On this roller coaster we call life, it seems that the past week has been the hill where I throw my arms up in sheer joy. The past month has been the slow, noisy, jerking of getting up the hill, but in the Lord’s kindness, this week the thrill of the ride is what sticks mostly in my memory. There are a few of reasons for this: 1) We have had amazing days with Ronnie and Lydia, 2) I’ve realized how much Barrett has helped me during the seemingly endless upward climb as it is often a thankless job for him, and 3) we had seminary friends visit us from China.
It seems as though I am quick to point out where I’m struggling with our babies and not quick enough to boast of their joyful personalities. Ronnie is a solid tank that would be happy to switch between being held and eating all day long. He happily brings us things that he finds and after we take it and say “thank you”, he smiles, claps his hands, and says “YEAH!”. He often plays peek a boo to anyone that he finds looking at him and he flashes an open mouthed grin that will melt your heart. He loves to make Lydia laugh and will often come and rub my back. He is a bit more reserved with trying new things, but once he gets over the fear, he goes all in…even if that means going face first into the ground because he forgot to sit down before going down a slide. We foresee him as our jokester and dancer.
Lydia is our smart cookie. She is quick to mimic and figure things out. She is not afraid to try new things and loves to climb anything and everything. She often puckers to give daddy a kiss and then wanders over to me to give me a hug/snuggle and say, “awe”. She loves to drum and nothing is beyond morphing into this instrument to please her desire. She likes to be picked up and held, but once she is done, she throws herself out with no fear of the consequences of us not expecting it. She is our singer and babbler. We often hear her making a tune/rap as she is waiting for her sleep to bring her to her belly. She enjoys contorting her face to make us laugh and will hug her brother just to make him yell. Her determination will help her do whatever she wants in the future.
Now Barrett? I was not fun to be around this past month, I know that. Not that every day and moment were bad, but I was quick to tears, sad more than happy, exhausted, and a complainer. He is my glass is half full guy and the one who can always figure out a way to get things done when I don’t. Yet in the midst of my funk, he was able to just be. I think the Lord gave him the wisdom to simply listen to my tirades, understand my lack of energy and joy without a lecture, and be there for me when my head was beginning to lift. All the while he was dealing with junk at work and was tired and exhausted himself. I love you Barrett! Thank you.
And lastly! Our friends! It was so good to reunite with them! Adam and Mary came with their 3 precious girls who gifted Annabelle with fast friendship. We did as much as we could with our 6 younguns. Adam spoke at our chapel, we went to the mall, ate Indian and Mexican, explored the aquarium with more friends, rode a Ferris wheel, introduced them to the crazy Okinawa parks, saw ospreys, and toured the base. It was a sweet time of encouraging each other in the faith with all of the stuff we see and hear. Mary and I discussed life, marriage, and parenting pains in overseas ministry. We encouraged each other to confess and repent of sin and bask in the forgiveness of Christ again. We laughed at common struggles and were encouraged that we weren’t the only ones who dealt with these. Barrett and Adam spent their time rehashing counseling visions, theology, and politics. It was a refreshing time for like-minded souls. The entire family loved on Ronnie and Lydia and it encouraged my heart to see the twins thrive with visitors. I rarely saw Annabelle, as she was busy telling stories, playing games, and giggling with their girls. It was so good to see her having so much fun.
My hands are still in the air and my heart is yelling in joy as the thrill of this drop rides on. There will be more hills and turns, but for now, I’m enjoying the thrill of the ride.