We begin. Again.

I have been trying to get going on a blog ever since we left home on Christmas Eve, but I finally have a moment, or perhaps the nerve, to do so.  In consulting with Cassie on what to title my first blog (my in house consultant on all things connected to social networking, for which the rest of the family should be grateful) the fundamental question arose:  "Mom, WHO is going to read this?"  My initial response was "not a soul," but I revised that after I remembered that I do have a mother and 2 sisters and perhaps a few family members and friends.  So here it goes.

To start at the beginning I would have to back track about 10 years to the time when we first became aware of the opportunity for BYU faculty to direct a study abroad program.  Several years of preparation (mostly linguistic) culminated in a wonderful experience in 2006 with 35 wonderful students that became our life long "kids" and friends. We love these kids, many of whom have kids of their own now. :)

Our 2006 group of 35

The energy created from such a large group (which additionally included our 5 children bring the total to 42 of us) was exciting and we were never without something to do (both in terms of program logistics/issues and fun).  As we began preparations to come again (an opportunity that fell in our laps just a few months before departure date), we were anxious to try to recreate a similar experience.
Fortunately, the Lord is wiser than I am and we only have 15 students with us this time plus Cassie and Landon (19 total).  I think I am realizing both strain and the wisdom those 7 years between programs has given me.  As we make program plans, gather the students, prepare Sunday desserts and do things together I can't imagine that we ever did this with more than twice the number we have now.  And while the previous students would probably appreciate our more relaxed (read 'tired') approach, I am grateful to have had more students while I was younger. :)

Our 2013 group of 15

Needless to say, this is an amazing experience, not the least of which is due to the relationships we develop with the students.  And though we miss the inclusion of Taylor (and his wife, Emily), Kara and Hayley, we are grateful for the opportunities they have had or will have to experience some of this (and more) with us.  More of that in future posts.

Next post:  The funny stuff about day to day living (i.e. the stuff that will make you cry if you don't laugh)