Abe, Jill, and Easton Sobczak

Yes, we are alive and doing GREAT! I was blown away yesterday when I realized that we arrived in Laos almost exactly a month ago. We have been working hard to get settled here and obviously, time has flown by! I know there have been several blog-worthy experiences along the way . . .

Like at the park one day, a Lao grandmother decided to just TAKE Easton out of his stroller. She couldn’t figure out the buckle so she had her ten family members come help her. After about 5 minutes of jerking, pulling, and A LOT of Lao words that I totally didn’t understand, Easton was freely being passed from one family member to another. And where was I during this fiasco? Standing right there with my jaw hanging open, completely at a loss as to what in the world to do. Did I know this lovely grandmother and her family? NOPE! They just wanted to hold the curly blond haired American baby boy and have their picture made with him. And how was Easton? Loving every minute! He truly believes he is the center of the universe and that everyone should love him. Here in Laos, they pretty much do! Ha!

If I have any one overall impression from the last 4 weeks, it’s a strong realization that God has truly gone before us and prepared the way for every step of this transition and move. He has seen all along the desires of my heart in the tiniest of details and truly prepared everything for us. For example, He has given us an absolutely amazing house! Before we left the States, I prayed extensively about our house here. I wanted Easton to have a yard to play in. I wanted to be able to find good furniture that was comfortable enough to feel like home. As I write this, I’m stretched out on my super cute, L-shaped couch set looking out the window into our beautiful tree filled acre yard! It is more wonderful than I could have ever asked or imagined. We even have mango and avocado trees in the yard! When we ask God to give us the “desires of our heart as we delight in Him,” why are we so shocked when He actually does it? I suppose we show our serious lack of faith when we’re surprised that He’s answered our prayers.

I know MANY of you have been diligently praying for us. I want to thank you and encourage you to keep praying. He is listening and moving on our behalf. Our transition and house set up have been so smooth that it’s almost unbelievable. I feel so covered in prayer! Thank you!

Language school starts Monday afternoon. Learning language and culture is the next big step in our transition here. I am eager to know the language so I can actually TALK to the next Lao grandmother who wants to dote over Easton!

So . . . keep praying! Don’t be surprised when he does truly move on your behalf. He really is just that good!

First meal in our new house!