Still Processing...

Since our days have slowed down some and our summer has begun, we have thoroughly enjoyed being home, but in fact, since our trip, we have enjoyed and appreciate things in a different way.  When we were at one of the airports, on our way to Ethiopia, I told Cade that when we got back home we would never see things the same.  This is true.  I was unsure of how this would effect me.  I have to say, though, that I am glad. 

We have been through many experiences in life that have helped us to appreciate the little things, to be thankful for family and where our source of strength lies (in things eternal.)  Really, it has just helped me to not get caught up in things that are shallow, or superficial.  In losing Kohlie, it has helped me to appreciate my children and to spend time with them!

Yesterday, I had an appointment in town.  I took the girls to Subway for lunch and we sat down and Katreese started complaining about her sandwich.  There was hardly any meat on it, blah, blah!!  You can imagine my response since I have been witnessing spoiled American people ever since we returned home!!  I reminded her again how thankful the children in Ethiopia would be for a sandwich her size with any meat on it!!

So, I find myself getting up on my "soapbox!!"  Warning: The following contains strong adult opinions as well as things the average American probably does NOT want to hear!!  

Ever since we hopped on the airplane to come home from Ethiopia, we found ourselves observing spoiled Americans (which is probably over 90% of Americans, by the way!)  The man who is complaining loudly about the person that was tapping his headrest (TV) behind him, the complaints about the food, etc.  By our last flight to Medford, Cade and I were both just irritated in dealing with spoiled people!!  We are appreciating our haven in our home! 

I know there are so many people who are eager to book a trip to the Bahamas, Hawaii, take a cruise.  They want comfort and luxury.  In Ethiopia there is no luxury.  It was out of our comfort zone.  I will admit, our first night there, I just wanted to go home, but at the same time, I didn't because there in Ethiopia were my kiddos!!  Why is it, that we get so caught up in comfort, luxury, and relaxation?!  In Ethiopia, there is not much of any of that.  The people who have jobs are very busy at working hard (we saw women carrying bags of gravel, etc at construction jobs)and the people who don't have jobs are looking, or wondering when they will get fed.  Children are on the streets trying to get money so they can eat.  This puts our American "beggars" in a whole new light, by the way.  The nannies at the orphanages work hard and I don't think much of their job is easy, except maybe in loving the children, and even in that they couldn't get too attached to the children, knowing that ultimately, they should have a family!  Comfort?  OK, so there are maybe a low percentage of Ethiopians who know some comfort because they are rich there.  Although, their comfort and luxury is nothing like the American standards.  Water is not readily available, especially clean water.  I could go on and on.  What is amazing, though, is that they are a happy people.  In America, our happiness so much of the time is based on our comfort, our "me time", and our new purchases.  That being said, for myself I know and have proven that my happiness and true satisfaction lies in something far beyond that, for which I am so grateful!!  It is living for things beyond this earth - living for my Heavenly Father.

So, what, you may say.  There is nothing we can do to change the situation in Ethiopia.  While many people would argue that point, it is not up to me to tell people what they can do.  I just know for myself and my family, we can appreciate and be thankful for what we do have and try to raise Eden and Bereket the same.  We do not have to get caught up in shallow things in this life.  As many of you who know me well, you probably know that I love clothes and I love to try to keep up with the latest styles.  I just enjoy that.  But, it is just like my house with old carpet, or that remodeling job that we have wished for, it really is NOT important.  A vacation to the Bahamas, or a cruise?  HA, HA, that makes me laugh!!  Not happening any time soon.  Guess what, I don't feel like I am missing anything.  Cade and I have chosen the responsibility of two more souls.  As far as I can tell, that is way more important.  I understand that is not for everyone.  I can say, though, that a trip to Ethiopia may do more for your soul that the Bahamas.

Lastly, I have been thinking of a bible verse.  Ecc 7:2 "It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting: for that is the end to all men; and the living will lay it to his heart."  7:3  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better."
We have definitely been in the house of mourning, many times.  I don't mean that we are mourning now, although we are some things, but to be serious - minded is better for the heart than pleasures and being merry!

Enough from me - Don't forget that I did warn you!!!