Arrival to the USA

Our journey to the USA so far just feels like a bit of a holiday. We've spent 2 nights just outside LA, now we're in San Franciso for 2 nights before driving to Redding (where we'll live).

I must say that we are very proud of our boys! We dragged them from cars, to planes, to buses, walking through airports, with little time to stop and eat and they were beautiful for us! Zeke especially had to put up with us getting him to move quicker, or be carried. Jaden was his usual placid self which made life easier. People in the LA airport were very helpful seeing that we had 2 young children. Just as we were about to exit the airport, I realised that in picking up our tonne of luggage, we'd forgotten to pick up the porta cot and car seat! So while I waited half way up the exit ramp with 2 trolleys of luggage and 2 tired kids, Dave went back and got someone to collect them for him (which took a long time as they only picked up one thing the first time!).

Eventually we were out of there and in our big American car! We had to upgrade our hire car from a sedan to a Crysler Aspen - kind like a cross between a 4WD and a Tarago. Big! But nice to drive - easy to drive when you're learning to drive on the wrong side of the road! We're enjoying the challenge that it brings. (We won't mention the fact that today Taff backed into a car behind us!). America seems to be the land of the big cars. Quite bizzare.

We spent our first 2 nights in Anaheim (just south of LA) - directly opposite Disneyland. Felt a bit odd being so close to Disneyland and not going!!! It's just not worth it when the boys are so young. Save that one for a few years down the track. Our accommodation had a little water park which Zeke (sort of) enjoyed. :) Unfortunately he was starting to get unwell. He has a rash over his body which we think is a combination of heat rash and ezcema. Possibly a reaction to an additive but we're not really sure. He's getting better so it's nothing serious thankfully. We would love you to pray for our health - Dave and Zeke both a bit unwell. Taff stupidly had some pineapple in a smoothy tonight (something that made her extremely sick during pregnancy).

The landscape around LA seemed to be barren and concrete! Lots of road/bridges going over each other and the hills seem very dry (it is the end of summer though, so probably to be expected). We didn't actually head into the CBD (or Downtown) LA. Not enough time. It also appears that 'Dennys' is more popular than 'McDonalds'. Their servo stops along the highway are more like little shopping centres too!

After our 2 nights in Anaheim, we made the long drive to San Fran. The trip was hard as Zeke was really not well that day. It breaks our heart when he says he wants to go home. So hard to explain to a 2 year old that we actually don't have a home right now. Trying to explain what's happening to him, but when you're not well all anyone wants to do it go home.

So now we're in San Fran and we head to Redding tomorrow. We'll fill you in on our San Fran stay next time. Thanks again for praying for us! Please pray that we'll find a place to call home very soon!