As I am wondering how are we going to keep two boys in college, I am thinking of many things.
When I was young I told my self that when my kids are college age, they will be able to go anywhere they want to because we will have the means. We are two income parents and that it was inevitable that college was one thing our kids could pick & choose.
It is rather funny how far we are from there. I had never imagined that Tom would quit his job to pursue his calling. ( Wings to Fly) That in itself would throw me into journey that I never expected to enter. Then we moved to Goshen due to political situations related to serving in the church in Chicago. Our home is still unsold in Chicago.
As I am making phone calls to Wesleyan University, probably the most expensive private university in US, on Seth's behalf, I feel helpless on one hand yet peaceful on other. Who would have thought that his funding from Wesleyan would dry up due to economic downturn.
I am battling this fight within; the desire to make it possible for Seth to go back to Wesleyan and the thought this will be good for Seth to fight his own battle. Oh how I hate to be backed against the brick wall of being in this circumstance where it is not feasible to do anything....I remember thinking when Wesleyan gave him so much money the first 2 years, I was afraid that one day they will not.
Christian has one semester left. I will be so relieved when he graduates.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wissmann Family
Last night we went to see the Wissmann family—a family of fifteen—perform at a Mennonite church. As we drove to the church in Shipshewana, half hour away, it never ceased to amaze me that these beautiful and serene country roads are just minutes away from my home. I rebooked our tickets to "Oklahoma" at Amish Acres so that we could see this performance. I love family groups (well, I am thinking of the Von Trapp family...from Sound of Music)
When 6:30 came around, thirteen of fifteen family members sat in the front row, just in front of us. My first thought was, How is it possible that every one of these kids and young adults are so attractive. The girls each wore a very modest blouse and long multicolored country skirt. The performance began, and I was taken aback by how gifted this family is. Especially the oldest young lady, age 27, who sang beautifully, wrote music, and played several instruments. How is it possible that so many in one family could play so many different instruments and sing so well?
I was expecting to be entertained. I was not prepared to be touched by God by their testimony and moved to the core. Their purpose was to bring God to their listeners. Loren, the dad, gave a brief story of following God, wrestling with God, and being subdued by God, only to be awed by God's wisdom and love. How is it possible that one couple produced such a wonderful testimony that extended beyond their home. They touched so many as they traveled.
I was brought to how many years I have wasted by pursuing my own interest. I told the Lord, I am sorry that I cannot reverse my history, yet I can present my heart to You now. After the performance I spoke with one of the girls. She loved this life she had with her family, and we talked about some of the travels that she was involved in. How can one couple bring up so many to love the Lord?
Published: July 22, 2009 11:23 a m
The Loren Wissmann family, a family from Seward, Neb., will perform a concert at Townline Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
They have performed in more than 35 states, Canada and Mexico.
Loren and Gloria were married in 1980.
Over the years they started an industrial business, home schooled their children and experienced country living.
They travel in a 45-foot bus with their 13 children in tow: Rachel, Ruth, Josiah, Bethany, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthias, Stephen, Hannah, Susanna, Alaythia, Nathanael and little Charissa.
With a wide variety of instruments featured in each performance, including guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, harmonica, piano and flute, accompanied by harmonized vocals, the Wissmanns present gospel and bluegrass music.
They typically travel more than 35,000 miles annually, performing at churches, Christian schools, prisons, banquets, county fairs, city festivals, state and local conferences, in Branson, Mo., and even at a few unique venues, including a cattle sale and campground gatherings.
Family Life seminars have also been added to their repertoire.
“Our primary goal is to proclaim the eternal hope and promise found only in salvation though Jesus Christ,” Loren said. “We also have a great passion to share the joy found in God’s design and purpose for the family.”
When 6:30 came around, thirteen of fifteen family members sat in the front row, just in front of us. My first thought was, How is it possible that every one of these kids and young adults are so attractive. The girls each wore a very modest blouse and long multicolored country skirt. The performance began, and I was taken aback by how gifted this family is. Especially the oldest young lady, age 27, who sang beautifully, wrote music, and played several instruments. How is it possible that so many in one family could play so many different instruments and sing so well?
I was expecting to be entertained. I was not prepared to be touched by God by their testimony and moved to the core. Their purpose was to bring God to their listeners. Loren, the dad, gave a brief story of following God, wrestling with God, and being subdued by God, only to be awed by God's wisdom and love. How is it possible that one couple produced such a wonderful testimony that extended beyond their home. They touched so many as they traveled.
I was brought to how many years I have wasted by pursuing my own interest. I told the Lord, I am sorry that I cannot reverse my history, yet I can present my heart to You now. After the performance I spoke with one of the girls. She loved this life she had with her family, and we talked about some of the travels that she was involved in. How can one couple bring up so many to love the Lord?
Published: July 22, 2009 11:23 a m
Family of 15 to perform at Townline Mennonite
THE GOSHEN NEWSThe Loren Wissmann family, a family from Seward, Neb., will perform a concert at Townline Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
They have performed in more than 35 states, Canada and Mexico.
Loren and Gloria were married in 1980.
Over the years they started an industrial business, home schooled their children and experienced country living.
They travel in a 45-foot bus with their 13 children in tow: Rachel, Ruth, Josiah, Bethany, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthias, Stephen, Hannah, Susanna, Alaythia, Nathanael and little Charissa.
With a wide variety of instruments featured in each performance, including guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, harmonica, piano and flute, accompanied by harmonized vocals, the Wissmanns present gospel and bluegrass music.
They typically travel more than 35,000 miles annually, performing at churches, Christian schools, prisons, banquets, county fairs, city festivals, state and local conferences, in Branson, Mo., and even at a few unique venues, including a cattle sale and campground gatherings.
Family Life seminars have also been added to their repertoire.
“Our primary goal is to proclaim the eternal hope and promise found only in salvation though Jesus Christ,” Loren said. “We also have a great passion to share the joy found in God’s design and purpose for the family.”
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Family Reunion 2009
As we waved good bye to the last of our guests, I felt as light as a feather. This event had not wiped me out physically or mentally. The only thing left was the laundry and that seemed easy enough. We had hosted a Neill family reunion and I could see us doing it again. It was actually FUN.
Two weeks before the big weekend, July 4th, 2009, our family reunion, it hit me that we could have 30 or more people looking to us to host a good time. The thought of meals to plan, house to get ready, grocery to shop, .... it all overwhelmed me. What scared me was ....to keep some sort of order that a crowd creates after eating a meal, and the clean up that followed. I feared of being overworked, overtired, and drained of any human emotions other than "used up." I would be responsible for all upkeep.
Mary (Stevens) gave me an advise that had worked for her. Think thoroughly of every thing that needed to be done, especially meal preparation and clean up. Assign two persons for each activities, such as preparation of meals, clean up, etc. Keep the hosts OUT of the schedule. The hosts have more than enough duties before, after, and during.... Although I did not think through everything, I did create a schedule for meals and clean up. It worked beautifully. It was like magic, watching the young people doing their chores willingly and dutifully.
One time, I found myself cleaning up...maybe because I scheduled two of my brothers in law for duty. Mary called me out to living room. " JaeHi get out of the kitchen."
It was a memorable several days. All the activities that we did are like a big fun blur. The drive in the Amish country, the stops at by gone-era stores...buying hand churned butter, home made bread and jams, buying samples of candies of past... visits of memorable sites, watching everyone play freesby, soccer, taking stroll with aunts, cousins, just talking, laughing...the whole family squeezed on our large front porch and enjoying the fair weather...and what else were there?
What I remember most is, I enjoyed the event. I participated in RESTING and FUN. I went to work the day after every one left. My coworkers asked me how my "Family Reunion" was. I told them it was wonderful. They looked at me again. Did they expect me to be wiped out and exhausted?
Two weeks before the big weekend, July 4th, 2009, our family reunion, it hit me that we could have 30 or more people looking to us to host a good time. The thought of meals to plan, house to get ready, grocery to shop, .... it all overwhelmed me. What scared me was ....to keep some sort of order that a crowd creates after eating a meal, and the clean up that followed. I feared of being overworked, overtired, and drained of any human emotions other than "used up." I would be responsible for all upkeep.
Mary (Stevens) gave me an advise that had worked for her. Think thoroughly of every thing that needed to be done, especially meal preparation and clean up. Assign two persons for each activities, such as preparation of meals, clean up, etc. Keep the hosts OUT of the schedule. The hosts have more than enough duties before, after, and during.... Although I did not think through everything, I did create a schedule for meals and clean up. It worked beautifully. It was like magic, watching the young people doing their chores willingly and dutifully.
One time, I found myself cleaning up...maybe because I scheduled two of my brothers in law for duty. Mary called me out to living room. " JaeHi get out of the kitchen."
It was a memorable several days. All the activities that we did are like a big fun blur. The drive in the Amish country, the stops at by gone-era stores...buying hand churned butter, home made bread and jams, buying samples of candies of past... visits of memorable sites, watching everyone play freesby, soccer, taking stroll with aunts, cousins, just talking, laughing...the whole family squeezed on our large front porch and enjoying the fair weather...and what else were there?
What I remember most is, I enjoyed the event. I participated in RESTING and FUN. I went to work the day after every one left. My coworkers asked me how my "Family Reunion" was. I told them it was wonderful. They looked at me again. Did they expect me to be wiped out and exhausted?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Art Workshop
Today was the first day of the three day workshop sponsored by Goshen Painters’ Guild. Steve Blackburn, an artist from the South Bend area, is giving us instruction on his unusual technique: watercolor pouring method. Today I spent from 9am to 6pm at our art studio. I have not done this much artwork since I don’t know when, possibly my high school years.
For most of the day, it was a struggle. We were not sure where Steve was leading, which meant we did not know what we were creating. Time progressed and at the eleventh hour something sparked from within me. I was able to follow him, and my brush strokes came alive.
Sometimes art is like a puzzle with the final picture not yet seen. We fit pieces together. Then at one point you see a picture unfolding .... and everything makes sense as you put all the pieces together.
For most of the day, it was a struggle. We were not sure where Steve was leading, which meant we did not know what we were creating. Time progressed and at the eleventh hour something sparked from within me. I was able to follow him, and my brush strokes came alive.
Sometimes art is like a puzzle with the final picture not yet seen. We fit pieces together. Then at one point you see a picture unfolding .... and everything makes sense as you put all the pieces together.
Goshen
I never thought that I would like retail pharmacy, yet I do. I never thought that I would like a floating schedule, working at a different pharmacy each day, yet I do. I work with different people daily. I love the change in human dynamics.
I work with technicians who are struggling financially, especially now with so many husbands and other members in the family losing their jobs. It’s not uncommon for them to strive to survive on one income (making less than $10 an hour). Goshen is filled with those who can barely keep afloat. I have many customers who have lost jobs and wonder how they will survive. I love the relationship that I am developing with these people.
Then I go to Goshen Painters’ Guild. This guild is mostly made up of older ladies (50 and up) who travel often. In conversation, I learned that one has just come back from Hawaii, & the others are comparing notes. They often talk of their next destination—California, Florida, Europe, and other places ... Many of these ladies are retired and fill their days with activities. During winters, two of the ladies go to their summer homes in Florida, where their husbands golf all winter and they paint. One of the ladies owns a beautiful and successful nursing home. We all enjoy painting together and developing such keen friendship.
I work with technicians who are struggling financially, especially now with so many husbands and other members in the family losing their jobs. It’s not uncommon for them to strive to survive on one income (making less than $10 an hour). Goshen is filled with those who can barely keep afloat. I have many customers who have lost jobs and wonder how they will survive. I love the relationship that I am developing with these people.
Then I go to Goshen Painters’ Guild. This guild is mostly made up of older ladies (50 and up) who travel often. In conversation, I learned that one has just come back from Hawaii, & the others are comparing notes. They often talk of their next destination—California, Florida, Europe, and other places ... Many of these ladies are retired and fill their days with activities. During winters, two of the ladies go to their summer homes in Florida, where their husbands golf all winter and they paint. One of the ladies owns a beautiful and successful nursing home. We all enjoy painting together and developing such keen friendship.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Clean Bill of Health
I went to see a doctor today. An insurance company had turned me down due to the presence of RBC in my urine. Well, another testing came out negative (meaning NO RBC or any unwanted things). Dr. Bhagat said one test often does not prove much. Based on the second test and previous tests, I am fine. So much for the scare!!! I did have a good imagination...of dying early. I did cry for the sake of my kids and Tom, yet what I found out was I was not scared for myself. Life is interesting.
Yesterday
I actually spent the whole day doing nothing. We made breakfast together and had a sweet time. Tom played with Sammy and Lizy. I watched. I took a nap and read Tess of the D’Urbervilles. I made dinner. Gifford came for dinner. We ate and played a game. That was the whole day. I think Tom spent most of yesterday reading Harry Potter to Lizy. And she loves all the attention she gets from dad.
I would normally have nervous energy and my mind would be filled with, “You must use your time wisely. Do not waste your life. Learn. Use time...” How long have I not allowed myself to be in the moment just enjoying the precious things of life, my family, and friends...or just give myself to rest in God.
I remember doing so many things with the older children. Everything had to go through the filter of “not wasting time.” I would get puzzles only after I found out that puzzles developed their brain. Any kind of play thing was “waste of time.” I wanted them to read history and science. When I went to work, I gave them a pack of “educational” things only to find out they played all day (they were ages 5 & 3).
I remember taking them regularly to soccer games, ballet lessons, skating rink. I would be watching them, so keenly aware that I was wasting time while the kids were doing things that were “good” for them. I always carried around a big bag of things that I could do. Reading a novel, or crocheting would be considered waste of time if I was at home, but it was time well spent if I was just waiting for my children’s activities to end. At home, I would spend as little time as possible in cooking and cleaning because that was a waste of time. The only thing that was NOT wasting my time was to study, to work towards something, to develop a business or work at a job.
Dear mother, in your suffering, in your longing for a life you could not have, you have instilled value in me that would rule for decades. Dear Grandfather, in your longing for the destiny of the Kim family, you have sealed in me the program that would control me. Yet this is human tendency.
It is too bad that we don’t have the wisdom when children are young, when they are a blank page, just to love them and allow them to blossom in God. This would empower them to be the best God has created them.... rather than what we need them to be or who we want them to be.
I would raise my kids differently. Three are young adults now. God has to carry them on just as who they are with all the idiosyncrasies they have received from me. I am learning with age that my wisdom is nothing, my ways are nothing...it is God’s wisdom that will last. His wisdom has substance and will fulfill the meaning of life.
I would normally have nervous energy and my mind would be filled with, “You must use your time wisely. Do not waste your life. Learn. Use time...” How long have I not allowed myself to be in the moment just enjoying the precious things of life, my family, and friends...or just give myself to rest in God.
I remember doing so many things with the older children. Everything had to go through the filter of “not wasting time.” I would get puzzles only after I found out that puzzles developed their brain. Any kind of play thing was “waste of time.” I wanted them to read history and science. When I went to work, I gave them a pack of “educational” things only to find out they played all day (they were ages 5 & 3).
I remember taking them regularly to soccer games, ballet lessons, skating rink. I would be watching them, so keenly aware that I was wasting time while the kids were doing things that were “good” for them. I always carried around a big bag of things that I could do. Reading a novel, or crocheting would be considered waste of time if I was at home, but it was time well spent if I was just waiting for my children’s activities to end. At home, I would spend as little time as possible in cooking and cleaning because that was a waste of time. The only thing that was NOT wasting my time was to study, to work towards something, to develop a business or work at a job.
Dear mother, in your suffering, in your longing for a life you could not have, you have instilled value in me that would rule for decades. Dear Grandfather, in your longing for the destiny of the Kim family, you have sealed in me the program that would control me. Yet this is human tendency.
It is too bad that we don’t have the wisdom when children are young, when they are a blank page, just to love them and allow them to blossom in God. This would empower them to be the best God has created them.... rather than what we need them to be or who we want them to be.
I would raise my kids differently. Three are young adults now. God has to carry them on just as who they are with all the idiosyncrasies they have received from me. I am learning with age that my wisdom is nothing, my ways are nothing...it is God’s wisdom that will last. His wisdom has substance and will fulfill the meaning of life.
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