Singing the praises of . . . Skype!

How do we keep connected with our family/friends for so long? We use an Internet communication tool called - - - Skype!

I cannot sing the praises of Skype loud enough (yes, I could do a commerical for Skype)! It is ABSOLUTELY wonderful! I Skype with my son, Nicholas and G'ma everyday, twice a day (picture of Nicky on left). And, although sometimes the connectivity is a bit slow . . . it truly is like having them in the next room. We can walk around with the laptop w/web cam and show them our world at the guest house and they can do the same. I can read a book with Nicky at night and we say our night-night prayers together. For a mama that needs to be logistically separated from her child for a few weeks, it is such a blessing to have this tool that I can physically SEE my child, HEAR my child and INTERACT with my child! It gives me such a comfort level that everything is "A-OK" on the home front.

It was just an amazing experience to introduce Sweet Pea to my family and friends via Skype. What an amazing moment for them to finally see her and see her "in person". Awesome!

We have used Skype to connect with other members of my family. It is just so much FUN to use. Everyone crowds around the web cam and just has a blast! My sister's family in Austin, my adoptive family friends in Edmond and Tulsa. Sooooo much FUN!

I also use Skype to keep connected at work. A web cam has been setup in one of the conference rooms (thank you, Don!) at work and I scheduled "meetings" with my team (and anyone else). Mornings (US) and Evenings (Pakistan). It is just so wonderful to be able to see everyone, ask questions and keep up to speed on priority projects. Of course, it isn't like being there and we don't do it everyday. I have complete confidence in my teams ability to "keep the lights on" with our work. But, it certainly gives another level of comfort when I'm half way around the world. Seems like we are sitting in the same room!

The only down side is - - you have to bring a laptop with you and you have to be at your computer to make the calls. But, it really isn't a big deal at all! We also have Uppa D's cell phone with international calling available to make emergency phone call while we are out and about. But, since we have been in the guest house most of the time, that isn't a problem at all! LOL!

So, if you are planning on traveling overseas or just an hour or two and need to spend an extended amount of time away . . . download Skype (download is free) to your laptop! The video conferencing is FREE, yes free! And, the computer to computer calling (without video) is also free. The computer to land lines (cell phone or home phones) is at a very, very inexpensive cost. I setup a credit of $10.00 when we were in Dubai and we are just now under a $1 with probably around 20-25 land line calls made. Such an economical way to make international phone calls.

I LOVE, Love, Love this communication tool!!! You just cannot go wrong with Skype!!!

Mama video conferencing . . .

Love to ALL!

~Hugs

Mama, Uppa D & Sweet Pea