Ok, my title is a little ambitious. I admit it. When it comes to kids you really never know how each day will unfold. So I suppose that is how I see this upcoming change! When unpredictable kids meet unpredictable scenarios there may be only one solution... just let it unfold!
Let me back up a bit. If you are unsure of my current situation, let me inform you. I am a mother of 2 kids (ages 3 and nearly 5) and my husband and I will be moving to Thailand from Florida in 2-3 months. There is a lot to do, much to consider, and a huge responsibility that my children will not only survive this experience but benefit from it!
When Mike and I began this journey of serving overseas, we were without children. Hey, we didn't even have each other! We met through World Team (our sending organization) when we were single! Our considerations for our family went pretty much like this: Do you think we can find shoes in a men's 14 and women's 10? This was the biggest personal concern! Now, although that concern still remains (in Asia, I shop in the men's section only and Mike is out of luck), it is far down the list.
I know that any anxiety I have about moving my family to Asia is tapered by the fact that I (and countless) other families have done this before! It is possible to make a home where the heart is! Even in the States where this is my "home" we have lived in furnished housing for four years! Although we have been very blessed by these homes, I would never choose the couch I am sitting on right now. It is "foreign" to me, not my "style"etc.
Somehow, through all of the moving, Mike and I have managed to make a home wherever we hang our hats. I think this has been made possible by several factors:
1) We talk with the children about how blessed we are to have any home! That is by no means a certainty for anyone! Foreclosure is a very real thing.
2) We invite friends and loved ones to visit! (NOTE: Begin planning a visit to Thailand now!)
3) We have family dinners several times a week. Face time baby!
4) We go to the local library once a week. Libraries are gold mines for education and fun.
5) We find a church where we can belong (for however long we are there) and get involved. Although it is painful to leave precious new friends, I have never and will never regret having formed intimate relationships wherever I am placed.
6) We integrate the children into our discussions- Although they are only 3 and 5, they hear what we talk about. When they ask questions, we try to answer the best we can. As they get older, they will most likely be involved in the decision-making process.
7) Just in case they forget, we remind them where we have been. Will may not remember actually living in China, but he knows he did and is proud of that fact!
8) We prepare and think ahead whenever we can. Although I don't feel the need to entertain my children every minute, I try to be prepared for challenging times. My kids know I've got their back.
I honestly cannot wait to share this experience/adventure with my family! Susana has never lived overseas but with her spunky personality? She is gonna love it! Will is a pro- he will be brave and compassionate to those around him. Mike and I are so happy to have this opportunity to serve in Asia once more and our children will only enhance those opportunities!
