Tyler
Waiting for the Ethan’s bus today, Tyler chose to sit next to our neighbor rather than next to me. He jabbered away with him (in his own language) while pointing at all the cars that passed by. Tyler shook hands with everyone who passed and sometimes would greet them in French. I began to see how much Tyler is already adapting to life here and how eventually this will be the only home that he knows. I started thinking about the things I would have to teach him when we went to Portland for furlow. Here were the top ten things:
1. Milk comes from a cow…not from powder
2. Winter coats, hats, gloves and scarfs exist for more than just 70 degree weather.
3. Not all ocean water is warm enough to swim in.
4. Sand is usually only found at the beach not EVERYWHERE else.
5. Warm baths do exist.
6. Not all facet water will make you sick.
7. Your parents do know how to drive and yes you have to wear a seat belt!
8. Silverware and plates are not optional.
9. Not everyone in America will want or expect to shake your hand.
10. Grass, snow, microwave, blender, berries, dryer, dish washer, chips, cereal, parks, library…. so many new words.
Decorating For Christmas
We began decorating for Christmas this year. We brought no Christmas stuff with us, so what we have is the little we have been able to to accumulate here and what Ethan and I have made. I have often talked of how Christmas is not about the tree or the decorations or the festivities, but that it is about what those things point to. However it wasn’t until I had this all stripped away that I REALLY had to wrestle with the significance those items played in my Christmas experience. If I feel like I can’t celebrate Christmas without the things I am used to, then have I lost true importance of the season. I am learning though that what makes Christmas special is the opportunity to send time celebrating God’s gift and that can be done anywhere. Our Christmas will look very different here, but we can still celebrate the Birth of Jesus. I am learning what this means…and it is a process.
When we were in Germany we couldn’t afford a German Christmas tree – so we used a sheet & wadded up paper to make a large snowman in the living room. We cut out paper snowflakes much like you have an hung them overhead.. and then we baked LOTS of cookies – so it was a “snowy” “cookie” kind of holiday. Ken became a superior paper snowflake artist! Enjoy your unique Christmas and eat cookies and love on each other!
You are not just a missionary in Sengal you are a missionary to all of us here at home. I love your messages and how real they are. You, like your mom & dad, are very in touch with what’s real. You know how to make a daily experience a reality check with how we see and celebrate our Lord. Thank-you. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Andi, I love that you always share so honestly what you are learning. Thank you. I love your Christmas decorations, they are beautiful! And I know how quickly kids adapt, it is a blessing from the Lord, really. Oh, and I still remember a time when I had no concept of snow. Someone can explain it to you, but it doesn’t really make sense until you’re in it yourself. It is fascinating to consider the things you will have to teach your kids though. I am so glad you are so in=tuned with them and also with what God is teaching you and your family through you. I love you lots and I miss you all. Ethan looks so tall and grown up! =)
Loved your response over what you will have to teach when returning. But yes… indeed.. that will be what they know and love. Africa will quickly become home. Oh to be as adaptable as a child. I know you are looking forward to the McMartins coming. It will be a wonderful holiday. We are praying for you.
Lauri
I think we would do well to learn the same lessons. Thanks for sharing such good thoughts once again. And I am praising God that the strike is over and the internet is working better there! Yea for Skype.
Love you all.
Dad
What poignant thoughts! It’s exciting to hear how your kiddos are learning and adapting. Since we’ll be traveling, we aren’t decorating for Christmas either…what great lessons to learn…Christmas is about one VERY SPECIAL gift from God, and not all the decor, or our traditions!!