The Palmer Clan

Quick update. We went to Knott’s Berry Farm and had a lot of fun. Julius was freaked out when we first got there because there were enormous roller coasters towering over the ticket booth. He was adamant that he did not want to go on them. Things got better once we maneuvered over to Camp Snoopy! (Veteran’s day at Knott’s Berry Farm meant that I got our whole group in for $45.00 and rather than being filled with lots of potential gang members it was filled with former military – very different vibe!)

Everything is still going fine. We hosted four social workers last night who came with the kids. They are very funny Filipino ladies. It’s their first time in the U.S., but they speak English very well. Their main goal is to pick an apple from a tree. We don’t quite understand why that is so important to them, but they really want to do it.

Julius is speaking more comfortably now, but still only a handful of words every now and then. He has started doing some very light school work with Sandy and is doing great with that. Good at math and coming up to speed fast on English reading.

We appreciate all your prayers and encouraging messages!

Quick update on Julius from Sandy:

” I took the kids to the beach today and Julius was just like a small child playing in the tidepools. He was so excited. He caught all these crabs and fish and put them in a bucket. He kept calling “mom” for me to come see his latest catch! We also played our beach paddle ball for awhile which was really fun. I don’t think the adult women play with them much, because he keeps looking at me funny when I ride razors, play at the beach, sit down and play with the toys, etc. I think he likes it, but it’s definitely a little unusual. Now they are upstairs playing matchbox cars. He is talking more every day. He even spelled America for Theo when Theo asked me how to spell it! He is starting to repeat little phrases we use like “Oh my goodness.” and “sorry, my fault!” It’s fun to hear him trying them out. I am glad he is feeling safe enough to do that. Please keep praying because I can see the answers every hour! … Julius is really sweet with the girls, though. Carries things for them, says, “martha, Martha” when she is crying and tries to play peek-a-boo with her. He also made peace between Joy and Theo several times this morning and later, Joy said, “He is a really nice boy.”