Compulsory Creativity

Well, this party-challenged mom finally got her act together and planned another combined birthday celebration for the kids.  We didn’t really have a theme this year, but I don’t think anyone missed it.  The obligatory cupcakes, games and prizes did manage to show up, but since Walmart isn’t just around the corner, the latter were somewhat of a challenge to produce.

In the end, our limited resources bred creativity.  Which is actually pretty normal for me…once I get past the panic phase.  Yes, having a “crafter’s superstore” next door would come in handy at times, but am I the only one that gets overwhelmed when they walk through the front doors of Michaels?  Me…I always do better with “You got A, B, and C.  Make it work!”

So anyway…Claire, Isaiah and I actually made some pretty cool party favors—scented play dough, sticky notepad books, and superhero masks.  All party participants (including my own) went home satisfied, and I <sigh of relief> do not have to think about birthday parties for another 12 months.

Note to self:  “Inside games before sugar; outside games after sugar” was a really good idea.

Glorious Victory

It’s a Easter morning tradition here in Ukarumpa, to meet on a hilltop for a sunrise service.  A wooden cross stands on the hill and participants attach fresh flowers to the cross.  Later the cross is moved to the meeting house for another time of celebration and worship.  What a potent reminder of Christ’s victory over death and sin.  He is risen indeed!

We consider it a privilege to be a part of getting the Bible into the hands of people in their own heart language so they too can know the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

“Shipping Day”

In our family there is a holiday that the kids anticipate more eagerly than Christmas.  Impossible, you say?  Well, I’ll tell you.  While we’re here in PNG, birthdays and even Christmas can come and go without the usual trappings we might expect back in the US.  “Stuff” is just difficult to get here, and so often we have to prepare ahead of time for those special occasions—many months in advance.

For example:  In December, someone sent us a beautiful calendar by airmail.  It arrived in March.  We bought this year’s birthday presents for the kids last October and sent them via sea freight to PNG hoping they’d arrived in time for Claire’s March birthday.  They arrived this week…with the rest of our belongings.

So for the past couple of days we’ve been celebrating Claire’s birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one.  Thanksgiving because we’re so grateful to have our own pans, pillows, toys, tools, and fuzzy robes again.  And Christmas because ripping open those almost forgotten plastic bins was a bit like tearing into Christmas gifts.

It may not have much spiritual impact like Easter or Christmas—but seriously, our kids have been looking forward to and praying daily for “Shipping Day” since we arrived back in Ukarumpa!  But if I really think hard, I probably could tie some spiritual aspect into this holiday…like waiting for our shipment is a test of faith, or a reminder of how Jesus’ return could happen at any time….  <smile>