My Heritage Beckons

The chirp of a hiccup breaks the silence and I pat her back, soothing her with my touch.  This bundle of cuddles was my gift to hold this morning, a small sleeping baby girl barely two weeks old J  Snuggled up in a pink fuzzy blanket, only her tiny little socks peeking out—how much more precious can you get?  God is good, that’s all I can say.

 

Back (from left): Jim, Tali
Middle (from left): Osian, Caty, Menna, Luli, Maya, Me
Front (from left) Chabe, Ruth, Ginna

As I sit here writing this, I can’t wait to share with you what happened to me this past week.  You see, of all the random experiences in the world, I’m really glad this one happened to me.  Let me explain: I’ve been given a new job title around here: anfitriona or hostess.  While being in charge of the house and visitor’s coming and going is nothing strange or new, our visitors this past week were a great surprise for me.  Three Welshmen (well, one Welshman and two Welshwomen) graced our halls for a few days, a joy I cannot even begin to express.  Menna, Caty, and Osian are traveling throughout Central America, visiting different communities and learning how they live out God’s Kingdom in this world—they've visited self-sustaining agricultural communities, indigenous social groups, and most recently us here at Casa Adobe.  They wish to bring back what they learn to the communities they live in in Wales.  In particular, they are looking at how they can strengthen their Welsh-speaking communities who are experiencing threats of becoming obsolete—to some, Welsh is a dying language.  To these three, Welsh is their heritage and their life—they won’t let it die if they can help it.  I had the wonderful privilege to learn some Welsh this weekend as well, something they were more than happy to teach those of us here, especially once they found out I have a bit of Welsh blood in me.  It was so fun exchanging stories and experiences of our time in Wales (not to mention I felt super cool knowing places like Cardiff and Llandudno and a few Welsh words here and there—bonus points!!).  Just for my own sanity and pride, I’ll share with you a few words I’ve learned:

• Shwmae (shoe-MY) = hello, how are you?
• Llan (shlan) = church/chapel
• Tyddyn (TI-then) = farm
• Diolch (Dee-OCH (with phlegm)) = thank you
• Gwych (Gweech (with phlegm)) = brilliant

 Casa Adobe now has a new name too:  it’s the Welsh name Tyddyn Clai (or small farm/homestead of clay/mud).  It was the closest thing we could come up with to Casa Adobe.  I personally love it.  In fact, I’m trying to figure out how to make a plaque of it and hang it up somewhere J

 

I also have to mention quickly about how our soccer court project is coming along.  We have officially made it to the “work” phase of the project.  The kids are now organized into three work teams: events and promotions, donations, and governmental permissions and contracts.  These teams meet once a week and are “run” by the kids with everyone having their role not only in the meetings but also outside of them (from being a secretary during the meeting to heading up the events team and planning our next big activity).  We also have a strategy and coordination team with a representative from each group, a team that meets bi-weekly to make sure every is on the same page.  It is so inspiring to see these kids take initiative and eagerly take on the next task—it definitely challenges me to put in the extra effort, if only to match their gusto and enthusiasm J

I also want to quickly mention that I will be traveling this Saturday to Nicaragua once again.  There is a retreat there for CRWM missionaries throughout Central America.  Even though it’s my first time going, I’m already going to be leading two events with the help of Luli: music night and fun night.  Please pray for safe travels for all who are going.

Happy upcoming Semana Santa (Holy Week)!  Stay tuned!