Talent Show Day

A short clip of Katrina singing the song that she and Bill wrote together.  There were many talented children in the show, singing, dancing, and even giving speeches.

In the morning, all three kids participated in the Art part of the Talent Show.

Katrina looking lovely in her dress.

   It was a fun and busy day!

We went to Heaven

This morning, we went to church at Mbiguni (which means "Heaven"). They are a church that we are partnering with. It was my and the kids' first time to visit, which was nice.

While there, they appointed leaders of the church and Bill prayed over them. It was a neat experience. The pastor invited us to his house afterwards for warm sodas and cookies. This hospitality is not taken lightly and we enjoyed our visit.

It took an hour and a half drive to get to the church on dusty roads. We don't have AC, so the windows were down. By the time we got home, there was mud when I blew my nose! Quite an experience.

I am proud to say that the children sat through the almost 3 hour service without complaining.

Lost Innocence?

Katrina is turning 10 in April. The one good thing of being a missionary overseas is my children aren't exposed to media or many negative influences. (I didn't say any negative influences...)

She enjoys jump roping, playing hide and go seek, Simon Says, and even Ring a Round a Rosie. She does not own a cell phone, iPad, hand held video game, or iPod. She still plays with Barbies with her younger sister. She still likes Disney Princesses.

I am worried about how our furlough will change her. She will be going to 5th grade in a public school. I have to admit, I am worried that she will be teased for her innocence. I don't want her giving up games she loves because how others view her or tease her. I don't want her growing up too quickly. Because, you are only a kid once.

Am I totally freaking out over nothing? Or is there reason to worry?

My Many Roles

As a homeschooling missionary mom, I fill many roles in my children's lives.
TEACHER- I sometimes feel like this role is defining my relationship with my children. After all, I spend so much time during the day as their teacher. Katrina even calls me "Mrs. DeLaughter"or "Teacher"during school, I guess it is her way to distinguish between me being her mom and her teacher. When she was younger, she used to cry, "You can't be my mom AND my teacher!" I would calmy reply, "Yes, I can. And, yes, I am." I think that we are getting better at figuring out our roles in this homeschooling journey.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER- Since we attend church at Moshono Christian Church which is entirely in Swahili, and there is no Children's church or Sunday School, we have Sunday school at home before we leave for church. I know that all parents are the spiritual teachers of their children. Not everyone teaches their children their Sunday school lesson every week. Sometimes I print out coloring pages and teach a Bible lesson, sometimes I teach about nature and God's creation and make a lesson out of that. I actually feel the children get most of their Spiritual eduation during the week. Before school, we practive memory verses, read a Bible story and do a devotional.

GIRL SCOUT LEADER- Katrina and Heather are "PEGS" Girl Scouts, which is Postal Express Girl Scouts. In other words, long distance Girl Scouts. I'm not an offical Girl Scout Leader, but I am helping them each reach their goals and earn their badges. We do Girl Scouts on Saturday. Each girl does it seperately, as I feel they need this time to have seperate interests and activities.

SWIMMING TEACHER- While on furlough last time, we put the girls into swimming lessons which they loved. We haven't been able to do that here, so I have become their swimming teacher. When we go to a pool, I find myself giving diving instructions to Katrina or helping Heather swim underwater.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MOTHER- At times it can be confusing and perplexing how this role is different from any of the others. I'm still me, and I'm spending time with my kids all day, helping or teaching them. So, why at the end of the day do they say, "Spend time with me, mommy?" Haven't we just spent all day together?! Yes, and no. "Teacher" Mom has been explaining how to subtract fractions or a phonics rule. But, there is more to being a mom than that. The kids need me to be just a mom to them sometimes. I try my best every day to spend time with each child by themselves. Even if it means turning on Elmo for Jonathan and letting one of the girls play a computer game for awhile. Because after all, who wants to just see their mom in school?

Video of Jonathan

This was so cute, I just had to post it.

Welcome 2012

Christmas season has come and gone, more like fly by... and now it's already the New Year. In one way, I am glad that the holiday season is over so we can get back to life as usual. But, I do enjoy the Christmas season, especially with kids.

We are starting school again tomorrow. We've been on break since Dec. 16th, so I'm ready to get back into a regular schedule again. The kids enjoyed their school break, but its time to get cracking again!

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed 2012!

Christmas season is here!

The Christmas season is here again! In Africa, it can be harder to get into the Christmas mood. There is no snow or cold weather, and family is thousands of miles away. So, it takes a little extra effort to get into the holiday spirit.
We start by putting up the Christmas tree in early December and playing Christmas music every day.
We also have an Advent Activity Calendar. Everyday we open a flap which reveals what Christmas activity we are going to do that day: bake cookies, do a craft, string popcorn for the tree, etc. It takes a little bit more effort, but before long I start to feel "Christmasy".
How do you get in the Christmas spirit?