Tabaski

Tabaski teaches that Abraham wanted to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. But God saved Ishmael, and he gave Abraham a ram as a substitute. Abraham slaughtered the ram in place of Ishmael.

So, until now, Muslim believers slaughter a ram in order to cover their sins. They ask forgiveness of their sins for the entire year.

But people who are Christians know Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice to make forgiveness of the sins of all people everlasting.

This was part of our language exercise today, learning the culture and meaning behind the Muslim holiday that is celebrated today and tomorrow (June 20-21). One adolescent told me today that it is his favorite holiday of the year.

Families go to great extremes to celebrate. They spend what amounts to a 2 month salary for the things for the sacrifice (wood, charcoal, the animal, bread, spices, and oil are necessary purchases). They buy a male sheep. If they can't find a male sheep, then a female sheep, then a goat, then a cow, and last a camel. The men spend the morning slaughtering the animal and preparing the bbq spit. On the first night they eat the internal parts with spices. And the second night they eat the meat snd share with neighbors. 

Our family made cookies and purchased candies to share with neighbors and especially neighbor children this week. We want to be a small presence in our neighborhood during this festival to build relationships and to share our faith in Jesus.

Someone asked me today where my ram was. I told the group that as a Christian I believe Jesus is my sacrifice for my sins. 

Please pray we are bold in sharing our faith when we have opportunities. And please continue to pray for our language learning as we have so much still to learn.

Thank you for lifting us up to the First and the Last.

All things Josh

Hey there, Josh. You're 9 months old today. It has been so cool to be a big part of your life. 

 

You are loving our home. You live for moments when you can play in your enclosed furniture pin. If Mommy or Daddy are near, you are happiest when we crawl in. You do like our Nanny, but you immediately leave her and crawl into Daddy's arms when he joins in for the fun of playing.

If we let you play quietly, you are often reaching up to hold onto something so you can stand and see out, to see the world. If there is the slightest gap between the furniture, you find a way to escape, and are so proud of yourself when you do get out!  We thought of you as Josh the Courageous, but you are showing your first personality trait to be Josh the Curious. 

You have discovered your favorite way of eating. Mommy makes yummy purees and you hold them inside a net and suck on them as they melt while sitting at the table in your high chair. You didn't like carrots at all! But you like bananas, peas, mango, broccoli, oatmeal. Delicious! And when you're all done, your curiously drop the finger net holder to the floor, daily testing Sir Issac Newton's law of gravity.

You are strong. No matter how many times you tumble onto the hard floor, no matter how often Abby is too rough on you, you never complain. You are sad only when you are alone, or when it is nap time.

You are becoming quite the crawler. When you are not standing on your 2 feet, you are crawling over and through things to get what you want. You used to scoot on your bottom to go from A to B. No more, you are crawling well.

Your hair is getting long. Finally it has covered the back of your head. It is long enough to need a combing. Your 2 lower teeth remain to be the only ones we see so far but we know more sre coming soon. 

You are getting more vocal. We often tease you that you sound like a vulture when you roar. Now we can catch you saying baby talk. You look at Mommy and say ma ma. You look at Abby and say ab ab. You see me and say baa baa baa. You practice these all day long. 

You love to be outside and swing in the swing Mommy made for you. You would fall asleep in the swing every morning if we let you. You love being held most of all. We love you and are so proud of who you are. We can't wait to see who you will become. 

Abby's first day at Pre-K

Everyone mentions how fast kids grow up. It's true. Seems only a short while ago you were going to nursery while your Mommy and I went to our French classes. Seems like yesterday when you were getting on a big girl swing all by yourself. You have grown so fast and have become such a beautiful, fun-loving girl.

Now here you are on your next adventure. A real preschool. With real teachers and real friends to play with. In a class setting without Mommy or Daddy.

I encouraged you before your day just like my Daddy encouraged me. "Be a good girl. Raise your hand when you need to talk to the teacher. Share your toys with your friends. Be willing to make new friends. If you have any assignments do your work as good as you can and bring it home for Mom and Dad to see. Be brave. Be yourself. And remember Mommy and Daddy love you very much!"

Like always you champion new adventures with smiles and excitement. You got yourself dressed before we could even wake you up. You ate a big breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and even wanted seconds! You helped pack your bag for school and you carried your favorite animal, Bruno, along for the ride.

Preschool was a big adventure. You were so excited you got sleepy and napped during snack time. But you played hard for your 3 hours at school and came back to Mommy at the end of the morning with a big smile on your face. I would say your first big day was a big success! 

Here's to you, Abby Chip. May you keep growing and may you keep conquering every new adventure. You make us very proud.

-Mommy and Daddy