We've made it through our first 3 weeks of a month-long training seminar in how to communicate cross-culturally. Talk about a packed month! The whole family has been here in Portland, OR for the training--a slight difference from our warm Texas winter weather that we're used to! Kevin and Ashley are in classes 5 days a week, about 7-9 hours per day, and then the whole family goes on "field trips" to practice what we've been learning in the classroom on the weekends. The photo on the left is one of the family during one of these field trips to Portland's Chinese Garden. During the week the kids are being watched by other adults, who have been fantastic in loving on our kids and keeping them well entertained!
While the month has been challenging in many regards, we feel like we have learned a ton, and are continuing to see how much we have to learn to be able to communicate effectively across the many barriers that exist because of cultural differences. We'll be returning to Dallas before we know it, where we'll resume "normal" activity--real estate work for Kevin and pre-school for the older two. We're anxious to get back home to family, friends, and our normal routine!
The photo on the right is Eli with the snowman that the whole family put together one beautiful, snowy morning!
