I love how international this city is. On any given bus or tube, I regularly hear at least 3 different languages being spoken. Just last night we got together with friends that were from Italy, Spain, and France. We're both trying to learn more Spanish since we know so many Spanish-speakers here.
We've learned a lot about the English language from other immigrants here. For example, some of our friends from the Middle East and India have this wonderful ability to use language to do Jedi-like mind tricks. For example, if you say "It's hot in here." They will reply, "Yes, but you like hot, hot is good." And in your mind, you are now thinking, "Yeah, maybe." Then they ask, "What, you want to be cold?! Of course not, hot is good. You like hot." You can't argue with that kind of logic, so now you decide that you like hot. It's great! So....you come and visit us now. What? You want to just stay at home and be bored? Of course not. Visiting us is good. You come. You will like it.
All joking aside, I do admire all the inspiring people that I have met from all over the world. Most of them speak 2 or 3 languages and have worked hard to get here build a life. It's strange to consider myself as an immigrant. Over the past few months, we've had to fill out a lot of paperwork and go through all the complex motions for simple things like a bank account or health insurance, or even having to apply for a number that would allow us to pay taxes here. I really feel like an outsider (especially with an accent different from everyone else's) in many ways, but so is everyone else. So, I guess we're in it together.
Anywho, I thought it would be good to post some of Andy's breaks from school. If you are interested in visiting, you can at any time, but you'll most likely have a tour guide if you come when he has a break.
He's off on these dates: Feb. 24 - March 11, April 28 - May 13 (and we'll be back home for part of that time), and then summer vacation is from July 21 - late October. His school will have performances on June 12 - 15.
Well, that's it for now. Life is progressing as usual. Andy is glad to be back in the swing of things at school. I'm plugging away at my job and I just found out that I'll be at my current location a month longer than expected, so I need prayers for patience. I've also posted some pictures from our recent adventures over the holidays and with my family. Enjoy.
Hope you are all in good spirits and good health.
Peace,
Mandy
