Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter Sunday

Sooo... We're putting together our spring team newsletter, and I volunteered to write the article on our Easter Sunday, which we used kind of as an opportunity for a "friends day" - i.e. invite a lot of people to come and celebrate the resurrection with us (being as in Latin American, Good Friday and the crucifixion often times takes the front seat).

Thing is - I wasn't exactly what you would call "present" for most of the morning. Sundays are hard as it is with 2 kids under the age of 2 - for the most part I feel that if I can even understand the basic theme of the sermon, I'm doing well. I feel accomplished just keeping Eliana fed and happy (and if she takes a nap - I've scored!), and Michaela entertained and quiet.

But this Sunday was even crazier! On the way to church, Michaela threw up all over herself in the car. So we got to church and had to change her clothes and wash her down (not to mention prepare the Lord's Supper as it's our responsibility this month and prep a special activity we were doing with the kids in Sunday school in honor of Easter.) Michaela seemed fine, so we decided to stay. Service started - 2 or three trips to the bathroom - nurse and walk Eliana to sleep - sermon starts and I take the kids under 3 to the back room to play so parents can listen - another trip to the bathroom - and Michaela throws up again - this time all over me! I'm dripping vomit in the bathroom, wondering what to do - and remember I have a kanga (Kenyan wrap skirt that I sometimes use as a blanket) in the diaper bag. So I strip down, put on the kanga, pack up the kids and head for home - leaving right after Josh finishes preaching (of which I've heard not a word!)

We get home, get Michaela and I bathed and dressed - a little something to eat and drink - and she throws up a 3rd time - all over the couch. Another bath - and then nap time - so mommy can regain her sanity.

Needless to say - I'm not sure what I'm going to write in our team newsletter. Josh and I were laughing about it - and at the risk of sounding sacriligeous - I could say the 3 throw ups represented the 3 days in the grave which then resulted in a "rising". Enough said! I guess I'll just have to get someone else's input on Easter Sunday.

3 comments:

Diane said...

Sorry!!
Glad you had the kanga and also glad nobody stopped you on the way home and asked you to step out of the car.
Hope Michaela is all better now.
Love, Mom
P.S. Do you need me to send you some plastic Easter eggs for next year?

Heather said...

Julie~
I can't remember if we've officially met or if I just feel like I know you through stories and Josh's family, but my husband Jason and I lived in Ecuador for a while while in the AIM program.
Had a chance to run across your blog and love keeping up with all you both are doing. Just read this particular post and had to laugh... I'm both encouraged by your devotion and your spirit in the midst of all that's required of you.. and at the same time want to cheer you on and encourage you that it does get easier!
Thanks for all you both are giving in your lives to Him. It blesses and reaches further than you know. Who knows ... maybe this is what He intended you to write all along...:-)

Cheryl said...

I wonder if this "use" was included in the "101 Ways to Use a Kanga" book? :-)

Bless you...Sunday is the hardest day in the week for me...
Hang in there...you are developing habits for those girls that bless them...and God sees you..."...he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
I repeat that verse many a Sunday to myself...when I can't accomplish what I think I should be accomplishing, I am blessed to remember He is gentle. It reminds me to be gentle on myself...
Love you and so proud of who you are and all you are doing...