Where you are, does spring present herself with ambivalence? In Changsha we admired cherry blossoms in our short-sleeved t-shirts. Two days later it snowed!
I thought you may appreciate a wide-scope description of our lives, so I give you our Spring 2016 State of the Family Address.
Let's begin with Drew, dauntless Drew. He performs very well at his job as the manager of a multinational sales team, bearing the weight of each high-pressure day. When he arrives home sometime between 7 and 10pm, he is tired but supportive. Drew's presence in the office has been a unique testimony of God to all with whom Drew works. He and another believer -- also a husband, father, businessman -- have been meeting to support each other in filling all those roles. Next month Drew will take a business trip to Moscow and somewhere in Saudi Arabia. Somehow this semester he is determined to complete and defend his master's thesis. He also must transition our family into the major changes coming this summer (more about that another day...). Drew only rests when he is sleeping; the man is highly efficient with his time. He follows through on everything to which he commits himself. Though he is worn out, he is constantly serving, problem-solving, and meeting others' needs with a willing heart.
Rachel, that's me -- by the way, I just turned 30 which means the Chinese government will allow me to adopt a Chinese child, let's do it! -- I'm overseeing the boys' schooling, both English homeschooling and local Chinese public school, which is more than a full-time job. Chinese school is particularly difficult, but I appreciate learning much alongside Titus. Nurturing children, cooking, shopping and managing home affairs are my responsibilities. Besides this, I am in a discipleship triad that means a lot to me and the two other women. I am privileged to support families of our Chinese church as a co-teacher for children. I find pleasure in planning and leading worship through song for a group gathering. I feel troubled by our stress levels and wish our lives were characterized instead by wellness. My favorite thing on earth right now is hiking the wooded mountainside with my kids.
Drew and I thank God for all we have been through and where we are now. However, we do not intend to remain here, dying a slow certain death by adrenal fatigue and sky-scraper high cortisol levels induced by corporate-world, frantic urban life. And by urban life I mean urban death.
Reuben (2.5 years-old)...wonder what he's doing today? Drew and I are eager to delight in and cherish another little person who will be our very own. We wait on God to bring us together at the right time, perhaps this summer? Last week we travelled to the US Consulate in Guangzhou for fingerprinting; presently our documents are in process with US Immigration, and then they'll be sent to Beijing.
Michael (5.5 years-old), is in Chinese kindergarten every weekday morning, and with me the rest of the day. Mike is doing very well. He's highly social. He is quite straight-forward, decisive, self-aware and articulate. He is a very kinesthetic child, craving and initiating tender affectionate touch and rough wrestling too. Recently he has been learning to write the alphabet and numbers, and read a little bit. Mike has been dealing with encopresis (bowel incontinence) for about a year, and we have made progress learning to manage it.
Titus (7.5 years old) takes Chinese language and math class at our neighborhood primary school. I am very proud of him: He is a generous friend, respectful pupil, and academically has worked extra hard to keep up with his classmates. This spring we are working much more on English and other subjects at home, and I have found it a joy to teach my amiable Titus. My big boy is sensitive. He has a gift of empathizing with others and feels loved when his feelings are heard and affirmed. He likes freedom and being self-determined, climbing trees, creating and running wild; he doesn't care for competition or imposed challenges. He seeks companionship but is equally content in his rich inner world.
If you are a person of prayer, could we kindly ask you to keep us in mind?
- Pray that we can rest in God, lean into God when pressure seems too great
- Let's be specific and lift up the completion of that thesis!
- Pray that God will sustain our health under stress -- strong, sound bodies and souls
- Pray for our kids wellness, all three
Thank you for your loving support.
counting the graces
thank you Father for
bringing the water back on
Titus tonight listing all the gifts you've given him, and it grounded me and made me cry a little
Drew keeps his heart close and open to mine even when he is troubled
your excellent plans unfolding in brother's life
Mike just saying "thank you Mommy" and Titus noticing my feelings
free blow-up balloon swords for the boys in their favorite colors, orange for Mike and blue for Titus
new co-workers for our children's class!!!
guys spent a couple hours together building a cool lego toy -- quality father and son time
hot shower and crying and feeling better
supportive, outstanding friends. I have the best friends. thank you so much.
Liu Jia (Lydia's) loving encouraging message, she continuously humbled and grounds me
Wang Zhao sang happy birthday to me on national television-- what? the love
we don't know what to do but you always give us wisdom and carry us through
