Portland Continued

So we have some neighbors right next to us that are all college age kids who have somewhat less than refined language. And since homes in Portland don’t NEED AC, our windows all pop open at night. Which means that our friends just 10 feet to our right get to hear all our doings, and we theirs…including the drum set in the garage. So even though we were dying to have our home where we didn’t have to share walls…this situation is almost worse, because the only thing between our ears and their noise is two mesh screens keeping the mosquitoes out. SAD!
But we have met some really nice neighbors just a few homes down who have a 4yr old and 7yr old girl. Ephraim appreciates them and they adore Emeri. Plus their mom Kimberly was super sweet and gave us an old fisher price trike that is perfect for Ephraim. So we’ve got a decent mix in the neighborhood, but we’re adjusting well, and trying to focus on appreciating the good.
Two nights ago for family home evening Adam gave a wonderful lesson comparing our situation to Adam and Eve being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. I know it may sound a little extreme, since they were living in the presence of God and we were just in good ol’ Provo, but the analogy worked well for an emotionally exhausted me.  And I was never informed of the local gangs just around the corner, or exposed to so many colorful explatives in Provo. So in our own sense… Provo was a Garden of Eden, and Portland is the “Lone and dreary world” But it is becoming more and more evident that this is where the Lord wants us. I will admit just after being here 3 full days Adam and I gave out a BOM pass along card to a man in the park rolling his own cigarettes, and it felt AWESOME! I do love missionary work, and there is LOTS to do here.
The ward has been super welcoming and friendly since the minute we got here. Bishop and his counselor Brother Hyde, and a young couple from the ward all showed up to help us unload the truck. And since then we’ve had the chance to spend some good time with the Brewers. (They are the young couple) We had dinner with them Sunday, and I got to go with Samira and another sister in the ward to the Children’s museum Monday, and she’s offered to babysit Friday night so we can get to the temple. Awesome people! 
So here are some shots of Ephraim enjoying the kiddy size grocery checkout and the water explore area.