Birthday party feedback

This afternoon the mother of Lena, one of our guests at our son's birthday party yesterday. She thanked us for welcoming Lena, who has been talking about the fun that she had at the party all day.

Two days ago, her mother had said that Lena wouldn't be able to come, due to not being able to get back home after the party. I telephoned later and said that we really wanted her to come and would do what was necessary to get her home.

And so, Lena was the first arrival at the party, as her father dropped her off 30 minutes early before the scheduled starting time. I drove her home nearly an hour after the party's scheduled closing time.

Having the party wasn't convenient for us, as it added extra work to our busy lives. However, this thank you call was a reminder that doing what is necessary to build relationship isn't always practical or convenient, but is nevertheless important.

Her mother spotted a couple of spots on Lena's skin, so she most likely has the same chicken pox that our son had last week. I was able to commiserate with her about this situation, which provides another point in common.

We pray that the presence of Jesus steps into the life situations of those people whom God has placed into our lives in Paris, wherever they are on their spiritual journey. We aren't here to judge them, but to authentically care for them and do good to them. May our words, actions, and expressions reflect this concern for their shalom in all ways. This includes the spiritual aspect, which is important to us. But it also includes other aspects as well.

One thing that I appreciate about the emergent church movement is its desire for holism. There is less of a separation of the "spiritual" from other aspects of life, such as justice, racism, ecology, environment, consumerism, materialism, art, beauty, etc.

Today we were greatly served and blessed by Anne and Isaac, a couple of this year's interns. Anne was with us from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. doing a plethora of services, like 2 trips to the park with the kids, dishes, encouragement, and whatever else needed to get done. Her calmness of being and spirit permeate our household and the situations taking place here. Isaac came be for supper and provided the "cool uncle" services that our kids love and need.

We had steak and homemade mashed potatoes for supper. This was a celebration of the baby's arrival and good first week, as well as for surviving the party. It was great to get to celebrate this with our friends, as none of us have had steak in Paris in a number of months.

Anne with Elizabeth

With Isaac

With Isaac and Anne