"You need, I give. Burmese food, very good, you strong. Many vitamin, beef, chicken. I get, Ciin make, you eat." Understand? :)
Last week, Meng Pu came to my house early for his English lesson, and was very concerned when he found me laying on my bed asleep. "Sick?" he asked, and I explained that no, I wasn't sick, I just need to rest more because I am weak and need to regain my strength. Since then, he has made it part of his ministry to me to feed me well and nurse me back to health.
He gave detailed instructions to Ciin, his sister and my upstairs housemate, and for the past few days she has brought me a big bowl of homemade Burmese soup to eat. It's the consistency of oatmeal, but with rice, broth, herbs, and finely shredded chicken or beef. She says, "This Samuel eat every day; that's why he big and strong. You need to get big and strong like Samuel!" I look at eight-month-old Baby Samuel, with his pudgy cheeks, pudgy hands, and sweet grin of two tiny teeth... I think, I'm eating baby food, and I am going to gain ten pounds. But they all keep talking about vitamins, so I obediently eat every bite, simultaneously regaining protein and remastering a spoon. And it tastes good too!
Today Meng Pu was back - I thought it was for an ESL lesson, but it was really for a check-up. He wanted to know how I liked my soup, and assured me he would bring more tomorrow for Ciin to cook for me. He told me that Burmese people don't take pills because their food is full of vitamins and makes them very strong. He read to me from the Bible about the power of God, and then laid his hand on mine and prayed for me. Then he told me to go to bed and sleep, and eat Burmese soup later!
It is a good thing to be loved and taken care of...
Showing posts with label little burma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label little burma. Show all posts
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Let There Be Music!
This is just one of the reasons I love having Kevan around.
Our house is full today - Kevan is at the kitchen table, playing music on his laptop... Small Hannah is next to him working on her taxes... Tall Hannah is in the dining room, playing music on her laptop and playing games... Aaron is sleeping on the couch... and Hayden is playing music on his phone, while changing the strings on his guitar. The different songs playing and the tuning of the guitar at the same time don't bother me though... they have their own special and unique harmony.
There is a 12-string guitar, a banjo, a whole set of harmonicas, and a washboard in our living room, and later tonight they will all be played, along with other guitars and possibly a ukelele, in an awesome jam session in which we will all sing along.
While I love the quiet corners in my life, I also cherish these times of music and sounds of joy. It reminds me of a song Andrew Peterson wrote, "Let There Be Music." I'm adding a link to the song, for you to enjoy it today too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuK-xx-3SmQ
Our house is full today - Kevan is at the kitchen table, playing music on his laptop... Small Hannah is next to him working on her taxes... Tall Hannah is in the dining room, playing music on her laptop and playing games... Aaron is sleeping on the couch... and Hayden is playing music on his phone, while changing the strings on his guitar. The different songs playing and the tuning of the guitar at the same time don't bother me though... they have their own special and unique harmony.
There is a 12-string guitar, a banjo, a whole set of harmonicas, and a washboard in our living room, and later tonight they will all be played, along with other guitars and possibly a ukelele, in an awesome jam session in which we will all sing along.
While I love the quiet corners in my life, I also cherish these times of music and sounds of joy. It reminds me of a song Andrew Peterson wrote, "Let There Be Music." I'm adding a link to the song, for you to enjoy it today too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuK-xx-3SmQ
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A Day at Little Burma
Yesterday was cold and very rainy, so I resolved to spend as much of the day as possible inside my house, in my biggest and fluffiest sweatshirt and comfiest socks. I did some singing, writing, and reading in my room for a while, and then my housemate, Ciin, came downstairs with baby Sammy. She set him in his swing in the dining room and then went in the kitchen to start cooking.
This is my chance! I thought, and ran in to the dining room.
It's been very difficult for me to get to know my new housemates... they are very nice, but very private people, preferring to spend most of their time upstairs in their room. Granted, I was gone for most of the summer, then I was in the hospital, then Ciin had her baby, then I went home. Not a lot of time for us to form a special bond. So any amount of time we share together on the main level of our house is time I hope will be good for relationship building.
Back to Ciin in the kitchen... I tried to strike up a conversation, but giggles and one-word responses don't lend themselves to long or detailed dialogues. So I decided to talk with Sammy. I sat by his swing and gave him an occasional push to keep him going. From our short visits together, I have learned a few things: he likes to swing high, he likes to wave his arms around, and he loves music. So I tucked his blanket under his little elbows, rocked him, and sang to him. I also prayed for him... Once he was asleep, I got my book and kept reading and humming, keeping an eye on his sweet little face.
Ciin came in the dining room with a bowl of ramen for me, and asked, "You like?" Ok, sure, why not. Actually, ramen is a wonderful rainy-day meal! She also gave me a steaming cup of Burmese tea. We laughed together over how I tried to wind the eternally-long noodles around my fork... chopsticks would be much more practical, if we had some.
Pastor Meng Pu came over soon after lunch, and we studied the Bible together. I had given him an ESL version of the story of Abraham and Isaac on Monday (which he absolutely loved), and yesterday he quoted the whole thing to me from memory. Then he went back over it in his own words - beautifully broken and mismatched English - as a sermon, explaining how Abraham must have felt and yet chose to obey God, and how the lamb was a picture of Jesus. It was so cool. He asked about my home church, and he said some day when he can speak enough English he wants to visit it! Oh, I can't wait!
After our study, he went upstairs to visit with Ciin (his sister), and I realized baby Sammy was still downstairs with me. So I got to babysit! When he woke up, I talked and sang to him a while and he waved his arms around and smiled in response.
Days like this make me remember how much I love the taste, the sounds, the smell, and the people of our Little Burma...
This is my chance! I thought, and ran in to the dining room.
It's been very difficult for me to get to know my new housemates... they are very nice, but very private people, preferring to spend most of their time upstairs in their room. Granted, I was gone for most of the summer, then I was in the hospital, then Ciin had her baby, then I went home. Not a lot of time for us to form a special bond. So any amount of time we share together on the main level of our house is time I hope will be good for relationship building.
Back to Ciin in the kitchen... I tried to strike up a conversation, but giggles and one-word responses don't lend themselves to long or detailed dialogues. So I decided to talk with Sammy. I sat by his swing and gave him an occasional push to keep him going. From our short visits together, I have learned a few things: he likes to swing high, he likes to wave his arms around, and he loves music. So I tucked his blanket under his little elbows, rocked him, and sang to him. I also prayed for him... Once he was asleep, I got my book and kept reading and humming, keeping an eye on his sweet little face.
Ciin came in the dining room with a bowl of ramen for me, and asked, "You like?" Ok, sure, why not. Actually, ramen is a wonderful rainy-day meal! She also gave me a steaming cup of Burmese tea. We laughed together over how I tried to wind the eternally-long noodles around my fork... chopsticks would be much more practical, if we had some.
Pastor Meng Pu came over soon after lunch, and we studied the Bible together. I had given him an ESL version of the story of Abraham and Isaac on Monday (which he absolutely loved), and yesterday he quoted the whole thing to me from memory. Then he went back over it in his own words - beautifully broken and mismatched English - as a sermon, explaining how Abraham must have felt and yet chose to obey God, and how the lamb was a picture of Jesus. It was so cool. He asked about my home church, and he said some day when he can speak enough English he wants to visit it! Oh, I can't wait!
After our study, he went upstairs to visit with Ciin (his sister), and I realized baby Sammy was still downstairs with me. So I got to babysit! When he woke up, I talked and sang to him a while and he waved his arms around and smiled in response.
Days like this make me remember how much I love the taste, the sounds, the smell, and the people of our Little Burma...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Little Burma Tea Party
(Slightly more artistic version of Monday's post...)
“Oh lo num sah hee! Oh lo num sah hee!” I tap my fingers on my mug and sing unfamiliar words to an old familiar tune – one that my mother, grandmother, and many a Sunday school teacher sang to me in English: “I will rejoice for He has made me glad, glad glad!” I stir my spoon and sing a familiar song in an unfamiliar tongue, because that is how baby Moi San’s mother and grandmother sang it to him. I sing because it makes his angel face light up and his chubby hands clap for joy.
Today is baby Moi San’s first birthday, and we are having a tea party together.
“Oh, Kah Ni, you wan’ sahm tea?” the lovely Burmese woman asked me just a few moments ago. Here in my international home in Indiana, I am not Connie Lynn – I am Kah Ni Lin. Here in Little Burma, I am the blonde-haired Burmese, who is a much better English teacher than a Zo learner. But my Burmese families know I like their thick, rich tea.
When my Burmese friends serve me tea or food, they do not often sit with me. I’ve learned that it is a sign of respect for “Teacher Kah Ni.” So it has taken me a while to find relationship over a steaming cup.
Today I find it. My friend hands me a hot mug and I sit at our kitchen table, where little Moi San bounces in his highchair and gnaws on a spoon, which he soon throws to the floor. He is my companion, contained in a blue plastic seat.
“Happy birthday, little man!” I cheer and squeeze his hand, then iang the song in both languages. His mother, scooping sticky rice from a pot, makes little noises of approval and nods while saying to herself, “Good, Auntie Kah Ni…”
I stir my tea well for a long time. I’ve learned this is valuable, because Burmese tea is heavily laced with sweetened condensed milk, which stubbornly sticks to the bottom. I take a sip, mentally prepared for the sweetness so thick you can chew it.
I blow gently on my spoon to cool it off a bit, then hand it to Moi San, who eagerly shoves it in his mouth and sucks on it. He prefers the comfort of condensed milk to the marshmallows I offered him last night. He jabbers on a mile a minute in the rambling gurgles of toddlers, and I nod and sip my tea slowly, assuring him that I am hanging on his every word. At his age, we both know language isn’t so important as expression… and he has a lot of expression. He knows it’s his birthday – I can tell by the cheeky little grin he wears without shame. We take our time and savor the tea, the milk, the moment we have together, thankful that even though we cannot understand each others’ tongues, we understand each others’ hearts.
I lift my mug to sip again and realize it is empty. Moi San sees it too, and decides our party is over. He throws the second spoon on the floor and reaches his hand out to me. I lean in close and he pats my cheek then touches my lips, and I kiss his tiny fingers. It’s as though he says, “You honor me by sitting and drinking tea with me!” He smiles sweetly, so big that his eyes close and all five of his teeth show, and it warms my heart. And I am honored to be called “Auntie Kah Ni” to such a precious child.
“Oh lo num sah hee! Oh lo num sah hee!” I tap my fingers on my mug and sing unfamiliar words to an old familiar tune – one that my mother, grandmother, and many a Sunday school teacher sang to me in English: “I will rejoice for He has made me glad, glad glad!” I stir my spoon and sing a familiar song in an unfamiliar tongue, because that is how baby Moi San’s mother and grandmother sang it to him. I sing because it makes his angel face light up and his chubby hands clap for joy.
Today is baby Moi San’s first birthday, and we are having a tea party together.
“Oh, Kah Ni, you wan’ sahm tea?” the lovely Burmese woman asked me just a few moments ago. Here in my international home in Indiana, I am not Connie Lynn – I am Kah Ni Lin. Here in Little Burma, I am the blonde-haired Burmese, who is a much better English teacher than a Zo learner. But my Burmese families know I like their thick, rich tea.
When my Burmese friends serve me tea or food, they do not often sit with me. I’ve learned that it is a sign of respect for “Teacher Kah Ni.” So it has taken me a while to find relationship over a steaming cup.
Today I find it. My friend hands me a hot mug and I sit at our kitchen table, where little Moi San bounces in his highchair and gnaws on a spoon, which he soon throws to the floor. He is my companion, contained in a blue plastic seat.
“Happy birthday, little man!” I cheer and squeeze his hand, then iang the song in both languages. His mother, scooping sticky rice from a pot, makes little noises of approval and nods while saying to herself, “Good, Auntie Kah Ni…”
I stir my tea well for a long time. I’ve learned this is valuable, because Burmese tea is heavily laced with sweetened condensed milk, which stubbornly sticks to the bottom. I take a sip, mentally prepared for the sweetness so thick you can chew it.
I blow gently on my spoon to cool it off a bit, then hand it to Moi San, who eagerly shoves it in his mouth and sucks on it. He prefers the comfort of condensed milk to the marshmallows I offered him last night. He jabbers on a mile a minute in the rambling gurgles of toddlers, and I nod and sip my tea slowly, assuring him that I am hanging on his every word. At his age, we both know language isn’t so important as expression… and he has a lot of expression. He knows it’s his birthday – I can tell by the cheeky little grin he wears without shame. We take our time and savor the tea, the milk, the moment we have together, thankful that even though we cannot understand each others’ tongues, we understand each others’ hearts.
I lift my mug to sip again and realize it is empty. Moi San sees it too, and decides our party is over. He throws the second spoon on the floor and reaches his hand out to me. I lean in close and he pats my cheek then touches my lips, and I kiss his tiny fingers. It’s as though he says, “You honor me by sitting and drinking tea with me!” He smiles sweetly, so big that his eyes close and all five of his teeth show, and it warms my heart. And I am honored to be called “Auntie Kah Ni” to such a precious child.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A compilation of smiles
I have a couple important and inspired blog posts in my mind that I plan to write soon, but today was so grey and wet and cold that I feel the need to share some light-hearted moments from my week that made me smile, and hopefully will make you smile as well.
For one thing, my friend Thet Thet explained to me that my name, if it were "Burmesified" would be Ka Ni Lin, which means "Red, Sour Sunshine." I am so glad "Lin" is in my name, since that's the "sunshine" part. :) Also, Thet Thet had to write an essay for class about an activity that she is involved in outside of class, and she chose to write about Youth Night/Girls Night at International House! In the essay she said she was scared at first to come because her English is "no so good" but that everyone she met at I-House was always smiling, and that made her want to come.
And the marshmallows for Moi San? Well, he wasn't as big a fan as I thought he'd be, probably because he couldn't bite them with his newly-acquired teeth. I should have remembered from Lemony Snicket's series that babies as amazing as Sunny and Moi San prefer a nice carrot or block of wood to soft bunny-shaped mallows. Being a gentleman, though, he gave me one of his million-dollar smiles in thanks for the thought.
However, the treat was not a total waste. Jo Lien and Khi Pi LOVED them. I wish I'd been faster with my camera, because the moment Jo Lien popped the first one in his mouth, his eyes got huge and his whole face lit up with delight. Remember the look Violet had when she chewed the gum that tasted like blueberry pie in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"? That's Jo Lien. Anyway, it erupted into the giggling face you see here.
Finally, I got a very special bouquet of Easter Lilies the other day that are slowly unfurling on my desk by my window. The best thing is, if I keep my door closed all day while I'm out and about, when I come back the room smells SO sweet and wonderful! Which is a precious gift, since sometimes the smells of Little Burma are hard to endure. And every time I look at them I can't help but rejoice: "He is Risen indeed!" Now that is something to smile about! :)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Birthday Boy!
I spent most of this morning in the kitchen, sipping hot Burmese tea, sitting next to Moi San's highchair. We played high-five and peek-a-boo, sang Burmese and English Sunday school songs (his favorite is: "He has made me glad! I will rejoice for He has made me gla-a-ad!), and he stuck my tea spoon in his mouth and sucked all the condensed milk off of it. We had quite a nice visit, and I never thought I'd enjoy tea time so much with a baby.
Hannah and I gave him a set of colorful, plastic, baby-sized spoons to play with... or eat with... and a soft, plush blue bunny to cuddle with. We gave them to Lian first, who passed them on to her son, saying, "Moi San, oh, Han-Na, Auntie Ka-Ni, for you!" Hehehe, oh how fun to be Auntie Ka-Ni! We also got some marshmallows for the boys to enjoy. We decided it might be a better option than a super-icinged cupcake. But we're going to introduce the sweet stickiness tomorrow... I'll let you know how it goes. ;)
Tonight, please join Hannah and I in praying special blessings of Jesus over this precious little boy, that he will grow up to love the Lord and serve Him with his whole heart.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Annual Daffodil Blog Post
I realized that every spring I write a post about daffodils... but I just love them so much! They are my favorite flower, because I think they represent so much about God's promises and the joy we can have in him when we depend on his grace. So here I go again...
When we got back to Little Burma Tuesday night, this patch of daffodils were on the path beside our house waiting to greet us. The thing about these particular daffodils is that I've watched them try to bloom for the past three weeks. Their faces have been pinched, pale yellow buds among long green leaves, getting a little brighter and bigger when the temperature reached above 40 degrees, then shrinking back and getting pale when it fell to freezing again. They seemed so eager to shine, but they also knew the time wasn't quite right, and for all their excitement and anticipation, they patiently waited for the perfect time.
There are so many times when I feel like those daffodils, waiting on the edge of my seat, looking anxiously at the future, trying to convince God that I really am ready for the next step, and that the timing is right, and can we please just hurry up and get on with it! But then, my Father... so loving and patient with me... sits me down for a daddy-daughter talk. And he reminds me that he not only has the universe in his hands, but also my life and my time. He has it under control, and I don't need to try to rush forward or make things happen before he has it planned. He knows my heart, he knows my dreams... he knows that, like my daffodils, I am eager to bloom and shine. He also knows my story and what the next chapter holds... and all the chapters after that. So like my daffodils, I choose to trust him, rest in him, and wait on his perfect time.
When we got back to Little Burma Tuesday night, this patch of daffodils were on the path beside our house waiting to greet us. The thing about these particular daffodils is that I've watched them try to bloom for the past three weeks. Their faces have been pinched, pale yellow buds among long green leaves, getting a little brighter and bigger when the temperature reached above 40 degrees, then shrinking back and getting pale when it fell to freezing again. They seemed so eager to shine, but they also knew the time wasn't quite right, and for all their excitement and anticipation, they patiently waited for the perfect time.
There are so many times when I feel like those daffodils, waiting on the edge of my seat, looking anxiously at the future, trying to convince God that I really am ready for the next step, and that the timing is right, and can we please just hurry up and get on with it! But then, my Father... so loving and patient with me... sits me down for a daddy-daughter talk. And he reminds me that he not only has the universe in his hands, but also my life and my time. He has it under control, and I don't need to try to rush forward or make things happen before he has it planned. He knows my heart, he knows my dreams... he knows that, like my daffodils, I am eager to bloom and shine. He also knows my story and what the next chapter holds... and all the chapters after that. So like my daffodils, I choose to trust him, rest in him, and wait on his perfect time.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Just Another Day in Little Burma
Last night Lian made Burmese doughnuts, with rice flour and oil boiling in a wok. They were awesome and delicious! Tonight, Lian made what she described as "fish." The long skinny things with teeth did not look like fish to me, and as Hannah and I picked white meat off sharp bones, I said, "I think we're eating an eel." So to clarify, I played 20 Questions with Lian... Color? Black. Like snake (with gestures and sound effects)? Oh, yes. In water? Yes. ... Yep, we're eating eel. Deep fried eel.
I have to include a cute picture of the boys here - Jo Lien and Moi San. Jo Lien has discovered that my feet on my footrest make a good little stool for him to sit on... which I think is just too cute! Last night I was talking to my mom on Skype, and Jo Lien waved at her. Later when I was working on other things, he came in my room, leaned on my chair and waved at the screen. "Let's see if we can find someone for you to wave at," I whispered, and logged on to Skype again. My grandparents were on, so they got to meet my little brother, who was all too happy to wave and smile at them.
Moi San loves it when we sing praise songs to Jesus (or Zesu) in English or in Chin-Zo. He raises his hands, claps, bounces, and puts his hands over his heart. Jo Lien just jumps around and laughs the whole time. I love that these little ones get so much joy out of praising the Lord!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Eternal February
"February... seemed to be lasting for ever, with its chilly, blustery winds and violent storms. ...but the bad weather led to a certain cosy intimacy among those who were, for whatever reason, fixed in town." - excerpt from Mr. Darcy's Daughters
This was the view from my window all day yesterday. As much as I am tired of the cold weather, the ice, and yes, even the snow, I know this is where I am supposed to be right now. So I keep wearing thick sweaters, drinking hot tea, and keeping my dear Indiana friends close by. I depend on their love and company, and I hang on the hope that this winter will not be forever.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
New Names
"What's your name again?" little Burmese Esther tips her pixie-like face to one side and sweetly smiles. When I tell her that it's Connie, she asks, "Can I call you Miss Connie?" I say that would be fine, if she wants to. She seems to think about it critically for about five seconds, and then she tests her boundaries: "Can I call you Miss C.?" I giggle a little because I don't think I've ever been called that... though some of my ESL students probably would find that less challenging than Miss Chandler. Sure, why not - Miss C. I will be! Esther broke in the new name over the next two hours, asking me a hundred questions, as eight-year-old pixies tend to do. "Miss C., what is he doing?" "Miss C., can I try that?" Miss C. started to sound more like Missy the more comfortable she got with it, and that too was ok with me.
Later I am in my room and I hear Lian teaching English words to Jo-Lien. "Tank yoo." "You welcome." "Goo' job!" "OK!" I am so impressed by her initiative and his parroting skills that I have to go join them. After a few more words, Lian asks me if she could teach Jo-Lien to call me Auntie Kah-Ni (the way they pronounce my name). Oh, I just love that! She can tell I'm pleased with the choice, so she's started calling me Auntie Kah-Ni whenever Jo-Lien is around. I think he's starting to make the connection, and one of these days I hope I get to hear him say it!
I love my new nicknames. They make me feel like I belong, that I am part of their family.
Later I am in my room and I hear Lian teaching English words to Jo-Lien. "Tank yoo." "You welcome." "Goo' job!" "OK!" I am so impressed by her initiative and his parroting skills that I have to go join them. After a few more words, Lian asks me if she could teach Jo-Lien to call me Auntie Kah-Ni (the way they pronounce my name). Oh, I just love that! She can tell I'm pleased with the choice, so she's started calling me Auntie Kah-Ni whenever Jo-Lien is around. I think he's starting to make the connection, and one of these days I hope I get to hear him say it!
I love my new nicknames. They make me feel like I belong, that I am part of their family.
Friday, January 14, 2011
From one Inn to another
Tonight is my last night at the Spoon Drop Inn for a while... Tomorrow morning, Dad and I head north, where my Burmese housemates await me at the Angaying Inn. I'll miss the homecooked meals, my lovely Lothlorien room, and the time I got to spend with my mom and dad and Beau-puppy. But I'm really excited to rejoin the team at I-House and see what God's going to do this year in and through us.
Last night I had a series of three or four dreams... at this point, I can't remember the details of any of them, except that in each one I said, "This wasn't my plan!" and God said, "But it was mine." When I woke up this morning those were the first thoughts in my mind, and I've rewound and replayed them over and over. I don't know what His plans are, but more than anything I want to be a part of them and see them unfold just the way he had in mind.
Last night I had a series of three or four dreams... at this point, I can't remember the details of any of them, except that in each one I said, "This wasn't my plan!" and God said, "But it was mine." When I woke up this morning those were the first thoughts in my mind, and I've rewound and replayed them over and over. I don't know what His plans are, but more than anything I want to be a part of them and see them unfold just the way he had in mind.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Written on my heart
"Oh, you know why you love it here," she replied, with the frankness only a dear, trusted friend could get away with. "There are lots of reasons, and you know their names."
Jo Lien, Michael, Moi Sang, Deborah, Thang Ngaih, Lian, Fatuma, Rahmo, San Nu, Abdis 1, 2, and 3...... The names started to scroll through my mind like credits in a movie. Yes, they are the reasons I love Fort Wayne. They are the blessings God has used this year to show me what love looks like, and to challenge me in my willingness to give and share and serve and receive with humility. Because of them, I understand more about Jesus' heart for all of us who were or are refugees, spiritually, socially, and physically, and what he meant when he said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God."
I went to Fort Wayne thinking that God's purpose for me was to love and minister to those who could not reciprocate, but I think he wanted me to see that the ability to express real love and grace are not limited to financial means, multi-linguistic skills, or social circumstances. I am so thankful for the part I have gotten to play in their lives and in the ministry of International House, but I am overwhelmed by the impact my international friends have had on me. Their lives are a testimony of God's faithfulness, and they are forever written on my heart.
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A few of my favorite things
Yesterday I had one of Wendy's famous happy-thoughts teas (yes, I still have a few left!). It was a Mixed Berry tea, and the happy thought was: "Snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes." Which is awesome, because earlier this week I got to experience the cold, tickling joy of snowflakes actually doing that. It reminded me of a song I've heard before, and that was only the beginning...
Later last evening, Hannah and I went out to buy wrapping paper, and heard the honking of a massive flock of geese flying low overhead... shall we say, "Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings"?
When we got home from the store, Jo Lien presented to me a little brown paper package with a sweet Christmas ornament gift inside.
No crisp apple strudels, but Hannah's family sent us blondies and hot chocolate which we thoroughly enjoyed last night while watching one of our favorite movies, Ever After. What a great day!
Packing up today for a 4-week vacation back home in the South. We leave tomorrow, so please pray for safety on the road and good weather. I'll write again from my little Lothlorien room at home... Until then, simply remember your favorite things!
Later last evening, Hannah and I went out to buy wrapping paper, and heard the honking of a massive flock of geese flying low overhead... shall we say, "Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings"?
When we got home from the store, Jo Lien presented to me a little brown paper package with a sweet Christmas ornament gift inside.
No crisp apple strudels, but Hannah's family sent us blondies and hot chocolate which we thoroughly enjoyed last night while watching one of our favorite movies, Ever After. What a great day!
Packing up today for a 4-week vacation back home in the South. We leave tomorrow, so please pray for safety on the road and good weather. I'll write again from my little Lothlorien room at home... Until then, simply remember your favorite things!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Snow in Indiana
Well yesterday's adventures started when my morning attendant came in my room and said, "It is snowing like crazy out there!" Really? I didn't even know we should expect snow! So I did what any southern girl would do in this situation - I texted my brother and a few of my closest friends, I woke up Hannah, and I posted it on Facebook: "It's snowing!"
Hannah and I got bundled up and went outside and tromped through the little bit of powder that was on the sidewalk, letting snowflakes tickle our noses and eyelashes. We ran to see Jayne, and she came outside with us to get some pictures. Then, since we were really cold, we went back to our house and made hot tea - Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - and split this massive caramel, chocolate and toffee apple that Maelynn made for us. What a breakfast! We realized what G.R.I.T.S. we really are, because we giggled and squealed like little kids all day at our winter wonderland.
What was amazing to me was that life actually went on as normal for most of Fort Wayne. We didn't even cancel youth night! In North Carolina, schools and businesses would have closed and everyone would have made a mad dash to the grocery store for bread and milk and then would have stayed home the rest of the day. Not here! Thang Ngaih and Hau Lun made their official move to their apartment, and Hannah and I even braved the weather to run errands at the church and Walmart... where there was still plenty of bread on the shelves.
It continued to snow all day, and although there wasn't a lot of accumulation is was pretty to watch from the windows. And there's more snow in the forecast for the weekend! We took some pictures that I posted below - hope you enjoy them, especially you southerners! :)
Hannah and I got bundled up and went outside and tromped through the little bit of powder that was on the sidewalk, letting snowflakes tickle our noses and eyelashes. We ran to see Jayne, and she came outside with us to get some pictures. Then, since we were really cold, we went back to our house and made hot tea - Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - and split this massive caramel, chocolate and toffee apple that Maelynn made for us. What a breakfast! We realized what G.R.I.T.S. we really are, because we giggled and squealed like little kids all day at our winter wonderland.
What was amazing to me was that life actually went on as normal for most of Fort Wayne. We didn't even cancel youth night! In North Carolina, schools and businesses would have closed and everyone would have made a mad dash to the grocery store for bread and milk and then would have stayed home the rest of the day. Not here! Thang Ngaih and Hau Lun made their official move to their apartment, and Hannah and I even braved the weather to run errands at the church and Walmart... where there was still plenty of bread on the shelves.
It continued to snow all day, and although there wasn't a lot of accumulation is was pretty to watch from the windows. And there's more snow in the forecast for the weekend! We took some pictures that I posted below - hope you enjoy them, especially you southerners! :)
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| The view of my house from the 711 office. My room is the window to the far right. |
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| Two southern girls enjoying their first northern snow! |
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| My snow art, using powdered snow, asphalt, and my own four wheels. |
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| Back window view of snow. |
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| Front window view of snow. |
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Ginger-Peach Tea and Chestnuts
I had one of those days... those days when all I want to wear is my comfiest sweatsuit and fuzziest socks, and all I have an appetite for is ramen and tea. Jayne's back from her 2-week pilgrimage, so I'm at her house, listening to Pam's iPod shuffle of Christmas music. Yes, Christmas music... being flooded with nostalgia from the many renditions of "Chestnuts," and lulled into peaceful half-consciousness by "O Come, O Come Emmanual." It's so soothing to my anxious spirit.
I think God's been working really hard on soothing my spirit today, now that I think about it... This morning, Prince Michael ran to me and hugged my legs, so I leaned over and kissed the top of his curly head. His sweet affection is so precious to me, but this time after I kissed him, I realized my lips felt slightly greasy and menthol-ated... cool and refreshing... what did his parents put in his hair?? Whatever it was, I patted his cheek and he rewarded me with the sweetest smile that warmed my heart. A little later, the families went out, and my computer wasn't working, so I leaned back and enjoyed the silence with my book. Then in the afternoon it started to rain, which is very relaxing, too. And then tonight was ramen noodle dinner and two cups of hot ginger peach tea while listening to music in a house that smells like pumpkin spice.
It feels like I've been trying to be anxious and worried about things all day, and God keeps kissing me on the top of my head and saying, "Just relax! I'm in control, and I love you enough to take care of all the details. So let go, let me do my thing, and peace, be still!"
Well it's 9:30pm, and the tea, the music, and the assurances of my Father are finally helping me to do just that... And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from 1 to 92: Peace, be still!
I think God's been working really hard on soothing my spirit today, now that I think about it... This morning, Prince Michael ran to me and hugged my legs, so I leaned over and kissed the top of his curly head. His sweet affection is so precious to me, but this time after I kissed him, I realized my lips felt slightly greasy and menthol-ated... cool and refreshing... what did his parents put in his hair?? Whatever it was, I patted his cheek and he rewarded me with the sweetest smile that warmed my heart. A little later, the families went out, and my computer wasn't working, so I leaned back and enjoyed the silence with my book. Then in the afternoon it started to rain, which is very relaxing, too. And then tonight was ramen noodle dinner and two cups of hot ginger peach tea while listening to music in a house that smells like pumpkin spice.
It feels like I've been trying to be anxious and worried about things all day, and God keeps kissing me on the top of my head and saying, "Just relax! I'm in control, and I love you enough to take care of all the details. So let go, let me do my thing, and peace, be still!"
Well it's 9:30pm, and the tea, the music, and the assurances of my Father are finally helping me to do just that... And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from 1 to 92: Peace, be still!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Crochet Club
Lian and Thang Ngaih generously praised my work and then looked over my stitches closely. I know they are both experts - at least much more experienced than I am - in crocheting, so I asked them what they would recommend for a certain part of the project I was struggling with. Thang Ngaih showed me what she would do, and I said, "I did that! But it comes apart!" She laughed her sweet loving laugh and patted my shoulder, "Oh, you, you not strong!" She spoke the truth as kindly as humanly possible. Then she proceeded to rip apart my flimsy seams (with my consent, of course) and then offered to redo it for me. My pride wouldn't let me, so I asked her to show me and then I would do it.
I worked at it for another hour, re-stitching as best as I could and kicking myself for giving myself a project that highlighted my weakness. Couldn't I have thought of an easier way to express my love? Thang Ngaih was gracious enough to let me struggle until I was ready to surrender, and I really struggled. Finally I stopped, my hands shaking, my arms aching. Thang Ngaih gently came over and said, "You want help now?" I nodded, and she took my project from me and sat down.
In half an hour she did twice as much as I did and it looked better than mine. But she smiled and visited with me while she worked and I rested. Little Esther was visiting, and she made little pom-poms and braids with our scraps of yarn. When Thang Ngaih finished, I thanked her, and she sweetly said, "We do together?" meaning the rest of the blanket.
I think she really likes having something to do with me, and it's nice for me to have someone to crochet with too. Maybe I can do the parts that don't require much strength while she does the heavy-duty work. The job will get done faster and more efficiently, and we will have some special times to spend together. I might just called it my "Crochet Club"...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Burmese Cinderella
Today Thang Ngaih made my day. She came down stairs with her hands behind her back, looking sweet as usual. "Oh hello," she said, as though she was surprised to see me. "Are you ok?"
Well, truthfully, I wasn't ok. I'd just had a difficult conversation that ended awkwardly and I was a bit shaken because I hate conflict, no matter how controlled it is. But that was not a really good time to discuss it with Thang Ngaih so I just gave a weak smile and said yes, and started to go to my room.
As I passed her, she said, "I have something for you!" and she followed me into my room. From behind her back, she brought out the most elegant shoes - black velvety material covered in silver sequence. "I bought for you!" she exclaimed with a big smile. My mouth dropped open and I was genuinely speechless. But she continued, "They are from Burma... for you! Want to try?" Still speechless and even more so, with tears welling up, I nodded. Thang Ngaih knelt down and very carefully took off my shoes, and then slipped on these new ones... which - amazingly, for my feet - fit perfectly! My first words of recovery were, "I feel like Cinderella!" And then the thank yous and praises and admiration poured forth.
When I went out to the kitchen, Jo Lien ran by me and stopped in his tracks, pointed at my feet, and with big eyes said, "Ooooo!" They are so soft and comfortable, and so so lovely. They remind me a little bit of Cinderella's slippers in the movie Ever After:
Very elegant! I feel like such a princess - and apparently a Burmese princess at that! Thank you, dear dear Thang Ngaih for such a special and precious gift!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Family Time
It's a beautiful fall day - windy and full of colorful leaves outside, and I'm inside, in my sweater and house slippers, having a cup of tea with a friend. So life is better today, and since I'm done feeling sorry for myself, I wanted to share some sweet pictures with you from my weekend with my mom...
I took Mom down to Jefferson Pointe Saturday night for some window shopping and dinner. Sunday we went to church together and afterward we went grocery shopping and came home and made caramel apples and hot chocolate. Monday I took her to Turnstone, the gym and pool I go to, and then we went to Panara for our old traditional bagel-and-Bible time. Then we took a nap and then helped kids with their homework. It was a simple weekend, quiet and relaxing and full of stories and reading outloud to each other. It was wonderful! Thanks, mom, for coming so far just to be with me! I love you!
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| Mom just couldn't wait to hold baby Deborah, who is now six months old. Don't you just love the bows on her shoes?! |
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| Thang Ngaih asked us to take a family photo for them. I was so impressed that the kids looked at the camera! |
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| I realized that I'm usually the one taking pictures, so I didn't have any of me with the family. So while the kids were still attentive, and the parents were still smiling, Mom got a picture of me with my Angaying Inn family. |
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| And since we were on a role with the family pictures, Hau Lun offered to take one of mom and I... Actually, Thang Ngaih offered and told him to do it. :) |
I took Mom down to Jefferson Pointe Saturday night for some window shopping and dinner. Sunday we went to church together and afterward we went grocery shopping and came home and made caramel apples and hot chocolate. Monday I took her to Turnstone, the gym and pool I go to, and then we went to Panara for our old traditional bagel-and-Bible time. Then we took a nap and then helped kids with their homework. It was a simple weekend, quiet and relaxing and full of stories and reading outloud to each other. It was wonderful! Thanks, mom, for coming so far just to be with me! I love you!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Prince Michael
The families I live with love Disney movies. They will watch one Disney movie over and over again until the video tape is worn out, and then they'll keep watching the parts they can get to play.
Their favorite right now is Sleeping Beauty, which happens to be one of my favorites too. The boys just sit on the coffee table, transfixed by the magic and charm, the color and the music, the danger and humor. And they love Prince Phillip. They want to be Prince Phillip. I don't know what exactly it is about him, but I've known lots of little boys who want to be like him. They have imaginary sword fights, they ride their trusty steeds, they save the day... and they dance.
Yesterday, Michael ran up to me and in his typical adorable way, threw his little arms around my legs and buried his face in my lap. I bent down and kissed the top of his head and returned the hug. Then he took both of my hands in his and started swinging my arms around and humming. I realized he was humming the song, "Once Upon a Dream," from the forest scene in the movie, and that he was trying to dance with me - something very few men have ever attempted with me. So I sang the song in my best Briar Rose voice and Michael giggled and danced with me.
So I've dubbed him my little "Prince Michael," because his is becoming a very good little prince. He is about as charming, heroic, and gentlemanly as an 18-month old can possibly be. And some day he will meet a beauty who he will dream about, dance with, and fight for... and they will live happily ever after...
Their favorite right now is Sleeping Beauty, which happens to be one of my favorites too. The boys just sit on the coffee table, transfixed by the magic and charm, the color and the music, the danger and humor. And they love Prince Phillip. They want to be Prince Phillip. I don't know what exactly it is about him, but I've known lots of little boys who want to be like him. They have imaginary sword fights, they ride their trusty steeds, they save the day... and they dance.
Yesterday, Michael ran up to me and in his typical adorable way, threw his little arms around my legs and buried his face in my lap. I bent down and kissed the top of his head and returned the hug. Then he took both of my hands in his and started swinging my arms around and humming. I realized he was humming the song, "Once Upon a Dream," from the forest scene in the movie, and that he was trying to dance with me - something very few men have ever attempted with me. So I sang the song in my best Briar Rose voice and Michael giggled and danced with me.
So I've dubbed him my little "Prince Michael," because his is becoming a very good little prince. He is about as charming, heroic, and gentlemanly as an 18-month old can possibly be. And some day he will meet a beauty who he will dream about, dance with, and fight for... and they will live happily ever after...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Packages, packages!
This has been my jackpot week for packages! Every day I have been pleasantly surprised by a new box with my name on it beside my porch door.
First came my mom's package of purple pajamas and pumpkin cookies (which the boys just LOVED)... and tea!
Thank you to all of you wonderful people for cheering up my week. It was tons of fun to be surprised and get to open new things made or bought just because you were thinking of me - I feel so loved!
First came my mom's package of purple pajamas and pumpkin cookies (which the boys just LOVED)... and tea!
Then came Zoe's handcrafted quilt and pillow set... the material was a pattern of tea cups and tea pots!
Today the box said "From the Vincent Ladies," and contained homemade cookies, some fun crocheted pieces, chocolate, and a tea mug... filled with tea!
Anyone sensing a pattern here? :) My entire room motif will be ruined if I ever turn to drinking coffee!
Thank you to all of you wonderful people for cheering up my week. It was tons of fun to be surprised and get to open new things made or bought just because you were thinking of me - I feel so loved!
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