Understand the word Bittersweet

Have you ever just thought about the word, bittersweet and what it actually means?  One of the definitions states, “Arousing pleasure tinged with sadness or pain.”   Today that definition exactly describes the emotions we have right now.  Excited to return home to our family and friends and all that is familiar to us but very sad knowing we will be leaving behind two children who will be on our hearts and in our prayers until we return for them.  I know the time will pass and we have communicated this to them and they understand.  But still it is very bittersweet for us.

As I sat this week looking at signs, seeing letters that are the same shape as our US English letter; but at the same time different.  I have come to understand what Pasha has been going through and what Theodore and Joy will have to face.  As I was talking with Kathy today and I mentioned this to her and how I understand the road is not smooth but at least you can navigate it.   It has been a larger challenge to us this time because we are trying to handle as much as we can ourselves without calling our facilitator.  We have been able to use language interpreter applications on our phones to order our food.  Yes it takes longer but we have been doing well and have gotten to eat a larger variety of wonderful food.

Also yesterday we checked into a new hotel in the town we have been staying.  To other hotel was full when we arrived back this week so we checked into this one.  All I can say is WOW it is so nice.  We have a huge room with a very nice private bath and each room has its own Wi-Fi but most of all the bed is so comfortable and last night was probably the best night sleep we have had since we have been here. 

The restaurant is really nice and the waiter knows some English and you can tell they are doing everything they can to make our stay very comfortable.  The only drawback is we are on the top floor so there are many steps for Kathy to climb which is quite painful with her bad ankle.  Each day as she is standing there looking up at each flight of stairs I remind her that, “I can do all things through Christ which Strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13 KJV).