A short update

Hi everyone

Well, here I go again...I tried to post something last weekend...and some how it never made it to the blog...so it is somewhere lost in cyberspace!!!

Anyway, a lot of you have received Don's short update...so some of you know how he is doing...so this will be a bit of a repeat for some and a bit of an update on how the kids and I are doing.

So first...Don's departure date was delayed for a few weeks and he came home for that time...it was a bit bittersweet...it was nice to have him home, but we were all mentally prepared for him to be gone...and then we had to change. He was disappointed also. He was basically house bound also...since we had taken the insurance off the van that he used...since it was not going to be needed for 9 months. Him and another guy worked out of our home on some computer stuff for the mission. I think it was a "work make project" but they felt they had to do something since they were still receiving a pay cheque!!!

I will tell you though...I was really starting to enjoy this house husband thing!!! Dinners were made...he did a bit of cleaning and laundry and spent a lot of time with the kids!! I could have gotten used to that! The funniest thing was after he had cleaned the toilets and then Donald used it (those who have boys will understand what I mean!!!) Don came into the kitchen after seeing the toilet and expressed his frustration "Donald...I just cleaned that toilet!!!" Meanwhile, all I can think about it is "welcome to my world"

I had planned to go to Florida for March Break with the kids (it was supposed to be a nice break for them since dad was away). Don's parents had rented a condo for a month so we were going to spend the week with them. What happened instead was that...we all left on the same day, same time...Don on his way back to Ottawa and the kids and I on the way to Buffalo to fly out to Florida. Don was a bit upset because he felt the kids did not really care that he was leaving. Get real Don...they were focused on the trip to Florida, sand, beach and sun!! And also we had been there, done that already!!!

Don then flew out to his final designation on March 15, arriving on March 16 in Khartum (not sure on that spelling!!!). And he was emailing us as he went just brief updates. The final one I received when he arrived was "I'm here, it's hot"...that was it. But in those few words, it also said a lot....since Don loves the heat (not) and manages the heat really well (not)!

The kids and I had a great time in Florida...even if it was without Don but with his parents. It was so nice to be in shorts and flip flops and hang out on the beach. It was spring break for colleges and universities in the states and we shared the beach with them all. The were very polite and actually entertaining. Donald and Molly can't wait to go to Florida for their spring break...they learned early what it is all about! I however, felt like an old frumpy woman, as there was not one one piece bathing suit to be found and the girls were all beautifully tanned and toned!!! They must only be in first year still!!! And just you wait...girls!!!

We came home from the sun, to cold and still snow...so that was a bit depressing, but with each day more snow disappears and the temperature starts to rise (a bit). The only thing is that everyone is saying, "we will still get another snow storm!"

I have spoken to Don once, he is doing well. I think he is still trying to get into the 'groove' and get things under control. He sounded a bit home sick, but I think it is more that he is just overwhelmed with it all and it has not been long enough. I always said that it would be harder on him then us...we are at home surrounded by our things and our comforts. I have no fear that he will do great and we fully get into the swing of things very soon!!

Well, I will try to update when I know more and I will encourage Don to post things. The other thing he mentioned was the they can only take pictures if they have permission!! So he is trying to take some pictures. Apparently, it is a day in jail for taking a picture with out permission...and Don said that is the last place he wants to end up...a big white guy in jail...not a pretty site!!

Our social calendar is not overyly filled, so if anyone is looking for something to do...give us a call...and we can maybe do something...or just hang out and do nothing.

Talk to you soon
Sheryl

Welcome to Cornwall!

The McGarr's are passing through Cornwall Ontario on our way to Stowe VT for March break.

On our way into town we noticed a new sign: Welcome to CORNWALL - The contraband cigarette capital of North America!

Well, its good to be the best at something.

An update

Hello everyone

 

I just thought I would fill in everyone what has been happening...since Don has not been writing anything.  Most of you know that the mission was delayed...and that Don actually came home for about 2 weeks.  It was sort of bittersweet to have him home.  We had been mentally and physically prepared for him to be gone and then he arrives home again.  And let me tell you.. he was home...we had taken the insurance off of his vehicle so he was definitely house bound....he and another guy worked out of our home on some 'mission stuff'. And I was getting used to the 'house husband role' thing!!!  He actually did some cleaning and he made dinners and cleaned up after dinner...it was nice!!!

 

Well, Don left on March 12 to head back to Ottawa...the ironic part is that the kids and I left at the exact same time to go to Buffalo to fly out to Florida...so it was sort of a funny departure.  The kids were more focused on the trip to Florida then dad going away for 9 months.  And you know Don...he gets a bit cranky when the focus is not on him!!!! 

 

He then left on Sunday March 15 to go to Sudan...they flew to Frankfurt and then on to Sudan, so they actually did not arrive until the 16th.  The only real communication I have received from him since then is that they have arrived.  Actually the email was "I'm here..it's hot"  So that sort of sums things up!!!  And we all know how well Don handles the heat.  This will be very interesting for him!! 

 

I have not heard anything since and he had told me before he left to not worry if I had not heard from him for a few weeks, as he would be getting things all set up and organized.  Plus he had to get all the guys organized and set up before he could take care of himself.  So, when I hear from him, I will try and post more information and I will tell him to post something also.

 

On a different note...the kids and I had a great time in Florida...it was so nice to wear shorts and flip flops and be warm!!  Then we came home to the cold and snow...when will this winter end!! 

 

Well, now that March Break is over...it is back to reality, in more ways than one.  Back to lunches, homework, swimming schedule, work, cleaning and laundry, making dinners...and the count down of 9 months!!!

 

I really appreciate all the inquiries on how things were going for us...unfortunately it was when Don was home!!  At least I know you are thinking of us...and just to let you all know...my social calendar is pretty bare...so if anyone is looking for something to do...don't forget me!!!

 

Talk to you all soon

 

Sheryl, Donald and Molly