The Adventure in Spain Begins...

As I hug Belinda, Lauren and the boys good bye and climb into a taxi I am filled with a mix of emotions.  Transitions are always hard and I had become so comfortable and happy it was difficult to think about changing and starting the process over again.  In the same moments of having those thoughts I also am truly excited to meet a new family and become a part of their lives and share some wonderful adventures with them.
I think all this anticipation of change exhausted me so I fell asleep immediately when I got on the plane but was awoken when the "Hen Party"(Bachelorette Party in the Sates) a few rows up had consumed a significant amount of airplane alcohol and were wolf whistling at the few semi attractive men sitting near them and singing "Going to the chapel" at the top of their lungs.  No more sleep for me.
Crossing the border into Spain was no problem at all...just a brief look at my passport and off I went.  Ryan (Dad of my new family) picked me up and we drove about 40 minutes to the Spanish Villa in Nerja, Spain that would be my new home for the next 5 days.

View from the Villa

As we drive I am awe struck by the rolling hills and gorgeous sea.  I love they way all the houses are nested into the hillsides like a sea of white and terra-cotta.  The villa we are in is more gorgeous then I could have every even imagined.  There are 3 levels with wrap around balconies.  My room is located on the lower level which I have mostly to my self.  The backyard is also multi leveled and the word back yard hardly does if justice.  It has a pool level then multi levels of beautiful gardens with all types of plants, flowers and benches to sneak away to for a quiet moment.  This amazing villa is Michelle's fathers so they are able to come and holiday here when they like.
When we arrive at the villa the kids and Michelle (mum of the family) are already in bed so I basically just settle into my room.  My bedside table has been set up with a lovely vase of flowers that the sweet children had picked for me in the garden earlier that day.  Can't wait to meet them in the morning....

I awake the next day to the pitter patter of little feet upstairs.  I roll out of the most comfortable bed and climb the stairs to the main living room to meet Michelle and the kids.  The youngest , Talia who is 2, after only a few moments brings over her treasured Eeyore stuffed animal (who is like another member of the family) for me to hold...Yes, I'm in!  One down...One to go.  Nathan, the eldest at 4 years old, takes a while to warm up to me so I just give him his space and wait for him to make the first move (or at least let him think he's making the move when really I'm just facilitating opportunities for us to chat...I know, I'm a bit tricky like that).  Eventually as I am standing on the balcony enjoying the view he saunters out, stands next to me and says " So what do we see out there?"  We then proceed to have a lovely chat....and that seals the deal.  I've been accepted!

The beach and Mediterranean Sea 

  Michelle and I take the kids to the beach where I get my first glimpse of the city and the Mediterranean sea up close.  It's a bit windy so we don't stay long but it was still really nice to have a little outing and spend some time with the kids and have a chance to chat a bit with Michelle as the kids played.  We headed back to the house for lunch and a stroll through the garden.  Before we knew it dinner time had rolled around then it was bath and bed for the kids.
Ryan, Michelle and I then had a nice dinner together with lovely conversation just getting to know each other.


After the evening wound down and Ryan and Michelle had gone to bed I just sat and looked around at the new place I had landed.  I thought about the lovely sweet people I was staying with in this gorgeous villa and had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.   How can I be so lucky to be blessed with all of this.  I still can't wrap my mind around how each day is just as good as the last and I am so filled with joy with every moment and new experience.  I am so grateful for it all!