Saturday, April 26, 2008

Oceans Apart - For the Sake of the Call

Esmé's Mommy here:

My mother grew up as one of eight children in rural Canada. Farm life was tough work in those days, and the six girls, of "sturdy German stock," were expected to do their share.

Imagine the culture shock when Mom, with my one-year-old sister and infant brother, moved with her husband across the ocean to India to work as missionaries. Another sister arrived in India, followed by a new sister in what was then East Pakistan, and finally me in Bangladesh.

Mom and Dad have continued to work in exotic locations, including New York City, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. They finally retired a couple of years ago and moved to Vancouver Island, BC, hoping to enjoy their twelve grandchildren more frequently.

Shortly after their retirement and move back to our continent, I discovered I was pregnant with my first baby. And then hubby and I decided to move across the world with their newest grandbaby to Mozambique. Rather than expressing regret that we were moving away so soon after they moved back, Mom encouraged us to go, recognizing the calling.

I love this photo of Mom with her five sisters and mother, dressed in beautiful Indian saris. My Grandma (far right), a true Canadian pioneer, is still alive and well in her nineties. This photo represents the meeting of two cultures and a mother who followed her calling across the ocean, instilling that same calling into her own children. I want to pass that on to my baby, too.


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This post has been entered into a Mother's Day Photo Contest. And another one. And another link.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful picture and wonderful post.

This is my first time here, I enjoyed your blog and look forward to reading more... Smiles!

Amberleigh said...

That is a wonderful photo!!!!

engelsigh said...

That is so neat! What a wonderful experience you will have growing up surrounded by so much culture.

Thanks for entering my giveaway.

Stephanie said...

What a wonderful post! I see from your sidebar, you're from Roseburg, Oregon. Hooray for Oregon! I live in Salem :)

Best of luck on your flight to the US. Toys, snacks, and lots of trips up and down the aisle are the best advice I can give you!

Anonymous said...

My ancesters moved to Canada too. Prince Edward Island in the late 1700's. Most ended up settling in the United States though after some very difficult times in Canada. Great post. I'll be back for more.

Thanks for visiting!

Mana Laura said...

Hello in Matola from Zimpeto! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment - how'd you find it? I enjoyed reading thru yours a bit. I too endured the trip to Ponto do Ouro but we had a hard time finding the right dirt track to get there when we were so close. Couldn't believe there weren't any signs. but I loved it there! Anyway, maybe we'll meet up someday. You weren't by chance at the yard sale at the Marine House were you?

Anonymous said...

What a treasured photo!

Celene said...

Thanks for entering to win the bracelet. Good luck. God Bless, Celene

Danielle said...

That is such an awesome pic! Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest.

Danielle said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
heidi @ ggip said...

What an interesting picture with so much history behind it.

Midlife Mom said...

What a lovely picture in the beautiful saris. Also loved the picture of the African Mama with her baby on her back! Precious! We are sending a small group to Africa on Thursday for a short term missions trip. They are going to Senegal West Africa. We gave them a send off ceremony yesterday. Love your blog, will be back and come see me again soon!!

Shane H. said...

What an amazing and inspiring post! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I've bookmarked yours and will return often.

just jamie said...

What an inspirational family you are. Keep going!

Andrea said...

What a great post...and so many good memories!

Jill said...

Your blog is beautiful! I love the picture. It looks like you guys live a very exciting life. Thanks for welcoming so nicely to the blogging world!

Susanne said...

What a lovely picture. Your post is a wonderful encouragement to not be afraid to follow what you feel the Lord is calling you to do.

Kristen said...

Gorgeous photo. That is awesome. Thanks for sharing your special story.

Restless Ink said...

I love that photo! What a rich background you have and are passing onto your little one. Your parents sound incredible and wonderful how your mother encouraged your move.

I look forward to hearing more about your life!