Today, that meant bowling, something they had never done, and something their dad and I weren't all that sure needed done, but today after homeschooling and counseling and in the middle of pouring rain we did. In pink shoes for Ben, kicking the 8 lb. ball all around the seats like a good little Haitian boy, and with a ball Nora could hardly move but insisted on slothing down the lane over and over, the Ayars clan tried bowling.
We have been trying, these weeks, to show the girls a more realistic view of the everyday life in America...not our usual six summer weeks of daily visiting family, driving huge distances, speaking in churches, hitting zoos and amusement parks and doctors offices and packing it all into 6 weeks. So we mentioned to them that in "real" life, no one actually goes bowling in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday. Kids are in school, adults are at work.
And we looked immediately looked like dummies, because actually, a LOT of very, very serious Americans DO go bowling on Monday afternoon...like, the place was packed when we came in and again by the time we left, with kids, families, adults, couples, leagues...packed.
So, their disillusions of America continue...and I continue to wonder who gets it and who doesn't.
Meanwhile, while Mardi Gras always means extra chaos and confusion in Haiti, the dark season we are in seems to deepen with some major non-peaceful protests between the police and the army...gang activity...rising the concerns and levels of discouragement among our Haiti family (you can try to understand with the Miami Herald, but...it's all a complicated mess.) It's a mess at the hands of a few, and frustration, discouragement, heartbreak and fear in the hearts of most.
When you read of brokenness in the world, pray like you're in the middle. Pray like she's your sister...pray like they're your children. Pray like he is next to you, pray like the future looming was yours.
It's not a fun way to pray, but it sure is a powerful one, and those simple, speechless, overwhelmed, heart-felt prayers at His feet, beside our brothers and sisters around the globe are what Haiti and the world need.
Praying on.
Still on their list : some/any kind of zoo, doughnuts, horseback riding, and more time with other kiddos.
How did donuts make it so far down your list? That's very important, you know. :) I'm so glad they get to go bowling during the week! We should go do that. Thank you, too, for the update on Haiti and the wonderful prayer tips.
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