'Tis the Season

September, October, and November have passed quicker than I could have anticipated. It seems that time speeds up as I watch the days and months turn on the calendar. We've enjoyed visits from my mom and Rob's mom; a wonderful tropical holiday to the coast; entering the Christmas season; the start of rainy season (a big relief after 6+ months of dry weather); school ticks by mostly regularly. There have been speed bumps in the road, as my support teacher graciously reminded me. As I'm tempted to let these developmental/educational challenges derail our homeschool plan, or completely discourage me and how I'm doing as a teacher (actually a completely selfish perspective), the Lord gave her and I a divine Skype call I think.

I must spend more time reflecting retrospectively on how

He is faithful to provide exactly what I need, at exactly the right time. 

This, a motto, coming from the study through First Samuel by The Village Church.

On My Side Table

Over the years I have poked around blog posts and such in regards to MKs (missionary kids) and TCKs (Third Culture Kids). I resist putting labels on myself and anyone else, with a fear that, in so doing, I may force someone into a mould they really aren't... however I feel we're entering a stage in our lives that it would be wise and helpful to be informed about some of the challenges / highs / and lows my kids may face as TCKs. I picked up this book because it is full of quotes from many different types of TCKs: adopted kids, military kids, missionary kids, immigrants.... and from many different educational backgrounds: local or international schools, boarding, and homeschool. Even though much of our (parents & child) experience is shared in this foreign context, our reference for understanding the experience is different.

A re-read. But a timely one. The last couple of weeks have been a mish-mash of reasons for me to be discouraged and angry. Part of getting out of that dangerous emotional zone is to fill my heart with reasons to be thankful.

I was asked by a fellow missionary wife how I deal with cultural fatigue and frustration as they both seem to come around as regular as winter and fall do. It's just part of living this life. I have to reach out. Find people with whom I can be mutually encouraging. Initiate coffee dates and get out of those four walls of my house, or at least have someone over and purpose for myself some uplifting conversation.

The kids and I started Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright. Published in the 1950s, I love these oldies about children going on adventures outdoors where the simplest things are transformed into priceless treasures and unforgettable discoveries.