Last week of summer family time

Last Saturday we spent the afternoon rejoicing because Fritzlin's American Certificate of Citizenship came in the mail. YES!!!!

What a huge praise for us!

Sunday we shared at my brother Todd's church.

His family did return from their vacation in time to worship with us.

Monday the five of us loaded up in the car and headed to Holland MI.

Our first stop was to apply for Fritz's social security number. As soon as we receive it [should be within 10 days] we will be able to apply for his American passport.

Then we headed to Windmill Island Gardens to show our children the De Zwaan Windmill and teach them a bit about their Dutch heritage.

Then an American cultural event...shopping.

The next few days consisted of packing for Anna and us, office work, making green tomato relish, cleaning elderberries and family time.

Yesterday, Friday Sept. 24th we left Fritz with Eli and moved Anna into her room.

We arrived just minutes ahead of Felicia, Anna's roommate from Cameroon.

After the parents helped the gals carry their stuff to the room and arrange their furniture, Felicia's Dad let us in prayer.

The afternoon we met and visited with other parents/guardians as well as fitting in a visit to a near-by hardware store.

We plan to return to Haiti on Sept. 18th.


Every time we saw Anna she was in a group of students chatting...at one point explaining a game to a group.

Wheel for rotating the windmill direction

Don't think she had any time to unpack but hope she makes her bed before she gets too tired!

For the next 6 days at least part of our day will be spent at Calvin participating in first international student orientation and then freshman orientation.

Next Friday we will move Eli into his room.

Making relish

Family photos

Heading to college after pie and ice cream for breakfast

Let the games begin!