Monday, July 20, 2009

Yes, I am American




I know I have mentioned before about people speaking to me in all sorts of languages, assuming that I know one of them, but I think I have gotten a little bit used to that. Lately I have been getting really frustrated with people that I am not even interacting with. Often when I go out I am stared at, I checked my nose, my hair or if Keira had smudged something down the front of my shirt and everything seems fine. Even stopped at a robot (stoplight) I get strange looks. Now if I run the possibilities; if I am with Trevor, sure that makes more sense, if I am with Keira, that also could raise a questions or two; is she the nanny, is the baby’s father white? But what I really don’t get is when I am by myself. Some days I really have to hold back the urge to scream “ Its rude to stare!!!” But then it is also rude to yell at people . . . so I am stuck. Just a strange thing that I have yet to figure out! One of these days I will ask someone why they are staring and maybe engage in an enlightening conversation . . . we’ll see.
Anyway, we had Keira’s Birthday party last weekend, and it really hit me that we are in South Africa, I was missing my mother so much that it was hard to breathe at times. I attempted to bake Keira a butterfly cake at her request, and my Mom is way better at making character cakes and I needed to be able to call her quickly. But all that really mattered is that when Keira saw the cake she said “ Thank You Thank you Mommy!”
At the party we had a nice diverse group of kids and I realized that if we had been in the states, the demographic probably would have been flipped (more white and/or Latino, and a sprinkle of Black children) I loved that Keira played well with all these children regardless of color or language, although the thing that Keira remembers the most when asked was “ I ate cake!” Heehee.

6 comments:

The Sommers said...

Happy Birthday Keira!
What a beautiful cake Chrissy.
You guys, for my birthday I went to a concert that included Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I was not expecting them to share pieces of their story, and their music that included prayers for South Africa.
It really made me miss you, and I joined right in praying for South Africa and for you.
Congratulations South Africa! God bless you!
joel s.

The Sommers said...

Hi. I wanted to comment and saw that Joel already did but the last post made me cry. I am amazed, Chrissy, at your heart and sacrifice for something so much bigger than who wore the cutest clothes to the party or whatever inane thing we obsess over here. You and Trevor and Keira will be remembered as people of faith who did not have a country of their own though they longed desperately for it. You will see the goodness of the Lord. Many blessings to you. And your cake rocked! I love you.
Sabrina

Becca said...

The buterfly cake is adorable and the photo of you Chrissy surrounded by all those smiling, beautiful children is truly a testimony of God at work through you guys in S. Africa! We miss you guys so much, but are so happy for the work God is doing "in" and through you. Aubrey is nearly walking on her own and talking more all of the time. I'll hopefully e-mail new photos soon, but right now I need to get back to my lesson plannin.
Love You, Becca

Triwall said...

She's looking all grown up..so cute..you all look very happy..I miss you all...gary

Mikaila said...

That cake is SUPER cute. :)

Yin-lai Chung said...

Thanks Chrissy for sharing with us. It is hard being so out of place and never being known/accepted right off for who you are. It is easy to take for granted little things like speaking and being understood or, not being stared at all the time. You have a good heart friend, I'm sure things will start to make more sense in God's time. Love you and am praying for lots of Kingdom fruit in lots of hearts including yours, Trevs, Kiera and new baby Davies girl.
Love,
Brendita