We arrived in LaGrange Park, IL on Thursday as we will begin our formation training on Monday. Earlier this week I closed the chapter on my professional life at Park Bank. I truly appreciate the opportunities and challenges my career offered over the 10.5 years I was with the bank and I will miss all of the dear friendships I developed over the years. Also this week we said good-bye to our families and friends for the beginning of our life as missionaries. Our spirits remain high, and overall we are transitioning very well both individually and as a family.Lilyanna visited the school she'll be attending twice already and will begin classes on Monday. Lily will be going to a Catholic elementary that literally shares the block with the Comboni House (which is where Jake & I will be a lot of the time during the day). Unfortunately they are out of the uniform size she needs, but we'll figure it out. She's been so brave and inspiring to watch! Her excitement and curiosity are contagious!
Josephine will begin preschool on Monday and is too curious for her adventure. I'm sure Josie will have an adjustment period as she's going to wonder where her friends Drake & Marshall are! I'm confident her new teachers will be great, though it'll be difficult to fill the shoes of our wonderful friend and care provider, Patrice! Jacob has adjusted well to leaving his professional life, though he commented today that it feels like we're on a long vacation!
On Monday Jacob & I will begin our formation training. We're looking forward to seeing what is ahead of us for the next 14 weeks! We'll be traveling to the east coast in late October, early November and look forward to a visit some family - Dawn, Rob & Marlee:)
Each weekday we are invited to join at the Comboni House for a community lunch. Today there were about 12 of us gathered for lunch. The conversations that take place over lunch are great! All of the people around the table have served as missionaries or worked overseas at some point in their life, many are still traveling now! We have met some incredible people who have great stories to share, and we've only been here for less than 2 days!
Tonight we enjoyed a wonderful evening with our Program Director's family, Paul, Amy & Kevin. The kids had a great time playing with Kevin's toys and going to the park! We are so thankful to have a warm, friendly welcome to our new home (temporary home that is:)! Paul has been incredible, very attentive to all of our needs and ensuring we are comfortable and transitioning smoothly. We are very blessed as Paul recognizes the needs of our girls and has worked hard to ensure we have them transitioned smoothly before we begin our training. We don't have any pressure or stress regarding getting the girls situated, its wonderful! This has really helped both Lily & Josie as they feed off our emotions, and its been pretty awesome as we've had a very bright - happy week!!! Love and peace to all! I need to get some sleep! Respectfully yours, Tonya
