Beyond the Horizon: Life in America

FYI: Many of you may be wondering- what is happening with the Hanley crew?! Aren't they headed back overseas soon? Well, for those of you who haven't heard yet- as of November 2012 we took a leave of absence from our previous position and are now planning to stay in the states. For various reasons we have decided that we needed to be back in the states for this season. We are not sure how long "this season" will be. Chris has been providing pulpit supply in the SC area and posting his resume and applying for as many positions that he feels fit his giftings. We are looking for pastorate positions (and other ministry positions) on the east coast anywhere from SC all the way to PA. We would appreciate your continued prayers as we make this permanent transition back to the states.

We are temporarily living at 619 Lee Ct. Camden, SC 29020.

What a whirlwind it has been the last 8 months in the states. We landed in South Carolina in June 2012, spent time with the Hanley crew (see the previous posts) and then started for the north to see my family.

On our travel north from South Carolina we stayed with my brother and his family in the DC area. It was such a great blessing to be reunited with the Langenbach family again. We had fun at the 4th of July parade and other fun summer activities. We then drove to PA and were able to meet sweet Daniel Milliken (Katie, my younger sister's, newest addition- born July 5).

We spent almost two months of our summer in Pennsylvania. A friend of my sister's volunteered to let us stay in their home while they managed a summer camp. It was such a blessing. We were able to be within miles of my father (who was in a nursing home at the time), sister and her family, and my mother. How fabulous to be near family whom we haven't seen in years.

Over the rest of July we had fun taking swim lessons, playing with cousins, getting spoiled by grandparents, and enjoying summer activities in the great NE.

In early August we were able to host Eliza's 5th Birthday party in Yardley, PA. It was great to have the whole Langenbach Family together again... all 24 of us. Three new additions were in the midst since the last time we were all together in August 2009.

A Birthday wouldn't be complete without a Chinese Birthday candle (though this one wasn't nearly as exciting as the ones in China)

Birthday Girl- Eliza- 5 years old (wearing her birthday present)

The whole Langenbach Crew

In August we were also able to celebrate my Mom's birthday at the beach together.

Beach with my Mom for her Birthday.

After some time in Philly (and surrounding area) we went to visit my older sister and her crew in upstate NY. We had so much fun in the boonies. Our week was full of singing camp songs in the suburban, horses, cows, the garden, berry picking, canoe ride and other outdoor fun.

Enjoying a chilly summer night with cousins by the campfire. In this picture I really see family resemblance in my #2 & #4 and her #2 and #4 kiddos.

A double date with my hubby and my sister and her hubby. Fun!

We headed back down to SC at the end of August and prepared for another year of home-school. Though I have been homeschooling for 5 years I had quite an adjustment to homeschooling in the states. You see, previously I home schooled one at a time. I home schooled CJ in the mornings while the girls went to Chinese kindergarten. After they came home from Chinese kindergarten I would work for about 30 minutes with each girl but that was the extent. This year I had all four at home ALL day, didn't have my 3 day a week house helper, or cheap Chinese food to help with time management. It took awhile to figure out our routine but we did and have been going since. We're excited to be past the 1/2 way point in 4th, 1st and kindergarten. :) Another new thing this fall- I officially became a "Soccer Mom". Ha! Another big transition for this mama. We spent 3-4 nights a week running CJ and Miriam to soccer practice. We had church on Wednesday nights and Eliza had dance another afternoon. Whoa! I was not accustomed to so much "out of the house" time. I missed dinner together as a family and family nights reading, playing together and going for walks in the neighborhood. Since soccer is over we are back to regular meals together- but the kids are missing the exercise- or maybe I'm the one missing them being so warn out that they fall into bed and are asleep in seconds.

I've been working on this post for months- adding a picture here or there, writing comments, editing... but at this rate I'm never going to actually post it if I don't do it NOW. So, I just decided to quit writing, put a few captions on the pictures and just post it. Four kids, home school, and blogging doesn't seem to work for this mama. So, I'll stick to being a mama and homeschooling and if I ever find some extra time I'll try to add a few things to my blog. I'll quit trying to go back and update and just add a few small glimpses into our lives, here and there, as I have time.

Our previous home in China was known for its BonBon men- the men that carried things on bamboo polls. We used them a lot when we went grocery shopping. Here CJ demonstrates how they worked with some new fall clothes.

We had a great time at the State Fair with the Hanley Crew.

Studying marsupials this fall in 1st and Kindergarten Science- here is Eliza and her kangaroo.

Miriam and two of her neighborhood friends being silly.

My kids love making an extra buck. Miriam and Eliza made some foam crosses and put out a "lemonade" stand in the yard. They made $3.50 even though it was cold and early on a weekday when everyone was at work or in school. Those few dollars motivated them to make all kinds of projects to sell in Mimi and Poppop's yard.

Our little monkey turns One Year Old- August 27. Is it possible that Jed is one already? Happy Birthday buddy!

Jed's monkey cake.

CJ- soccer boy. This was CJ's first year to play a team sport. He loved soccer. His team didn't do too hot but he personally did really well. He scored about 1/3 of the team's points.

Eliza the dancer. Eliza has wanted to dance for years but it was always a logistical nightmare for us. She was so excited to take dance this year under her Aunt Stephanie's tutelage.