are so excited to visit with our friends and family.  

Saying Goodbye.

One of the hardest things about moving is leaving friends. 

One of the best things about moving is the excuse to get together with friends.

Double Date with Corey and Mark.

The moms and kids of our playgroup.

The ladies I work with at church.  

We had a few other going away get togethers, unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures. 

It doesn't mean I like them any less.

I have made so many fabulous lifelong friends here- both in Tijuana and San Diego.

I will miss you, but you will always be in my heart.

Changes and houseplants.

I have a lot that I need to do.  However, I just came home from having a root canal, and don't feel like doing much.  I was looking at pictures and marveling at the changes our family has gone through, particularly Thomas.  When we arrived, he was still a baby.  Now he is an energetic toddler.

We have all changed a lot.  Some of our changes are quite obvious, and some we keep inside.

Thomas grew from this:

To this:

Jack grew from this:

To this:

We all went from:

To:

My heart is sad as we prepare to move.  We have met incredible people, and it is hard to leave.  

However, I have come to find that the people I love are a part of me forever, and I take them along with me.  In both my thoughts and my prayers.

Now the houseplant portion of the post.

I don't have the traditional "roots" that a lot of people speak of, but I don't want to be left out of the botanical metaphor.  Therefore, I have decided that I am a houseplant.  I have roots, but I take them wherever I go.  Everyone I have met has become a part of who I am, and who I will become.  Maybe this doesn't work for everyone.  So far, it has worked for me.  

Another thing about being a houseplant- there is potential to plant it in the ground to become a permanent feature.  

Who knows, maybe someday.  

Today, I am hoping that it will be in San Diego. 

Not only for the amazing people, but for the perfect weather.  

The end of the fence.

One of the things I have wanted to do since we arrived was to see the border meet the ocean.  

We finally made it.  I thought there would be more of a fence in the ocean.  It doesn't seem as intimidating as I thought it would be.  Although, we could see Border Patrol through the fence, watching, waiting.

My favorite part was seeing all of the different sayings and pictures on the fence.  The one with the balloons reminds me of the movie "Night Crossing".   The picture of a sickle and hammer reminds me of living in Moscow.

 

  

Becoming Grateful.

I have been greatly blessed, and the last little while I have taken for granted everything I have.

The other day, I went Christmas shopping, and met Ben for lunch.  I was complaining during lunch that I wished that we had a bigger budget for Christmas, because there are a lot of things that I want to buy for myself and everyone else. 

After lunch, we walked to exchange some money.  We saw a woman with two young boys, and she asked us for some money.  Ben gave her a few pesos - about two dollars worth.  We exchanged our money, and on the way back, we saw the woman and her two boys sitting on a curb, eating a quesadilla.  My mind went immediately to the few pesos that we gave her, and how that money very likely went to buy that quesadilla.  Ben and I both had this thought at the same time, and we gave her a few more dollars. My heart broke when I thought about this mom worrying about how to feed her children.

It is impossible to adequately put into words what this experience meant for both Ben and me.   It was a blessing for both of us to realize how fortunate we are.

I am so grateful that Ben has a job that provides a wonderful life.  Our needs are taken care of, and more.  

It made me feel ridiculous for complaining about our Christmas budget, and it put life into perspective for me.  

I hope that I will be more focused on what I have and not what I do not.  I have been blessed with so much, and for that I am truly grateful.

We would not be good pioneers.

We tried to go to the point where the border meets the ocean, but we were not successful.

It was a long walk, and we didn't make it very far.  After five minutes, Jack complained that we had been walking forever.  Thomas could not make it more than a few steps before searching for rocks, and throwing dirt.  It took us about 30 minutes to walk 100 yards.  When we made it to a point where we could see Mexico, but not the Ocean, it was unanimous that we turn around and go get ice cream.

That stadium in the background is where Ben and I went for a bull fight.  It is Mexico.

The next two pictures are of the border, around the same area from both sides.

Just an interesting view.

Border from the United States side.

Border from the Mexico side.