Off Her Feet

Sophie was having a hard time walking yesterday.  We thought it was just a pulled muscle or something, so we told her to rest and it would probably be better in the morning.  In the morning she woke up calling us to help get her out of bed.  She was almost entirely unable to walk.

We had her rest some in the morning but she was not improving, so we took her to see the doctor.  Some blood work and x-rays later it was discovered that her right hip has fluid buildup.  The doctor thinks it might be an immune system reaction to the lung infection she had months ago.  It should clear up in a week or so, but in the mean time she is spending her days on the couch looking at the beautiful spring weather wishing she could be outside.

There is nothing worse then a beautiful spring day when you are unable to enjoy it.

House for Sale

We just found out yesterday that our landlady is going to sell the house we are currently living in.  This means that we now are in the market for a new home.  We have a couple months to look.  There is time.  Needless to say, this came as a bit of a curve ball.

This turn of events may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  We have toyed with the idea of buying a house for a while now.  After nearly 11 years of marriage it is about time to actually have our own place.  We have been prevented from purchasing until now for several reasons, not the least of which is that we have almost constantly been in some state of transition.  There have, of course, been times of respite in our semi-nomadic life, but never for more than a couple of years at a time.

Now, however, things have changed for us.  Perhaps now is the right time to buy.  This move may the push we need.

Please pray for wisdom as we make a decisions regarding our next home.  If we do buy, please pray that we can get reasonable financing as well.  This could be one of the factors that makes the decision for us.

There is a lot to think about.  Please keep us in your prayers.

Day of the Woman

Yesterday was the Day of the Woman here in Bulgaria.  We got a small present for Sophie's teacher, and the girls picked out some flowers for Sasha.  This is a fairly significant holiday here.  Flower shops were well stocked and most of them made a significant profit as mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and girlfriends were held in high honor for a day.

School Work

Today, when I went to pick up Sophie at school, I was approached by the grandmother of one of her classmates.  She introduced herself, though I remembered her from an earlier encounter.  She told me how she appreciated having Sophie in the class.  Apparently my daughter has taught her granddaughter some English (specifically the word, “eraser”).  It was nice to hear how these two girls have become friends.

The grandmother also reported how Sophie has been talking to her classmates more and more in Bulgarian.  This was very encouraging to hear.  It is difficult to tell how much she is learning because we rarely see her interact in class.  Yet it is nice to hear that other children are noticing improvement in her language skills.

She certainly has been working hard at understanding.  She comes back from class tired most days, yet her teacher continues to praise her ability to do the course work at a level above many of her classmates.  Sophie also continues to enjoy school.  I’m very proud of her.  If I were in her shoes I might want to stay home most days, but she keeps plugging away at her school work and making friends wherever she can.

Sophie and her Bulgarian homework