Raising Kids Overseas

We came overseas alone. We knew we were called to be here and we had to be faithful to that. We didn't picture our life with kids. We didn't have any intentions on having kids any time soon so they really didn't play a factor in any decision we made. Now we have 2 precious little men in our lives with a passion for more and it takes me to a new reality: life looks a lot different now! Now I have to think about them in every way...so I've decided to write 10 ways life overseas looks so different with them.

1) Before kids, Levi and I were still seen as children ourselves. Now, we have respect and the ability to speak into way more situations than we ever did before. It is as if children gave us instant wisdom! (I honestly feel that children has taken 50% of my brain cells instead of adding to them!)

2) When we left for the village, we packed all of our needs for a MONTH in 2 backpacks. Now we are lucky to get out the door with 5 bags!

3) We struggled at times to get people to open their doors to meet us before kids. Everyone seemed very cautious. Now we walk into an area and have to fight off the mobs that surround us to meet our fair skinned, blue eyed, light haired kids!

4) Before kids, we could live out in the middle of no where for weeks and never feel a longing for home. Now, after 3 days of the kids waking up all night, getting eaten with misquitos, and having no space we are desperate to get home again!

5) I never thought about running out the door to pick up an item I needed to cook with. Now, it takes at least 15 minutes to get everyone dressed, shoes on, and get everyone on board to go for a walk. After getting the item, I have to hold it, hold a child, while holding hands with another one to make sure we all make it safe on our road back home. Overall, a trip that took less than 5 minutes now takes a good hour!

6) sleep...well, we all know how that has changed! ;)

7) Before kids, I wanted the airline that had the best movies for the 16 or more hr. flight back to the U.S. Now I look for the airline with the most patient stewardesses!

8) I was very good at language before kids. I feel that I have regressed leaps and bounds because I only think in simple phrases and words now.

9) Before kids, I never had to wrestle with the idea that being overseas could be selfish. Now I wrestle with it all the time. Just surrendering to the Lord all that I know my kids are missing out on and remembering what is most important.

10) Before kids, I had no idea what I was missing and no true desire for that lifestyle. Now our lives are fuller, richer, more complex and difficult at times, but worth every second of it. Having kids is so wildly amazing, so humbling and so challenging. It makes us more dependent on the L*rd and truly makes me so much better as a person.


I know there are so many more ways life looks different, but maybe they will come in another post! ;)