Whitman Performs

A couple weeks ago we were informed by Whitman's teachers that he would take part in a school performance, towards the end of the month.  Whitman didn't know any other details, nor was he sure what he would actually be doing. 

Tuesday morning I, Erin, attended a PTA type get together at Whitman's school.  There was an announcement that some of the children would be performing the next day, Wednesday.  Afterwards I verified with a teacher whether those performing included Whitman.  She informed me Whitman would perform next month, December.  Later that day, I received a phone call from one of Whitman's teachers informing me there was a practice going on and Whitman was to join.  So after nursing Evangeline, Whitman and I took off on the motorcycle to find out more. 

Whitman with his instrument at practice

practicing positions

practicing their instruments

It is often difficult to know how much of our lack of understanding is due to a language barrier or just culture differences in the way communication happens.  What I understood after practice on Tuesday was that Whitman was called in as a replacement or substitute for someone else. I gathered further information about the event from talking to other parents and from the sign hanging on the wall at the event location. 

The event was to show case children from a handful of kindergartens from across the city.  Whitman was to be at school by 7am and then be taken to the performance location at the Mayor's office.  We decided I would accompany him as there wasn't any information as to how he would be taken with the other students to the Mayor's office.  I helped Whitman get dressed in a traditional outfit, then at 8am we left on our motorcycle. 

Whitman was pictured on the large banners at the event.

Whitman dressed and ready. 

In his school yard.

Many pictures were taken and the kids waited and waited.

Schoolmates

Speeches were given as the children sat.

Whitman playing music at the end of the event.

The event finally got started a little after 9am, at which point I had to leave to nurse Evangeline.  I would have just brought her along but we have decided she is too small to ride the motorcycle as she doesn't have a helmet yet.  On my way back to the event, I picked Caedmon up from school.  When we arrived the performances had concluded and the closing speeches were being made.  Thankfully we did get to see Whitman play his instrument at the very end while the Mayor walked around greeting children from the various schools. 

Comforts, Conviniences, and Contentment

As westerners, we are automatically considered to be wealthy.  This plays out in various ways.  A friend told us she could never be a rich person in the States because she didn’t like pizza.  She had concluded that pizza was a food of rich people since westerners eat it and westerners are rich.  Other people think life must be easy and carefree for all Americans because of the abundance of money in the States.  It is difficult to communicate the reality of life in the States with just words but, in comparison, we are quite materially wealthy. 

A Local House

About half of our community live like this; most have electricity, but few have running water.

Simple things about our lifestyle here portray our wealth.  For example, we furnished our house all at once when we moved in.  We frequently travel to the big city.  We eat more chicken than fish, which is more expensive.  We replace items when they break.  We have a washing machine and we hire a lady to help clean our house, not to mention our water is piped directly to our house.  Many of these things are not considered extravagant when seen through our own cultural lenses, yet we do come from a wealthy country when you consider the infrastructure and the availability of resources and opportunities.  This has led to a great deal of personal adjusting for myself, Erin. 

Just yesterday I found the basket of nicely folded clean laundry covered in ants.  Why, I still do not know.  But that is part of life here.  For a period, we can hold the ants at bay, then one day they are in and on everything.  For a period, we have an uninterrupted water supply.  Then one day the city water doesn’t come on and occasionally our water storage tank runs out before the water returns.  Some days I just don’t feel like cooking, but the only pre-prepared food is ramen and there are not any ‘drive-thru's’ or even fast food establishments.  Other days I just don’t want to dress in pants and sleeved-shirts to leave the house, even just to take out the garbage. 

At times, I’m surprised I am not more use to the way of life after living for almost 4 years here.  But, I have recently been learning my focus has been on the “living here” not the “why” we’re living here.  How I would love to shop at Walmart, with its air conditioning and endless variety, though I was not fond of it when it first came to Walla Walla.  But as much as I miss the comforts and conveniences of the States, the Father is teaching me to put Him first, love Him more than my own comfort, and focus on eternity.  That doesn’t mean the ants will go away, there will always be running water from my tap, or I’ll stop dripping with sweat.  Instead, it means His glory, His love, and His grace will not only be sufficient to supply my needs, but will be immensely more fulfilling and joy giving than any comfort or convenience I could attain in the States.  As my focus changes, I also begin to see all that I do have and have been blessed with, not just materially either, but eternally also.  As I grow in this area I know it will not always be easy and is likely be a long journey of growth, but I also know it will be rewarding! 

My Garden

From the left: cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, and bell peppers under the make shift chicken fence. 

And, really, there are some advantages to living here.  My garden is flourishing and it is November!  My bread dough rises quickly because of the heat.  We can walk right into a pharmacy and buy prescription medicine for a fraction of the cost, without the prescription.  Lastly, I get to (though I often feel forced), cook with 'fresh from the farm' ingredients. 

 And Aunt once told me, "The difference between ordeal and adventure is your attitude," or perspective!

 The rest of life lately, in pictures...

Whitman playing with friends

Studying language with daddy.

Halloween

Caedmon carved a watermelon, all by himself.

Pumpkin pie for Halloween dessert.

Evangeline turned 5 months.

Whitman lost his first tooth!

A new pet: two little green birds. 

Caedmon is doing great caring for them himself. 

Happy, healthy kids.

Another wedding, Whitman was not too excited to attend. 

Bath time, on the dinning room table. 

Getting close to sitting. 

A friend's new baby.