Last month we were invited to another slew of birthday parties. While at one of them, I was profoundly struck by how vital birthday parties have been in our ministry here, and how I'm convinced they are one of the main venues God will use in the future to allow us to share the love of Jesus with those He's put in our lives.
Birthday parties are huge here. There are 25 kids in Hannah's class at school, and last year, I think we were invited to almost 20 birthday parties. And when you have a birthday party, you invite EVERYONE. We could not possibly keep up. But it was after the first birthday party we attended that we began to see the walls crumble in relationships with parents at Hannah's school. It was also at that party that we met our dear friends Fabio and Alyssia. This year, as we've ventured forth even more, we see more and more doors opening for deeper relationships with a group we'll be with for the next four years.
This was a party held at a bowling alley. Honestly, it was just like walking into any bowling alley in American (AMF pins and everything!). Hannah shared a lane with 9 other kids. In case you're wondering, it took 2 1/2 hours for them to finish one game!
There is really no American paradigm for the community parents have here. Every morning we see each other as we walk our kids to school, and every afternoon we hang out and visit, as we wait for school to be dismissed. Hannah will be with the same students (and thus, us with the same parents) until she graduates from elementary school at the end of Fifth grade. And then there are the 20+ opportunities to hang out at birthday parties during the year.
Birthday cakes are a little different here, but this one was really good. Kind of a cross between a cake and cookie.
At this particular birthday party, God allowed compassion to sweep over my heart. I looked around at all these parents who are just like me--battling the same stresses and anxieties all parents battle. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that the Lord had brought us to this place and allowed our lives to cross with these parents who have already become quite dear to us. I want so much to share with them the Hope that is within me.
The kids always sing Happy Birthday in Italian and English, no matter whose birthday they are celebrating.
If God brings them to mind, pray for this precious group of people God is connecting us with. Pray for their families. Pray God would use us significantly in their lives to communicate the very love of Jesus Christ. You can also pray for our own birthday party plans! Since Hannah's birthday is over a holiday, we are waiting until February to throw our first birthday party. We feel a lot of pressure! Pray it would be another opportunity to communicate our commitment to these parents and their kids.
1 comment:
I love it! I'm so grateful that you are finding ways to connect with the other parents. Praise God for the fruit He is bearing as you live out your lives of faith with others.
So much of what you wrote reminds me of birthday parties here in Russia, especially that the events are not simple or cheap. Which is amazing since most parents don't have a lot of money. They save it for such special occasions for their kids! Maybe that's why here, people don't invite everyone... usually 3-6 kids, it seems. Russian schools also keep the same class and teacher, until 4th grade. And one problem for us is that parents usually aren't expected to stay. So we are grateful for the little chance to see them, but praying for more! Danya just got two invitations last week, and we're counting the cost of the energy required to get him there. But I think it's worth it!
Thanks for sharing. I love to see the similarities and differences!
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