And I can't forget the baby of the family! She is always clowning around!
I really do not know why they feel the need to disguise themselves with parent's like us!
.jpg)
Now they even have the grand daughters masking their identity!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Meet the Family!
And I can't forget the baby of the family! She is always clowning around!
I really do not know why they feel the need to disguise themselves with parent's like us!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Five years later
I have now lived in Paraguay for 5 years.
As I watch the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies today, I am reminded of this post I wrote 5 years ago after the last presidential inauguration. I have outlasted that president as he was removed from office last year. It feels a little strange to see a transition of government after having lived in Venezuela for so many years, under the government of one man, for the majority of that time.
I have been trying to comprehend my feelings of love. Emotions of love I have for more than one country. Perhaps you think that I can not love many places equally, or that in loving one, I love the other less. But that is not the case for me.
As a mother, I love each of my four children equally. But differently. Each occupies a place in my heart that no other can fill.
My first born daughter, Jackie, was born a very independent child. She was mature and handled everything easily. She was quickly to become my friend. My best friend. My love for her is shown in that way.
Along came son, Joshua. He was a serious minded child. Content to play alone, but in need of my presence for security. As he has gotten older, it seems our roles have changed. He now cares for me and brings me security. He does his own thing still, but likes to have loved ones nearby for comfort. I show him my love by being available.
Jewel! She quickly revealed a strength of character we had not yet seen in any child. Strong willed, independent, and very loyal. The life of any party! My role with her was often to be a boundary setter as she knew no limits and thought she could do anything. She usually could, but at times to the detriment of others or endangerment of herself. She is now a young lady and still is a strong minded individual but has learned to be considerate of others. I show my love by supporting her in her endeavors.
Then the baby, Jayde. She is the social butterfly. She thrives on attention. She does not like to be left to her own devices and prefers to be part of a group. To show her love, is to look her in the eye and communicate. A lot!!!
I love them all greatly, but differently, just as I love my different countries equally and yet completely.
My home land, the USA, is the land of my birth. The land of my heritage. It is where I feel safe and secure. A refuge. The land of my mother tongue, of my sheltered childhood. I could not love another place more!
Venezuela is my adopted country. A place I chose to love and a people who returned my love, mostly. Just as a young bride leaves the home of her parents to begin a new life with her husband, I chose to begin a new life in Venezuela. I gave Venezuela my unconditional love. Yes, I know her faults and difficulties, but I love her still. I could not love another place more!
Then the Ye'kwana tribe. I love them with a passion! My time with them was the culmination of a life long dream. Our lives were filled with excitement and adventure. Emotionally draining at times, but very fulfilling! I could not love another people more!
Now, I am opening my heart to Paraguay. Just as a young person first in love, tentatively, shyly even, I am reaching out to see if that love is returned or spurned. It is exciting and yet terrifying! It could break my heart! Or , bring great joy!
Yes, I have a great love for more than one place, more than one people. One will never replace the other and all will be part of what makes me feel whole and gives me purpose in this life and the one to come.
1 John4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
As I watch the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies today, I am reminded of this post I wrote 5 years ago after the last presidential inauguration. I have outlasted that president as he was removed from office last year. It feels a little strange to see a transition of government after having lived in Venezuela for so many years, under the government of one man, for the majority of that time.
I have been trying to comprehend my feelings of love. Emotions of love I have for more than one country. Perhaps you think that I can not love many places equally, or that in loving one, I love the other less. But that is not the case for me.
As a mother, I love each of my four children equally. But differently. Each occupies a place in my heart that no other can fill.
My first born daughter, Jackie, was born a very independent child. She was mature and handled everything easily. She was quickly to become my friend. My best friend. My love for her is shown in that way.
Along came son, Joshua. He was a serious minded child. Content to play alone, but in need of my presence for security. As he has gotten older, it seems our roles have changed. He now cares for me and brings me security. He does his own thing still, but likes to have loved ones nearby for comfort. I show him my love by being available.
Jewel! She quickly revealed a strength of character we had not yet seen in any child. Strong willed, independent, and very loyal. The life of any party! My role with her was often to be a boundary setter as she knew no limits and thought she could do anything. She usually could, but at times to the detriment of others or endangerment of herself. She is now a young lady and still is a strong minded individual but has learned to be considerate of others. I show my love by supporting her in her endeavors.
Then the baby, Jayde. She is the social butterfly. She thrives on attention. She does not like to be left to her own devices and prefers to be part of a group. To show her love, is to look her in the eye and communicate. A lot!!!
I love them all greatly, but differently, just as I love my different countries equally and yet completely.
My home land, the USA, is the land of my birth. The land of my heritage. It is where I feel safe and secure. A refuge. The land of my mother tongue, of my sheltered childhood. I could not love another place more!
Venezuela is my adopted country. A place I chose to love and a people who returned my love, mostly. Just as a young bride leaves the home of her parents to begin a new life with her husband, I chose to begin a new life in Venezuela. I gave Venezuela my unconditional love. Yes, I know her faults and difficulties, but I love her still. I could not love another place more!
Then the Ye'kwana tribe. I love them with a passion! My time with them was the culmination of a life long dream. Our lives were filled with excitement and adventure. Emotionally draining at times, but very fulfilling! I could not love another people more!
Now, I am opening my heart to Paraguay. Just as a young person first in love, tentatively, shyly even, I am reaching out to see if that love is returned or spurned. It is exciting and yet terrifying! It could break my heart! Or , bring great joy!
Yes, I have a great love for more than one place, more than one people. One will never replace the other and all will be part of what makes me feel whole and gives me purpose in this life and the one to come.
1 John4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
All grown up!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The Preacher's Wife
I was blessed to be born into a family full of pastors, most of whom
were Baptist preachers. This has been normal for me my entire life. I
have been related to Baptist preachers in just about every familial
relationship possible.
When I was born, I was born to the titles of;
The Preacher's great grand daughter
The Preacher's grand daughter
The Preacher's niece.
The Preacher's cousin.
Upon my father's ordination, I also became,
The Preacher's daughter.
Later when I married, I gained the titles,
The Preacher's wife
The Preacher's sister-in-law.
When my daughter married , I became,
The Preacher's mother-in-law.
My son is not ordained yet, but he is already preaching, so I am also now,
The Preacher's mother.
I have several nephews also in school who are preparing for the ministry and so I have become,
The Preacher's aunt.
However, since we are independent Baptist, the one title I will never have is,
THE PREACHER!
Which probably explains why I have this blog...
When I was born, I was born to the titles of;
The Preacher's great grand daughter
The Preacher's grand daughter
The Preacher's niece.
The Preacher's cousin.
Upon my father's ordination, I also became,
The Preacher's daughter.
Later when I married, I gained the titles,
The Preacher's wife
The Preacher's sister-in-law.
When my daughter married , I became,
The Preacher's mother-in-law.
My son is not ordained yet, but he is already preaching, so I am also now,
The Preacher's mother.
I have several nephews also in school who are preparing for the ministry and so I have become,
The Preacher's aunt.
However, since we are independent Baptist, the one title I will never have is,
THE PREACHER!
Which probably explains why I have this blog...
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Flavor of Words
When one becomes bilingual or multi-lingual, a strange thing happens.
Words begin to have flavor. Certain words just taste better when said
in certain languages. That is the only way to describe it...flavor.
For instance, English is a great language for technical words and for teaching concrete matters.
Spanish, is very emotive, full of strong feelings.
Ye'kwana is for description. The words often sound like what they mean.
Because of this, our home is full of a mixture of all three languages. A sort of smorgasbord of vocabulary, if you will. Pick and chose whichever your taste buds are desiring.
Some of my favorite words in one language just don't have a good translation into the other. Yes, you can translate its meaning, but not its flavor!
For instance, in Spanish, 'Animado'. Sure, it means excited or motivated but, doesn't 'animado' taste sooooo much better????? ' Animado' has texture and sweetness...like cotton candy.
Or the Venezuelan , 'Na'guara', I mean...Na'guara just oozes excitement and wonder! So much more flavorful than ,"WOW!" It tastes like caramel candy that sticks around on your teeth for awhile and you pick at it all day.
And then in Yekwana, one of my favorite words is....
get ready....
"Töwödäjööque!"
That words just rumbles around in your mouth and explodes out!
"Töwödäjööque!"
It's a great insult because it is so funny sounding, no one could take it too seriously.
"Töwödäjööque!" means 'ugly'. But when you say it, it tastes like a mouth full of red hots!!!!
And the word, "Soto". It means 'people', but not just any people. It means 'us', the tribe. And it is such a proud sounding word, "Soto"! Like biting into a piece of dark chocolate! Sharp, bitter, and needs nothing added!
English has some great words as well. One that just makes me giggle is, "Somebody"! Imagine how that sounds to a non -English speaking person! "Somebody" tastes like sparkling cider, it's a funny sort of fizzy words!
The word "logic" sounds so...'logical'! Boring. But necessary for life...like plain bread.
And lately, a tasty word in my mouth has been..."Politics", that sounds like a string of fire works!
It has a spicy taste, like curry, fine in moderation, but don't go overboard with it!
And speaking of flavors, in the words of Emiril Lagasse ...
I am wondering if any other bilinguals feel this way about words, and if so, how about a word 'tasting'?
Share some words from your language with us so we can all have a taste! (NO PROFANITY!)
For instance, English is a great language for technical words and for teaching concrete matters.
Spanish, is very emotive, full of strong feelings.
Ye'kwana is for description. The words often sound like what they mean.
Because of this, our home is full of a mixture of all three languages. A sort of smorgasbord of vocabulary, if you will. Pick and chose whichever your taste buds are desiring.
Some of my favorite words in one language just don't have a good translation into the other. Yes, you can translate its meaning, but not its flavor!
For instance, in Spanish, 'Animado'. Sure, it means excited or motivated but, doesn't 'animado' taste sooooo much better????? ' Animado' has texture and sweetness...like cotton candy.
Or the Venezuelan , 'Na'guara', I mean...Na'guara just oozes excitement and wonder! So much more flavorful than ,"WOW!" It tastes like caramel candy that sticks around on your teeth for awhile and you pick at it all day.
And then in Yekwana, one of my favorite words is....
get ready....
"Töwödäjööque!"
That words just rumbles around in your mouth and explodes out!
"Töwödäjööque!"
It's a great insult because it is so funny sounding, no one could take it too seriously.
"Töwödäjööque!" means 'ugly'. But when you say it, it tastes like a mouth full of red hots!!!!
And the word, "Soto". It means 'people', but not just any people. It means 'us', the tribe. And it is such a proud sounding word, "Soto"! Like biting into a piece of dark chocolate! Sharp, bitter, and needs nothing added!
English has some great words as well. One that just makes me giggle is, "Somebody"! Imagine how that sounds to a non -English speaking person! "Somebody" tastes like sparkling cider, it's a funny sort of fizzy words!
The word "logic" sounds so...'logical'! Boring. But necessary for life...like plain bread.
And lately, a tasty word in my mouth has been..."Politics", that sounds like a string of fire works!
It has a spicy taste, like curry, fine in moderation, but don't go overboard with it!
And speaking of flavors, in the words of Emiril Lagasse ...
You Are Cayenne Pepper |
 You are very over the top and a bit overwhelming. You have a fiery personality, and you can give anyone a good jolt. You can easily take things up a couple notches, no matter what crowd you're running with. |
I am wondering if any other bilinguals feel this way about words, and if so, how about a word 'tasting'?
Share some words from your language with us so we can all have a taste! (NO PROFANITY!)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
EEETZ a Voy!
That's what the Venezuelan doctor said to me as he delivered my son.Happy Birthday, Josh!
A few memories from that day:
My husband made the mistake of telling me, "I know what you are feeling." in the middle of a drug free, natural labor. He never did that again!!!!
My son looked like Yoda when he was born. I cried for the child. Round, wrinkly head with scattered tufts of white fuzz spread around his baldness. Big pointy ears that stood out from his huge head. Poor baby. Thankfully, his looks improved within a few days.
In the delivery room, the nurse asked me for his diapers and clothes! I tried to explain that in my country the hospital provided all of these. They finally wrapped the child up in a doctor's gown and begged a diaper off of another mother. I was so embarrassed for my deprived child! Not only was he ... less than beautiful, he had a moron for a mother!
I was so hungry and the cafeteria was closed. My husband went out in the early morning and bought two arepas. The first I ever ate. After I wolfed them down, I realized he had intended to eat one himself.
When the cafeteria finally did open, they brought me a breakfast tray. I lifted the cover from the dish and to my surprise, everything was white! White arepa, a pile of white, dry, grated cheese, white milk, and white atol. Atol was, in my opinion at the time, glue. White pasty glue. I convinced the doctor to allow me to leave and go home to eat colorful food. I left for home less than 12 hours after delivery.
My son was the calmest, most content baby I ever had. He has always been a blessing and makes me proud!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Making Known His Glory
From:
"Apostolic passion", Floyd McCling,
"Perspectives on the world Christian movement",
1999, William Carey Library
"Apostolic Passion." Therefore is a deliberate, intentional choice to live for the worship of Jesus in the nations. It has to do with being committed to the point of death to spreading His glory. It's the quality of those who are on fire for Jesus,who dream of the whole earth being covered with the Glory of the Lord. I know when apostolic passion has died in my heart. It happens when I don't spend my quiet time dreaming of the time when Jesus will be worshiped in languages that are not yet heard in heaven. I know it's missing from my life when I sing about heaven, but live as if earth is my home. Apostolic passion is dead in my heart when I dream more about sports, toys, places to go, and people to see, than I do about the nations worshiping Jesus. I have lost it, when I make decisions based on the danger involved, not the glory God will get. Those who have apostolic passion are those that are planning to go, but willing to stay."
THOUGHTS:
AM I,
-Living a life of worship?-Committed to the point of death?-Spending quiet time with God's Word?-Living with an eternal mind frame, or am I living for the here and now?-Working for materialistic things ?-Basing my life decisions on how to bring Glory to God, or on how to stay safe and comfortable?-Planning to go tell others and willing to stay if needed? Or am I planning to stay.
Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
"Apostolic passion", Floyd McCling,
"Perspectives on the world Christian movement",
1999, William Carey Library
"Apostolic Passion." Therefore is a deliberate, intentional choice to live for the worship of Jesus in the nations. It has to do with being committed to the point of death to spreading His glory. It's the quality of those who are on fire for Jesus,who dream of the whole earth being covered with the Glory of the Lord. I know when apostolic passion has died in my heart. It happens when I don't spend my quiet time dreaming of the time when Jesus will be worshiped in languages that are not yet heard in heaven. I know it's missing from my life when I sing about heaven, but live as if earth is my home. Apostolic passion is dead in my heart when I dream more about sports, toys, places to go, and people to see, than I do about the nations worshiping Jesus. I have lost it, when I make decisions based on the danger involved, not the glory God will get. Those who have apostolic passion are those that are planning to go, but willing to stay."
THOUGHTS:
AM I,
-Living a life of worship?-Committed to the point of death?-Spending quiet time with God's Word?-Living with an eternal mind frame, or am I living for the here and now?-Working for materialistic things ?-Basing my life decisions on how to bring Glory to God, or on how to stay safe and comfortable?-Planning to go tell others and willing to stay if needed? Or am I planning to stay.
Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=link}
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)