There has been a little bit of frustration on both sides over a few issues. One being that we’ve had to place limits on internet access and tv time, stressing the importance of getting homework done first. It feels kind of odd telling another person’s child (especially a teenager) what to do, but it’s getting easier as the boundaries are becoming clearer for him as well as us. The relationship is molding itself and the lines are being etched as to what we expect while also respecting HIS wishes. It’s kind of odd having a teenager. In many ways they test just like a toddler; But for the most part I don’t have to clean up after him or babysit him. He’s very independent and he’s learning very quickly how to ‘get by’ in America.

I have someone that I can ask for a bit of help when Adam is gone. Could you please take out the trash, feed the dog, or vacuum the carpet. He is always more than willing to help, and I try not to ask too much of him. He has a lot on his plate.

He loves to mow the grass. In fact, he loves to do anything that involves using our “machines”. It’s kind of neat. I’d love to have him around more often, but I am glad he is making lots of friends at school and learning about America. He is a very smart boy, and he’s doing well here.

He wants to be a surgeon and he wants to come back for college in America. I wish I knew away to make that happen for him. I guess, that’s what I’ll be praying about…

Since picking up our foreign exchange student last week, we have been learning so much about Nigerian culture. Things that you just can’t understand from a textbook.

Here is a glimpse of a few things we’ve learned form our foreign exchange student (new son) :

“Everything is Easy Here” -

People from other countries (and yes even Nigeria) comment on how hard working American’s are. But, I wouldn’t necessarily say that from what I’ve learned from our student.

We may have busier schedules in America; More places to go and more things to do. But, we have the priviledge of doing all of those things because of the ease of our modern machines and appliances.

In Nigeria they…

• Wash clothes by hand
• Cut grass by hand
• Don’t have electricity constantly (The government can turn it off whenever they like.)
• Sometimes must fetch water if their tap is not working.

But.. They don’t live in the stone age. They…

• Have disposable diapers
• Use computers & email, mp3 players, and cell phones (depending on income and resources)

Keep a lookout for more posts about what we’re learning from our new family member. We are learning so much I couldn’t possibly put it in one post.