Sep. 4, 2007 - You can't wear red and hide...
August passed by quickly this year, and with it the Southern Hemisphere winter blew its farewell kiss.
Spring has indeed sprung Down Under, and as we look hopefully to the blue skies above for a promise of many long sunny days ahead we stop to thank God heartily for the immense measure of grace He has bestowed upon as we begin this new season of life.
It is now just over six weeks since we arrived in town. Naturally shy as I am (though friends would laugh at that as once I know you I chuckle loud and heartily and seem anything but shy!) I had to plan on putting my best foot forward from day one and set about opening doors quickly. Defying my natural tendency to let things unfold ‘as they will’ I purposefully looked for avenues that would lead to fellowship and fun for the whole family.
Before embarking on so wild an adventure I needed to finish unpacking our boxes, make sure the pantry and freezer were well stocked, and all amenities located. Only when I deemed the new house to be ‘homed’ did I set off for the first step towards settling down and being a part of a new place – a place we hoped would be our permanent home.
I decided firstly to take stock of myself – after living in the desert for 18 months my beautiful coastal life seemed to whisper that a personal makeover was long overdue. A new hair colour and new hairstyle – both of which I was immensely pleased with – was just what I needed to match my now sunny disposition. Living in a town with incredibly cold winds blowing up from the Antarctic I also purchased a long coat – red! If any colour says ‘here I am’ it is indeed red, a colour I had until now avoided for that very reason. With conscious forethought I was well aware that my habit of hiding would have to be tossed aside whilst wearing the red coat. ;-)
But a new life heralded a new outlook, a heartier spirit, and a renewed confidence in mankind and oneself.
So with a smile on my face, day six in the new town saw me, with teenage daughter in tow, heading for a quilting exhibition/cancer fundraiser purely to be out and about and meet fresh local faces. What a brilliant plan that turned out to be.
By the following week I had signed up, along with aforementioned daughter, to the Port Patchers. What a mosaic of ladies! - different ages and backgrounds, nationalities, life experiences - but with two things in common – a love of fabric, and hearts larger than life. Joining them each Friday is like coming home for Christmas and being surrounded by a safety net of loved ones who embrace and encourage you with their whole beings, eager to ply you with their latest carrot cake or chocolate mud slice to boot! In just a few short weeks I have been blessed to see into the lives of some extraordinary women and have grown in gratefulness of heart for a God who so easily led me to them. And not just me – they have taken my 13yo daughter under their wing and made her a part of this ‘family’ too. For a teenager with no grandparents, aunts or uncles, this has been an unmistakeable touch of grace. Thank you Lord.
Back to week one…we signed the kids up for the local chess club where they have met some very clever young minds, but even better they sit under the tutelage of a retired gentleman who has chosen to pass on his love of chess to interested teens. He brings along cakes and crackers, a big smile, and an incredibly gentle and patient countenance. Those Wednesday afternoons have become a highlight of the week for my children and for hours after dinner that night they replay their winning (or losing!) moves for their father and me. We now have a chess board set up permanently in the centre of the dining table for impromptu games before breakfast or over meals.
Week two saw 13yodd begin her first official art course. Alongside eight other teenage girls she is learning about many forms of drawing and painting. For two weeks she had a guest tutor who has had his work hung in
Almost 15yods, who in the past has struggled to find friends that ‘clicked’ with his idiosyncrasies, has gathered himself three mates, each very different from the other, yet all very nice young men who seem to cover all of my son’s interests.
This town is very music/arts focused so our next ‘new’ experience was to buy the kids a guitar and then raid the library for videos, cds and books they could learn from. My ears are still smarting from their first week of twanging and endless attempts at tuning but dad has now stepped in to help…please Lord let them learn quickly.
There are endless bike paths along the ocean roads, just a minute’s walk from our house. Last week when we were out and about I had my first bike ride (well, bike ride attempt). Growing up I was never able to keep my balance on a bike, roller skates, scooters…something just did not work in my balance and I would fall immediately someone let go and pushed me off on my own. Eventually I gave up and realised I would never enjoy the freedom of pedalling with the wind behind me. Fortunately I was able to stay put on a horse so my mid-teens saw me galloping through bush and stream on a neighbour’s mare. However, as I watched my kids gliding along the path ahead I had this surge of ‘need’ to ride a bike. What ensued was a half hour of raucous laughter as both of them held and let go, over and over, as I gallantly struggled to maintain balance and ‘ride the wind’ at last! That was the most fun I’d had in ages…and I am not giving up. Once dh lowers the seat on dd’s bike (my kids are taller than me) I shall set off once again to overcome my hurdle.
Some people find new situations easy to flow with, new relationships easy to build upon, new experiences easy to embrace…as much as I have wanted that to be my natural inclination it has not been – until now. This life-changing lesson all stemmed from that one encounter a few months back when God allowed me to see my enemies for what they really were, and in doing so He showed me what each day without them could be like if I just stepped up to the plate and took hold of this precious gift, called life, saw through the fear and looked at the joy beyond.
I am so incredibly blessed, and not because I asked to be, but because God in His mercy decided to give it freely out of His love for His own.
Comments
Sep. 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by naturalpaths
I just found your blog yesterday and have been enjoying reading your posts so much!
Sep. 5, 2007 - I am so thrilled
Posted by Anonymous
Jen
My heart is overflowing with happiness at reading your blog. What a rich, wonderful life your family is experiencing, after a long dry spell in the desert (pardon the pun) you have reached the oasis:):)
Sep. 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Robin
Jenny! I am so thankful that you are well. What a blessing you and your family are to those around you!
Sep. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jugglingpaynes
Isn't it wonderful? No matter how old we are, we can still learn new things.
It has been quite a summer for us, and now we are settling back into our routines. I wish we lived closer, I'm so sure our daughters would hit it off. They seem to have a lot in common from what I can tell. Would it be OK if I got mine to write to yours? She needs to hone her writing skills anyway, and I know having a pen pal was the highlight of my teens.
Let me know.
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina
Sep. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by homemeadow
Hey Jen
Lovely post, I'[d love to see you in your red coat....you go girl!!
I can't believe that your dc are now 15 and 13...where has the time gone???
Mine are 17 (in 2 weeks time), 15 and my baby turns 13 next month!
I can feel the change in your spirit in your writng, so glad to see it.
Blessings
Lisa
Sep. 18, 2007 - Hi Jen!
Posted by jugglingpaynes
I have not forgotten about the pen pal thing. Marina has just been busy with preparation for Confirmation and starting our school year. Sorry! She will have a letter in the mail soon! (I figure we'll start with snail mail and if they hit it off and can't wait we'll try email)
I love seeing your books on the side. When you get a better connection you should check out LibraryThing.
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina
Sep. 27, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by naturalpaths
Hello!
I've passed along an award to you. Stop by my blog to see - http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/naturalpaths/397930/
