One thing I LOVE in Costa Rica is that Halloween does not exist here. Or, it seems that it doesn't exist here. I just had to mention this because if you know me, then you probably know of my dislike for the holiday and its satanic origins. It has been really nice to not feel like I have to hide in the house from the goblins, ghouls, blood and other things that are scary and inappropriate for my children. It's such a HUGE deal in America, but not here. I have to say that this is one cultural change that I am praising God for! :)
Since I'm talking about cultural differences, I wanted to mention that a major difference is that walkers DO NOT have the right of way here. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but it's a huge change in my thinking. After almost getting run over 1/2 a dozen times (and the kids, too), I finally figured out that cars HAVE the right of way. They are not wrong for almost hitting us, we just need to change our thinking and get out of the road. It's not as easy as you might think. We are so ingrained in the States that the cars will slow down, move over or stop. Not here. That responsibility is up to us. I have to teach the kids new rules about crossing the street. I can honestly say this "right of way" thing has been the hardest cultural change for me. Go figure!
Who would've thought?
For some reason my spell check is still broken. Sorry about that!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Not eternal
I got Monday's test back on Complimento Direct - hard stuff! It's sad when you think you grasp a concept and then the test shows you really don't. I made a 73 and I honestly thought I might have made an A. How can I fool myself like that? A 73 is almost a D and was the lowest score in the class! OUCH!!! I made the same mistake 6 different times. I won't be making that mistake again. Anyway, my eyes welled up with tears and then my friend Keeley whispered from across the room "this is not eternal." Boy, did I need to hear that.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Pham Kids
The Pham Kids:
Avery is a cutie. Fun dresses, pig-tales and Ezra are her favorite things. She smiles at all the right times and says "Porfa" like a true tica. She likes to bite and hit and scream; three traits I prayed she would have. :) But that smile.....ugh...it just melts our hearts.
Parker is incredibly handsome. His hair sweeps over his eyes and I just stare at him thinking that all of the girls in his 2nd grade classs must think he's gorgeous. And how do they stop themselves from having a crush on this hunky 7 year old? He still sucks his thumb (I hear the screeching tires in your head) and although it is annoying at times, it really makes him seem like a baby. Especially when he crawls up on my lap in our rocking chair for me to rock him. Did I mention he's 7? And so kind-hearted! He has never said a negative word about anyone. Never! He loves science, history and math. And just like his daddy, he retains everything he learns - must be nice. :)
Jaxson is the goofiest kid I know. He's fun and lively and definitely a charmer. He is speaking the most Spanish of any of our children. Today he told the empleada that her food was "que rico" meaning "how delicious." Every day when he comes in from school he picks her a flower and gives it to her. EVERYDAY!!! And he likes to wear camoflauge pants that are too short for his legs with his cowboy boots that are 3 sizes to big....TO SCHOOL! No one has mentioned his wardrobe choices yet because I'm sure their too busy staring at his goofy haircut. But he is preciously goofy! The other day when I was feeling sick to my stomache, he said "Mommy, please don't cry because then I'll cry."
And Ally! Thoughtful, sweet, merciful, tender and motivated. If you give her ANY task she will stick with it until she has it. She taught herself how to do cartwheels from a computer video. She is our serious child. She often cries when I joke. She told me that she doesn't really think I'm funny and she'd prefer if I stopped kidding around all of the time! :) She is pensive and a great communicator. Sometimes she will get in trouble for things and she will say, "But I'm still a little girl. I'm just learning." Melt my heart! Today she combed her own hair for school while I was blow drying mine. I went to school with silky shiny hair and when we arrived we realized Ally's hair looked like a rat's nest - literally. I was hoping people wouldn't think that her hair was so messy because I spent so much time on mine. But she was very proud of the job she did and so were we. If you have a prayer request, Ally is our child that will be happy to pray for you.
That's our family....Parker(7), Ally(5), Jaxson (4-Nov.10), Avery 1.5 years
Avery is a cutie. Fun dresses, pig-tales and Ezra are her favorite things. She smiles at all the right times and says "Porfa" like a true tica. She likes to bite and hit and scream; three traits I prayed she would have. :) But that smile.....ugh...it just melts our hearts.
Parker is incredibly handsome. His hair sweeps over his eyes and I just stare at him thinking that all of the girls in his 2nd grade classs must think he's gorgeous. And how do they stop themselves from having a crush on this hunky 7 year old? He still sucks his thumb (I hear the screeching tires in your head) and although it is annoying at times, it really makes him seem like a baby. Especially when he crawls up on my lap in our rocking chair for me to rock him. Did I mention he's 7? And so kind-hearted! He has never said a negative word about anyone. Never! He loves science, history and math. And just like his daddy, he retains everything he learns - must be nice. :)
Jaxson is the goofiest kid I know. He's fun and lively and definitely a charmer. He is speaking the most Spanish of any of our children. Today he told the empleada that her food was "que rico" meaning "how delicious." Every day when he comes in from school he picks her a flower and gives it to her. EVERYDAY!!! And he likes to wear camoflauge pants that are too short for his legs with his cowboy boots that are 3 sizes to big....TO SCHOOL! No one has mentioned his wardrobe choices yet because I'm sure their too busy staring at his goofy haircut. But he is preciously goofy! The other day when I was feeling sick to my stomache, he said "Mommy, please don't cry because then I'll cry."
And Ally! Thoughtful, sweet, merciful, tender and motivated. If you give her ANY task she will stick with it until she has it. She taught herself how to do cartwheels from a computer video. She is our serious child. She often cries when I joke. She told me that she doesn't really think I'm funny and she'd prefer if I stopped kidding around all of the time! :) She is pensive and a great communicator. Sometimes she will get in trouble for things and she will say, "But I'm still a little girl. I'm just learning." Melt my heart! Today she combed her own hair for school while I was blow drying mine. I went to school with silky shiny hair and when we arrived we realized Ally's hair looked like a rat's nest - literally. I was hoping people wouldn't think that her hair was so messy because I spent so much time on mine. But she was very proud of the job she did and so were we. If you have a prayer request, Ally is our child that will be happy to pray for you.
That's our family....Parker(7), Ally(5), Jaxson (4-Nov.10), Avery 1.5 years
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bad Spanish = God WILL use it
Sometimes it feels that all that matters is memorizing verbs and taking tests. But then God reminds me that Spanish is about Him. Today, at therapy, I could tell my therapist was not her cheerful self. I mentioned that she seemed very serious today. Our conversations are usually filled with giggles and laughter. She expressed that she was just thinking and had a lot on her mind. I told her that I am her friend and she can talk with me. She came closer and told me she had a biopsy done on Saturday and was expecting a call from the doctor because he thinks she may have something seriously wrong.
At first, I just apologized, but then God tapped me gently and reminded me to speak of His love to her. In my best Spanish ever, yeh right, I shared with her this: "God loves you very much. He has great plans for your life and your life is in His hands." Before I even finished, she was crying. She leaned forward and embraced me in a long, tender hug. Her voice expressed thankfulness for the reminder that God cares for her and her situation.
How many people just need to be reminded that God has not forsaken them and that He has something special in store for their lives, even in times of hardships? Usually, I brush them off with an "I'm sorry" or "I'll pray for you," but I think it is in these situations that God can use ALL of us to point people to Him.
Even though I daily use the wrong words, sound exceptionally "gringo" and confuse my Spanish grammar, and I'm seriously mediocre with the "rules"; what is most important is that I am available and can communicate enough to Speak of what really matters - Him!! And He will make sure that His purposes are understood. :)
I share all this because it is a HUGE comfort to realize it's not about me or my broken Spanish. :) I also want to encourage you that God can use you, too, right where you are? Just pray for an opportunity and seize it when it comes. And trust me, it will come and God WILL use you.
P.S. If you would please pray for my friend, Rosa, that would mean a lot to me. Please pray that God will draw her to Him. Please pray my mouth would freely speak about Jesus to her. Please pray that she will be healthy.
At first, I just apologized, but then God tapped me gently and reminded me to speak of His love to her. In my best Spanish ever, yeh right, I shared with her this: "God loves you very much. He has great plans for your life and your life is in His hands." Before I even finished, she was crying. She leaned forward and embraced me in a long, tender hug. Her voice expressed thankfulness for the reminder that God cares for her and her situation.
How many people just need to be reminded that God has not forsaken them and that He has something special in store for their lives, even in times of hardships? Usually, I brush them off with an "I'm sorry" or "I'll pray for you," but I think it is in these situations that God can use ALL of us to point people to Him.
Even though I daily use the wrong words, sound exceptionally "gringo" and confuse my Spanish grammar, and I'm seriously mediocre with the "rules"; what is most important is that I am available and can communicate enough to Speak of what really matters - Him!! And He will make sure that His purposes are understood. :)
I share all this because it is a HUGE comfort to realize it's not about me or my broken Spanish. :) I also want to encourage you that God can use you, too, right where you are? Just pray for an opportunity and seize it when it comes. And trust me, it will come and God WILL use you.
P.S. If you would please pray for my friend, Rosa, that would mean a lot to me. Please pray that God will draw her to Him. Please pray my mouth would freely speak about Jesus to her. Please pray that she will be healthy.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Bible Storying
John is doing much better, thank you! He has finally come back to life. He thanks you ALL for your concern and prayers. At one point he told me he thought he had encaphalytis. :) Obviously, he didn't, but that lets you know how sick he was.
I spent Friday night and Saturday morning at an IMB training conference. We were learning, or re-learning, how to "story" the Bible to illiterate people groups. It is a different, but highly effective (at least we are told), way to reach people who cannot read and have not heard the truth of the Bible. We "orally" story the Bible from creation to Genesis. This can take days, weeks or months depending on the approach that is used. The end goal is so that new-testament house churches will be planted with Believers who desire to obey Christ in all areas and then go out to reach other people. The two days reminded me why we are learning Spanish and what the end goal is. Espanol is just a means to the end. God has ignited a fire in our hearts to share Christ with the people of the world. We think that storying is a unique way in which we can do this.
I was also reminded to start "sharing" NOW! Don't wait until we get to Peru! I was thinking that there will always be a reason to wait - language study, sickness, homeschooling, etc....But now is the time. Please pray for us! Please pray that God will bring a multitude of opportunities our way to speak and share of Christ. Please pray we will recognize these opportunities and that we will seize them.
I spent Friday night and Saturday morning at an IMB training conference. We were learning, or re-learning, how to "story" the Bible to illiterate people groups. It is a different, but highly effective (at least we are told), way to reach people who cannot read and have not heard the truth of the Bible. We "orally" story the Bible from creation to Genesis. This can take days, weeks or months depending on the approach that is used. The end goal is so that new-testament house churches will be planted with Believers who desire to obey Christ in all areas and then go out to reach other people. The two days reminded me why we are learning Spanish and what the end goal is. Espanol is just a means to the end. God has ignited a fire in our hearts to share Christ with the people of the world. We think that storying is a unique way in which we can do this.
I was also reminded to start "sharing" NOW! Don't wait until we get to Peru! I was thinking that there will always be a reason to wait - language study, sickness, homeschooling, etc....But now is the time. Please pray for us! Please pray that God will bring a multitude of opportunities our way to speak and share of Christ. Please pray we will recognize these opportunities and that we will seize them.
Friday, October 26, 2007
John
I know my blog hasn't been super creative and fun lately. It just takes time and I'm happy to just get an update on the page so you all can stay connected to us. :)
Well....scratch Wednesday's message that we are ALL healthy. My sweet honey is the sickest I have ever seen him. In fact, he is laying next to me moaning in his sleep. High fever. Massive headache. Nauseous. Nothing is taking it away - not even a shot in the rump from the pharmacist. Please pray for him to recover. The pain is almost more than he can bare. I can't imagine how terrible he feels. Well, I can because I've had 4 kids and passed a few kidney stones, but I digress. We had more IMB training tonight and will have it half a day tomorrow as well. So at least he gets to stay home and sleep. Praise God! I hope he sleeps in peace tonight.
Spell check = broken
Well....scratch Wednesday's message that we are ALL healthy. My sweet honey is the sickest I have ever seen him. In fact, he is laying next to me moaning in his sleep. High fever. Massive headache. Nauseous. Nothing is taking it away - not even a shot in the rump from the pharmacist. Please pray for him to recover. The pain is almost more than he can bare. I can't imagine how terrible he feels. Well, I can because I've had 4 kids and passed a few kidney stones, but I digress. We had more IMB training tonight and will have it half a day tomorrow as well. So at least he gets to stay home and sleep. Praise God! I hope he sleeps in peace tonight.
Spell check = broken
Humble and confident - does it exist?
I read this article online at nogreaterjoy.org and felt I should share it. I'm not prideful, so I can't relate, but someone out there might! ;) HAAAA!!! (Tongue in cheek - as he says in his response). :) Hope you enjoy:
9th Grader Seeks Humility
By: Michael Pearl
“I'm a homeschooled 9th grader. I have a question not related to child training. Is it possible to be humble, but confident at the same time? It seems that whenever I try to be humble, I lose all self confidence and self esteem and get so depressed... to the point where I cut myself. But then that's not very humble, is it? When I'm confident, I'm often prideful and it shows. If there is any way to be both humble and confident? Please let me know how to do it. I've prayed and my mom has prayed but that's about all.”
—Becky
Dear Becky,
Humility is not the trait of thinking of self as of less worth. Humility is not thinking of self at all, whether good or bad. Humility is thinking of others and seeking their advancement. To think about your condition and try to be humble is pride itself, for it is valuing self above all. Stop considering your humility and use your energies and confidence to help others.
There is nothing wrong with doing something well and knowing it—like music, art, sports, etc. Pride would be to use your successes to put others down and make them feel of less worth. It is fine to say, “I am the best violin player in the orchestra”—if it is well known to be the case; but then you should use your skill to raise the skill level of others and to encourage them. Then, if one of the others should surpass your skill, true humility would acknowledge that you are now second best and you would rejoice in their abilities while continuing to improve.
Poor-mouthing anyone, yourself or others, is pride. Lifting everyone up, others first and then yourself, is humility.
But then the truly humble person does not know he is humble, nor does he
care. To strive for humility and reach it is to arrive at pride. To strive for humility and not reach it is to wallow in self pity and condemnation, which is just another expression of pride.
Pursuing humility is like pursuing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It moves when you move and can never be attained. If one did pursue humility and actually attain it he would have forgotten his quest in service to others, and he would find not satisfaction in his success at humility. Wow, this is rather psychological for a ninth grader. Hope you can understand it. I must say, you caught my interest.
With tongue in cheek, I say, “Let me know when you get to be humble.”
Your friend,
Michael Pearl
9th Grader Seeks Humility
By: Michael Pearl
“I'm a homeschooled 9th grader. I have a question not related to child training. Is it possible to be humble, but confident at the same time? It seems that whenever I try to be humble, I lose all self confidence and self esteem and get so depressed... to the point where I cut myself. But then that's not very humble, is it? When I'm confident, I'm often prideful and it shows. If there is any way to be both humble and confident? Please let me know how to do it. I've prayed and my mom has prayed but that's about all.”
—Becky
Dear Becky,
Humility is not the trait of thinking of self as of less worth. Humility is not thinking of self at all, whether good or bad. Humility is thinking of others and seeking their advancement. To think about your condition and try to be humble is pride itself, for it is valuing self above all. Stop considering your humility and use your energies and confidence to help others.
There is nothing wrong with doing something well and knowing it—like music, art, sports, etc. Pride would be to use your successes to put others down and make them feel of less worth. It is fine to say, “I am the best violin player in the orchestra”—if it is well known to be the case; but then you should use your skill to raise the skill level of others and to encourage them. Then, if one of the others should surpass your skill, true humility would acknowledge that you are now second best and you would rejoice in their abilities while continuing to improve.
Poor-mouthing anyone, yourself or others, is pride. Lifting everyone up, others first and then yourself, is humility.
But then the truly humble person does not know he is humble, nor does he
care. To strive for humility and reach it is to arrive at pride. To strive for humility and not reach it is to wallow in self pity and condemnation, which is just another expression of pride.
Pursuing humility is like pursuing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It moves when you move and can never be attained. If one did pursue humility and actually attain it he would have forgotten his quest in service to others, and he would find not satisfaction in his success at humility. Wow, this is rather psychological for a ninth grader. Hope you can understand it. I must say, you caught my interest.
With tongue in cheek, I say, “Let me know when you get to be humble.”
Your friend,
Michael Pearl
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Spanish
If you can actually read, speak or understand Spanish, then click out of this NOW!! You are not allowed to read this blog - Jenny, Kristi, Kevin, Kandi, Pam....you guys know who you are. If you know absolutely NOTHING about Spanish, then feel free to read so you will think I am actually learning something. The others will know the truth!
I used NO dictionary and asked for zero help with this. So it is what it is! Remember now, this is only 6 weeks - not 6 months.
Hola mis amigos? Como estan? Los extrano mucho! Vida en Costa Rica es muy divertida. A veces me gusta. Sin embargo, no me gusta a veces. Pero, en la escuela, tengo tres o cuatro amigas nuevas. Ellos son amables y lindas. Estoy agradecida a Dios para esta opportunidad. Estoy aprendiendo mas y mas cada dia. Yo no creo que puedo hablar espanol. WOW! Que bueno, verdad? Yo tengo tres maestras que son excellente. Mis hijos estan feliz en sus clases. Nuestra salud esta buena ahorita. Gracias a Dios. Tengo que ir dormir. Estoy muy cansada. Yo espero usted tiene una buena noche!
I used NO dictionary and asked for zero help with this. So it is what it is! Remember now, this is only 6 weeks - not 6 months.
Hola mis amigos? Como estan? Los extrano mucho! Vida en Costa Rica es muy divertida. A veces me gusta. Sin embargo, no me gusta a veces. Pero, en la escuela, tengo tres o cuatro amigas nuevas. Ellos son amables y lindas. Estoy agradecida a Dios para esta opportunidad. Estoy aprendiendo mas y mas cada dia. Yo no creo que puedo hablar espanol. WOW! Que bueno, verdad? Yo tengo tres maestras que son excellente. Mis hijos estan feliz en sus clases. Nuestra salud esta buena ahorita. Gracias a Dios. Tengo que ir dormir. Estoy muy cansada. Yo espero usted tiene una buena noche!
Who am I?
We had our mid-semester reviews this week! Fun, fun, fun! All was well for both of us, but John's teacher told him he needs to work on expanding his vocabulary! HA!!!! He has learned 370 verbs in 5 weeks and how to conjugate them ALL! Now he is working on other tenses of these verbs. There has yet to be a word that I have asked him that he didn't know! Sooo funny! I told him it must've been Satan talking! Totally NOT true! He didn't mention anything else that was told to him, but I am sure that it was super-duper great because he is amazing in every, single way.
I, on the other hand, was told the following:
I am friendly and sweet - my language teacher. She doesn't know me too well, huh? :)
I am a good student, but at times a bit distracted! WOW! I laughed so hard when my phonetics teacher read this to me. I said, "Yeh, I've kind of been hearing that my whole life and my kid's teachers have written that a time or two as well." What's that expression? "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
And last, my grammar teacher said I am friendly and a good student, but very competitive. Hehe....She said that in "her opinion" this is a good thing. I guess all those 5k's and marathons have gotten the best of me. I'm really trying NOT to be competetive, but it's mostly with myself and it's hard to hide that.
So my teacher's nailed me down pretty quickly - friendly, sweet, distracted and competitive! I guess there are worse things that could be said! I'll take them!
Oh yeh, I guess I should mention they said the language learning is going great for me. Can't leave that out of the equation.
P.S. Spell check is broke, so now you can see how I really spell!
I, on the other hand, was told the following:
I am friendly and sweet - my language teacher. She doesn't know me too well, huh? :)
I am a good student, but at times a bit distracted! WOW! I laughed so hard when my phonetics teacher read this to me. I said, "Yeh, I've kind of been hearing that my whole life and my kid's teachers have written that a time or two as well." What's that expression? "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
And last, my grammar teacher said I am friendly and a good student, but very competitive. Hehe....She said that in "her opinion" this is a good thing. I guess all those 5k's and marathons have gotten the best of me. I'm really trying NOT to be competetive, but it's mostly with myself and it's hard to hide that.
So my teacher's nailed me down pretty quickly - friendly, sweet, distracted and competitive! I guess there are worse things that could be said! I'll take them!
Oh yeh, I guess I should mention they said the language learning is going great for me. Can't leave that out of the equation.
P.S. Spell check is broke, so now you can see how I really spell!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
No more sickness - mostly
Life! We are getting back into it! Praise God! Ally was the only sick child left in the Pham household and I think she'll be going to school tomorrow. I felt terrible yesterday, but today was much better. Avery survived her 24 hours of vomitting and Jaxson made it through 6 days of a fever. Parker has a lingering headache, but is feeling pretty good besides that. John spiked a fever on Monday night, but he bounced back quickly. Boy, something like this illness makes us appreciate our health all the more.
Knee update: I've been having some problems with my knee since I went on the field trip last week. The trip included 8 hours each day on the bus and a boat - sitting - for 2 days in a row! My leg has had a hard time recovering and the hip pain has come back. YUCK! I saw the doctor today (first time in 6 weeks) and he said my leg is still very swollen and this is normal. The good doctor said that sitting that long in that position is hard even on good knees! He is, however, a wee-bit concerned that my hip is still hurting, but for now is chalking it up to overcompensating because of knee pain. Up until that trip everything was progressing wonderfully and he believes I can get back to that place in a few weeks. He put me on a strong round of anti-inflammatories and told me to continue therapy once a week and I will see him again in 3 weeks. After that, I will increase my activity again and we will see how my leg responds. He told me that although there is pain right now, he is VERY optimistic about running in the future. He said he wasn't optimistic before, but he said that he is now. I am pleased! I can continue light, low-impact exercises while I am waiting for the inflammation and pain to decrease. I am confident my leg will continue to heal.
Sorry there is nothing funny or exciting to report. :) But doesn't the possibility of me running again just make you smile! I'm wearing my marathon shirt, today, by the way. Only my running friends will care about this.
The weather here yesterday morning was 59 degrees. WOWSERS! That has nothing to do with anything, but I thought you just might like to know. It was colder than Christmas day in Florida. Hace Frio!
Knee update: I've been having some problems with my knee since I went on the field trip last week. The trip included 8 hours each day on the bus and a boat - sitting - for 2 days in a row! My leg has had a hard time recovering and the hip pain has come back. YUCK! I saw the doctor today (first time in 6 weeks) and he said my leg is still very swollen and this is normal. The good doctor said that sitting that long in that position is hard even on good knees! He is, however, a wee-bit concerned that my hip is still hurting, but for now is chalking it up to overcompensating because of knee pain. Up until that trip everything was progressing wonderfully and he believes I can get back to that place in a few weeks. He put me on a strong round of anti-inflammatories and told me to continue therapy once a week and I will see him again in 3 weeks. After that, I will increase my activity again and we will see how my leg responds. He told me that although there is pain right now, he is VERY optimistic about running in the future. He said he wasn't optimistic before, but he said that he is now. I am pleased! I can continue light, low-impact exercises while I am waiting for the inflammation and pain to decrease. I am confident my leg will continue to heal.
Sorry there is nothing funny or exciting to report. :) But doesn't the possibility of me running again just make you smile! I'm wearing my marathon shirt, today, by the way. Only my running friends will care about this.
The weather here yesterday morning was 59 degrees. WOWSERS! That has nothing to do with anything, but I thought you just might like to know. It was colder than Christmas day in Florida. Hace Frio!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
From John
John wrote:
Today is one of the hardest...
Wow, talk about a coincidence. Just as I started one of my rare posts, and I typed the words above, Parker came in our room crying. It's 9:30 pm and he has been asleep for about 2 hours. But his headache woke him up out of a dead sleep causing him to scream from the pain.
As I was saying, today was probably the hardest day I personally have had since we have been here. Kids are sick, Jessica is sick, I'm sick, I have a test tomorrow, we have to make the choice between keeping up with Spanish or staying home with our kids, cleaning up vomit, washing vomit filled cribs, cleaning up vomit glazed Avery. When I went out to take care of Parker, I found a bucket of vomit that we forgot to dispose of. You know things are out of control when disposing of a vomit filled bucket falls to the bottom of the priority list. But let's move on.
Learning Spanish is getting really hard. In my grammar class on Friday, I actually teared up out of frustration. If I wasn't sitting in the front row and my teacher wasn't right in front of me, I probably would have broken down and started crying right there in class. Up until the middle of last weeks, I was able to keep up and grasp everything, but Friday, I hit full capacity in the brain tank. On top of .... HOLD ON!!!
Sorry, I'm back. I had to put the computer down, because Parker and Avery were in the bathroom vomiting at the same time. Jessica went in to check on Avery just in time and took her to the bathroom and held her over the sink. Then Parker came in and made good use of the toilet because the headache pain was so grand that it made him vomit. 2 kids at one time - that's a first in the Pham house. Not a first to be proud of, but definitely a memory.
Anyways, what makes things challenging for me is this underlying urgency to learn everything all at once. Everyday that I don't know how to speak coherently in Spanish is one more day I can't present the Gospel to someone. So there's always this huge question going on in my mind. "Do I learn more verbs; should I take a break on the verbs and learn nouns; do I learn spiritual words first or everyday vocabulary; should I be learning Scripture, like the Roman Road; should I learn my testimony in Spanish." All of this on top of the daily homework and tests that we have in school.
I have never had a problem with prioritizing my work. Even when I was an engineer or a construction project manager. A myriad of projects and tasks needing to be done at the same time. Millions of dollars worth of construction to be managed. But no task has been as important as learning a language to be able to bring words of life to the lost. Every word we learn is a potential word of life to those around us.
But the huge blessing that is coming out of this is that I am becoming painfully aware that sometimes I have made the Gospel of Jesus Christ much more complicated than it needs to be. Because, all I need to learn to say in Spanish is that, "God loves us, Jesus died for us, He rose, He offers us forgiveness and fellowship with Him, and He wants to transform our lives."
Please pray for us as we take care of our family, learn language and learn what to learn first.
Today is one of the hardest...
Wow, talk about a coincidence. Just as I started one of my rare posts, and I typed the words above, Parker came in our room crying. It's 9:30 pm and he has been asleep for about 2 hours. But his headache woke him up out of a dead sleep causing him to scream from the pain.
As I was saying, today was probably the hardest day I personally have had since we have been here. Kids are sick, Jessica is sick, I'm sick, I have a test tomorrow, we have to make the choice between keeping up with Spanish or staying home with our kids, cleaning up vomit, washing vomit filled cribs, cleaning up vomit glazed Avery. When I went out to take care of Parker, I found a bucket of vomit that we forgot to dispose of. You know things are out of control when disposing of a vomit filled bucket falls to the bottom of the priority list. But let's move on.
Learning Spanish is getting really hard. In my grammar class on Friday, I actually teared up out of frustration. If I wasn't sitting in the front row and my teacher wasn't right in front of me, I probably would have broken down and started crying right there in class. Up until the middle of last weeks, I was able to keep up and grasp everything, but Friday, I hit full capacity in the brain tank. On top of .... HOLD ON!!!
Sorry, I'm back. I had to put the computer down, because Parker and Avery were in the bathroom vomiting at the same time. Jessica went in to check on Avery just in time and took her to the bathroom and held her over the sink. Then Parker came in and made good use of the toilet because the headache pain was so grand that it made him vomit. 2 kids at one time - that's a first in the Pham house. Not a first to be proud of, but definitely a memory.
Anyways, what makes things challenging for me is this underlying urgency to learn everything all at once. Everyday that I don't know how to speak coherently in Spanish is one more day I can't present the Gospel to someone. So there's always this huge question going on in my mind. "Do I learn more verbs; should I take a break on the verbs and learn nouns; do I learn spiritual words first or everyday vocabulary; should I be learning Scripture, like the Roman Road; should I learn my testimony in Spanish." All of this on top of the daily homework and tests that we have in school.
I have never had a problem with prioritizing my work. Even when I was an engineer or a construction project manager. A myriad of projects and tasks needing to be done at the same time. Millions of dollars worth of construction to be managed. But no task has been as important as learning a language to be able to bring words of life to the lost. Every word we learn is a potential word of life to those around us.
But the huge blessing that is coming out of this is that I am becoming painfully aware that sometimes I have made the Gospel of Jesus Christ much more complicated than it needs to be. Because, all I need to learn to say in Spanish is that, "God loves us, Jesus died for us, He rose, He offers us forgiveness and fellowship with Him, and He wants to transform our lives."
Please pray for us as we take care of our family, learn language and learn what to learn first.
We have it!!!
4 sick kids - at ONE time.
Parker - fever (yesterday) and a headache that is making him scream. Ugh...I feel so bad for him(He has the nasty one going around at school).
Ally - fever (last night) and a headache and achiness today. She's not screaming though!
Jaxson - fever and a rash - today.
Avery - Fever and vomiting - today.
WHINING - ALL 4, ALL DAY! :)
Avery and Jaxson are DEFINITELY not going to school tomorrow. Avery is VERY, VERY sick. Not functionable. She can't even keep her head up. Jaxson is functionable, but still contagious b/c of the fever. The other 2 say they don't feel well, but no fevers today!
They kept us on our toes this afternoon. The challenge was Avery vomiting and needing to be held constantly. One of us continuously had our hands full of either clothes to be washed or a precious baby needing loving.
We are going to sleep with slight headaches and mild nauseousness. John said today was the first day that he wanted to go home. There are bound to be days like this.
We called the Empleada and told her to take the day off tomorrow, so I will be home with at least 2 of the kids - ALONE- for the first time in about 2 months. I am very much looking forward to it. I just wish it were under better circumstances
Parker - fever (yesterday) and a headache that is making him scream. Ugh...I feel so bad for him(He has the nasty one going around at school).
Ally - fever (last night) and a headache and achiness today. She's not screaming though!
Jaxson - fever and a rash - today.
Avery - Fever and vomiting - today.
WHINING - ALL 4, ALL DAY! :)
Avery and Jaxson are DEFINITELY not going to school tomorrow. Avery is VERY, VERY sick. Not functionable. She can't even keep her head up. Jaxson is functionable, but still contagious b/c of the fever. The other 2 say they don't feel well, but no fevers today!
They kept us on our toes this afternoon. The challenge was Avery vomiting and needing to be held constantly. One of us continuously had our hands full of either clothes to be washed or a precious baby needing loving.
We are going to sleep with slight headaches and mild nauseousness. John said today was the first day that he wanted to go home. There are bound to be days like this.
We called the Empleada and told her to take the day off tomorrow, so I will be home with at least 2 of the kids - ALONE- for the first time in about 2 months. I am very much looking forward to it. I just wish it were under better circumstances
3 MONTHS - WE MADE IT
Today is our 3 month anniversary of our arrival in Costa Rica. Does this mean probation is over? :) Hopefully, the next 9 will go by as quickly so we can being the journey in Lima, Peru with the people God has called us too.
Happy 3 month anniversary. Thank you for your faithfulness and provision, God!
And thank you to EVERYONE who has ever given to Lottie Moon! We couldn't be here without you.
Happy 3 month anniversary. Thank you for your faithfulness and provision, God!
And thank you to EVERYONE who has ever given to Lottie Moon! We couldn't be here without you.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Make me some dinner, please
Tonight when I was at the Bible study at my neighbor's house, I said to her in Spanish, "We should have you over to our house to eat dinner." Well, that's what I thought I was saying. What I actually said was, "We should have you over to our house to cook dinner."
No wonder she looked at my like I was crazy. It took a few minutes, but we finally got it straightened out through the laughter. But hey, she is welcome to come over and cook for us, too! :)
Cocinar(to cook) and Comer (to eat) are the verbs and they are similar, right?
I told her that I am smart in English, but I am not smart in Spanish. She got a kick out of that one. And I proved it to her by using the wrong verb, yet again (soy or estoy) when I was telling her I am not smart. :) HAAAA!!! Spanish is soooooo humbling.
Parker and Jaxson are sick with the fever virus. Praise God no vomiting or major headaches yet. Ally isn't acting well and I haven't felt great, but we are functionable. It could be sooo much worse, as it has been for my fellow classmates, and I am praying that it won't get that way.
On a completely different subject, I made my VERY first A on a grammar test. It was a test that was 2 pages of sentence writing on something called parifrasis. I made a 97 - A. Can you believe it? It is totally the Lord. I studied less this week, pursued Him more and placed my family above school and studying and HE totally gave me the A I had been pursuing. WOW! And I had a test in language class today. I only missed one - another A!! I had to name all the parts of the body, the classroom and the house. I was having a hard time remembering the names for pillow, bed, mattress, etc... I prayed she would NOT ask me these questions. And guess what? She didn't. But she did ask the other girls in my class, but not me. WOW! Another blessing from the Lord.
No wonder she looked at my like I was crazy. It took a few minutes, but we finally got it straightened out through the laughter. But hey, she is welcome to come over and cook for us, too! :)
Cocinar(to cook) and Comer (to eat) are the verbs and they are similar, right?
I told her that I am smart in English, but I am not smart in Spanish. She got a kick out of that one. And I proved it to her by using the wrong verb, yet again (soy or estoy) when I was telling her I am not smart. :) HAAAA!!! Spanish is soooooo humbling.
Parker and Jaxson are sick with the fever virus. Praise God no vomiting or major headaches yet. Ally isn't acting well and I haven't felt great, but we are functionable. It could be sooo much worse, as it has been for my fellow classmates, and I am praying that it won't get that way.
On a completely different subject, I made my VERY first A on a grammar test. It was a test that was 2 pages of sentence writing on something called parifrasis. I made a 97 - A. Can you believe it? It is totally the Lord. I studied less this week, pursued Him more and placed my family above school and studying and HE totally gave me the A I had been pursuing. WOW! And I had a test in language class today. I only missed one - another A!! I had to name all the parts of the body, the classroom and the house. I was having a hard time remembering the names for pillow, bed, mattress, etc... I prayed she would NOT ask me these questions. And guess what? She didn't. But she did ask the other girls in my class, but not me. WOW! Another blessing from the Lord.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My dad
I received a package from my grandmother, dad and aunt today. My dad had packaged it up and sent if off. It was wrapped up in an Asics box. Before I left we picked out a pair of Asics shoes together. When John saw the box he said, "That is your dad's shoe box."
I said, "My dad touched this box." And then I held it close. He wrapped it and packaged it and it even had his hand writing on it.
It is the closest I will get to him until December when he comes to visit. Praise God! But it was nice to have him in my arms...even if it came in the form of an Asics box.
I said, "My dad touched this box." And then I held it close. He wrapped it and packaged it and it even had his hand writing on it.
It is the closest I will get to him until December when he comes to visit. Praise God! But it was nice to have him in my arms...even if it came in the form of an Asics box.
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