Evendays

In Burundi, you could walk into about any neighborhood, any village really, and find yourself surrounded by children. Laughing, smiling children who loved making fun of the “Europeans” in their midst, calling out “zungo”, or something much like it (to my ears), which I’m sure is a term of deep respect reserved for strangers in the neighborhood.

The median age in Burundi is 16.7.

46% of the population is 14 years of age or under.

 

Such beauty and joy.

Son 1 received his Swiss citizenship yesterday, joining his younger brother and sister in the land of dual nationality. This does not mean he loves the United States, or Americans, less. It does keep doors open for him here in Switzerland if he decides to live, for a few or even many years, outside of the Helvetic nation. With his old resident permit, it was difficult to be outside of the country for more than 2 years.

They were 220 to start the year in forensic science, and only 30 to pass the year. 

Son 1 got his results on Friday for the final two exams… He passed them both, even the one that he said "nobody" passes.

So on Tuesday he goes back to the University… Very thankful. And we are very proud of him.

Son 2 came into our life with a smile. He waited till the jams were cooked and their lids tightly clamped on, for me to finish the lawn and then to quickly rinse the sweat off… 5 run-red lights and 25 minutes later, he was born bald and happy. He has given the family much joy.

Yesterday we brought our 19 year old to Marseilles where he will spend a year in the Spiritual Internship that Son 1 finished a year ago. If God allows it, next year in late summer he will start university in the USA.

We will see him again in November and December, and he’ll only be 320 minutes away (by car). Not far, I know, but a definite break. A part of growing up. And a part of being a parent too.

Just back from a week in Ternopil, Ukraine, spending time with the church there. And I’m home in time for Daughter’s 17th birthday. She was born on a Sunday and has brightened up our home ever since.

So, Happy Birthday, Daughter. We love you!

(BTW, 1990 was an exceptional year for daughters and for French clarets…)

Two of our kids have tutoring jobs that earn them some pocket money and keep them off the streets. Recently, a couple who often visit the church told about a project they carry out in Equator (where she’s from) every Christmastime. They prepare food baskets for poor families and distribute them in the name of Jesus.

They asked us if we wanted to participate. So I told the kids about it, thinking they’d like (all together) to offer one of the $16.00 baskets. They surprised us by springing for a basket each.

Before Wife took the money over to our friends, the kids had been talking and decided they wanted to buy five baskets. So they each chipped in a bit more and Wife delivered the cash.

A little boy attends church with his single mom. He’s 5 and loves Son 2. They didn’t make it to worship this morning, but dropped by when several of us were eating together. The boy had brought a busted up Christmas candle as a gift to Son 2, who then offered the little guy a Christmas dream gift: a ping-pong paddle, picked out, planned for, and purchased by Son 2.

So, I raise my glass and give three cheers to generosity, for it lives on. And I thank our generous God for the riches he has given us in Jesus.

The Ukraine trip went well. Must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me 48 hours before flying back to Switzerland. The WC confinement took off about 8 pounds, but I was able to escape that helpful room twice to teach the scheduled lessons to the church. God was merciful. And he does answer prayer.

It’s been a whirlwind since. Sunday and Monday Christmas activities with the churches. Tuesday with the Geneva studies. Today I am preparing the Lausanne December 24 lesson. And writing my first post in a week.

Handel’s Messiah plays regularly in the background on our stereo. So many memories: McLane High School and our annual presentation with a 120 member chorus plus orchestra… Singing it again, nearly 30 years later, in a 700 year-old church here in Lausanne with Sons 1 and 2.

But my favorite Messiah memory, by far, is Daughter strolling through the house singing the opening tenor solo with such gusto: “Come for tea. Come for tea, my people.” (Boys, do NOT mention this post to her.)

Anyway, got a minute? If so, please do “come for tea”.

Much love from Lausanne…

It’s time for our yearly All Saints Teenage Retreat in beautiful Ardêche, France. Even though it’s not quite All Saints Day and even though I’m not a teenager, we’ll be attending for the 15th time. This is only my ninth time to direct it. And there is a great group of workers who support this ministry.

Many of our youth don’t have youth groups in their local assemblies. For example, our kids are the only ones their age at church. So contact with youth from other cities is essential, in addition to the Bible Groups they attend at the local schools.

Our theme this year is the book of James. We’ll talk about the tongue, hypocrisy, helping those in need… The discussion groups always start slow, but once they get going, there is no stopping them. And the games. They love the games. My brother, the youth minister, gave me a couple of good ones last night that I can’t wait to try.

Thanks for dropping by. And if your in Ardêche, don’t hesitate coming to see us. The food is excellent, the communion divine.