The Drill Sergeant Speaks

I can't believe my son-in-law compared me to a drill sergeant in an earlier blog! But believe you me, I made him pay for it. Howard and I count it a priveledge to be here in Brazil with Jim, Mary Jane, Matthew, and Maryssa. You only catch a glimpse of how things are going here by reading the blog. We are able to experience first hand how the kids and the Dunns are bonding. We get to see Jim's bald head, little Robert running to his Mom or Dad, Gabriel looking more and more like his Dad, Marlon and Matthew getting along better and better each day. Mary Jane has blown my mind by how she has given up Michael, her home, and her dogs to come and make these 5 children part of their family. Jim takes seriously his role as Dad and is giving the kids real boundries. They spend all day everyday trying to make these children feel loved and are doing a great job at it.

Grandma and Papa are enjoying the retreat center where we stayed last year when we came with Carolyn and Brad to get their 4 children. The people here are so good to us and are amazed at what our family is doing. Thanks for praying for all of us. We need God's wisdom each day as we show his love to the people who work here and most of all to our 5 new grandchildren. You would be proud of Matthew & Maryssa as they help with the kids and share their parent's and grandparents.

Boa noite (good night),

Howard and Marilyn

Hey guys! My mother-in-law didn't say anything about it but they have been a huge help to MJ and I. It would be very difficult without them. My father-in-law speaks fluent Portuguese so he is our lifeline when it comes to the major communication stuff (like, your dad says to put your pants back on! and stuff like that.) And they are a big help at mealtimes because we have to split up between two tables (they take care of the bigger kids). They also walk to the store every night and get our evening meals for us. Most of all they've put up with all our our emotional stuff (mostly Mary Jane... LOL!) and all of the uncomfortable moments as we try to blend these children into our family. Thanks Mom and Dad for coming with us. We know that this isn't how you wanted to spend part of your retirement, but you have and we are forever grateful. We love you. Although I know that you being able to see me at the pool with my shirt off made the trip worth wild. No seriously, we could never thank you enough. You're the best!

Well we've got to go but check us out tomorrow... Maryssa will be blogging.

Love ya,

The world's greatest son-in-law, Jim