Learning By The Way

in a town not far from here, there lived our family. And then we moved. And here we are. I have thought many times about recording a particularly beautiful learning moment during the crazy last couple months, but life just seemed too hectic. Here are some that I remember:

Moriah asking if she could practice her handwriting, and copying carefully the verse that I prepared for her. We have decided with our children’s handwriting that the goal is that they can write legibly at least one way, and assigned practices will be an obvious part of an practical task. (addressing envelopes, writing letters, filling out forms, writing stories). I was unsure how this laidback approach was going to look in real life, and I am delighted that Moriah initiated learning cursive, and enjoys practicing. So many children end up hating handwriting practice (me included!) that I enjoy seeing her enjoy her work! I know that the boys will progress differently in this same area, and may only learn enough cursive to sign their names. That’s okay, for their gifts and motivations are different. Love of learning is beautiful to watch!

Watching “The Alamo” with the children, and then getting to see it in real life. The three older children approached with respect and awe, as appropriate to a place holding such a history. We walked pass the Alamo many times during our trip to San Antonio, and I’m sure they won’t ever forget.

Meeting some amazing people at the 2nd annual San Antonio Christian Film Festival. And seeing some fun films, too!

Watching Toby and Samuel play a sumo wrestler game at the Japan booth at the missions conference. James had a booth there for Samaritan Ministries, and we spent hours roaming the exhibitor’s hall, meeting people, hearing their stories, playing with ’sumo wrestlers’ from Japan, worry dolls from Guatemala, and a catching game from Mexico. The full size tipi, with a lesson in tipi etiquette was great fun, too! What a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures, and hear about God’s work in other countries.

Hearing Great Grandpa ask the blessing on the family and our meal at Thanksgiving dinner. Cousin Eva showed them her dulcimer, and allowed them to try playing it. Cousin Ethan was a great host of the fort, and owner of a very fine and thrilling zipline. God has been so good to our family!

Moving here has been an important life lesson, too. We explained every step of the buying process, from the offer to the closing. It was a big adjustment for all of the children, and they coped in different ways. Peter and Elsie had to have everything explained numerous times, and Toby was not comfortable until everything in his room was put away! They have all settled in beautifully, and love the new house, as do I.