So...for those of you who haven't heard...Ben has been gone for the last 5 months at the Federal Training Academy. He graduated July 10th and returned home to us the next day. since then the Fund family has been on the go. We spent a short time saying our good byes and packing then left UT on the 15th of July. We spent what was a surprisingly pleasant 3 day drive (thanks in most part to my WONDERFUL brother-in-law Jake) to Laredo TX where we were greeted by a beautiful 3 bedroom house with...pause for dramatic effect...our very own BACKYARD. ( For those of you that know my children...you will understand the effect that has on my sanity :D) We have spent the last 3 or so weeks unpacking ( still not finished..eh..oh well :P) and getting familiar with the border town we now call home.
Laredo is an interesting place. Most (and when I say most I mean almost everyone!!!!!!!) of the people speak Spanish and going to the store can be an interesting marathon of the "I don't understand a word you're saying" look as everyone tries to speak to me in Spanish. (So much for the 2 yrs of it I took in HS) Plus.....it's REALLY hot!!!!! I'm not talking AZ 120 F hot...I'm talking HUMID hot!!! The average forecast here is partly cloudy 108 and between 40-60% humidity. YUCK!!!!!!! You walk outside your door and get an instant sweat-bath. There really is almost NO point in any kind of foundation. ( you know me though..i wear it any way >:} ) I have to give Ben MASS PROPS for working out in it everyday...he is an amazing man! I'd die! really!
Other than that it really is nice here. The people (once they figure out I don't know Spanish) are very welcoming and charitable. It's funny how culture shows in how people treat each other. I had to make a trip downtown to get some errands taken care of and I had to take my kids. I was SO stressed. All I could picture was my kids running a muck in City Hall while I was trying to conduct business. Instead what I was greeted with was amazing. Everyone (!) was willing to help and very understanding about my two children running wild. I didn't get even one "control your children slacker" look. (you know...the look you get when someone who doesn't have kids doesn't like what your kids are doing and then thinks that your not doing you job or something :P lol) Also, I have to admit that I was really worried about going to a branch but the people in it are WONDERFUL. It's not a small branch by any means. In fact, Sacrament meeting is almost as full as some Wards I've been to. I've already come to love the women in Relief Society. They all have such sweet and unique spirits and they all get along with each other. Not to mention the amazing welcome they have extended me and the few other women that have moved in recently.
All in all....I'd say I like Laredo so far. The people are nice, my kids are happy with all the extra space, and my husband is happy to be gainfully employed. what more could I ask for right?!?!?! I am grateful that the lord saw fit to put us in this place and this situation. It's funny how things work out right?!?! :)
