all in the family

Yes, it's true. I skipped another day. Honestly, my brain just does not function properly on Sundays. It never has. So, I will recount yesterday's afternoon soirée and today's interesting points simultaneously.

After my long bikeride yesterday morning, we had company over for a late afternoon lunch. What a charming family. What a tasty meal out on the veranda. What a pleasant day. I spent the evening helping Laetitia research cars and other miscellaneous necessities for their stay in America, so I headed off to bed early.

I have some news to report, although you already know, I'm sure. I have decided to forego the Italian job (pun very much intended) and move to Laguna Beach, CA with the family here at the end of August. I will stay with them for a couple of months in California and then I am searching for a short term Au Pair position in Spain. Stéphane is, perhaps, the most adamant advocate of life in Spain, so I have vowed to test the waters myself. I am growing to adore this family, so I may decide to rest with them until Christmas. I am enjoying listening to their stories of world travel--to Hong Kong, Marakesh, Tunisia, the entire France, England, Italy, Spain, America--and their photos of the world blend the most incredible insight with the most intimate family that tells a brilliant story. Life=adventure for this family, and I am now along for the ride, even if just for a moment.

I am already cataloguing unforgettable moments:
When I picked up Domino from the nursery school this afternoon, she ran into my arms, excited to see me.
Domino, for the first time, crawled up into my lap and wanted me to read to her last night.
Rather than me asking the boys if they are ready for their english lesson, Melvil now asks me.
The kids come and sit by me and actually play jokes.
Laetitia depends upon me to help her get organized for America.
Stéphane jokes around with me.
When I ran errands in the city today, I didn't feel like a tourist.

The family is wonderful and is more important to me with each passing day. It is quite the accomplishment to be able to finally adjust and relax to a foreign world, a foreign language, a foreign culture. I am excited that it has only taken me one month. This adventure has become more about other people and less about me. It is an interesting thought to note that you exist for other people, a realization more easily discovered in foreign lands.

All continues to be better than well. Life continues to neatly unfold one adventure after another in my open hands as I continue to walk in His footprints.