Abe, Jill, and Easton Sobczak

When we first started planning to move to Laos quite honestly, my heart was filled with many more concerns than faith. I suppose this doesn’t speak so highly of me but it’s the truth. My biggest concern was for Easton. I spent MUCH time praying for his adjustment here to culture, food and people. Everyone assured me that he would be just fine. I believed them but still had the typical concerns of a mother. What if the two languages totally confused him and he couldn’t figure out what to say? What if he didn't adjust well to meeting new people? What if he didn’t like RICE?? We were going to be in trouble!

Now that we have been here for 7 months, I think I can say with confidence that Easton is doing GREAT!  In most ways, he has adjusted more easily and more quickly than either Abe or me. Language has NOT been a problem. He is talking TONS! Most of the words he says are in English but he understands a lot of Lao. He is incredibly social and loves all our Lao friends. It’s been amazing to feel the grace of the Father resting on him as he has adjusted to life here. So here’s a few snapshots of the life of Easton.

Easton's newest form of entertainment is our new dog named Milo.  She is a six month old Black Lab that friends of ours gave to us.  Even though she's is a little big for Easton, she is very sweet and mild mannered.  He enjoys running with her, as long as she doesn't try to jump up on him.

After playing with Milo, Easton's most favorite thing to do is hunting for geckos and snails.  The geckos are usually too fast for him to catch.  Luckily the snails are much easier to capture.  He collects them in a can or jar and carries them around all day.  He's so cute as he runs to show me his morning catch!

This is Joy, one of our Lao friends.  Easton gets to play with Joy just about every day.  When we left the States, I wasn't sure how Easton would adjust to so many new people.  As it turns out, Easton never meets a stranger.  He is so friendly and social!

I know that so many of our friends at home have been praying for us and for Easton.  Rest assured, every prayer has been heard and answered.  I'm not saying that moving and adjusting to life here has been the easiest thing I've ever done, but I know without a doubt that the Father has covered us with an amazing blanket of His grace.  He has provided everything we've needed for every day.  When I see Easton laughing and hunting geckos, I am reminded that His love for us is so great!  He cared about every detail of this mother's heart.  Now if you'll excuse me . . . I have some gecko hunting to do with a most precious 21-month old little boy!