March 2017
Meet Yay Duck and Yuck Duck
When our family had the privilege of attending MTI (Missionary Training Institute) last August, we were introduced to Yay and Yuck Duck. They are a "pair-of-ducks" that represent the paradox of the good parts and difficult parts of life. A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd, but in reality it expresses two truths. Much of life, whether living overseas or in Anywhere, USA, is a paradox. For example I love snow, but hate the cold. Both statements are true, but they seem to contradict each other. Finishing our second month here of language school in Costa Rica we took time to check in with our kids during our family devotions to see how they are doing. We asked them to give us a Yay Duck and Yuck Duck from their first two months. I so was pleased by their responses that I wanted to share them. Ellie said, "Our house is small, but I like learning Spanish as a family." Jakin answered, "The Ticos always get my name wrong, but I got a new drum." Isaac responded, "Learning Spanish is hard, but I'm glad that I am learning Spanish." Libby said, "My Yuck duck is loosing my freedom, (since she has to be escorted everywhere she goes), but other than that everything else is a Yay Duck." Glenn and I had the same Yay Duck, spending more time with our family. We all walk to school together and are more consistent about worshipping together as a family at home. Glenn's Yuck duck was that our furniture isn't very comfortable, while mine is learning Spanish is very difficult.
Many of you know that I've been concerned for our kids moving to a new culture, language, and school. But I want you to know that God has answered so many prayers. Thank you for praying for us and our kids. Thank you for your thoughtful notes of encouragement and personal expressions of kindness. I was also thankful for the things that were not Yuck Ducks for the kids. No one mentioned all of the walking we have to do, or that they hate it here and want to go back home, or that they miss the things of home. I understand we have not finished going through culture shock as a family, but I wanted to celebrate with you that God is good and we are doing well.
