Where Ya Been?

In the blurry haze of culture shock that results from adding a teenager to an already busy household, that's where I've been.

We are really enjoying H and the new things we are learning about what we do differently, what we have in common, her country's traditions, our country's traditions, parenting teenagers, having a big sister, and making the most of every opportunity.  I've told several friends that the culture shock of adding a teenager has really been greater than that of introducing a different country.  And she has been such a trooper when early bedtimes or nap time or early risers have complicated plans.  C calls her "my BSBFF - Big Sister, Best Friend Forever."  We are all going to miss her sorely come February, so let's not talk about that right now.

So far, she has (either with us, friends or relatives)....
*tackled (and excelled at) American high school, including AP English, Pre-Cal, and Chemistry (does anyone read The Scarlet Letter outside of high school?)
*attended several high school football games (the team is now in state quarterfinals!)
*landed a free homecoming dress, made a homecoming mum, and attended homecoming dance
*experienced the most organized family reunion in the state of Texas along with a spontaneous first for said family reunion--line dancing!
*marveled at Houston roadways
*toured the Johnson Space Center
*ridden a wooden roller coaster at the Keemah boardwalk
*sampled the Houston Galleria
*performed as a sideshow freak in the high school production of "The Elephant Man"
*seen the state capitol
*had a couple of sleepovers
*cooked us German food
*loved apple pie
*spent the day at the pumpkin patch
*gone on a youth winter retreat
*served as manager for the varsity girls' basketball team
*attended lots of youth small group Bible studies
*celebrated a sweet 16 birthday, complete with seven teenage girls singing karaoke in our living room
*suffered through family photo sessions
*earned a role in the chorus for the theater production of Footloose
*overeaten at Thanksgiving dinner
*joined the crazy masses for Black Friday shopping at the mall (the mall!!)
*helped decorate for Christmas
*attended one town square tree lighting and one small-town Christmas parade


I'm sure I'm leaving out some details, but you get the idea.  Knowing this is sort of her shot at seeing this part of the world has opened our eyes to see everything fresh, and make the most of what we have around us.  It's good to shake things up every now and then so you appreciate what you've got, even if it leaves you exhausted at the end of the day.