Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Sneak Peek...






Here's a sneak peek at what you might see on our next Christmas card. A friend of ours took these last Sunday - and we are all thrilled with the results. We are happier with these than any "studio" packages we've had in the past. Way to go Lisa!!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Soccer on real "turf"


This past week Hannah's school soccer team played a game against Bellingham Christian School at our local community college. It was a game played on a turf field, under the lights! How exciting for these students. They were undefeated until their last game against Ebenezer in which they played a hard game but lost by a couple points. This was also a very evenly played game - but in the last 10 minutes the other team got a goal during a penalty shot... It was hard to take but they went away knowing they had played a great game!

Three Cups of Tea


I just finished reading an interesting book entitled "Three Cups of Tea". This book is about an American man who grew up in Africa to missionary parents. He ends up in Pakistan and Afghanistan because he is a professional climber. He gets lost after attempting a climb of K2 and ends up in a remote village of Pakistan. The village treats him very kindly and he is overwhelmed by the poverty and illiteracy of the children (esp. girls). He promises them he will come back and build them a school. He keeps his promise, and the rest of the book explains how he continues to work & build schools in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The thing that is missing is he does not try to share the gospel at all - he feels that all that is needed to promote peace (and fight terrorism) is education... but never intends to share the gospel. This book is very difficult because of numerous references to geographical locations, tribes and ethnic groups. If you are not well versed in middle east geography and history then this book can be confusing. There are photos in the middle that are interesting but I would have recommended a detailed map to refer to when names are numerous. Overall, an interesting read but I am quite sure that peace will not be obtained without knowing the Prince of Peace.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Call me Ruth...

Tonight I did something I've never done before. We live in the country with many different crops growing around us - raspberries, blueberries, corn and potatoes to name a few. I've noticed in past years that the potato farmers are very quick in taking in their crops - the machine comes one day and by the end of that day their job is done. If you look at the field when they leave, a fair bit of the crop (especially where the machine turns) is laying on the field as waste. It's not worth their time to pick this up and by the end of the next day the plow (or disc?) has put them back into the ground. Well, call me dutch or call me Ruth, I went out there tonight before the plow and picked up a box full of beautiful yellow baby potatoes. Once we've had them for dinner I will report back...maybe share a recipe or two.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Musings on Education...

Ever since I can remember, at least during my adult years, I have regretted the fact that I did not go to University and pursue a degree. I grew up in a culture that really stressed working hard - a carry-over of the immigrant spirit that my parents grew up in. Now, I don't belittle the work ethic that was instilled in me but I do think that furthering my education would have opened different doors. Of course, looking back is not a very helpful thing to do - at least it doesn't change the future much. I graduated from a college with a two year Office Administration diploma and really was able to use my talents and skills in that area. Much has changed since those days and much has been learned. It causes me to ask the question again of how important that degree really would and could have been. Have I absorbed that somewhat "worldly" mentality that your education defines you and gives you importance?

I have had the time these past two years to ponder whether or not to return to school and begin that degree I've so long mused over. I've been very close to signing up for a Children's Literature course, but circumstances and timing didn't allow for it to become a reality. It's not a closed door. But when I look at my days and weeks and the things I accomplish I question again what is important. I am able to be a dedicated mother and wife in my home - not a small task. I am also able to be very supportive to our school - also not a small task. The opportunities to serve in our church community are endless. And all of these areas allow me to grow in ways I never imagined. I have learned more about children's literature and library administration than I probably would have gained in a university. You see my dilemma... Without enrolling in an educational institution I am able to pick and chose what I would like to learn. I can take the time to read books that I really want to read! I have the time to practice and strengthen my writing skills - something I've always wanted to do. Would I get this in a secular institution?

So I continue to muse... I may be sorely dissapointed in a formal education. I see my adult life experience as a degree in many different areas. I am sure that by now I have a degree in administration, early childhood education, business, english literature and a host of others that are not offered in an institutional setting. So, I just thank God for those opportunities and for the "life" education I've been able to complete. And, this would never have been possible if I wasn't taught the importance of hard work in the first place!!