I Love Social Justice (as long as it doesn’t cost me anything)
This quote was on my sister-in-law's blog. It is so profound, I had to share."I contend that Christians will only have authority if they first serve the needs of others in sacrificial ways, especially the poor and oppressed. When those who hold power witness how Christians live out love - meeting the needs of others and binding up the wounds who have been left hurting by society's waysides - Christians will earn the authority to speak. When Christians sacrificially give of their time and . . .
Generativity vs. Stagnation (why being an aunt is good for the psyche)
According to psychologist Erikson's theories of personality development, age 35 to 55 is the life stage of Generativity vs. Stagnation.Generativity is a strong sense of having "made a mark", being concerned with the next generation, wherease adults that do not feel this develop a sense of Stagnation, feel little connection to others, and generally offer little to society.Having my nephews here this week, Mark and I are really enjoying our attempts at shaping their young lives. It's a good . . .
The Memory-Keeper’s Son
I just looked at Jafta's baby book for the first time since we finalized his adoption. I hadn't really thought about looking at it - India just pulled it out. But as I sat there flipping the pages, I was flooded with memories of assembling it. Making a baby book is something that should be a labor of love for a mom, especially a first-time mom. Choosing memories for a baby book should be a beautiful thing. But for me, this book was an EXTREMELY painful process. In fact, I could barely finish it, . . .
On Being the Shrink
I don't talk about my job very much. As a therapist, I have to keep everything that happens in session confidential. When most people have a bad day at the office, they can vent about it to their spouse or friends. When I have a bad day at work, I have to keep it to myself. Today I had a poignant conversation with another therapist about some stuff that I obviously can't discuss. But the gist of it is, sometimes it can be really discouraging to see how damaging parents can be to their children. . . .
The Post-Trip Post
This is the post where I talk about the culture shock of re-entering the US and all of it's excesses. Cliche? Perhaps. Necessary? Absolutely. Our last night in Haiti, we had a great time with Keanan. He was used to us, and playful and fun. We tried to make our goodbyes casual, so we didn't freak him out with an ugly crying scene. I was unsuccessful with this, but I tried. Our flights were on schedule (yay), and India, the plane-puking wonder, only threw up twice. Props to my husband for his . . .
Wherever You Go, There You Are
We are loving life in the Haitian countryside. Things are considerably different here than they are in the capital city. We are able to walk around without worrying, so it’s been great to feel like we are drinking in the sights instead of “hiding out”. Today we spent the morning at the school Cara’s parents started 25 years ago. Mark and I were blown away. The school, the students, the classrooms, the academics, the teachers – I am not kidding, this school exceeded American standards on ALL . . .
Pressed Down on All Sides
Today was a hard day. I'm feeling pretty taxed in every way possible.I am emotionally drained. Visiting Keanan is hard. It is always a relief to see how well he is cared for. But it's also disheartening how uncomfortable he is with us. I know that it is normal, and even developmentally appropriate, that he isn't jumping into our arms. We showed up enthusiastic, excited and smothering, and he reacted. He wanted nothing to do with us. I know that this is a GOOD THING. It shows he is bonded to his . . .
The Paradox of Haiti
We have finally arrived in Haiti. It's really hard to describe Haiti. It is exactly like you see on tv, and nothing like you see on tv. It continues to be a country plagued by violence, political unrest, unemployment, hunger, and abject poverty. This has lead to a culture of dishonestly as a coping strategy, on large and small scales. There is a desperation that gives way to crime. There are kidnappings for ransom. People are robbed. Homes are guarded with armed men. You don't go out on the . . .
What Am I Doing Wrong Here?
There are so many days where, as a mom, I feel completely unequipped. I am often looking around and feeling like I am the ONLY mom fumbling this much and in so much chaos. I am the mom who forgets water bottles at playgroup, who forgets sunscreen at the beach, who forgets to pack lunch for preschool, who forgets the helmet at the skate park. I try very hard to overcompensate for this by being "intentionally organized". I know my weaknesses, and try very hard to plan for things well ahead of . . .
Priorities
I heard an interview with Jamie Lee Curtis the other day. She talked about her new wardrobe manifesto: she only wears black and white. Rather than a fashion statement, she is trying to simplify her daily routine and take "picking out an outfit" out of the equation. She quipped:"I never represented glam. That's the thing, you'll never see me in the front row of a fashion show. I'm uninterested in it. I find it trivial and banal and boring. I find it to be the least interesting thing that a woman . . .
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