by Heather Plett | Jan 12, 2008 | Uncategorized
I have a new little nephew hoping to be born in a few months. His name is Jack. I saw his ultrasound picture today – his curved head and his round belly and what looked like bubbles being blown from his mouth. I also saw his undeniable male-hood. (Apparently he’s not as shy about showing off his private parts as his cousin Matthew was.)
We pray for Jack’s safe journey into this world. We pray for a miracle. We pray for continued hope. Please pray with us. We need a boy in the family – a boy who will live and live well. Who will tease his sisters and cousins. And make his daddy grin.
Here’s the beginning of Jack’s story – a story we hope will be long and interesting.
by Heather Plett | Jan 11, 2008 | Uncategorized
I had ideas for posts last night, but then a phone call came that wiped everything else from my mind. A few hours later, when I finally had a moment alone on a computer, what came spilling out was this…
Lament
hands lost in soapy water
I glimpse the reflection in the window
a face that looks older than it did
an hour ago
before your call
tears dripping
I scrub pots and pans
and wish
the stain etched on your hope
washed away as easily
as the remnants of today’s supper
p.s. The story is not mine to share, but if you are the praying type, whisper a prayer for pain unspoken.
by Heather Plett | Jan 8, 2008 | Uncategorized
I’ve been feeling a little heartsick about what’s been happening in Kenya. When you’ve walked on the soil of a country and let yourself be touched by its people, you can never again ignore the news of that country quite as casually as you did before. In the past three years, I’ve been touched by many Kenyans, and with them, I grieve the turmoil their country is in.
I think of Esther, who gave me the beautiful earrings I’m wearing today. A woman of great wisdom and compassion, who sees the beauty in prisoners and prostitutes and dedicates her life to helping them find wholeness and hope. May she be safe today.
I think of Fidelis, who speaks boldly and with passion, challenging rich North Americans to set aside their arrogance and self-assuredness and not assume they have the answers for Africa. A woman who teaches farmers that their own ingenuity and strength can build a better country. May she sleep peacefully tonight.
I think of Daniel, who’s here in Canada, far from his family. A young man who wants to use his skills as a teacher to offer hope and a future to young students. I think of his sister Agnes, still in Kenya, whose shy smile brought me great pleasure. May they both rest assured that they will see each other again some day.
I think of Paulina, who so humbly and graciously welcomed me into her mud hut and offered me friendship. May she hold her children close and not fear for their safety.
I think of beautiful and bold Sheila, studying for her masters degree in Canada so that she can work for a better future for people living with HIV/AIDS. Sheila, who comes from Kisumu where much of the violence started. May she know that her family is safe.
I exchanged emails with my Nairobi-based uncle last week. He and his family are safe and their lives have not been dramatically impacted (though they can’t go very far from home), but I know that his heart – that is so full of love for Africa – is hurting a little too.
May there be peace in Kenya. May there be bridges built between tribes and political parties. May goodness prevail over evil.
by Heather Plett | Jan 1, 2008 | Uncategorized
Tomorrow I have to go back to work. Sigh. I want another week of holidays.
Here’s what I did:
– went skating with my kids
– went bowling with my extended family
– celebrated Christmas Eve at Marcel’s sister’s place
– celebrated Christmas Day at my sister’s place
– watched Julie bake and decorate a birthday cake for Auntie ccap
– ate a couple of good meals at my mom’s place
– went to a movie with my siblings
– went to a couple of movies with my kids and assorted nieces and nephews
– watched 5 soccer games
– ate lots of great food at the annual New Year’s Eve brunch at church
– ate lots of great food at the Prairie Bounty open house
– went to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks
– slept late almost every morning
– tore out the remainder of the ugly carpet
– painted the floor
– painted the walls
– played some lame computer games
– played some less-lame board games
– partook of the annual “candy and pop” breakfast on New Year’s Day with my daughters (do you know that Coke at 9:30 in the morning makes me sick to my stomach?)
– took lots of long baths
Here’s what I didn’t do:
– Christmas baking
– much cooking
– read anything more intellectually stimulating than People magazine or Reader’s Digest
– visit the shopping mall – not for Christmas shopping nor for “Boxing Day Blowout” sales
– blog
– clean the house
– have any company over
Happy New Year everyone!
by Heather Plett | Dec 23, 2007 | Uncategorized
If you haven’t seen this yet, you should.
I think we need to heavily tax “planned obsolescence”. And “perceived obsolescence” too. You’ll get what I’m talking about if you watch the video.
It’s a good thing to watch at Christmas-time.
by Heather Plett | Dec 21, 2007 | Uncategorized
Okay, time to move that grumpy post down beneath the fold. I’m really not THAT miserable. Just worn out and not very motivated. But here are a few things that made me happy yesterday:
1. When I got home from work yesterday, Marcel and the girls had done some of the housecleaning PLUS Marcel had moved the furniture in the basement so that we can tear out the last of the 70s carpet and finally (hopefully) finish renovating. I might get my Christmas wish after all.
2. Julie had to bring cookies for her Christmas party at school today, and she very capably made them herself. And cleaned up after herself too. (I am very fond of this capable and independent stage my oldest two daughters have reached.)
3. I came up with a very simple, very tasty, and very pretty offering for the Christmas potluck at work today. Tortilla wraps with cream-cheesy goodness (some with cranberries and feta cheese, others with goat cheese and pears). Some tortillas are spinach and others are sun-dried tomato, so they look downright Christmasy sliced up on a plate.
4. Did I tell you I’m going to India and Bangladesh in the new year? Yeah, lucky me. The plans are starting to fall into place.
5. Nikki is back in action. Turns out the “fracture” was really just a bad sprain and she can start playing soccer again, with a brace on her ankle. Happy girl, happy mom.
And, because it’s Christmas, the weather outside is not-so-frightful, and my mood is much more delightful, here’s a bonus:
6. Today’s the last day of work before 11 days of holidays. What’s not to like? AND, I get to see some of my favourite people soon – my brothers, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Ah, I’m feeling that warm glow comin’ on…
