The Village.

While Josey was out for some last-minute shopping, I stole some time and sat on the back porch, reading. The girls were outside playing with the neighborhood kids and I could her them yelling, laughing, and playing all afternoon. 

When I came in the house to make some coffee, these were sitting on the bench, just inside our door.

Later Josey told me they were from Mysan, our downstairs neighbor. She was returning our pan and decided to throw in some muffins as well.

But just before Josey walked in the door, Sonya called, asking if the girls could stay for dinner. 

And because Judah was spending the night with his buddy, that meant we had a few moments in a quiet home. And it was. Because our kids were all throughout the village.

Our kids can be scattered across a city of 14 million, in a foreign country, and we feel and know they are completely safe. This doesn't happen everywhere in the world, and we are grateful.  Our kids have been so fortunate to live and laugh safely, with parents everywhere ready to step in, clean cuts, wipe tears, and feed hungry bellies. I love it.

When the girls got home, we made a fort on the porch.

Then they decided to sleep in it.

We will miss this village. The Todds, the McGowans, the Sonams, and the many other families who have loved our kids and helped raise our tribe.