It seems to be common in most families that at some point after parents stop having kids of their own they start to look forward to having grandchildren. So it has been for our parents but for them these first three years of being grandparents (our daughter is the first grandchild on both sides) have been a little bittersweet...because their grandchildren have been halfway around the world (literally).
It has been almost three years of mostly emails, pictures and videos. With months of anticipation of us returning to the US to spend time with each set of grandparents. Lots of time to think about how to optimize their time with their grandkids.
So, what does all this anticipation mean for our kids? It means they have been (and will continue to be) well-loved and they also get a chance to do a lot of fun stuff.
Here are three snapshots from this week:
1. Reliving the book- “Make Way for Ducklings” in Boston Garden- full with feeding the ducks, visiting the statue and riding the swan boats. (This is a classic Boston activity for those of you not from the east coast.) Peter went down the line and tried to climb on the back of every duck statue, but our daughter was the one that actually appreciated the connection to the book.
2. Going to Franklin Park Zoo in Boston- our son was excited by any animal that moved (the fish and lemurs were a big hit) and our daughter liked riding a pretend horse and being a cowgirl.
3. Blueberry picking at a farm west of Boston. The kids caught on quick. Our daughter filled her little carton but Peter pigged out the entire time. He didn’t even bother to pick the blueberries, he just drew the branches toward his mouth and ate them off the bush.
So needless to say our kids are enjoying America. America is full of exciting new experiences. Beyond these adventures they have been enjoying the simple pleasures of new books, new foods and new toys. Playgrounds, libraries and fields of grass are also still very exciting (we don’t have many of these on the islands). Plus there is all the attention- which all children love.
We are all having a good time and I think Grandma and Grandpa have been having a good time too. Next week it is off to see Gram and Grandad in California!
PRAYERS ANSWERED
We have had a number of chances to share about the islands with different groups this week. They all went well. We’re enjoying reconnecting with family and friends.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Good female friends of Megan's sister were robbed and assaulted by armed men on their way to Heidi's house in Central America. Please pray for all of them as they process and try to recover from this horrific experience. Our old teammates are en route to the islands as we speak. Pray for their transition. We are about to be hit by Hurricane Irene and we’re supposed to travel to California on Monday. Pray that Irene’s strength would continue to diminish and that damage and injuries to those affected would be minimal. Pray that our flight wouldn’t be cancelled. This is the final days of the month of fasting- continue to pray for everyone on the islands and for our brothers and sisters that they would have chances to share with their friends and families this week.
