Resting On Eagle's Wings: Art and Music Night

Thursday night was one of those times when I remember now thankful I am for the internet. It has changed so much about our lives of living overseas. It’s still amazing to me how due to the internet, I can call and chat on skype at a very reasonable rate. I greatly appreciate that it allows us to better be able to stay connected with family and friends on a different continent. I feel the distance especially on nights like last Thursday.

Last Thursday was a day full of excitement. It started with Ladies' tea at my house, where 12 ladies and 4 kids enjoyed the morning of good food, tea/coffee (French vanilla flavored thanks to a friend from the USA who sent me the coffee), and good fellowship. Then after lunch the kids and I were off to Portuguese class and to set up for the special home school night.

The families who are home school in our town have started getting together for field trips. The mom’s have also started meeting as a support for each other. At one meeting, it was decided to have an Arts and Music Presentation Night to give our kids a chance to perform in front of others. Thursday night was the big night.

The evening arrived and my kids were so excited. They had practiced and practiced their song and made their display board with some of the drawing lessons learned this year. As we arrived, the nerves were running high. After a short period when guests and fellow home schoolers could look at the display boards, it was time for the presentations. We were the second family on the list. My kids got up and did a great job in my option.

It’s times like these that you start to feel the distance between you and your family. You can’t call Grandpa and Grandma and Uncles and Aunts to come and join in. Although, we are thankful for the many substitute Uncles and Aunts here who showed up to support the kids. But this is where the internet has changed things. Because now I can take a video, post it, and Grandpa and Grandma can see and hear the kids. While it will happen later, friends and family far away can still be a part of the night. So I’m thankful that although life looks different than mine did when family lived just a few miles away, due to the internet, relationships and milestone can still be celebrated together.