Recently, the kids and I have gone on a couple of photo scavenger hunts. We've been looking for letters. Can you read this?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Home - part 2
When we moved here, Savannah was four years old, almost five. Now, she's eight, almost nine. She's lived almost half her life in this apartment. She remembers a few things about our apartment in Louisville, but nothing our time in Colorado. Most of her memories have been made while we lived here. She knows what to expect when she goes to school, and when she comes home. She loves her bed and her room full of her favorite things. She has friends and feels safe here. The fact that her room currently has 30 packed boxes stacked in the corner has been a bit unnerving to her. It's a reminder that she's leaving home and going somewhere unfamiliar. What will her new room look like? Who will she play with? Will the kids laugh when she can't remember the right English word? Will she get their jokes? Will they get hers?
We've been talking a lot about "home" in our home these days. Not only do I want Savannah (and the boys) to understand that they'll never feel completely at home until they're in Heaven, but I want them to hold tightly to the most important truths -- truths that are familiar and not changing. Our God is our God, here and there (in the US). Our sins are forgiven, here and there! I'm their mama, here and there. Our family will be together, here and there.
Ever since Savannah was little, she's had a hard time with transitions -- often having a physical response (getting sick, sleeping poorly, etc.) So, pray that through this transition, we can encourage her to keep her feet firmly planted on the Rock of her salvation, and help her find peace as she trust in her unchanging Lord!
We've been talking a lot about "home" in our home these days. Not only do I want Savannah (and the boys) to understand that they'll never feel completely at home until they're in Heaven, but I want them to hold tightly to the most important truths -- truths that are familiar and not changing. Our God is our God, here and there (in the US). Our sins are forgiven, here and there! I'm their mama, here and there. Our family will be together, here and there.
Ever since Savannah was little, she's had a hard time with transitions -- often having a physical response (getting sick, sleeping poorly, etc.) So, pray that through this transition, we can encourage her to keep her feet firmly planted on the Rock of her salvation, and help her find peace as she trust in her unchanging Lord!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Home - part 1
by Amy
What is home? Is it the place you sleep every night? Is it the place where your stuffed animals are (like a hotel room)? Is it where you feel safe? Is it somewhere familiar? Is it where you grew up or where you currently live? Is it where you passport was issued? Is it where you understand the people and love the food? Is it where you feel loved and accepted? Is it where you've spent the longest amount of time? Is it where you really belong, where you fit in and don't stand out? Is it where you need to be, even if you don't want to be there? Is it defined by a place or a person/people? Is it all of the above, none of the above or some of the above? Does everyone have the same answer? Should everyone have the same answer? Does the answer change depending on where you are?
These are some of the questions I've been asking myself lately.... You see, as we're packing our belongings, preparing to move everything in storage, so we can go back to the States for a year, I'm excited! Part of me feels like I'm preparing to go home! Home to America. Home to my extended family that knows me so well. Home to my precious friends that have loved me from a distance so faithfully these past four years. Home to good Tex-Mex and baseball games! Home to where I can read every sign on every building. But, the other part of me feels like I'm leaving home: The home where I first began homeschooling my kids. The home where some of my closest friends live. The home where I have the kitchen table of my dreams. The home where my baby boys grew into little boys. The home where I learned to make tortillas and homemade bagels. The home where I experienced the joy of seeing my daughter baptized and introducing many others to their Creator.
Can both of these places be home? I don't really fit in here. Locals comment on what funny shoes I wear or how how few layers of clothing I put on. They think my cookies are too sweet and my dinners are too cheesy. And, yes, my language has come a long way, but sometimes they speak too fast and I can't understand what they're saying. And, I'm afraid, if I'm totally honest, that I won't really fit in back in America either. My clothes and shoes are completely out of style. I haven't listened to the latest music or watched the most recent movies. And, I've forgotten many basic English words. Here, it's totally common to sub in a local word or two when speaking English. All my friends do it, so it's not a big deal. Meaning is not compromised. But in America, I'll sound silly as I search for the right word.
So, if home is defined by being where I fit in, then I guess I'm homeless.
Homeless... The Word says that I'm a citizen of Heaven. But, since I'm not in Heaven right now, I'm a stranger and an alien walking around on Earth. Sometimes I really feel like an alien here. I have a feeling I'll be quite a stranger in my Homeland as well. So where does that leave me? Longing for Home. A place where I'll completely fit in. A place where I'll be completely known and understood. A place where I can understand everyone around me. A place of peace, rest, and pure joy -- and great food!! Oh, the day is coming, and not so far off, where I'll be Home! Until then, I'm going to keep-on persevering, seeking to make the best of this alien-life I have. I'm going to find fellowship with other strangers and invite those around us to join the alien-life as we keep our eyes fixed on our Home.
What is home? Is it the place you sleep every night? Is it the place where your stuffed animals are (like a hotel room)? Is it where you feel safe? Is it somewhere familiar? Is it where you grew up or where you currently live? Is it where you passport was issued? Is it where you understand the people and love the food? Is it where you feel loved and accepted? Is it where you've spent the longest amount of time? Is it where you really belong, where you fit in and don't stand out? Is it where you need to be, even if you don't want to be there? Is it defined by a place or a person/people? Is it all of the above, none of the above or some of the above? Does everyone have the same answer? Should everyone have the same answer? Does the answer change depending on where you are?
These are some of the questions I've been asking myself lately.... You see, as we're packing our belongings, preparing to move everything in storage, so we can go back to the States for a year, I'm excited! Part of me feels like I'm preparing to go home! Home to America. Home to my extended family that knows me so well. Home to my precious friends that have loved me from a distance so faithfully these past four years. Home to good Tex-Mex and baseball games! Home to where I can read every sign on every building. But, the other part of me feels like I'm leaving home: The home where I first began homeschooling my kids. The home where some of my closest friends live. The home where I have the kitchen table of my dreams. The home where my baby boys grew into little boys. The home where I learned to make tortillas and homemade bagels. The home where I experienced the joy of seeing my daughter baptized and introducing many others to their Creator.
Can both of these places be home? I don't really fit in here. Locals comment on what funny shoes I wear or how how few layers of clothing I put on. They think my cookies are too sweet and my dinners are too cheesy. And, yes, my language has come a long way, but sometimes they speak too fast and I can't understand what they're saying. And, I'm afraid, if I'm totally honest, that I won't really fit in back in America either. My clothes and shoes are completely out of style. I haven't listened to the latest music or watched the most recent movies. And, I've forgotten many basic English words. Here, it's totally common to sub in a local word or two when speaking English. All my friends do it, so it's not a big deal. Meaning is not compromised. But in America, I'll sound silly as I search for the right word.
So, if home is defined by being where I fit in, then I guess I'm homeless.
Homeless... The Word says that I'm a citizen of Heaven. But, since I'm not in Heaven right now, I'm a stranger and an alien walking around on Earth. Sometimes I really feel like an alien here. I have a feeling I'll be quite a stranger in my Homeland as well. So where does that leave me? Longing for Home. A place where I'll completely fit in. A place where I'll be completely known and understood. A place where I can understand everyone around me. A place of peace, rest, and pure joy -- and great food!! Oh, the day is coming, and not so far off, where I'll be Home! Until then, I'm going to keep-on persevering, seeking to make the best of this alien-life I have. I'm going to find fellowship with other strangers and invite those around us to join the alien-life as we keep our eyes fixed on our Home.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Happy Anniversary!
by Amy
April 17, 2007, will forever be ingrained in my memory! It's the day we got off the plane and began our life on this side of the world. In so many ways, it seems like it was just yesterday that Brad and I drug 3 small children (at that times, ages, 4, 2, and 2), a double stroller weighted down with our 10 carry-ons, 11 trunks, and 4 rolling suitcases and 1 over-stuffed duffel bag half way around the world. Side note: by the time we got to LAX, we were convinced that my brilliant idea of packing our most heavy items, like books, in our carry-ons that had no weight limit, was a very bad idea!
But, on the other hand, April 17, 2007, seems like a million years ago! It's encouraging to think how far we've come in the last 4 years - especially in the area of language. Oh, how many times did I have to call a friend and have her tell my taxi driver where I wanted to go? Now, I'm the one getting calls and talking to my friends' taxi drivers! How many times did I pay way too much for something at the market? Now, I'm familiar with reasonable prices and enjoy doing a little bargaining. Oh, and I remember feeling so discouraged about cooking four years ago. I had a huge stack of recipe cards, and I could find what I needed to make exactly three recipes. Now....there are probably about 3 recipes I can't make, (thanks to my husband's awesome use of the local ebay!) When we first got here, I couldn't even express my most basic needs but, now I can, by God's grace, point my friends to the One who can meet all our needs.
These last four years have not necessarily been easy, but they have been blessed! We praise the Lord for bringing us here and pray that we have many more years in this place!
April 17, 2007, will forever be ingrained in my memory! It's the day we got off the plane and began our life on this side of the world. In so many ways, it seems like it was just yesterday that Brad and I drug 3 small children (at that times, ages, 4, 2, and 2), a double stroller weighted down with our 10 carry-ons, 11 trunks, and 4 rolling suitcases and 1 over-stuffed duffel bag half way around the world. Side note: by the time we got to LAX, we were convinced that my brilliant idea of packing our most heavy items, like books, in our carry-ons that had no weight limit, was a very bad idea!
But, on the other hand, April 17, 2007, seems like a million years ago! It's encouraging to think how far we've come in the last 4 years - especially in the area of language. Oh, how many times did I have to call a friend and have her tell my taxi driver where I wanted to go? Now, I'm the one getting calls and talking to my friends' taxi drivers! How many times did I pay way too much for something at the market? Now, I'm familiar with reasonable prices and enjoy doing a little bargaining. Oh, and I remember feeling so discouraged about cooking four years ago. I had a huge stack of recipe cards, and I could find what I needed to make exactly three recipes. Now....there are probably about 3 recipes I can't make, (thanks to my husband's awesome use of the local ebay!) When we first got here, I couldn't even express my most basic needs but, now I can, by God's grace, point my friends to the One who can meet all our needs.
These last four years have not necessarily been easy, but they have been blessed! We praise the Lord for bringing us here and pray that we have many more years in this place!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Feelin' the Love -- And...
REJECTIN' IT!
So, the other day I was leaving the grocery store and flagged a taxi to take me home. This is the conversation I had with my driver:
Driver: Where are you from?
Me: America
Driver: Oh! American women are so beautiful!
Me: No, Americans are big. (People here often comment on weight. =) )
Driver: Oh no, Americans are so much more beautiful than locals. You are beautiful. How old are you?
Me: uh... this year I'll be 36. So, are you a local?
Driver: Yes, I really like Americans.
Me: Really? Do you know many Americans?
Driver: No, but I really like them. Americans seem so friendly.
Me: So...(thinking, that I need to change the subject) are you married?
Driver: Yes, but before I was married, I wanted to find an American bride. American women are so beautiful.
Me: I bet that would be difficult since there aren't many foreigners in our city. How long have you been married?
Driver: 11 years.
Me: Oh, I've been married almost 12 years. My husband's great!
Driver: I was way too young when I got married.
Me: Really? Do you not like your wife?
Driver: Not too much....Do you like your husband?
Me: Oh yes! I love my husband! He's a Christian, like me, so he is faithful and kind, quick to serve. He loves me and is a wonderful father to our 3 kids.
Driver: I really want to kiss you.
Me: Ummm Excuse me?
Driver: I want to kiss you. You know (smacking sounds)....
Me: Uh NO!! NO! Impossible! My husband would not like that! No. You. may. not. kiss. ME!!!
Thankfully, we were almost home at that point! When I tried to pay him, he didn't want to take my money. I threw the money at him, yelled, "Keep the change!" and ran into the building!
That kind of love, I'm definitely rejecting!!
So, the other day I was leaving the grocery store and flagged a taxi to take me home. This is the conversation I had with my driver:
Driver: Where are you from?
Me: America
Driver: Oh! American women are so beautiful!
Me: No, Americans are big. (People here often comment on weight. =) )
Driver: Oh no, Americans are so much more beautiful than locals. You are beautiful. How old are you?
Me: uh... this year I'll be 36. So, are you a local?
Driver: Yes, I really like Americans.
Me: Really? Do you know many Americans?
Driver: No, but I really like them. Americans seem so friendly.
Me: So...(thinking, that I need to change the subject) are you married?
Driver: Yes, but before I was married, I wanted to find an American bride. American women are so beautiful.
Me: I bet that would be difficult since there aren't many foreigners in our city. How long have you been married?
Driver: 11 years.
Me: Oh, I've been married almost 12 years. My husband's great!
Driver: I was way too young when I got married.
Me: Really? Do you not like your wife?
Driver: Not too much....Do you like your husband?
Me: Oh yes! I love my husband! He's a Christian, like me, so he is faithful and kind, quick to serve. He loves me and is a wonderful father to our 3 kids.
Driver: I really want to kiss you.
Me: Ummm Excuse me?
Driver: I want to kiss you. You know (smacking sounds)....
Me: Uh NO!! NO! Impossible! My husband would not like that! No. You. may. not. kiss. ME!!!
Thankfully, we were almost home at that point! When I tried to pay him, he didn't want to take my money. I threw the money at him, yelled, "Keep the change!" and ran into the building!
That kind of love, I'm definitely rejecting!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)