CHAPTER TWO

 

Marsha got up earlier than usual as she wanted to take her time and savor every minute with her familye, especially her twins.  She pinned her white prayer kapp atop her blonde bun-covered head and thought about how the twins had hair like hers.  Emma’s was tight and curly while Lilly’s was straight and fine.  She enjoyed brushing their hair at night, even when she was yawning and physically exhausted.  She thought of how great a joy that it was for Gott to bless her with another morning to fix their hair and put their bonnets on them. 

She made her way down the stairwell, hands free and carefree.  Today was the day that the Lord had made, and it was awesome.  She was almost shaking with the excitement of a new day.  She crisscrossed over the hardwood floor, paused, and then slowly made her way into the kitchen. The battery-operated push-light that nestled in the corner kitchen wall above the counter came on, and then the oil lamp was lit. A nice flickering of light glowed as she heard Mark’s footsteps behind her. 

He said now, “Gude Mariye! Can you feel the warmth?  I got up early to add the kindling to the stove, and it was mighty hungry.” He wouldn’t admit that he wanted to make sure that the twins were happy and cozy during the heavy snowstorm.  He wanted to pamper his whole family because he was so grateful for them, but that would sound sort of girly if he had admitted it.  He reached over and tapped his wife’s cheek and said, “You can have as many twins as you want, and I’ll support ‘em.” 

She replied now, “Gude Mariye!” Her eyes lit up without any hesitation.  She had all the time and energy in the world to enjoy all the kinner that Gott would give her.   It was a bit odd how gratitude could change your body mentally and physically.   She smiled and teased Gott, Bring on more twins, Gott; I’m ready. 

Mark smiled and softly said, “I am going to get more wood.  It’s been pouring down out there.  I bet we have half a foot of snow.  I am glad that the Christmas play isn’t until the weekend.  Maybe it will be cleared up.  We sure have a lot of blessings to talk about, and I wonder how the twins and Ben are going to present them to the church.”

Marsha put the kaffi on and swung out a heavy pot and poured water into it. This morning’s breakfast would be Dutch oatmeal and hot chocolate, and as usual, she and Mark would enjoy a cup of kaffi. She’d learned a good lesson: to never complain about being a mother.   She was so blessed, and she couldn’t wait to have more kinner.

The childish giggling and pattering of little bare feet echoed down the staircase and through the open kitchen entrance.  The girls were up early, and they had their bubbly energy back. “Girls, how are you feeling?” Marsha asked as she saw a head of tight-blond hair swing around the door, holding the hand of a straight-blonde-haired six year-old that was an inch taller than her. They had a newfound gratefulness too. 

Lilly said now, “Mamm, I want to read my story with my schwester since she saw the two angels the same time that I did.”

Marsha was stunned.  She knew that angels existed, but she never realized that her twins would one day see the angels that helped keep them alive.  She said a silent prayer: Gott, thank you for my twins, angels, and Christmas.”

 

STUDY QUESTIONS

 

1.        Marsha experienced the tiredness that a lot of parents experience.  Have you experienced this?  If you have, did you react like her or not complain?  Would you change the way that you responded or reacted?  Why?  What advice would you give to new parents?

2.       It has been said that being a parent to multiple children is like being a new parent again because it takes more discipline and patience.  What things could a new parent do to help juggle the responsibilities?

3.       If you’re not a parent, have you had increased roles at work, church, or for charity?  Was it like starting over again, trying to schedule everything?  What things did you learn? 

4.      God sometimes sends us signs of His glory and His presence.  Have you experienced those moments?  How?  Did you share them with family, and did they change your body, mentally and physically, like it did for Ben and his daed after seeing the three rainbows?

5.       Can you remember times when you acted in haste and later regretted it?  How can you prevent it from happening again?

6.       The whole Yoder family experiences the positive changes from having gratitude.  Has this happened to you? How did it change you?  Can you add more gratitude in your life?  Maybe get a gratitude journal? 

 

FROM THE AUTHOR

I hate to say that I strived to be the “perfect” foster parent when my kinner were small, and I ended up getting help from the wrong people; people that weren’t evenly yoked with God.  I paid a hefty price for this, and I’ve wished to re-experience moments, although small, that happened when they were small because I didn’t get to be there enough.  For example, playing with them on the playground is an example.  I was “supervising” instead of joyfully interacting with them.  I now have “mother-daughter outings”, and “mother-son outings.”  I am grateful that they are still in my life, for they had all, but one, been adopted out, but came back “home” when they turned eighteen.  I am now making up for lost times.  Please take advice from me, enjoy changing those diapers, and joyfully ride with them on the merry-go-round.  You’ll be glad that you did spend that extra time, even if it is a Monday washday.

DUTCH OATMEAL

4 cups oats (not quick-cooked)

2 cups milk

1 cup raisins

¾ cup dates, chopped

¼ cup pecans

1 cup orange juice

¼ cup honey

¼ teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 2 days. Serve warm with milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon and dot of butter.

HOT CHOCOLATE

6 cups milk

½ cup cocoa

½ cup confectionery sugar

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients in a large saucepan. Get hot, but do not let boil. Remove and serve hot.

 

BOOK SEVEN: SCENT OF CHRISTMAS IN SHIPSHEWANA

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“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy; because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Psalms 5:7