The emotional toll sets in when you least expect it.
Like when you're running between stores trying to be a good steward, trying to find a few good outfits for the next 3 sizes for your kids and enough socks to last 3.5 years for each person in the family and wondering if your daugher will even like the few articles of clothing you're taking over because she's not picky now but maybe someday she will be and trying to find only items on sale for $2.99 and I know my 7 year-old sports Angry Birds but do I buy something with Angry Birds for 2 years down the road? Do 9 year olds wear Angry Birds? Will Angry Birds still even be a thing in 2 years? And...
The emotional toll sets in when you least expect it.
Like when you're laying all these clothes out in the basement to take inventory....there's winter in Lesotho, you know. So did I get enough long-sleeved shirts for Sawyer for size 8, 9, 10? And what about shoes? He's a size 1 now...I have no idea how fast they grow...will he need a size 2 and 3 and that's it? Or do I need to get some size 4 and 5? How big will my 7 year-old be in 3.5 years?
And I'm taking this inventory...sorting the size 8 and 10 shorts and reminding myself that I forgot to get him swimtrunks for next year...and I think, "I should be out spending time with my lovelies and my friendlies. The ones I won't see for so long. Why am I counting gym shorts and short-sleeved shirts?"
And I remember.
I remember that I count the shirts and the socks and the cargo pants because this is part of it. This is part of going to the ends of the earth. The counting, the toll, the sorting, the remembering. This is part of what I'm called to as a missionary mom. And when I look at it like that, I know I can do this. I know I can because He has called me to do exactly this for today.
"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Awww, Anna. Courage, ma soeur. And maybe next time, make an event out of it? Take a friend or two? Get lunch? :~) Love you, friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe you just might find a seamstress/tailor there who can whip up some outfits for the kiddos.
Merci, tu es si sympa!
DeleteYou'll make it....I know it's not just about the clothes, but you'll win some and you'll lose some. Mom tells a story (while laughing now) about how she took over 3 years worth of dresses for me because I was into dresses at the time. However, a year later I refused to wear dresses. Just be pragmatic about it....don't feel guilty about being a bad steward if all the clothes don't work out for your kids. I'm sure you'll be able to give them to someone else and make someone very happy! And, yes, this is part of it, so it's ok. It's not a waste of your time. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteMegan
P.S. They say that older kids go up a shoe size about every 6 months, apparently. :)
A size every 6 months...priceless info...THANK YOU!
DeleteAh, yes...you are experiencing the emotions already...You expressed the exact feelings I've had many times over the years...choices between preparing for our family for years in the future vs spending time with our lovlies and friendlies... Such a comfort to know that even in this, God is our comfort, our healer of emotions!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and praying for wisdom.
Sylvia
Thanks Sylvia!
DeleteHeaven knows that Scott will have to visit Sam. I told him he has to bring me. We will bring whatever you need! Hugs and Kisses brave girl!
ReplyDeleteYES! COME, DIANE!!!! I'm sure Sam could muster up some kind of crazy hunting adventure for Scott :)
DeleteGood thing you know someone who will send you whatever you need straight to Lesotho.
ReplyDelete