|| typing ||

(completely unrelated picture to the post)

For a while, I've been praying and looking around for an online job that I could do from here that pays in dollars.  For whatever reason, I never really found any solid leads.  Then, while on holiday, thought I'd do another google search.  I came upon a company that does transcription.  Now, this particular company is entry level.  I'm definitely not going to make millions.  In fact, I joke that each week, I make enough to buy a cup of coffee on holiday - haha!!

BUT.  It is a start into a field of work.  My long term goal is to take an online transcription course that I have found and then branch out into marketing my skills independently rather than working for a company.

Since, I spend a lot of my "work time"waiting for files to come through, I did another google search the other day and found yet another transcription company.  Now this company's entry test was considerably more difficult than the first company I applied for.  So, I'm hoping (and praying) that I get this second transcription job with (hopefully) better files.  This second company has a stricter quality code for its typists and also offers support on the files you type.  This first company I'm currently with, basically sends me files with no feedback on how I perform.  

I like the transcription, though.  It's not easy.  Lots of files are distorted, plenty of background noise,  etc..But, in my advantage, I feel like I have a wide knowledge base of accents.  :)  So, that helps.  And because I'm a nerd, it's strangely addicting.

As a work at home mommy, I've figured out time slots for myself to work.  After Jules naps in the morning, the kids go outside to play for an hour.  Then, one to two hours (if I'm lucky - like today!)  in the afternoon; then an hour after I put the kids to bed.  So really, I'm not doing tons and tons of work but every little bit is a super help.  Since there's not a continual stream of files coming through for me to type, I typically have my farm bookkeeping or Sunday school things to keep myself busy while I wait.  

If you're interested in something like this, here's my typist referral link.  :)

https://typists.quicktate.com/transcribers/signup?referral_code=1a318a90a362fbd77296155ffa276756 

|| my girl ||

Oh, my precious, precious, spirited girl.  So much like your mother, bless your little heart. Friday afternoon, you put this (too big right now) dress on and said proudly, "I wear a pretty dress like you momma." That nearly broke my heart in two. (So convicting!!)  Even when you were not even two years old, you insisted on wearing a jean jacket so you could match momma.  You want to bake like momma.  Crack eggs (in the office) like momma.  Help clean the house (high five, that's my girl!).  

And your momma, precious girl, is just a sinner saved by grace.  Plodding through her faults and failures one day at a time!!  But because I have little blue eyes looking right up at me every single day, I beg God for His redeeming grace to pour through me so that I might be a picture of a gracious woman to you.  It's hard work.  But so worth it.  Being a mommy is sanctification and I praise God for the opportunity to grow in my Christian life because of you and your brother.  

Today, I made you sit and fold your hands (just so I could gather my thoughts) after you had been tearing apart your foam mattress to make a "desen island", aka a desert island.  (who knew?!!)  You obeyed so nicely and sat patiently.  Then when I praised you for obeying you said, "That made Jesus happy!" Why YES IT DID!!  

Your Papa and I are so proud of you.  We love you so much.

|| observations ||

about the only "American" picture I have on my computer

Our time in the States far surpassed our expectations, per usual.  My #1 highlight was being with family.  What a treasured time!

I wrote down a few observations that made me laugh.

1) So many people wear FitBits!!  I don't notice things on people usually.  But that did get my attention.  

2) What is the hype about cold brew coffee??? Is it that good?  Simply a trend? It was everywhere.  And not just iced coffee but cold brew(ed) coffee.  I didn't try it but if it really is that good, I'll look into it and try some here.  Tell me what I should know!!

3) It is so easy to make and/or save money!!!  Right towards the end of our trip, I noticed the outside of the Huggies box said "download our app".  So I did.  Aaaaand all along, I could have been racking up points towards a free gift card for all those diapers I bought while I was in the States!!  Wow!  Wondering if I could somehow convince our store here to convert my receipt to dollars and I could still earn....haha - probably not.

Then on the reverse...coming back home:

1) I was glad when I pulled into the gas station for the first time back home.  (sigh) Full service here (aaaaaah!!) :)

2) My sister-in-law lives on a very busy main street in the capitol city.  The first morning back, a marching band went parading down the road.  All kinds of fuzzy feelings went through me - what a cute, little welcome home; nice, upbeat music, etc...Until at the very end of the very peppy little band, there was a car blaring African music.  (sigh)

2) We did a scavenger hunt the other night with friends and family.  One of the items was a K5 fuel slip.  Forgot that we don't pay by credit card here.  We also don't get a receipt here when paying cash for fuel unless we ask.  Then, there's no such thing as only filling up with K5.  So we filled up with K25 and still got a receipt for K5. Whew.

3) My maids. Aaaaaaaaaaaahh.  Welcome home.  Sounds spoiled but ya know, one MUST take full advantage of the very FEW advantages we have here.  I missed my girls and they missed me.  Got a hug from all of them. Aww!

4) We are back to terrible internet. (eye roll)

And yes, it is good to be home.  For the first time on a holiday, I didn't "miss" home, per se.  But I knew I'd be absolutely fine once I arrived on the farm.  And I was.  It's really good to be home.