A Christmas Card

I thought I was very prepared in our packing for Africa. I just know that I bought Christmas cards in 2010 (when they were on sale, of course). However, in unpacking our Christmas things this year, I have discovered that I have no Christmas cards to send out. I do have 100 Christmas stamps though. Thankfully they are Forever stamps. So this year the Dillon’s will be jumping on the band wagon of the Christmas letter and doing so electronically.

2011 was a very busy and exciting year for us. We welcomed in the New Year with our 2 week old son. We also very quickly started the process of our move to Tanzania. In February Mike made his first journey to Tanzania on a 2 week assignment. The weeks after his return were filled with obtaining security clearances, medical clearances, passports and the (not) very fun packing of all of our things. We were very fortunate that the US government organized all of this for us.

At the end of April we had an early birthday celebration for Sadie’s 2^nd birthday. We were very glad to be able to share her birthday with our friends and family prior to our departure.

On May 6^th we boarded a plane and made the long voyage to Africa. 28 hours after leaving Monroe, GA, we had arrived. After spending a few days in temporary housing, we were moved into our “permanent” house. We were fortunate have Audra Marsh accompany us on this journey and stay for the first month. Having her help with the kids and the transition was invaluable.

In November we had some very special guests visit us. Mike, Patsy and John Irwin (AKA Pop-Pop, Nona and Uncle John) flew 8000 miles to spend 3 weeks with us. We were able to spend some time at the beach, go on an amazing safari and celebrate Thanksgiving together. We enjoyed getting to share Tanzania with them.

On December 20^th we had a big milestone when Cash turned 1 year old. It is so hard to believe that he has been with us for a year now and that he’s now spent the majority of his life in Africa. For his party, we were joined by our friends who all enjoyed watching Cash eat his first bites of cake. Unlike Sadie on her birthday, Cash took no time at all smashing his cake and eating it as fast as he could.

So far living in Tanzania we have learned many things. Even the simple things become challenging at times: driving (on the wrong side of the road), grocery shopping (when supplies are limited or very expensive), electricity (that is unpredictable and not always available), indoor plumbing (that only works when the electricity is on), communication (when not everyone speaks the same language). Despite these challenges, we are enjoying our time here. We have met many wonderful people from many different countries and cultures.

Mike is working with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the US Government as a technical advisor in commodity procurement focusing specifically on HIV testing. He really enjoys his job as he gets to see different parts of Tanzania and gets to see firsthand the burden that HIV has on families within Tanzania as well as the everyday healthcare challenges that they face.

Laura is enjoying the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Although she does miss nursing, she also knows that spending this time with her children is priceless.

Sadie is growing into such a little girl. She loves all things pink (“my favorite so pink”). She experienced a vocabulary explosion after we arrived in Tanzania. It’s amazing to hear her speak in full sentences. She has discovered Disney movies and now knows all of the princess’s names. She also loves coloring, painting and playing with play-dough.

Cash is our mover. He started walking before he was 11 months and is now constantly on the move. He loves to follow his sister around the house (something she is not always excited about). Cash really enjoys music as well. Whenever he hears a song with a good beat he will start dancing (either rocking, jumping or bouncing). He also claps and “sings”. It will be interesting to see if his love of music continues.

George and Keegan adjusted quite quickly to our new life. They enjoy running around our complex and sleeping on the couches. The highlight of their day is their daily walk with our gardener, Peter.

We hope to make a trip back home in March or April 2012. For our friends in the Atlanta, Memphis and Orlando areas, we hope to see you then. To all our family and friends, we wish you a very merry Christmas, a safe holiday season and a happy New Year!

Love,

Mike, Laura, Sadie and Cash