My 25 year high school class reunion is this summer. Reading about the planning and touching base with some of my classmates has me pondering a bit on my life. I wonder what my reaction would have been had I been given a glimpse of my life 25 years down the road when I was a senior in high school. Would I have laughed hysterically, broken down in tears, or welcomed the future?
Just yesterday I registered our oldest for the SAT and attended a preschool meeting for our youngest – all in one day! As I was touring the preschool rooms a father remarked, in a somewhat panic-stricken voice, that he was totally overwhelmed with the whole notion of preschool. And I quote “As I walk around this classroom I can’t even believe that I see SCISSORS out where the children can just grab them!” He’s a rookie…a first-timer. I thought back to the evening before when Ana Lucia, 3, came to me and said, “Mommy, I need my giraffe scissors to cut papers.” Yes, I handed the giraffe scissors to her. She knows how to use them. When our oldest started preschool he didn’t know how to use scissors. My youngest is 9 months away from starting preschool and can cut pretty well. Let's hope she doesn't use them on her long hair.
There are some nuances about our life that I have grown accustomed to which I believe would have totally freaked me out years ago.
We pretty much shop for our clothing from either clearance racks or consignment shops. Why just yesterday I purchased a shirt for Zack for $3.74 – one that he likes and is in style. I found shirts perfect for Gus for $1.48 and $1.98. I found flannel pj pants for Zack and myself for $2.48 which is especially nice due to the sub-zero temperature outside right now.
A traditional family vacation doesn't happen often for us. It is very expensive to fly. Seven airline tickets equal more than we can generally afford. A driving vacation can be mentally taxing. Packing for seven and then stuffing 2 adults, 2 teenagers, 3 children AND their car seats makes for a squished Suburban. We do not fit into one hotel room. Our choices include multiple hotel rooms, a condo, or renting a house; all of which requires a generous helping of cash. We do, however, come up with fun ideas. We just aren’t the typical “going to Disney” type of family.
This summer we are attempting a new adventure for the family vacation. I am currently researching houses to rent for a week in a foreign country. Fun. We will stay in Antigua, Guatemala. No car is needed. Once we are transported to the house we will walk everywhere. There may or may not be any television available in English which makes Mark sweat profusely. There will be no Target or Wal-Mart. We will buy needed supplies on a daily basis and carry them home. It gets dark at 6pm and we will be in for the night. We will have the evening to simply be together. During the day we will shop at open-air markets, visit with foster families and birth families of our three youngest children, learn about the history of the area, enjoy the views of the volcanoes, work on our Spanish, and who knows what else. Our oldest will be joining us after having spent the prior week volunteering in a rural part of the country. I expect this will be an adventure our family will talk about for years. Wish us luck!
Going out to dinner – it doesn’t happen very often. I’ll never forget our first dinner out after Ana Lucia came home. The kids were 5 months, 2, 4, 11, and 13. I was so proud of feeding a bottle to an infant in my lap, helping two in their high chairs, and everyone enjoying a nice dinner. My heart swelled – we can do this! Right about the time I started to believe I could handle parenting 5 children a family was seated next to us. They had SEVEN kids. They were all dressed neatly, very mannerly, and sat quietly. Oh well, I love my noisy bunch!
I do remember having career goals of achieving promotions and titles. Little did I know that "stay-at-home mom" would become my favorite title. There will be time, down the road, to explore other opportunities. I still have the desire to write a book and devote more time to mission work.
I’m not even sure if I remember most of my life goals when I was a senior in high school. I do know that I did not picture my life as it is now. I could never have imagined such joy and happiness. It makes me wonder what adventures are in our future.
I would post my senior picture but I wouldn't want you to pee your pants while reading this post or throw up in your mouth. I love you all that much!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Amazing adventure, isn't it?
I actually do remember my life goals from when I was a senior in high school--high-paying career, expensive cars, even had house plans drawn up. But they all went out the window the winter of my freshman year of college. I think if some of my high school teachers knew I was a pastor they would pass out from shock!
In college the goal of cross-cultural ministry is actually part of what brought Mona and me together. 25 years later, and here we are in North Carolina.
During grad school my goal was a Ph.D. by age 35, and a career in higher education. 47 comes in two weeks, no doctoral work even attempted, and I pastor a small congregation in an out of the way small town.
But like you, I cannot imagine being happier or more satisfied. It's incredible to watch the Lord orchestrate things perfectly!
I have a copy of your senior picture...and if I was smarter on the computer, I would post it...lucky for you I don't have many marketable skills! I'm looking forward to the reunion...are you bringing your kids to the MC luncheon?
Joel
Yes, lucky for me...and lucky for a whole lot of others who should never see my senior picture!
In reference to the reunion, it is still iffy. Believe it or not, it looks like July 18 may be the day our family is leaving for Guatemala. The dates are somewhat dependent on the exact dates our oldest will be in Guatemala on a mission trip. The final day of his mission will most likely be the day we fly in. I'll keep you posted.
Post a Comment