My Beautiful, Exquisite Sister!

 

Recently we celebrated my sister’s birthday.  She and her husband came and we shared dinner and cake and ice cream and presents.  It was fun, and brought back many memories. 

 

In Japan the role of the oldest child is important. The oldest has more responsibility, and must watch over the younger.  Since I am the oldest, I have always felt responsibility for my sister.  I felt it my role to protect her, and to help her as best I could.  Since I have disabilities, some thought she was taking care of me and that she was my security, but in reality, yes, she helped me much.  However, I was stability for her.  We were a good team.

When she got married, I found it hard to part with her.  I love her husband and was glad for her, but there was an empty space in my life.  I realized as we celebrated her birthday, that I still feel a responsibility for her.  I made sure to order a cake I knew she wanted.  I wanted to make sure everything was right for her. 

I thank God for sending her to our family.  She has always encouraged me to grow, and she is and always will be a bright spot in my life.  How I love that beautiful, exquisite sister of mine!

I Love You Uncle George and Aunt Julie

     

                                                      

We have just concluded a visit with my Uncle George and Aunt Julie.  They came so I could meet my Aunt Julie.  It was such a great time.  I have known Uncle George most of my life.  We are old buddies.  Aunt Julie has recently married into our family.  She is a wonderful aunt and I grew to love her over the two weeks she was with us.  We had many fun experiences.  The experience we had that was not fun was saying good bye at the airport.  It is hard to live so far away from those we love, but I am glad that the God who has called us to live in Japan is never far away.  He is Emmanual - God with us.  Forever and ever, Amen!

Birthday Gifts

In our family 4 out of 5 have summer birthdays.  We usually do a big birthday celebration for all of us in the summer.  We play games, open presents, and eat!  Crowning this is a cake and ice-cream time. 

One of the hardest parts for me is picking presents for my family members.  I love them and want to get it right!  My absolute favorite time is giving them those gifts and seeing their faces when they open them.  That is why I go through the pain of picking those gifts. To see their joy is worth it all.  This year I knew what I would get for them.  I bought the gifts, and then was rewarded with the joy it brought them. 

I am reminded God has selected gifts for me because He loves me.  He delights to see me opening those gifts and using them.  So I better dust off those gifts and used them.  How about you?