As we were on our way to the city this morning, I was reflecting on the difference in our kids over the past year since we’ve moved to this country. One of the things we wanted for our kids, when we knew we were moving here, was for them to have a simpler life. Sure we already had somewhat of a simple life. We weren’t involved in too many activities that tend to send a family off in a million different directions, especially when there are seven kids.
One of the biggest changes I can see in our kids is the difference in their wants. Right now, they ask for a new pair of shoes…which they really need. They need new shoes because the bottom of the ones they’re wearing have worn through to their socks. Before, it might have been they wanted a new pair, because “skater shoes” were cool. We aren't bombarded here by the media and marketing of millions of skilled advertisers trying to entice our kids with all the latest of everything. Neither are they surrounded by people who have or even come close to having such advertised items. Besides, now when they say,"I really need some new shoes, Mom." I can say without reservations, "Have you prayed about this? God knows our every need, but He likes when we ask. So ask Him. If he thinks you need them too, He will supply them. He always does." And we love to watch God work.
Tonight our two families watched two video clips by Frances Chan. One was with the red rope and the other, similar, with the balance beem. If you've never seen them, look them up. I sence a change happening in the hearts of our kids. I've been somewhat concerned about them this whole past year. They seem to be slow in adjusting, resistant to taking this country as their own, and just not letting go of home. We've been very patient and understanding with them. We understand how huge this adjustment would be for them, especially as teenagers. I also know there have been hundreds of people praying specifically for them and their struggle to adjust. I am starting to see a slow change. We had our first team to spend the week here on sight at EDBV last week. Last week was when I really started noticing some softened hearts, deep emotions, and a true understanding of why we're here. The language barrier is diminishing. The fear of taking that first step initiating a conversation with a student here in Spanish becomes a challenge that some of my kids have overcome. They're proud of such a brave move. And I'm proud of them for it. Because I know the truth. After that first try, it gets easier every time. And fun, if you let it.
I'm thankful for so many battles my kids won't deal with in this 3rd world country, yet knowing there are many of a different kind they will. Uncle Mark asked the kids tonight what kinds of things distract them from focusing on the "white part" of the rope in life from the Frances Chan illustration. They still have the same distractions as they had in the States like video games and spending time on their own entertainment. But I think they're really starting to get it that it's the end of the rope that really matters. Not the tiny little red beginning part of the rope (representing our earthly life).
One of the biggest changes I can see in our kids is the difference in their wants. Right now, they ask for a new pair of shoes…which they really need. They need new shoes because the bottom of the ones they’re wearing have worn through to their socks. Before, it might have been they wanted a new pair, because “skater shoes” were cool. We aren't bombarded here by the media and marketing of millions of skilled advertisers trying to entice our kids with all the latest of everything. Neither are they surrounded by people who have or even come close to having such advertised items. Besides, now when they say,"I really need some new shoes, Mom." I can say without reservations, "Have you prayed about this? God knows our every need, but He likes when we ask. So ask Him. If he thinks you need them too, He will supply them. He always does." And we love to watch God work.
Tonight our two families watched two video clips by Frances Chan. One was with the red rope and the other, similar, with the balance beem. If you've never seen them, look them up. I sence a change happening in the hearts of our kids. I've been somewhat concerned about them this whole past year. They seem to be slow in adjusting, resistant to taking this country as their own, and just not letting go of home. We've been very patient and understanding with them. We understand how huge this adjustment would be for them, especially as teenagers. I also know there have been hundreds of people praying specifically for them and their struggle to adjust. I am starting to see a slow change. We had our first team to spend the week here on sight at EDBV last week. Last week was when I really started noticing some softened hearts, deep emotions, and a true understanding of why we're here. The language barrier is diminishing. The fear of taking that first step initiating a conversation with a student here in Spanish becomes a challenge that some of my kids have overcome. They're proud of such a brave move. And I'm proud of them for it. Because I know the truth. After that first try, it gets easier every time. And fun, if you let it.
I'm thankful for so many battles my kids won't deal with in this 3rd world country, yet knowing there are many of a different kind they will. Uncle Mark asked the kids tonight what kinds of things distract them from focusing on the "white part" of the rope in life from the Frances Chan illustration. They still have the same distractions as they had in the States like video games and spending time on their own entertainment. But I think they're really starting to get it that it's the end of the rope that really matters. Not the tiny little red beginning part of the rope (representing our earthly life).
PRAISE the LORD, this is what we have been praying for. So exciting the way HE is working in ALL your lives.
ReplyDelete