One neat conversation was about changing language and choosing words that reflect our heart in the matter. For example, instead of calling Ana "half white, half black," (or "other"), we instead say she is "double." Half so easily implies that she isn't as good as someone who is "whole," or that something is missing--when in reality, she has double the amount of culture--triple (American, Brazilian, Jamaican), in fact.
Coming home on furlough, or "home assignment" this time is different for me than it ever has been in the past. A lot of that is because now I have a daughter--and she is a constant that comes with me, and so much of my life, my time, my energy is doing the same things--taking care of her. In a way, this has made things easier on me. It is also really amazing to see her interact with my family and friends in the USA--memories for life.
It is one thing to be a single missionary. You are making the choices for yourself. It is one thing to be married and both pray and know this is what God has chosen for you both. It is another thing to be a missionary with children, because you are making the decisions for them. I am sure there will be times in Ana Sofia's life that she doesn't want to be an MK (missionary kid) or a TCK (third culture kid) or "double:" she will want to just be normal. I hope that phase(s) of her life passes quickly, and that she comes to realize what awesome opportunities she has...but that will be her decision, not mine.
For now, she is happy getting into everything and putting everything into her mouth. Her crawling skills have increased, and she pulls herself up and bounces her bum, hoping to be given two fingers to hold on to so she can "walk" wherever she wants. I am still hoping she learns to walk in the USA where we have carpets, rather than the tile and cement apartment in Brazil.
Maybe she should be a triple...she has the benefit of Jamaican, American and Brazilian roots!
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