Life is never "the usual"

There is just too much to say!
Let's start from the top. Monday I relocated. Yes, I am now living apart from the Hopkins in a little apartment above the house of our Romanian friends. It is absolutely wonderful and I am really enjoying it a lot! Living on my own has thrown me into a contemplative state of the last 7 months. Of how good they were and of how much growth all of us have done since the beginning of living here. It's also gotten me so excited for the next fourish months of living here and all the new lessons to be learnt. I've already learned some "mini" lessons in the past week. Numero uno: Hold down "flush" nob on toilet for at least 10 seconds. Number two: Never let the water in the shower run unattended to. It will result in at least 2 cm of water on the floor. Number three: Don't drink water from the tap. Enough said. Number 4: Whilst repairing elecrtical things, don't touch parts while said electrical object is plugged in. Will result in a jolt. Number 5(and 6): Never leave the heater on. Load on the blankets at night.
Haha, I'm sure there are more to come. =]
Again, so far, it has been an absolute blessing and a ton of fun. It's a beautiful place. A single room is filled with a big bed, storage cabinets, a stove, a fridge, a table, and it even has a bathroom off of it with a shower! It is the perfect size for me. I couldn't have asked for more.
Last night, Nolan and Liam came over and we had a "slumber party". We watched a movie, played some games, had snacks, and wiggled all our jiggles out before climbing into our big bed all together and talking until we fell asleep. It was quite the setup and we all loved it. Upon waking up this morning, we sat together and ate Lucky Charms and Life cereal, curteousy of several wonderful American people I know. It was great.
I don't know how to put into words what has happened since the team was here, but life has been almost too good to be true. Each day seems better than the last and whenever I think it just couldn't get any better, it does. I can literally feel God's presence day-in and day-out. I can see the work he is doing in and through me, which hasn't always been clear or understandable. It's as though, if only for a moment, I can catch a glimpse of purpose. I feel like I'm on a mountain top, out of the mist and haze that normally prevades. I also know it can't last. The journey down has to be made. But, that's okay too. In many ways, a corner has been rounded and although I know there are difficulties to come and challenges to face on the road that lies ahead, God has restored a confidence in me that will remain.
Praise the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever.
In a "future day" (as we say to Liam), there will be a post with pictures of the new apartment and other words of wisdom regarding relocation and living on your own. Until then!
PS: Tomorrow is "Mother's Day" here in Romania. This entire week has been "women's week"! So Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers. And especially to my own (love you!).
I just want to point out that "Men's week" or "Father's Day" don't exist here. =] We women are special. (I love you too, Dad).