I Want to Remember This Christmas, Part Three

Wednesday, December 25

When Silas, wearing yesterday's clothes he'd fallen asleep in, popped into our third-floor bedroom with a cheery, "Merry Christmas!" we were still sound asleep after our all-too-brief night. I made some room on the bed, telling him this year was a little different because we'd gone to sleep so late and our friends were downstairs on the couches. He'd need to be patient, and I encouraged him to lay down with us and get a little more rest. Fortunately it didn't take much for him to doze off deeply. By the time he awoke again, the rest of us were on our feet with presents delivered under the tree and stuffed stockings lined up on the couches in anticipation of his arrival.

With the help of multiple hands, both the chocolate chip oatmeal bake and a yummy new egg bake were set to bake in the oven before we all gathered in the living room. Pedro started our time together by reading the biblical narrative of the birth of Christ. Then the opening of stocking gifts began. I always enjoy sitting back and watching as the curious little items Pedro and I have discovered and collected are unwrapped. It's helpful to have siblings flying down from the States so we can add things not readily available here! This year the black (cherry) "Naughty" and white (peppermint) "Nice" tic tacs were a particular hit. 

And then it was time to gather around the tables in the back room for Christmas brunch where we each took turns saying what we love about Jesus. Somewhat impromptu was a gentle singing of "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with our children and what mesmerized me most was the lack of any goofiness but rather simple recognition that He truly deserves the celebration. This tradition of pausing and sharing food and presence together is special to me.

Eventually we cleaned up and returned to the living room for the distribution of gifts. Our family tradition is three gifts from Mom and Dad to children (in keeping with the three gifts of the Magi.) For our sons, one of those gifts is invariably a Lego set because no matter how old they've grown it seems they truly enjoy not only the gift but the comfortable familiarity of spending Christmas afternoon peacefully putting it together. This year, I thought we might surprise our visiting friends Cata and Ibodne - who are both creative artists in their own ways - with Lego sets, too. They were a hit! Just for fun and to remember, these were the sets this year:

- Owen, LEGO Architecture Paris 

- Ian, LEGO Technic Koenigsegg Jesko (car)

- Alec, LEGO I Am Groot

- Silas, LEGO Technic Garbage Truck

- Cata, LEGO Bird's Nest (and flowers)

- Ibodne, LEGO Creator Rabbit (and flowers)

Through the mail, we'd sent Eva a Lego set in Iowa also. A couple of days later, she texted pictures from her apartment as she listened to an audio book we'd given her on the CD player we bought her, and the cute figure of Dobby (also the name of one of her two cats) came together. Not having Eva with us on Christmas was bittersweet, but we're thankful she could be with Aunt Nina and Uncle Kyle and the cousins, and for video calls with her and our parents to bridge the distance at least a little bit.

Something that was special to Pedro and me this year was observing our older two sharing gifts they purchased on their own for family members. Isabel brought Liberty University-themes items for everyone while Owen outfitted his teenaged brothers with tank tops and pajama pants; added to Isabel's water bottle collection, much to her delight; and made Silas' day with yet another capybara.

Several of us napped on various pieces of furniture during the warm afternoon. Pedro made a yummy turkey soup; Ibodne created a delicious spicy pebre; I fried up mini sopaipillas; and Cata made us cute Christmas-themed fruit and marshmallow shish kabobs. In the evening we watched "The Hundred-Foot Journey" movie in Spanish which as expected, our friends greatly enjoyed with its themes of fine cuisine and international friendship.

I write all this not because it's earth shattering or deeply insightful, but because the sweet, calm fellowship of a simple, restful day spent with family and friends-like-family who love Jesus and one another was my dearest gift this year. I am thankful to God, and that is why I want to remember this Christmas.

I Want to Remember This Christmas, Part Two

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

As usual, Silas was up bright and early on Christmas Eve with his excitement for the holidays brimming over! Our kitchen began bustling with activity from morning to night. First it was baking chocolate chip banana bread for our gifts to neighbors. I guess it's fair to say that I procrastinated this year, and we took a different tact (from making a variety of Christmas cookies) in order to simplify! But on our annual pre-Christmas shopping getaway, Pedro and I found cute snowman-themed boxes made of wood and tin that provided the perfect gift container. Unexpectedly, we discovered that they were brand-new from Kohl's with a price tag of $34.99 USD when we paid only 2500 pesos (approximately $2.50 USD) for each one. That was a fun surprise! When my nine loaves were done, Pedro began his cooking in earnest. Turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrot salad and cucumber salad were all made to perfection. To this feast our friend Solange added her signature pea, onion and parsley salad as well as a beautiful appetizer of palta reina (half an avocado stuffed with chicken salad) on a bed of lettuce. To Pedro's delight, our friend Yilena from Colombia brought homemade arroz con leche which we were too full to eat that night and he got to enjoy for several days afterwards!

Our guests were nine women without close family nearby. Solange with daughter Sofia and her visiting sister and two nieces; Yilena with daughter Valeria; Ibodne and Catalina. We said 8 PM but of course that's not the time we started dinner! So between eating, talking, laughing, afterwards playing games of Sushi Go and Pit while drinking coffee and enjoying sweet snacks, it was 11:45 PM before we knew it. We learned that the visiting 8-year old niece believes in Santa Claus and that her family tradition is to run outside to catch a glimpse of him before midnight, while in the meantime someone puts her gifts under the tree "from Santa." While it's not our tradition, it seemed a kindness to allow since her little family is in the midst of a heartbreaking loss. It was tender to be told "thank you" in her sweet voice for supposedly allowing Santa into my living room! Soon we were exchanging gifts and snapping pictures. Around 12:30 AM, Pedro took all the guests but Ibodne and Catalina home (since they were spending the night on our couches.) By popular vote, it was decided to fulfill our family's tradition of watching "The Nativity" on Christmas Eve before heading to bed. Pedro was exhausted after all day cooking so he retired early. I stepped into the kitchen with Owen observing me to complete another tradition (mixing up oatmeal bake for the next day's breakfast.) Thus it was 3 AM before most heads hit their pillows!   

I Want to Remember This Christmas, Part One

Friday, December 20, 2024

We carried out our family Christmas tradition of exchanging names and finding a $5 mil gift at the feria navideña on the corner of Heroes de la Concepcion and Tadeo Haenke streets. We headed down there around 8:30 PM with our friend Ibodne. Earlier that day, she had given us all her special gift of Christmas sweaters from the fardo she purchased for resale this season. Notwithstanding the heat, Silas was delightfully determined to wear his green "Oh, Snap!" gingerbread sweater out shopping! As usual, parking for blocks nearby was nearly impossible to find so Pedro dropped us off and we joined the throngs of people on foot. It was crazy and chaotic just as it always is - enjoyed by some and dreaded by others - but we divided into groups of twos so that each pair had cell phone communication. My buddy was Silas who had just one thing on his mind for both himself and the name he'd chosen: Capybaras! Needless to say, it was a bit exhausting trying to get him to focus on his task and purpose but we finally achieved his purchase and picked up a new pet bed for Whittaker while we were at it. After delivering Ibodne to FLORECE, at 10:30 PM we ordered a pichanga diente de dragon with mayo ajo for pick up from Lomitos Porky's and in true iquiqueño fashion had a late-night family feast at home.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

At the Iglesia Bautista de Fe, we invited those who wished to share a verse, song, poem, or other "Regalo para Jesús" as our Christmas program this year. It was a truly special time to see and hear expressions of love to our Savior. Ian graciously agreed to play the role of Joseph for the children's special number, and Alec to play guitar/sing with Ibodne. The night before, I sprung on our visiting children Owen and Isabel a request to join their parents in a reader's theater. After some consideration, both agreed and the next day Isabel referred to the experience as a humorous "You know you're a pastor's kid when you're handed a script the night before and asked to read this!"

Monday, December 23, 2024

Pedro and I began the day with an early grocery store run to avoid the Christmas crowd, followed by a court hearing downtown joined by Isabel as we all provided public support to a victimized friend. We then proceeded to park in the packed underground lot of Jumbo to cross the road to the feria navideña for the gift I ran out of time to purchase on Friday. It was suffocatingly hot at midday but with his usual good humor Pedro quickly picked out his own eccentric gift to simplify things and lend me a hand! Next the three of us enjoyed refreshing fruit juices at La Ecuatoriana. Cucumber/celery/pineapple/lemon for the parents and strawberry/banana/milk for the girl!

That evening, we did our family gift exchange reveal. Starting with the oldest giver to the youngest, Pedro presented (me) with a lovely laser-cut Bible verse in the shape of a tree. Then I offered (Pedro) his self-selected gift which was an Asian-influenced triangular straw hat that he said he'd wear at the grill. Isabel gave (Ian) two small colognes and a necklace with the letter "E" for Emma. With a somewhat sheepish grin he announced, "Not gonna lie, I like it!" Next Owen produced his gift for (Alec) which was a really cool Lego-sized (though not branded) silver Darth Vader with accessories. Ian followed by admitting he'd asked (Owen) to choose his own gift, which was a quite unexpected pink baseball hat with a sunflower! Then Alec delighted (Silas) with a stuffed capybara in a green sweatshirt on a keychain. And finally, Silas gifted (Isabel) a large comfy pillow featuring a capybara eating a cookie which will surely remind her of her little brother in the future. The hugs and smiles are always the best part of this simple family tradition, but the icing on top this year was adding what we loved about the person whose name we chose. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't remember all seven but recorded five:

Dad to Mom: Everything she does for our family

Mom to Dad: How he loves and serves in our family in so many ways

Owen to Alec: Really enjoys talking with him

Ian to Owen: How he can fill a room with laughter and humor

Alec to Silas: His "zaniness" and creativity

Ten Days in the Life (of a Missionary Wife)

Sometimes it's difficult to pull up the memory of what happened just a few hours ago, much less last week. 

The purpose of this post is a personal recollection of what life looks like right now. 

It's a bird's-eye view, not intended to be a full and complete recounting but a remembrance for the future.

__________________________________

6/23 SUNDAY: 9:45 AM left home, drove downtown to FLORECE for music practice prior to the Iglesia Bautista de Fe morning service starting at 11:00. Pedro prepped lunch the night before, a delicious roast in the crockpot for our seven guests (five planned, two unplanned.) He added a celery + palmito + palta salad while I made Chilean rice. Robyn contributed potato + beet salad and tomato + onion salad. Pam brought yummy brownies and American ice cream. Yilena brought Valeria, and toddler attention was captured again by the Melissa & Doug wooden ice cream set that came home from furlough! It was an enjoyable afternoon of food and fellowship.

6/24 MONDAY: On the phone until 1 AM with a daughter, so waking up was hard. Computer work in the morning while Elisa did school with Alec. Multiple conversations by WhatsApp. Never-ending to-do list: medical/ministry expense reports, airfare searches, ministry decisions. Health concerns for an adult child. Yummy grilled lunch thanks to Pedro, and a fun time playing "Nab-It" with him and Alec afterwards. Then headed downtown around 4:30 to help Ibodne with printing her mosaic catalog, making a PowerPoint presentation for a supporting church, explaining how to use the voice recorder app. Ate completos from the corner store around 8:30 PM once Alec arrived from boxing.

6/25 TUESDAY: At FLORECE, mostly computer work on the third floor. Excitedly awaiting reports from Eva and Aunt Terri about their visit in Iowa today. Loved Eva's video of her put-together new apartment that she finished organizing at 4 AM! So did her FLORECE "tias." Translated Pastor Andy M's devotionals on John chapter 1 for the first discipleship/Bible study with Y at 4:30. Pedro at home had Bible study in the morning with her brother J. A friend requested a video call to pray for a special need. We had an extended spiritual talk with the opportunity to clearly share the gospel again as we long for her salvation. Busy, full, blessed day.

6/26 WEDNESDAY: Fresh, delicious hummus and toast for breakfast thanks to Pedro. 10 AM we had a video call with Patience on pre-field, then with Melanie. I collected documents and submitted pasavante request online for upcoming Antofagasta trip. WhatsApp chat with someone needing benevolent help. Video call with Mom and Jenn to hear about the facility where Dad will be moved. Aunt Pam and Uncle Jon took Silas out to La Ecuatoriana and brought back jugos naturales. Updated expiration dates for our documents. Heard that Eva had an accident at work, probably concussion. Pedro took boys to soccer, Alec trying out his age group with Cosayach.

6/27 THURSDAY: Read nice FB post from the young family retiring from the house in Flint. Prayer request for God's provision of new renters. Reminisced and at Pedro's thoughtful suggestion, wrote to the friends who rented us our first apartment and had a nice chat. 9 AM headed down to FLORECE, busy day from the outset. Met with client whose infant son needs answer to seizures. We conference called with pastor in Antofagasta willing to reach out to medical specialists there. Pedro received a request for urgent financial help from someone in Santiago after a car accident who was threatened with a weapon if he didn't pay today. I left the lights on in the Toyota FunCargo cambio de volante and had a dead battery. The neighbor with the the new completo business kindly brought the battery from his own car to jump mine. Headed straight to reunion de apoderados at Silas' school. It ran late, so Elykar and I couldn't make it to prayer meeting downtown and had an impromptu, encouraging time of conversation and dinner at Lomitos Porky's instead.

6/28 FRIDAY: Between 4 and 5 AM, a trip to the bathroom revealed the unwelcome news that our water had been cut without warning. First thoughts, guests are scheduled for a lunch of Venezuelan arepas that are to be prepared in my kitchen and that's not going to work without water! Pushed the time back so Lamedas arrived to prepare after 1 PM when water returned. Snapped a fun goodwill picture with Pedro between their two vino tinto soccer jerseys because Venezuela beat Mexico in their Copa America game. Enjoy lunch with Sharps and arepas with pulled beef, grilled chicken, cheese, ham, avocado, black beans, the works. Pam brought chocolate chip bars and American ice cream. Sweet farewell fellowship. Movie night at home with Pedro watching "Ordinary Angels" which was a poignant true story. Nighttime chat with Eva and her bunnies.

6/29 SATURDAY: Why is 8:30 AM considered a good time for youth soccer on a weekend morning? Aunt Pam and Uncle Jon wanted to see one of Silas' games and made the sacrifice to join us. To our surprise, an unknown mom from the other team came over to say hello to Pam and it turns out she'd done her nails on this visit and they'd chatted. A reminder of how simple kindness can create contacts! We drove to the Agro Sur and picked up empanadas from Dese Un Gusto for lunch. Fried cheese, baked mexicana and pollo acelga. Got to talk to Ian at the Ranch and catch up on his week. Played Settlers of Catan. Owen called but I was out the door for ladies' meeting down at FLORECE. Picked up Pam who kindly prepared the devotional in my place this month while I led games. Fifteen ladies plus six kids was a wonderful turnout, including A joining us and FLORECE client L visiting for the first time! Took the van so I could do half a dozen drop offs, always an "adventure" in traffic at night.

6/30 SUNDAY: Music practice before church with Alec and Jon on guitar for the last time this visit. Really sweet spirit and joyful singing today! Domingo Familiar on the book of Isaiah with Ibodne dividing the group into four and attentive interactions. Yesterday's guests joined us again and everyone enjoyed the tiempo de compartir. We picked up menu lunches from Daniel "the cake guy" and while waiting, ate ice cream cones from Marrasquino's overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The joys of living in Iquique. Dropped off lunches to Solange who continues to be very ill. Happy to see glimpses of Owen on his host mom's FB page, funny video of him and his "summer sister" celebrating a corn hole victory. Late afternoon, Eva's first Chilean elementary school teacher stopped by for a visit with queque and brazo de reina as a gift. We shared that and coffee together. What a blessing from God she was all those years ago and we still pray for her family's salvation. Video chatted with Eva while she was here. May God help us keep in touch, witnessing and caring.

7/1 MONDAY: Calmer day. Chatted with young adult child about the unfortunate realities of health insurance. Concerned how to meet her physical needs. Short school day for Silas. Enjoyed Chinese with homemade garlic ginger rice. Treated boys to "Inside Out 2", dropped off Alec to volleyball, drove downtown in search of purple t-shirts for Silas' school anniversary week. Walked a scary block in the dark down Amunategui looking unsuccessfully for purple pom-poms. Received a message from former client K going through struggles and spent a couple of hours in communication. Stayed up late writing our prayer email update and a letter from FLORECE to the hospital in Antofagasta. collecting documentation and emailing to the pastor who's helping us on behalf of a client's baby.

7/2 TUESDAY: Left shortly before 9 AM to pick up Marcela and head downtown, found street parking outside FLORECE, shuffled appointments due to a last-minute volunteer absence, prayer time, clients arrived early. Consistent rhythm of appointments, goodbye visit and gift of individual chocolate-covered lemon pies from La Paulina from Sharps. Between all of us, lots of chuckles and a couple of outtakes, recorded a video for sister center in Arequipa celebrating their anniversary this month. Picked up Y for discipleship Bible study, dropped her off, enjoyed our last meal with Sharps including grilled chicken and pork by Pedro and homemade mac-n-cheese by Aunt Pam. Showed them the first half of "Inside Out." Pedro and I prayed at bedtime for the family of their dear missionary friend who suddenly passed away.

This Weird and Wonderful Life

"Our life is so weird!" The great thing about 27 years married to Pedro, including 15 years in the city of Iquique, is that I can say this to him and know he totally gets it. He gets it, and the fact that I'm not saying it to complain but rather in a combination of awe/exhaustion/humor with which he readily agrees.

This particular statement I made today in light of what our Saturday schedule turned out to be. I came downstairs to the smell of coffee this morning, only to find Pedro missing at 8:30 AM. It took me searching for him in a few different places and pondering where he might be, to remember that he'd agreed to drive a couple from church to the airport. Thus started his day! He stopped at the grocery store on his way home out of the kindness of his heart and the thoughtful desire to make my morning with fresh marraqueta and palta for breakfast.

Silas was the next one up, eager to call his cousin Kai in southern Chile and begin their practice of playing a video game online while talking to one another on WhatsApp in the meantime. He knew his time was limited because despite his lack of enthusiasm, we've committed him to a gently competitive youth soccer league which had a game scheduled at 12:40 today. The tricky thing was, yesterday Pedro received a request from a pastor in Santiago to pick up a woman from his church at the bus terminal in Iquique today at 1 PM. Which meant in order for me to accompany him, we'd need to ask our friends whose son was playing in the same game whether they could take charge of Silas in the meantime.

The plan was to pick Susana up at Iquique's main bus terminal, then drive her to the so-called "Bolivian barrio" to purchase bus tickets for the next leg of her journey into Bolivia. This area is just a few blocks from FLORECE, so we stopped there for a bathroom break and to drop off her bags in the meantime. As God would have it, Catalina who normally is at work on Saturdays happened to arrive for the afternoon. Long story short, what we thought would be the order of events changed for the better and Susana was able to quickly obtain her tickets, have lunch with Catalina, take a shower and rest briefly before continuing her journey at 5 PM.

We in the meantime had a lunch commitment at 3 PM which was to include our three sons and church planting teammates. In anticipation of the departure of Jenn to Canada, our Venezuelan partners had invited us all to try a typical meal of cheese-stuffed cachapas, fried chicharrones and a sweet lemon drink called papelón at a food stand under the semi-permanent tents across from Jumbo. Fortunately, our Venezuelan partners were the same parents who had Silas already, and Jenn kindly brought Ian and Alec along so we could make the appointed time. Lunch was an interesting and enjoyable affair of new tastes and cultures. Anthony and Elykar jokingly informed Pedro that they would  need to find a different pastor after he added spicy pebre to his cachapa (which is like a sweet cornmeal pancake folded over a thick slice of cheese for a nice sweet and salty taste.) They always tease him about messing with their national dishes!

In order to get Susana to the bus, we couldn't linger and returned a little after 4:30 to FLORECE to pick up her and her things. Surprisingly on schedule, three buses from three different companies chugged up calle Esmeralda and opened their doors for passengers. Trying not to draw too much attention since I am an obvious foreigner in that part of town, I took some pictures because the area both fascinates and repels me. Like so much of Iquique where it never rains, it is dirty but bustling with people and humming with informal commerce that is often swept away by Chilean carabineros inspecting (non-existent) permits. What repels me are things like the handwritten sign on the front of a sagging old building - "Hiring girls to work HERE" - and it doesn't take imagination to know what type of job they're offering. Nor is this the only part of town where we see such things.

We hopped in the car once again and drove back to FLORECE, this time to pick up Catalina and drive her across town for her ladies' meeting. By the time we made it home after a quick stop at the grocery store for ice cream, it was getting dark at 6 PM and felt like we had been going all day. Yet it was an enjoyable day insomuch that Pedro and I spent lots of time with one another, albeit mostly waiting or driving in the car. And we served others, together.

Which is why I said, "Our life is so weird!" But I wouldn't want to share this weird and wonderful life with anyone but him.

The Bank & the Beggar

I am not sure when we first noticed the beggar man.

I feel funny calling him that, but those two words describe his condition. He was a man and he was begging. Not, as far as we could tell, from everyone. Specifically from us because as it turns out, he was hungry. Or at least thirsty. Maybe both.

But let me back up to our reason for being there in the first place. ("We" being my missionary colleague Jenn, our Chilean friend and pregnancy center volunteer Catalina, and me.) With baited breath and burgeoning blood pressure, for what felt like the millionth time we'd entered the bank responsible for FLORECE's account to provide what felt like the billionth piece of paperwork. For two years we had been blocked from accessing the account and shuffled from one account manager to another, each less helpful than the one before. We knew for a fact that the current manager had no desire to see us, as she'd expressly directed us to a different floor and set of customer service windows this time.

Though there was a moment where it felt like once again all would be in vain, by God's grace and to His glory we paraded out of there with promised access at last! It felt surreal and worth celebrating! The bank sits on the central plaza of our city, with multiple mom-and-pop places offering cheap breakfast and lunch meal options. A one-price "menu" typically includes both drink and fare, and in this case we opted for scrambled eggs, fresh bread and hot tea. What it lacked in anything resembling fanciness, it made up by being budget friendly! At least for us but not, as we soon learned, for our world-weary friend.

I can't remember if he first requested money, which is typically the case. It's not our practice to give it, however, in light of the rampant abuse of substances in our city. So he asked for our leftover tea. Leftover as in already half drunk, with our germs, but he didn't care. We had no real reason on our end to refuse his request, except there was no disposable cup to give him. "That's okay," he assured us and without further ado, walked over to the nearest public garbage can and withdrew a used paper coffee cup still containing a little liquid. He added our leftover tea to the coffee dregs and gratefully sipped it.

To be honest, it was disgusting. And distressing. And convicting. 

In a nutshell, it was a wordless depiction of the dichotomy we witness almost daily where we serve. We're in close proximity at every stoplight where weary parents peddle candy while dusty children sit dangerously close to the curb, or anxious young men vie for coins to wash our windshield. It's in clear view from our front windows at FLORECE where the two guys across the street shake out dirty sleeping bags on the sidewalk once more, stagger by hung over, or do their drugs in plain sight on a Sunday morning. It's at our elbows in situations like this one where we're comfortably spending our money and filling our bellies only to turn around and gaze into a hungry man's eyes.

We are rejoicing in answered prayers and God's provision. They are barely surviving on society's leftovers and lukewarm mercy. Many are reaping consequences of personal choices. We're conscious of unmerited grace. We're frustrated by unfair bureaucracy but fully financed when we need it. They're wondering about their next meal and safe shelter. We question our responsibility in the face of it all.

"The Bank & the Beggar" isn't my greatest blog title. But it reminds me of that day and those feelings and my need to constantly seek God's wisdom, compassion and plan. Whether in moments of celebration with friends or sudden, uncomfortable exchanges with strangers. WWJD ... What Would Jesus Do? That's the most important question I need to answer, and obey.

Happy 19th Birthday, Owen

Dear Owen,

Celebrating my children's birthdays from a continent away is something I never want to get used to. I'm writing this letter several months removed from the actual date but still very thankful that although we couldn't be with you, many friends made your day special with their greetings and presence. 

This was your first birthday away from home as you attended your freshman year of college. My best-laid plans may have backfired when you didn't pick up your giant birthday cookie from the campus store until AFTER the weekend, and I never did hear if it was stale or not, but here's hoping it's true that "it's the thought that counts!"

You made it easy for us as far as gifts go, since primarily your desire was some money to eat out and enjoy non-cafeteria food off campus. (Whoever said the way to a man's heart was through his stomach, was definitely thinking of you!) And I'm glad you liked the bright hoodie I picked out, because it makes me smile every time I see a picture of you wearing it.

Something else that made me smile this birthday was seeing your friends' birthday wishes to you on different apps. I countered the melancholy of not knowing half of your new friends with the gratitude that you have so many!

Owen, all your life you have been surrounded by people who love you and enjoy you. It's in part because you, too, enjoy and love people. You are interested in people's stories and make people feel comfortable. You bring lots of laughter wherever you are. This gift of relating to others, God has given you with a purpose. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) He has a plan for your life now and in the future to glorify Him, and it is my prayer that you will make it your aim to discover His will. That you will set aside predetermined thoughts and potential insecurities and pursue whatever He shows you. I don't know what that is any more than you do right now, but I know that He will make it clear step by step if you ask Him.

Happy 19th Birthday, Owen! Dad and I love you so much, and we look forward to every conversation with you. We're proud of your work ethic and happy for the fun you've had this summer. We're grateful for life lessons learned along the way. We are praying for success, spiritually and academically and relationally, in this next season of your life in a new school. And we're already looking forward to Christmas when we can see you again!

All my love,

Mom

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Previous birthday posts:

18th Birthday - Owen

17th Birthday - Owen

16th Birthday - Owen
15th Birthday - Owen
14th Birthday - Owen
13th Birthday - Owen
12th Birthday - Owen
11th Birthday - Owen
10th Birthday - Owen
9th Birthday - Owen
8th Birthday - Owen
7th Birthday - Owen
6th Birthday - Owen
5th Birthday - Owen
4th Birthday - Owen
3rd Birthday - Owen
2nd Birthday - Owen

Sweet Sixteen for Alec

Dear Alec, 

You were the fourth of the five "middles" (cousins) to reach this milestone 16th birthday! How time has truly flown by. We celebrated your birthday in the midst of a busy season: getting braces; hosting the Bills' family on their survey trip; celebrating other birthdays in good company like Tia Ibodne three days before you (with lunch at the Viejo Iquiqueño) and Dad one day after you (enjoying a guys' paintball battle!)

Your choice for birthday lunch was Monte Everest. Nice, soft Indian food for the new braces and the potential of a little heat on the tongue. Afterwards we found a bright yellow wall for some fantastic photos! I especially loved this one of you and Ian together. The boxing shirt you were wearing was a birthday gift you seemed to appreciate. At home, we all enjoyed strawberry birthday cake.

Something that I love about you, Alec, is that you value the traditions of family and the comfort of home. I realize that often we try to push you out of that comfort zone for your own growth and so others can enjoy you, too. But as a mom, I am also happy to know you like to be within our four walls and in our company! I know that soon this will change, especially if you go to the States for your senior year as you wish.

As usual, I am writing this post quite some time after your birthday so I am going to highlight something that delighted me in this sixteenth year of your life. Your decision to travel to Ecuador as a translator for TACTICA and then to visit with Tia Ibodne's family led to an amazing experience that I know you'll never forget. I am thrilled you took the plunge and so grateful for our missionary and ministry partners who played a big part in making it happen for you.

Alec, some kids may make the teenage years look easy, but the truth is that they are downright confusing and often hard. I'm thankful you are putting in the work this year to figure out yourself and life in general with the help of someone you can trust. There have been some some rollercoaster moments for sure. But I promise that if you seek first God's kingdom and endeavor to follow His ways, He will direct you and never leave you.

Never give up! Keep pursuing Christ. You're an avid reader - read His Word. Listen to His voice. Trust His love.

Happy 16th Birthday, Alec Stephen! Always remember how much Dad and I love you, too. 

All my love,

Mom

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Previous birthday posts:

15th Birthday - Alec

14th Birthday - Alec

13th Birthday - Alec

12th Birthday - Alec

11th Birthday - Alec

10th Birthday - Alec

9th Birthday - Alec

8th Birthday - Alec

7th Birthday - Alec

6th Birthday - Alec

5th Birthday - Alec

4th Birthday - Alec

3rd Birthday - Alec

2nd Birthday - Alec

1st Birthday - Alec

The Day the Census Came (Back) to Town

We don't have local TV or cable, depending instead on online articles and news sources to stay informed of the goings on around us. Some times we do better than others at being "plugged in!" I personally had no clue that Chile was once again doing a census until just a few days before a pleasant, college-aged censista named Francisca appeared at our gate. Unlike the previous census in 2017, we were not mandated to stay home until interviewed this time. So I had gone to the grocery store with a visiting friend and Pedro was initially the lucky interviewee. He gladly handed the task over to me, however, as I returned at the moment she was getting to the myriad questions about his spouse and children! This census differed from the previous one in that it took place standing outside our home, and all questions and answers were recorded using the interviewer's cell phone rather than written down with pencil and paper.

As before, we answered questions including our name, age, level of education and the gender with which we "identified." We were asked where we lived at this time in the year 2019, and where we lived at the time of our birth. Did we identify as Afro-Chilean or Black, among a few other qualifiers? Did we consider ourselves ethnically as members of any original people groups in Chile, or speak one of their languages? What was our religion? What was our job? What did we do in our job in the past week? Did our children do any paid work? Any unpaid work? (Here I jokingly said my son had washed the dishes, and did that count?? Francisca the censista smiled and assured me all children should do the same!)

Even after all these years, it never fails to stun me how much personal  information we are required to regularly provide in Chile. I was explaining this recently to our visiting friend, how in the States we're taught to keep our Social Security numbers absolutely secret and share them with almost no one. Here, every individual receives a drivers' license-sized personal identification card with our name, birth date, birth place, signature, fingerprint, profession, and personal identification number. We say that personal ID number out loud at every doctor's visit, grocery store purchase, etc. etc. etc. We make photocopies of it for our kids' schools and soccer clubs. When we sign a rent contract or get a document notarized, we provide our thumb print and signature.

And, of course - as the entire purpose of this post proves - we tell our life stories to perfect strangers for census purposes every few years.

Finally, when a census is completed our dwelling is marked with the official sticker to identify us as having completed our civic duty. Additionally, we have avoided any fines for refusing to do so. (Interestingly, these are reported as being between the equivalent of $11 USD and $525 USD, with the latter reserved for those who refuse twice.)

Truthfully, it was not an unpleasant experience and we always feel for these young people who are just doing their jobs and undoubtedly must run into their fair share of grumpy respondents. We try not to be "those people." It's likely our family with its makeup - including four different countries of birth - was one of the more unique visits for Francisca! (She did say she'd interviewed one other set of misioneros but that they were Mormon.)

Going back to the Chilean Census of 2024 ... I can't help but smile at the thought that much like our house is now identified with its completion because of the sticker on our gate, we as born-again believers have a significant seal of MUCH greater importance which is the Holy Spirit living in us and proclaiming to God that we are saved for eternity through the sacrifice of Christ. 

The answer to all the questions about our identity and purpose is now Jesus. And that is what we are here in Chile to share. May God help us to be greatly used of Him!

Knock, Knock. Who's There?

A humorous memory from our furlough travels involves Silas reading seemingly endless knock-knock jokes to the rest of us in the family vehicle. It was one way to pass many hours of time spent on US highways and byways! Hence the title of this post.

My real purpose in writing, however, is to simply satisfy my curiosity about who might still be visiting this little corner of the "blogosphere." Would you mind leaving a message to say hello? If you've never done so before, it's just a matter of clicking the comment link in the gray box at the bottom of this post  (next to the time stamp.) You'll reach a comment box where you can choose to write under your Google account or anonymously. If you choose the latter, maybe you can provide a clue?

At any rate, thank you for stopping by. While my primary purpose in writing is to preserve memories, I do hope to provide a measure of encouragement in the process. 

(P.S. Comments may not be visible immediately, as they are first sent to my inbox.)

Interconnected Encouragement from God's Word

God's Word (the Bible) is unlike any other book in the entire world. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the best selling book of all time with approximately 80 million copies printed per year and between 5 and 7 BILLION copies produced in the last 1,500 years. Much more importantly, however, it is a "living and active" book that transforms those who read it with a tender heart.

Despite being an avid reader from a young age, I've spent infinitely more hours in works of fiction than on the pages of Scripture. I admit this with regret. For most of my life I've carried the dueling twins of desire and despair as pertains to my faithfulness - or lack thereof - in reading the Bible consistently. My struggle certainly was not from absence of example, as every morning of my childhood and adolescence I descended the stairs to find my mom in her rocking chair with coffee and Bible in hand. I saw my dad do likewise (minus the coffee!) I am so grateful for the gift of witnessing godly commitment at home daily. As I strive for faithfulness in Bible reading today, it's why I've moved from bedroom to living room in hopes of providing similar visible encouragement to our own kids.

Somewhere along the way, God was gracious to help me understand that His Word is a loving letter from Father to daughter rather than a tedious "To-Do" on my list. I sometimes still struggle with feeling guilty if I miss a day's reading or tempted to pat my own back when I don't. I am convinced that the Enemy of our souls knows what healing medicine and infusion of strength and joy results from our time in Scripture, so he never stops trying to keep us from it. I've come to terms that this will be a lifelong struggle for me and it is only if I quit that he has won. The battle is just confirmation that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in my heart. Praise God!

Lately I have been especially encouraged by the interconnectedness of God's Word and how this affirms His eternal power and plan. Only as God has enabled me in recent years to completely both read and listen to the entire Bible multiple times, has this become more evident. People and places and incidents in the Old Testament point to His promises and their fulfillment in the New Testament. Amidst human drama and within our written history, God has planted clues to His character. They may be found in celebrations or in consequences; in laws or in lavish grace. What a mighty yet personal, fiercesome yet faithful Father we serve! I pray He helps me to continue to know Him more each day.

Toggling Thoughts of Today

I have been sitting at my laptop for some time, toggling between multiple screens.

On one, I keep open a WORD document containing the annual report requested by a supporting church. I am answering this question: Please share with us what a day in your life as a missionary in your field consists of. (Examples: a general schedule/devotions/discipleship/evangelism/relationships/church life, etc.)

On another, I am reading and responding to WhatsApp messages, most importantly from my sisters. We are connected by mutual concern, two of us currently in Chile and one stateside with our parents at this time.

A third tab is opened to a college son's email account (with his knowledge) as the hours tick by on this last day of possible notification about a college scholarship.

Yet a fourth tab I open and close, wanting/not wanting to see the words I wrote on Facebook and any responses to them: My parents raised three daughters on the mission field, and released three daughters back to that same field. The past three years, we have sought to stagger our "furloughs" (stateside reporting ministry) to provide more presence with our parents Jim and Gail A. Christian during a time when our dad's health has been failing due to Parkinson's. First Jennifer was there during what we now know was his last year of independent living; then I had the privilege of being present to assist with his transition to Healthcare. Finally, Terri recently returned to the US and was there when Dad was evaluated today for hospice care due to increasing declines in his health. We certainly appreciate prayer during this new season for our family. ❤ (photo dated 2016)

Meanwhile a calendar and stack of notebooks beckon for my attention. Multiple lists with unchecked boxes nudge my elbow as I type. In the past two hours, I've rejoiced that our college daughter arrived safely after 5+ hours of solo driving to be with her grandfather briefly this weekend. I've reached out to a possible accountant to help FLORECE with annual budgeting and reports the Chilean government requires. I've exchanged messages with a fumigation service; opened the door to receive the delivery of six 20-liter water bottles (indispensable when you live in the desert); typed up financial numbers for a hopeful ministry expansion project; and confirmed that a dear colleague is returning as scheduled on Sunday. I've been grateful for the cooling hum of a fan in our quiet house and for my husband taking two sons out for an hour of refreshment and play at the nearby ocean, while another son busses to and from his tri-weekly boxing class.

Today, that's what a fraction of a day in my life looks like. It's not that I've accomplished much. Most of those messages have just set in motion or moved along what will take many more points of contact to complete. Always, I feel at loose ends. So much TO do; so much NOT done. My heart divided: in Iowa, Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and here in Iquique. Especially, now, in PA with my parents.

Hebrews 4:14-16 says, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Lately I have reflected on Jesus leaving His home in Heaven, coming to be human born and spend thirty-three years on earth separated from His Father. Then to live among and love His human family and cherished friends (disciples) only to be excruciatingly separated from them as well. How did He minister with an undivided heart and focus in this world? He is able to "sympathize with our weaknesses." Yet He never sinned as I do (praise God for His perfection!) How grateful I am for God's throne of mercy and grace and help in my time of need. 

Celebrating 23 Years with Eva Grace

Dear Eva,

I am writing your 23rd birthday letter some five months past the date, but I write it with as much love today as ever. I wanted to record what we were sharing with each other around the actual date, when I was in Arequipa, Peru meeting llamas and you were wrangling baby goats in Iowa. You sent me this picture with one of them!

One of your love languages has always been gifts, and I had lots of fun looking for some unique items on Amazon that you could open on your special day. It turns out there's quite a variety when it comes to farm items, and fortunately you seemed to enjoy the gardening sun sleeves; fuzzy tractor socks; "bee" kind t-shirt; and mini farm girl with her tractor that you received!

In the months since now and then, some very big things have happened in your life. First, your solo flight(s) between Iowa and Pennsylvania to visit Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. This was something you thought you could "never" do alone, but with God's help learned that you could! Then, moving into your first independent home because of God's provision of full-time employment at the Orchard. It's been such a delight to see your rented apartment take shape and become your own as you decorated it and hosted your first guests, including the Fishers on their epic trip out west!

There have been complicated challenges also. Most recently, your head injury and resultant concussion symptoms which have made fulfilling your daily tasks discouraging and difficult. Prior to that, car troubles with their accompanying financial strain. Adult trials with adult sacrifices required. As parents, it's not easy to watch from afar but from afar we have been filled with gratitude for how you've leaned on the Lord and learned to trust Him.

We love you, Eva, and pray that you'll continue to find fulfillment and joy in exercising the gifts God has given you. We pray you'll continually pause, pray, and pursue His will in each area of your life. We can assure you from experience that His plan is perfect, surprising, satisfying and significant if you allow Him to lead. Happy 23rd Birthday, to our dear  and beloved daughter!

All my love,

Mom

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Birthday Posts by Year:

22nd Birthday - Eva

21st Birthday - Eva

20th Birthday - Eva

19th Birthday - Eva  
18th Birthday - Eva
17th Birthday - Eva
16th Birthday - Eva
15th Birthday - Eva
14th Birthday - Eva
13th Birthday - Eva
12th Birthday - Eva
11th Birthday - Eva

10th Birthday - Eva

9th Birthday - Eva

8th Birthday - Eva

7th Birthday - Eva

6th Birthday - Eva

Ian's 16th Birthday

To my sweet son Ian,

Where do I begin? Today is your 16th birthday. It is so hard to believe that the baby boy in my arms in this picture is now several inches taller than me! This picture was taken on our very first trip to meet you in Haiti when you were 9 months old. I am so grateful for those memories and moments shared (although to this day I feel sadness that many months of separation followed.) I thank God that He brought you home and for all the years we’ve now had together as a family!

On your 16th birthday, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the energetic, happy-go-lucky, boundless energy boy you were as a little guy. I want you to know that your unique lens of viewing life and telling us about it in childhood taught us creativity and curiosity and good humor (and sometimes patience, hehe!) What a blessing it has been to walk through all these stages of life with you. 

But wow! What a sweet season it is now to see you becoming a young man right before our eyes. I admire that you are a young man of kindness, and I love that I had the opportunity to witness that in you from a very young age. I can still picture toddler Ian in Haiti, concerned for other babies who cried and trying to soothe them. Through the years, I’ve seen that kindness and sensitivity displayed towards others who were hurting, whether siblings or people God placed in your path. It is a character quality that reminds me of Jesus. I pray you will always seek to be like Him in this way.

Ian, you’re also a peacemaker. I appreciate this so much about you. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You do this well. While it’s true that there are times in life when confrontation becomes necessary, it can still be done in love with unity as the goal. You bring people together and create connections. This blesses you + others!

You are also a helper, usually without complaint. You can be depended upon to do a task when asked, and to do it well. These are admirable qualities in a young man and honor the Lord.

Ian, I am excited to see the plans God has for your life as you continue getting to know Jesus and learn to love His Word. There is no better path than the one He leads us on! Keep seeking Him first. ❤

I love you, my son! Happy 16th Birthday!

Love, Mom

P.S. For your birthday this year, I compiled letters from people in your life who love you and wanted to cheer you on. You gave me a big hug and said it was really meaningful, even admitting to getting "teared up" over some of them. You made my heart smile.

Birthday Posts by Year:

Ian's 15th birthday post

Ian's 14th birthday post

Ian's 13th birthday post

Ian's 12th birthday post

Ian's 11th birthday post

Ian's 10th birthday post

Ian's 9th birthday post

Ian's 8th birthday post

Ian's 7th birthday post

Ian's 6th birthday post

Ian's 5th birthday post

Ian's 4th birthday post

Ian's 3rd birthday post

Ian's 2nd birthday post

Ian's 1st birthday post

8th Birthday for Silas

 

Dear Silas,

Aunt Terri's banana cake. That was all that was on your mind as we returned to Chile after fifteen months of stateside ministry with your birthday just a a few weeks away. The fact that (due to travel) Aunt Terri wasn't available on your birthday didn't deter you - it just extended your celebration by an extra day!

On Saturday, October 28, 2023 you turned 8 years old. Of course the morning had to begin as all birthday mornings in our house are supposed to. You happily enjoyed baked oatmeal with chocolate chips, and made SURE it was served on the birthday plate. You utterly delight in all the birthday trappings and traditions! The latter of these usually includes a new Lego set for your collection, and we have "Aunt" Nikki to thank for the favor of bringing this particular one all the way from the United States to a conference in Lima, Peru. There we transferred it to our suitcase and somehow managed to return to Chile while still keeping it a surprise!

The afternoon of your birthday was spent bowling with Daddy, your big brothers and Fisher boy cousins. I think everyone had fun! We don't go bowling often enough for anyone (other than Dad, maybe!) to be a superstar at the lanes, but the novelty and challenge are always a treat.

Finally, you celebrated with your longed-for banana cake on Sunday after church with the Fisher family, Aunt Noni, Tia Ibodne and Tia Luisa. Our Iquiqueño back in the land of his birth! We are so thankful for you, Silas, and all the joy and laughter you bring to our family. It is a blessing to see life through your eyes and enthusiasm.

Happy 8th Birthday, Silas Eben Garcia Garcia! (No, that's not a typo but your amusing legal name in Chile.) The greatest gift you have ever received is Jesus Christ as your Savior. Your love for Him and His Word is what will make you a great man someday, and a caring friend today. God loves you even more than we do! And we love you very, VERY much!

Love,

Mommy

Birthday Posts by Year:

Silas' 7th Birthday Post

Silas' 6th Birthday Post
Silas' 5th Birthday Post
Silas' 4th Birthday Post
Silas' 3rd Birthday Post
Silas' 2nd Birthday Post
Silas' 1st Birthday Post