Leah's thoughts

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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?

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Fall Fun

It's been awhile since I've written on here, so I'll try to do better! We are currently, "between homes". We moved out of our house in Nairobi on Oct. 15th. We have been blessed to be able to stay with a friend in Boma N'gombe outside of Arusha for a few weeks, and we plan to move into our new house Nov. 4th.

It's always difficult keeping the children's schedules running smoothly during a trasition time, and keeping them active and not driving eachother (and me) crazy. So, today, we made Fall Leaf Cookies. I made the dough, then split it into three sections and dyed each one a different color before letting the kids roll them out and cut out the cookies. It gave them something to do for an afternoon!

I've been trying to do something creative every afternoon. One day we looked up different flags from around the world, and the kids picked some to draw. Then, they made paper dolls of children from that country holding their flag. That was fun.

We only have missed 2 days of school so far in this move, since we moved mostly over the weekend. I have found that things go much smoother for me if they kids have something to keep themselves focused for a majority of the day and aren't left with too much free time!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Finding Contentment

Today, the kids and I had a picnic in the driveway. It was Katrina's idea. She is always coming up with interesting things to do.

Lately, God has been showing me that my attitude about living in Nairobi has been horrible. Really rotten. Yes, I miss Arusha, our ministry and our friends there. More than I can say. But, I need to learn what Paul learned, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippinas 4:12 In any and every situation. Which means instead of thinking, "Why can't we be in Arusha?" I need to thank God for putting me in Nairobi for this time period and learn to be content while we are here.

I have been convicted that I was portraying a negative attitude to my children about living here when I overheard them repeating negative remarks about Nairobi. Children are wonderful mirrors to the soul sometimes!

So, in that light, I am going to start to think about the positive things about living here. Of course there are things I like and things I don't like. I choose to focus on the postive, not the negative, and hopefully learn to be content. Because I think the secret to contentment isn't about having everything you want, or getting your way. It's about thanking God for what he HAS given you and for your blessings.

Things I like about Nairobi

1. There is a wonderful library here run by the Baptist Mission.

We don't really have a library to speak of in Arusha. And I LOVE libraries.

2. There is an ice-skating rink here.

And whoever heard of ice-skating in Africa? How great is that?

3. We live near the airport, which makes picking up guests easy.

4. Carnivore resturant has the best playground I've seen here, and the kids love to go there. The food isn't bad either.

5. Getting to know everyone in our small group at church.

6. Getting to work with and spend time with Larry and Judy Neimeyer, who wrote the discipleship material we use in Arusha.

7. We have a lovely house in a nice neighborhood.

8. There is a shop within walking distance.

9. There is a resturant within walking distance.