Day 2 of Potty Training

That about sums it up. . . 

We're glad Day 2 is over, praying that we turn a corner on Day 3.

Actually, she did fine. It's just exhausting trying to potty train with 2 other kids around.

Bring on Grandma Pam [my mom arrives tomorrow]! We could use the help. 

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Who's in the Loo?

It's Isa!  One day of Potty Training Boot Camp is done!  Yay!  All in all, a good day.  She only had one accident the whole morning which was pretty impressive to me (especially considering she drank three large juice boxes in three hours).  Granted she told me she had to go potty about 20 times and 16 out of 20 were false alarms, but hey, it's a good start.  

She woke up from her nap wet after sleeping two hours and oh was she ticked about that which is good.  Drew and I were a little worried that she would not be bothered by it since she is so tough.  (She bounced into the kitchen the other day with a gash near her eye and was dripping blood.  No tears.  I have no clue what happened.  She was in her room and Benjamin was in the kitchen with me so I have no eye witnesses.) 

She never had another accident again until tonight when she was standing by the tub for her bath.  Who can blame her?  There was the sound of running water and I wasn't paying attention because I was trying to get Sam settled in his Bumbo and get Benjamin undressed (Drew went to a baseball game...can you believe the nerve of him? ha.)   

I am thinking tomorrow will be worse since the excitement of using the potty and finally being allowed to touch toilet paper will have worn off a little bit.  The second day was worse for Benjamin.  But she'll get it.  She looks so darn cute in her undies. 

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Submerging in the Downtown Eastside...Part 4

[Part 1 HERE, Part 2 HERE, and Part 3 HERE.]

My belly was full, my body was growing weary. Where to sleep? We made our way to a local park, and found some benches. We had been fortunate to not have any rain (after all, this is Vancouver), but the sky was looking ominous. Didn't matter though; we had nowhere else to go. As soon as we laid down, we realized we weren't alone. Mice and rats were scurrying all around us; underneath my bench, inches from my body. It's amazing how, when you're homeless, you're forced to change your values. Just a day ago I wouldn't have even considered laying down with a bunch of rats within sight. On this night, though, I was just happy to have a bench. 

After mentally convincing myself that the rats wouldn't try to eat me while I slept, I started dozing off. After about an hour, the rain began to fall. Fortunately for us, it was 12:45 am. We were allowed a 'pit stop' at a Salvation Army meeting space from 1 to 5. We crashed on a hardwood floor there. 

There's so much more to tell, but it's hard to get it all down. I didn't share the stories of so many people I met. I think I wouldn't do them justice. The stories of the people there are so complex, so tragic, and so heartbreaking that my words would just trivialize them. 

But I left the Downtown Eastside cold, wet, tired, but thankful. Thankful that I had a better understanding of what it's like to be homeless. It's only a veiled glimpse; after all, I always had a definitive end in sight. I could go home. But it was a glimpse. And I also came away with a better understanding of how people get trapped into this kind of life. Most have experienced hardships, abuse, and neglect beyond what we can imagine. Put in their shoes, I have to admit that I would also be prone to addiction and despair. 

It was a spiritually, physically, and emotionally draining 24 hours. But it was a powerful experience; well worth it. But the unfortunate reality is that I was able to leave, and 16,000 residents remain. To me, this was a helpful exercise; a learning experience. To them, this is everyday life.  But is it really life at all? 

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Submerging in the Downtown Eastside...Part 3

[Part 1 is HERE and Part 2 is HERE]

If you don't have money to eat and you don't have a home to sleep, one of the few activities you can afford to do is walk. I spent a lot of my time walking. Aimlessly. Nowhere. It was maddening. One of our fellow apprentices, Ken, likened the aimless wandering to God's curse of Cain in Genesis 4, "You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."

To escape from the boredom, we decided to try out pan-handling. It was nerve-racking. I picked a busy corner, sat on the sidewalk, and put my hat on the ground with the few coins I had left. To experience people's reactions to beggars from this perspective was unbelievable. Some blatantly ignored. Others scowled or rolled their eyes.

In the middle of our panhandling, a fight broke out in the street. Two guys, high and emaciated from too much crack, started trading weak punches. One reached to his back pocket and pulled out a knife. Deric and I had a decision to make: do we watch this play out like everyone else, or do we call the police? In a small community like this, calling the cops has its price. People don't like 'snitches' (or, if you're 10 yrs. old, tattletales). But our sense of justice wouldn't allow us to just watch a guy get stabbed, so we called 911. We spent the next 45 minutes talking to the cops (they arrested the guy; no one was hurt) and filing witness reports. 

After the knife fight that almost happened, it was time to eat. We didn't have enough money to buy a meal anywhere, so we walked to a Christian mission in the city. We showed up at 6 to get in line for a 7 o'clock meal. We walked up to get in line, and we were immediately spotted as 'the guys who talked to the cops'. First they asked if we were in trouble. Then they asked if we were undercover cops (apparently we looked like we were trying, and failing, to look like we were homeless). 

They opened the door, and we filed into a chapel. We had to hear a sermon before we could eat. The sermon itself was good; a former addict who found Jesus and got clean. After the sermon, they opened another door, and we were herded into the cafeteria. I couldn't help but feel like cattle on a farm. 

We were told where to sit, and our meal was waiting for us. They had some volunteers ready to take our plates when we finished. We ate in relative silence, and then moved on. 

The mission did its job in feeding us. They fed us well. They meant well, and you could tell. But I couldn't help but think that there has to be a more humane way to do this. . . where volunteers and homeless share food and conversation around a table. Where they're invited to stay awhile and talk. Where they're affirmed that not only do they need to accept Jesus as their savior, but they also need to be told that they are worth saving; that the image of God is stamped upon their very souls. 

But I have to give them credit.  They fed me, and that's more than most people would do... 

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Submerging in the Downtown Eastside...Part 2

[Part 1 is HERE.]

I stepped off the bus into a different world. Drugs deals in broad daylight. Crack pipes being lit. 'Rigs' (needles) full of heroin being injected. The people here are either homeless or a breath away (living in the hotels mentioned before). Regardless, the street is their living room, and I was suddenly their guest. 

I initially found it overwhelming. My mind was on sensory overload. So much addiction and despair. So little hope. I couldn't help but think: "We're in North America. How does this happen?"

Our team broke up into pairs to submerge. My partner, Deric, and I went straight to the community center to find out where we would be able to eat. We were given a paper full of ministries and social services agencies willing to feed us. We figured that, if we timed each meal right, we could eat 7 times a day. This was at the same time encouraging and frustrating. It was encouraging to see that there are people who genuinely want to help. It was frustrating because most of their help is merely to keep the homeless and addicted from dying. Very few people are thinking creatively about helping these people truly LIVE.

I was only 2.5 miles from our home. 2.5 miles from my family, my fridge full of food, and my warm comfy bed. I've made the 2.5 mile journey to the Downtown Eastside many times now. But at this moment, I had never felt so far away from home. 

I experienced so many things. I heard so many stories. I did my best to soak it all in. 

Deric and I stumbled our way into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at a drop-in center for the homeless. I was in a room full of people trying to stay sober, and I left in awe. Their sense of community and belonging was so strong and so authentic. They were honest, humble, affirming, and loving to one another. I left the drop in center thinking, "Why isn't the church more like an AA meeting?"

I paid for my lunch back at the community center. It was a bargain at $1.75, but my net worth was suddenly reduced to $0.75. In terms of percentage, it was the most expensive meal I've ever eaten. 

Spinning from the shock of our new lives, we thought we'd take a nap. This is one of a few 'anxieties' one experiences when homeless: Where to sleep? Where can I go to the bathroom? Fortunately, a local church opens its sanctuary for the homeless to sleep during the day. We walked in, found an open pew, and sprawled out to catch some shuteye. 

I was asleep but 5 minutes before a man knocked on my pew and told me it was time to leave. The church was closing for the day. It was my first experience being 'shooed' away. I realized that I now had no control over my ability to sleep where and when I wanted. . .

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Submerging in the Downtown Eastside...Part 1

It's hard to know where to begin. There are certain experiences in life that are so powerful and complex that words seem to fail. We're currently in the 2nd posture of our apprenticeship. The first was 'listening'; the second is 'submerging'. The aim of this posture is to fully submerge into the culture in which we're serving in order to better understand, and more effectively minister among the people there. 

So on Wed. morning, we apprentices and staff (minus the moms) took the bus to the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Our objective was quite simple: be among the people there. However, being among the residents of the Downtown Eastside is a very unique experience. 16,000 people are crammed into a few square blocks. Roughly half suffer from mental illness. Nearly all of them are on welfare. Most of them are addicted to a variety of drugs. These residents 'live' in tiny rooms of rotting hotels. AIDS is at an epidemic (by United Nations standards) level. 

This is a far cry from my comfortable, midwestern rural upbringing. But if we are going to truly build relationships with the residents of the Downtown Eastside, we must first try to gain a little understanding of what it's like to live there. 

So we went to the Downtown Eastside with a few ground rules:

-Apart from bus fare, we were given $2.50 to live on for the next 24 hours.

-We had to pan-handle (beg) for money for at least 30 minutes.

-We had to experience eating at least one meal at a homeless shelter/mission.

-We had to take the time to hear at least one resident's story. 

-We were given the option to take a 'rest' from 1-5 am at a ministry we partner with. 

Oh, and little did we know that THIS particular wednesday was 'Welfare Wed.'; the one day each month that the residents get their welfare checks. This is the one day each month that the residents have money in their pockets to buy drugs, hire prostitutes, and get drunk. . .

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We'll be holed up in our house...

Was it really less than a year ago that we potty trained Benjamin?  Here we go again.  We will be spending our three day weekend holed up in our apartment potty training Eloisa Joy.  Oh Joy!  We are all set with 20 pairs of undies, juice boxes, M&Ms and little rewards.  Benjamin is beyond excited to help us teach Isa to keep her undies dry and he has been practicing saying, "Are your undies dry?  Good job, Isa.  Big girl.  Hooray!"  

If you think of us this weekend while you are enjoying your labor day weekend NOT laboring, say a little prayer for us that Isa would be quick to 'get it'.  

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Siblings

The kids were all on our bed this morning while we were getting ready.  Ben and Isa were taking turns holding Sam.  They were all being so cute.  The rest of today was a nightmare with Ben and Isa constantly picking at each other (pick, pick, pick...I am having flashbacks to my childhood when all my brothers used to do was pick on Sara and I...it was never our fault by the way) and both of them having multiple melt downs.  SO, I am unwinding with a cup of tea and I am clinging to these pictures as encouragement and thanking Jesus for some precious moments early this morning.  At what age do you have to start dragging your kids out of bed?  They have been up too early for both Drew and I's liking the past week.  And Drew is even a morning person.  I'm not a morning person...or a night person.  I am a love to sleep person.  

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Praise Him!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!  Just got an email from my sister-in-law about my brother's follow up appointment today.  She said that they tested 37 different lymph nodes from the surrounding areas and EVERY SINGLE ONE came back NEGATIVE for cancer.  I am a bawling mess.  So grateful.  So thankful.  Thank you Father God for this good, good report.  

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First Feeding

I didn't plan on starting Samuel on solids until he was 6 months old, but the past week he has been tracking food from our plates to our mouths and when he is on our lap he tries to intercept each bite as it passes him.  So, Benjamin got to feed Samuel some oatmeal today. Sam was so excited.  Here he is poised and ready.  

On second thought, maybe I shouldn't have been so excited.  
Benjamin was so careful and gentle.  He would pause to 'let Sam chew' and then say, 'Ready, Sam?'
This is kind of fun.   
It's fun but it tastes disgusting, guys.  
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Friends

Some college friends were in town for the weekend.  The kids are loving all of the attention of our constant house guests.  

The fake laughter startled Sam as you can see from his arms being flailed out to the sides. 

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The Kids

Do you think my hair will ever come in?

Samuel really is just the sweetest, most laid-back baby.  Love his little chubby toes.  
Benjamin and Eloisa entertained themselves the other day by piling every stuffed animal they could find on top of Samuel.  Benjamin kept reminding Isa, 'No cover Sam's face, Isa.'  Samuel looked a little terrified by the time they were done.  I think he was anticipating being completely buried.  
Benjamin finally got a bigger tricycle since his knees have been hitting the handlebars of his other one all summer.  (Daddy pushed hard for a bike with training wheels but Mama won and he got a bigger tricycle.  Can you tell I don't want him to grow up?)  Benjamin informed me today when we were out for a ride that 'Tim and Kristi got me my tricycle."  Glad Tim and Kristi get credit for this gift because they were with us when we bought it.  Ha ha.  
Samuel sporting his hat from Jesse and Cindy.  
Love, love, love morning cuddles.

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Road Trip

We were blessed to have 8 familiar faces from Archbold join our community for the week.  They were here for a 'Road Trip'. (Road Trips are a little taste of the 10 month training program we are in right now.)  The kids were beyond excited to see friends from Ohio.  

Janessa was nice enough to drag her scissors out here to give Benjamin and Eloisa haircuts.  Isa never cried but she made the most hilarious faces and kept tensing her whole body up.  
Daddy trying to distract her with counting on his fingers.  He got a small smile out of her but she still wouldn't relax.  My favorite place to eat here in Vancouver...under a canopy of grape vines in the backyard of our director's house.  
Janessa and I.  Great to see you, friend.  
Luke and Benjamin give NieuCommunities a thumbs up. [Donate to the Moser family's mission in Vancouver! Click HERE to give online.]

Catching Up

Okay Janelle, our blog fast is over. :)  Sorry it has been awhile!  We are a little behind so I am catching up in this post.  Samuel and I spent this past week in Ohio.  It was such a blessing to be able to be with family during Matt's surgery.  Matt is doing really well so thank you to all who have been praying.  He started on liquids yesterday.  Biopsy results are supposed to come back today.  Pray for a great report!

Samuel and his tiny cousin, Matea.  They are only two months apart but I feel like I am holding a newborn when I hold Matea.

Oh the rolls. 
Samuel enjoying some time with Great Grandma Ruth.
Hanging out with Grandpa Bill.  Or Grandpa 'Bull' as Benjamin calls him. 
Shout out to Betsy for Samuel's sweet little sleeper.  And Sam loves the little Ikea bunny you got for Benjamin three years ago.  Thank you.
Watching the Olympics with Grandma Pam.
Benjamin just recently stated that he wanted to make 'cereal soup' and now he always has to have two kinds of cereal in his bowl.  This wouldn't be a big deal unless you knew my dad.  He always mixed his cereal together and we always thought he was so goofy.  It always warms my heart when Benjamin reminds me of his Grandpa Chuck. 
Jackson's Grandpa Ned made him this awesome go-cart.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a video of Jackson taking off, running over a small tree, the tree going completely flat under the go cart and then popping straight back up into position, Jackson going into hysterics laughing, and Ned saying, "I don't even care."  
Nana bought Benjamin this card holder since we are always playing Go Fish or Old Maid.  
Beautiful Isa.  Beautiful day.  
Drew and I were blessed to visit some friends we know from our time in Denver.  (They now live in WA.)  Benjamin had a blast with their son 'JoshUa'.  They spent lots of time riding bikes in the driveway.  Joshua is not a great eater so Benjamin kept encouraging Joshua to eat while we were there.  I'll share just one conversation that I overheard between Benjamin and Joshua while Benjamin was trying to share his Raisin Bran with him.  Joshua: "Don't want raisins Benjamin."  Ben: "Why JoshUa?"  Joshua: "Because I don't like raisins."  Ben: "Oh JoshUa, you gotta like raisins.  Them so good!"
Our friends the Bells.
Isa pretending to ride a scooter.

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Surgery Update

Thank you, Jesus! Matt is out of surgery and doing fine (except for an enormous amount of pain....hello morphine!). The surgeon felt good about the surgery. They biopsied some tissue around where the cancer was and we will wait for the results. Pray that those all come back clear! It was a long day but thanks to all who were praying for us because we felt the peace and presence of the Lord over us as we waited. Pray God's continued healing and protection over Matt!

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Matt's Surgery

Matt's in surgery right now; Bekah is in Ohio with the family, and will return to Vancouver on Sunday. Please pray for surgical precision, for a complete removal of all cancerous cells, and for a speedy recovery, without the need for a colostomy bag. 

While the surgery is going on, also pray for the family; for the Peace of Christ to wash over them. 

Thanks so much...

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Please Pray

I don't know where to begin. I feel like a ton of bricks has been sitting on my chest all week making it hard to breath. Monday we received word that my oldest brother, Matt, has colon cancer. I have been praying since my dad went Home to be with Jesus and was reunited with my sister almost 4 years ago that the history of cancer in our family would end with his courageous, praise-filled, complaint-free battle. My heart and soul have felt crushed this week. Lord, why? Anger, fear, self-pity and the likes have threatened to overwhelm me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.

Please pray for our family. Pray that the Lord would keep our faith strong. I am struggling. I can't even voice all of the thoughts and questions racing through my mind day and night. "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1) I am waiting Lord. Please turn and hear.

Please pray for the Lord's healing touch to cover Matt's body. His surgery is Friday morning and will be followed by chemo. We are still waiting on results from his CAT scan. Pray that the cancer is contained to this one area.

Please pray for peace to cover our minds. Worry and fear can drown a person. Lord, keep our faith and trust in you firm even when we are so confused and hurting.

Please be on your knees for Matt and Julie and for our family in the coming weeks.

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him for his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. We trust in the name of the Lord our God. We rise up and stand firm. Answer us when we call!" from Psalm 20

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Where's our Sanity?

Yesterday, Benjamin and Eloisa were in rare naughty form and completely wore us out by the end of the day.  Drew asked me, "Have you seen my sanity?" to which I responded that his sanity was thrown out the window when we added two more kids to our family in six days and moved to a different country.  Benjamin overheard this conversation (man, do we ever have to watch what we are saying around him these days) and proceeded to try to help daddy find his sanity around the house.  "Where go sanity, daddy?  Under the table, no.  Behind the couch, no.  In the living woom, no.  What is it, daddy?  Where it go?"  I proceeded to laugh so hard I cried.  One moment I want to hide from my kids and the next moment they do something so funny that I want to squeeze them.  

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Random Pictures

Benjamin and Eloisa were playing in Isa's room and it was really quiet for a long time.  I started to wonder and thought maybe I would check on them when Benjamin comes running out and says, "Mama, look at Isa's babies."  He had shoved all of their plastic fruits and veggies into her shirt and amazingly enough she had allowed him to do it.  These two drive each other crazy and yet can't stand to be apart.

They are always competing for Sam's attention.  Poor, well-loved Sam can't get away.
Just gorgeous...
Benjamin enjoying a little time on the Pacific Coast.  What kid doesn't love a little sand between their toes?
Isa and Daddy joined Samuel for his morning Praise Baby quiet time.  
Sweet Sam.  We use that caption all of the time but what else is there to say?
It's so nice that he can be in the Bumbo.  I don't worry about him being run over as much now that he is up off the floor.  
Benjamin called for me to come in the living room.  "Look mama, baby Jesus." He had swaddled Samuel up and was laying with him exactly like this when I walked in the room.  I asked him if I could take a picture to which he always says, "No!" and then gets up but he actually let me capture this sweet little moment on camera.
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