My Turn April 8, 2008

My husband gets to speak publicly quite a bit, being a preacher and all, it is a part of his job.  I don’t get to very often (or should I say have to)  But I was thinking and praying for him the other day, as he was getting ready to preach.  I realized what a good person he is. And I never get to brag on him publicly.  

He is truly the kindest person I know.  I have been married to him over three years now, and I have never ever heard him say anything bad about anybody.  No matter what the situation is.  Honestly it can really be annoying.  No matter what someone says to me, or does to him, he finds a reason for their behavior. 

When you are close to someone, you see their imperfections, but you forget to step back and look at the whole picture.  And I don’t do that enough.  I probably have the husband closest to perfection, sorry every other woman in the world.   I am so thankful for him.  He is a perfect picture of Christ-likeness to me.

 

 

Help April 4, 2008

There are nice things about living here in Peru, like the cost of labor is very low.  So help or work is easy to come by.  Having someone watch Norah is not too hard or expensive.  But i have to say, it doesn’t replace Grandparents or friends.  

 Honestly, I could get a break if i wanted.  Sometimes, even though it doesn’t cost much, I don’t want to pay someone to watch my kid constantly.  I guess it is the principal of the thing.  Or maybe I’m just a cheapskate.  

But this week, I realized I sometimes just need help.  Yes it is just one baby, most of the time we are fine, but there are weeks that she is just difficult.  Wants to be held all of the time, etc… I realized during these times I get incredibly stressed out, to the point where I just cry when Tyler is walking out the door to teach English.  

I finally told him, I know I have a problem when i get overwhelmed.  I will not ask for help.  Not from him or anyone.  It is a pride problem, and sometimes I need to just ask for help, for my sanity and for Norah.  She doesn’t need a frazzled mom.  

It was such a liberating feeling admitting my problems and asking for help.  Of course, Tyler knew I needed help, but sometimes when he realizes it, it’s too late, so I need to just ask.   

I have Feet! March 28, 2008

Feet, as a child you use your feet, not to walk, but for other things.  Norah has just discovered her feet, aka “new toys”.

 Not only does she love to play with them, they serve a very important purpose.  When she drops a toy,  she now lifts up her feet to pass the toy to her hands.  It is the funniest thing.  They may not yet be useful in walking, but they sure are useful for something.  

  

Finally, FOOD! March 28, 2008

We decided to give Norah a little taste of some real food this week.  She is just so pathetic when we eat, she smacks her lips and drools.  (I’ll have to work on that one)  And of course the looks just make you feel so bad.  She is sitting up pretty well and I figured we could try just to see.

 I gave her some rice cereal and she took the first bite as if she had done this before.  She ate it all and cried for more.  I questioned myself is this too early?  Should I make her wait?  But once I fed her, I realized she was more than ready.  I look at her sitting in her little seat and think man, she is growing up so fast.  It’s amazing, yet I can’t even imagine my life without her.  It’s seems as though she has always been with us.  Life is strange like that.   

We’ll the other night as I was feeding her, she was having such a hard time keeping her eyes open, we caught a few seconds of it, if you haven’t seen the video, here it is.   

A Celebrity in my house? March 22, 2008

Yes, that’s right, we had a celebrity stay with us this week.  Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint.  When I heard the news, I was so excited and nervous all at the same time.  He was here in Peru and we were blessed by his company and Bruce Sneed.  We only had Steve Saint for one night, it wasn’t nearly enough, but we definitely enjoyed it. 

 It was amazing to hear him tell the story of his dad and how the Lord allowed him to continue working there with his mother.  The most amazing is the part where one of the men who murdered his dad is now saved and practically his family.  He showed us pictures of his grandchildren climbing all over this man, who is now a Christian. 

 It is humbling when I think of the problems I have, or issues with people who may have offended me.  How could the Lord ever do that kind of a work in my heart when I can’t give up the bitterness I have over such small things?  

 Well, I have to say he was one of the kindest men I have met, and of course we got a picture with Norah, as she was pulling on his beard.  That was one unexpected blessing.   

Stop Cutting Me! March 22, 2008

No I’m not recalling the days in 5th grade.  That is something I am just dying to scream out every time I am in a store or at the market.  I’m talking about grown men and women.  They just walk up and cut you in line.  I’ve started to say excuse me, and they always say things like “oh, I’m sorry”  and I’m thinking “yeah right”.  I usually let them go, but my pride wants them to know i am not stupid and they are acting like a child.  

Well, at the bread store I was about to order and someone ran in.  and asked for what he wanted.  I didn’t say anything, and another young man came in and tried to do the same.  I wasn’t gonna take this.  So I just said excuse me and he looked at me with this sheepish grin and said just one little thing.  I was like how rude, and just didn’t let him go.  I ordered and walked out.  I was proud of myself for all of two seconds, then I realized, what did i gain from that, 30 seconds, and a mean reputation.  Is that what I really wanted?  Sometimes, we can blame this stuff on culture shock, but I know it was really my pride that made me say something.  I don’t really know what the solution would be, but I know I felt bad when I left.   

Going Stir Crazy March 19, 2008

Once you do deputation, I think you get this permanent itch to travel.  I have been within the same 5 miles of my home for two months now.  Just the thought makes me claustrophobic.  I try not to think about it.  

 While we are in Peru, every ninety days we have to leave the country.  So we got to go to Arica, Chile.  It isn’t a very big city, but it is just nice to get away and get some McDonalds and good Ice cream.  So we enjoy it.  

This time we took Norah, and we had a few days with just the three of us.  It was great, and I was ready to get home again.  No matter how much I want to get away, I am always ready to get home.

 

 

 

Running Water March 7, 2008

When we first moved here, a little over a year ago, I remember Andria Gardner mentioning I may want to get a water bubbler to keep extra purified water in case we don’t have any water.  I thought,  ”I’ll get that eventually, just don’t want to spend the money now.”  I never bought it, and this morning we woke up to no running water.  And we aren’t getting any till Saturday.  

 Tyler is in Lima, so there isn’t anyone here to experience these three days without a shower, except for poor Norah.  Have to admit, I’m glad it happened now. 

It is amazing how much we take for granted running water. How many times a day do I wash my hands?  I’m thankful for Purel, but more importantly for my Neighbors who let me fill up a couple of buckets with water.   

Will i buy a bubbler now? Not sure, we are only here for a few more months.  Hopefully this won’t happen again while we are here.  

Who’s your Daddy? March 4, 2008

Norah has really perfected the art of grabbing things, whenever we eat, she makes this little noise like she is tasting it, (and man does it taste good).  Last week, she actually grabbed my plate, so the past few days she has been reaching and grabbing drinks etc…

 Every now and then i’ll put my arms out like I am going to pick her up, just to see if she’ll reach for me.  Nothing so far, until yesterday.  I was holding her, (obviously she didn’t reach for me) she saw her daddy leave the room and was watching as if to say, “where is he going?”  I picked her up and followed him, and when he turned around she reached out for him.  I had to admit, if it were anyone else in this world I would have been distraught.  To make matters worse, when i tried to take her, she turned away.  

But how can I complain, my little girl loves her Daddy.  Sometimes, (lots of times) he is the only one she wants, and the only one who can calm her down.  I am so thankful for such a perfect husband and father to Norah.  Honey, I love you!  Oh, and this morning she reached for me, so I feel better now.   

 

My Sweet Baby Girl February 29, 2008

Norah after a nice long nap 

 

Putting up with Mommie taking all these dumb pictures