smiling kids
I’m so proud of our kids. They have taken this whole experience in stride, adapting, embracing and assimilating with good humor and joy.
This weekend we arrived early to one of the local churches in Ntchisi. We got out footballs and friendship ropes and Claire Marin and Carter joined in the games, helped with the ropes and seemed to feel right at home.
headed out to join the fun
Claire Marin sits patiently through worship service after worship service, even listening and participating with increasing enthusiasm and Chichewa. Carter (often) copes by running outside to play and make friends with any child he can find. They both tolerate the meetings reasonably well and somehow keep up with school in the midst of our crazy, busy schedule.
when the meetings get long... play in the dirt!
Carter is in constant motion and chatters incessantly. He can wear me down and exhaust me but he is almost always happy. It’s really amazing to see his love for life, his generosity as he colors pictures and gives them away, and hear him vow to play with new friends “on Mondays and Saturdays” even if they are three hours from home. I can learn a lot from him.
And Claire Marin… so conscientious, responsible, thoughtful and kindhearted. She shoulders more responsibility for Carter than we should allow her to. When we are at class, teaching or visiting churches she is amazingly patient and good with Carter. And she can cook and bake more now than I could when I got married.
She’s kind and sensitive to people’s feelings and discerning of people’s attitudes. And a prolific writer. She must have half a dozen journals – a journal for stories, for poetry, for Malawi, for drawing. Her teacher praises her for her creativity, imagination and skill.
I’m so grateful for both of them. Their ability to embrace this adventure, the culture and the people have made this journey so much less stressful and much more wonder-ful.
They are amazing really. And I thank God each day (or I should) for the privilege of being family with them.
Observations we should all take the time to make about our children. Thanks for sharing your insights with those of us who miss them – and all of you.
The are great kids as they have great parents. Dad and I have talked so often since we have returned about how much Claire Marin & Carter seem to love their life in Malawi. You are giving them an experience of a lifetime, and they are certainly embracing the life.
Dear Kara,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences of you and your family in a land and culture so foreign to us. You have a gift for making it all come to life and we feel that we are closer to you although the miles separate all of us
You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily!
Love, Aunt Mary Sue and Uncle Bill
They are beautiful little people! Hugs to them.
peace.
ps–I have a dozen journals, too. Yay Claire Marin!
You and Jeff have raised great children. They seem so happy and well rounded and that is due to the upbringing their parents have done. You have given them such wonderful experiences which they will always carry with them.