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This update blog is quite a few months later than I had originally anticipated. It is  hard to believe that Raul has been home for almost 4 months now. In many ways, it seems like we picked up right where we left off. We moved back in with Raul's parents until we can get our own place. Raul was able to return to his old job. Even though the amount of hours per week are not guaranteed, he has been averaging at least 3 or 4 days of work per week. Some weeks, he even gets over 40 hours. Much of our free time is spent with his side of the family or mine. Just like the good old days...

Yet, things are different this time as well. Before Raul left, we were in somewhat of a holding pattern. We could not make many plans for the future because we did not know where our future would be. Now that we are fairly certain that we will grow old together in the U.S.A., we are praying much about what God will have for us to do here. Where and when shall we buy a house? What will happen after I finish my internship next May? Should Raul go back to school and for what? There are many, many plans yet to unfold in the lives of the Gizzos. Though I must admit that I do still worry about the decisions ahead, I am mostly excited that we are finally able to move forward together, trusting that the Lord will provide and lead just as he has the past two years.

The Gizzos and the Warrens

It's been fun to see how excited people are for us. We have enjoyed going home to Iowa to visit my mom and family there. Raul is usually the center of attention as he has many stories from his Mexico days to share. No matter how many times I hear them, I always enjoy his tales of being a comandante (police officer). Last month, while we were in Iowa, we were able to have dinner with Jim and Peggy Warren, the couple who hosted Raul while he was in Juarez. They were visiting one of their supporting churches. It was fun for me to meet them in person, and they enjoyed catching up with Raul.

Next week, I will begin my internship for my master's program. I am happy that I am finally to this last stage of my program, but I am not looking forward to arriving home later in the evening. Though the internship is around 20 hours per week, I am glad that I have practically no travel time since it is literally 5 minutes or less from where we live. Though the clientele could be challenging because most are court mandated, I am excited for the hands on experience that I will gain in substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.

Well, I guess that's the quick update on our lives. I don't want to bore you with any more details! And for those of you who are wondering...no, we do not have plans for the arrival of any little Gizzos until after my internship is complete. ;)