Luxuries

I won't make any grand claims of poverty here. Although, growing up - there were many hardships. However, it wasn't until my trip here that my eyes became open to - when even at my "poorest" I was quite wealthy.

Luxuries.

However you want to apply that word, we each have different views of what that may mean. Prior to my trip, I would think grand thoughts when I thought of the word luxury. Perhaps a pedicure, massage or something else that could be defined as sheer unnecessary consumption upon self. Then I came here. I see a people who dry their clothing upon racks after they have washed them with their hands. Perhaps they don't even have the rack, but use the lines outside their balcony to air dry their items. I see the babushka digging through the trash, for any remnant of food. I notice the simpleness, the common aspect of just wearing the same clothing day upon day. Hey, if it's not dirty - why put something else on? I think of how that young mom hanging her wet clothes in the air would love to be able to throw them in the dryer, or how the babushka would rather rest her sore feet upon the ottoman rather than looking for her meal.

But even at that thought - I know, that this is apart of the culture. This is how things are done here. It is good for me to see. It is good to be reminded of the "luxuries" I have awaiting for me at home. I hope I don't forget just how blessed beyond words that I truly am.

Anyhow, just rambling - I know. I will leave you with pictures of why I am sure you came here to begin with: Matthew and Ivanna. My sweet babies. We have court on Thursday, and appreciate the prayer as we continue on this journey that God has called us to.

Daddy telling silly tales to Ivanna.

A hat that I purchased for her prior to leaving. It is way too big, but it is girly and I slip it onto her any chance I get. She really is obsessed with putting strings in her mouth, and I am constantly on guard for this.

Ohhhhh, Matthew. Beautiful boy.

I think this is a good photo to depict how small Ivanna is. Justus, my seventeen month old is sitting across from her.

Yes, she is taller - but I can tell you that Justus is heavier. Again, Ivanna turns five on the 26th of this month.

My sweet little Ivanna

I think this photo is from yesterday, because he is wearing a scarf - but cute as a button - as always.

Ummmm ... I miss my extra soft Charmin! This is our crepe ... ahem ... I mean toilet paper!

Our kitchen, dining area. We actually have a small clothes washer right behind the refridgerator. That has been very nice.

Our couch.

Hold down your excitement folks - this is our DRYER! ;)

While I think of luxuries, and how it means different things to different people - I can't help but think of how simply having a family seems luxurious to those children we see everyday. We see other groupas playing near us, and we see how the children look over at us playing with Matthew and Ivanna. I wonder what they must be thinking. My prayer is that one day, the thought of having a family won't seem like a "luxury" to those orphans, but as something that is normal. As more and more people fulfill the scripture - James 1:27 - more and more children can experience the love and care of a family.