Half-way mark

Well, last month marked 3 years of the Blackwell fam living in England. Three years ago we had envisioned that we would be moving back to the States right now (well, I did anyway!). We could be packing our 8 massive suitcases again and trying to dole out furniture to other PhDers that are staying in Durham another year or two. But, you may know by now that we are just celebrating our half-way mark here in the land of tea and scones.
While Ben enjoys the fish and chips, and I enjoy European chocolate and free healthcare for my children, and Elam can visit places that inspired JK Rowling to write about Harry, and Silas has completely dropped any sort or 'R' sound at the end of his words...we're staying because we really do feel like we are part of the community here. It doesn't really feel any less 'home' than Dallas did when we lived here. In fact, I often wonder when we eventually move back to the States and people ask where we are from what we will say. Because Durham, England sounds like a very likely answer to me. :)
In case you are wondering (and haven't been filled in via phone conversation, email, or facebook), Ben is actually still planning to finish his PhD thesis this Autumn. I just got a new job as Children, Youth, and Family Outreach worker at the church we have been attending for the past 3 years. I am really pleased to get back to where I can work with children again (possibly make a difference in the world!) and am looking forward to the challenge. Ben is continuing to work as a research assistant to NT Wright and has picked up a few other 'odd jobs' in the world of academia.
The boys are continuing to shoot up. I think Elam will be taller than me in the next year or two and it doesn't seem like Silas will be far behind that. Elam is starting Year 5 and Silas will be in Year 1 when school begins next week. They are both looking forward to the new school year...another year with all their English friends.