Pollyanna

While on a girls' trip to visit my sister in Florida during the fall of 2018, Sadie was gifted a Pollyanna doll at an antique store.  Dressed in a gingham frock, the doll immediately attracted Sadie’s attention.  She quickly sat down in a little red rocking chair and tenderly began cradling Pollyanna.  During the time that we were in the store, Sadie repeatedly requested that I buy her the doll, which I continually declined.  We were preparing for a big move, and I wasn’t in the market to add to our load of things to pack.  So Sadie sat and rocked the doll while we browsed the store.

Stealin' hearts (and dolls) since 2015

Unbeknownst to me, the owner of this antique booth was right there watching the entire time.  She was rearranging shelves and moving things around.  I particularly liked her country styled area and admired many of the pretty things she had about.  She began urging me to buy the doll by reducing the price she had listed, but I explained my packing predicament and tried to drop it.  She went on to tell me how special the doll was to her, because her aunt had given it to her as a Christmas gift back in 1960.  Pollyanna had been this lady’s childhood doll and she still had the book her aunt gifted her along with the doll.  She offered to give Sadie the doll saying she just wanted her doll to be loved as well as she had loved her when she was a little girl.  I again tried to explain that I just didn’t have the space to take more things and I wouldn’t be able to pack it for the move.  The lady told me to sell it on eBay before moving, just so Sadie could enjoy her while she was stateside.  When I realized I wasn’t getting out of that store without the doll, I accepted and Sadie left happily with a new doll and doll quilt, book, and another book and tote bag the generous lady threw in at the last minute.

Sadie dressed in her favorite winter outfit, Pollyanna dressed in Sadie's favorite doll outfit.... Both with their shoes on backwards which is only fitting.  SK puts her shoes on backwards about 80% of the time.....

Being the heartless mother that I am, I have to admit that during my final days of packing last summer, I intentionally left Pollyanna behind at my parents’ house where my mom has other repurposed antique dolls.  Packing all the essentials of life for a family of 6 into suitcases leaves little room for sentiment.  I heard a lot about that misstep from Sadie between when we moved and when my mom came to visit in September.  Needless to say, Pollyanna was added to the list of “musts” when Lollee came to visit.  Sadie was very happy to see Lollee, but possibly even more excited to see Pollyanna.

For over a year, Sadie has loved and played with Pollyanna.  A few days ago, she announced that Pollyanna had a birthday coming up.  So, today we partied with cookie cake and presents and celebrated Pollyanna’s "3rd" birthday.  Sadie isn’t aware that Pollyanna is actually a 60 year old doll who could be her grandmother and for the sake of fewer questions, I will leave it that way for now.  I reached out to the antique store to try to contact the vender who gave Sadie her childhood doll.  I wanted her to know that Sadie has loved, cared for and taken Pollyanna out for walks and trips since she received her.  The lady responded with a photo she had saved of Sadie Kate with Pollyanna in the store.  When she also added that she thinks of us and prays for us often, knowing that we serve overseas, I got tears in my eyes.  What a thoughtful, generous lady!  Pollyanna has a new hair-do, thanks to a three-year-old Sadie and scissors combo a few months back, but she is still as loved as any doll could be.  It warms my heart to think of the generosity of that lady and her confidence in Sadie to love Pollyanna in the years to come! 

The photo I received today from the original owner.

~Abby

Operation Nationalize Ruby

Meet Ruby.

Watching me through the kitchen window. 

Previously known as Roofie, she was the pet of our former teammates and named by their youngest child.  After she came to us, a slight adjustment was made to Ruby.  She didn't seem to mind, and gladly comes when she's called.  She came to us by accident for a brief stay last June.  Her owner, a friend and teammate of ours, found himself with a broken down car near our house and had no way of transporting her.  He requested that we care for her until he could get his car fixed and remove her from our yard.  When he saw how much the kids were enjoying having her around, he offered for us to keep her until we left Lesotho.  We gladly agreed.

So, Ruby has been in our care for nearly the past year.  And during that time, we have grown to love her.  She is sweet, gentle, protective, calm, quiet, loving and devoted.  Everyone who meets her comments on what a great pup she is.  She has been adored by all the mission teams which come through Mokhotlong.  A few times, I was afraid they might allow her to leave with them "unnoticed" when they went on their way.

Post Jog Snuggles

Nearly everyday, she and I go out for a jog around town.  Last year, I ran into (no pun intended) some trouble while I was out alone in Mokhotlong.  Thus keeping Ruby for the remainder of our time in Lesotho was a delightful option for us.  She makes for great protection.  She's gentle, but she's intimidating and having her with me makes me feel more at ease.  My children love her and she follows them around to the neighbors' as they play.  Whenever we go away, Sadie calls out the window to her, "Bye, Ruby!  Sorry! We'll be back!"  Kyle may or may not be overfeeding her, thus the daily cardio requirement.

You can see Ruby patrolling in the background.

Why am I saying all this?  Because she's a doll.  She's an absolute joy and easily the best behaved dog I've ever known.  And the thought of leaving her in a few months was a lot to handle.  Her owner, Caleb, is one of the AIM guys working with the shepherds and she was to be his herd dog.  Herd dogs live rough lives, despite Caleb's obvious commitment to trying to be as good to her as possible.  The other dogs at the cattle posts are vicious and I know she would have to adapt and conform to survive.  Plus, knowing my kids are already struggling with the reality of moving, being able to take their friend Ruby along didn't seem like such a bad idea.  So, after discussing with Jono, I approached her owner, our friend, to ask if he'd be comfortable with us pursuing her transatlantic relocation with us in September.  He agreed.  When my brother, Caleb, was here late last year, he fell in love with her.  He has been wanting a dog for a very long time and I knew she'd make a great pet for him.  I then talked to my dad to see if he was agreeable with the plan of bringing her to be Caleb's pet.  He agreed.  Now that all parties are in agreement, I have contacted a pet shipping company and will get the ball rolling to make Ruby an American!

She loves to touch.  She isn't happy if we aren't touching.  Who cares about tan lines?

Shipping a pet is unfortunately pretty pricey.  Nevertheless, with a percentage committed by a generous donor, as well as initiative on the part of my siblings, we believe it is attainable.  Be on the lookout for fundraising from Holly, Maggie and Caleb!  They are overjoyed at the opportunity to have a one-of-a-kind dog and eager to make it happen!  They plan to do things like paintings, pet drawings, sewing and baking to help raise the funds.  I will post as soon as they determine their first endeavor.

I'm excited! Moving a big dog will undoubtedly be a hassle, but I believe it's worth it.  Plus, a dog is a man's best friend, right?  Or in this case, a mom and a brother.  :)

~Abby

Sadie Kate Turns 2!

Stop everything.  It all has to stop.  I don't want to accept it.  I can't handle it.  It's thrilling and devastating at the same time.  I am wild about my Sadie.  I want to bottle her sweet little potbellied, whipsy-haired, scrunchy-nosed, tiny-toed self up and never let her out.  I am excited that she's turning two!  Two is fun!  Three, four, five and six (and that's as far as my experience goes) are fun, too!  But I hate losing the babyness in the midst of it.  I love babies.  I have this love/hate relationship going on with my kids and their constant growing and changing and moving on to the next stage.  They are stinking persistent, I tell you.  No matter what I do, I can't make them slow down.

Two major highlights stand out in my mind when I think about this year of Sadie's life.  Firstly, we took a beautiful, relaxing, l-o-n-g road trip to Cape Town in May.  It was really a stunningly gorgeous city and we enjoyed trying to hit the highlights in five days.  I know she won't have any memory of it besides the photos she sees, but to be able to say you visited Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope is still bragging rights for life.  In typical Sadie fashion, she did wonderfully on the very long car ride to and from Cape Town and it was a joy to have her with us.

Secondly, in July, Sadie Kate and I sneaked across the Atlantic to surprise our family and friends with a little visit home.  I booked us tickets in June when I learned my grandfather had been diagnosed with leukemia.  It was my hope to see him before he passed away, but we didn't make it in time.  I rest assured that I will see him again in glory.  Even so, we got to visit with my family as well as some of Jonathan's family and it was a very sweet time.  Because Sadie was still under two, she was free and taking her with me wasn't really an option because she was (is) still breastfeeding.  Plus, I knew I couldn't leave Jonathan for so long with all three little people.  I was so unbelievably proud of Sadie during all the travel as she was an absolute angel baby on our total ~40 hours in the air round trip.  I can honestly say she didn't cry a single tear.  The comments from other passengers on her disposition were numerous.  Even as we landed back in Johannesburg on our way home, so incredibly dizzy and exhausted, she remained happy and smiley as we shared a milkshake before boarding our last fight to Durban.

 I loved taking her to my grandparents' houses, the pool, the zoo, the lake, to lunch and for walks around my parents' neighborhood.  It was like having my very own doll baby to dress up and play with for three weeks.  Having time to just spend with her was special and an experience I'll always cherish.

She's jabbering away constantly these days with fairly audible words and small sentences.  She absolutely loves to visit our neighbors, help herd the neighbor's sheep into their pen, play in the sand and dirt, and just generally be outdoors.  I wash so many Sadie clothes.  She gets so dirty and has such fun doing it.  She cut all her teeth without much complaint; she eats just about anything we give her.  She loves coffee and we regularly make her decaf in her sippy cup.  She loves pretzels and chocolate chips and eggs and pancakes and oats.

Her favorite things are her baby, her taggy blanket, and a bumblebee blanket which was a gift for Kyle before he was born.  She likes to rub the ribbon tags on all three of these things.  When she falls asleep, she has two hands full of tags.

She loves breastfeeding more now than ever and I'm completely unsure of how I'm going to manage to wean her.  I limit her to three times per day.  I need to wean her, I plan to wean her, I kind of want to wean her, it's just going to break her heart.  We ditched the paci a couple months ago which was painful but manageable.  But this, this is much bigger.  I really have no idea how it's going to happen. Pray for me.

I'll never forget the balmy, warm night Sadie burst into this world.  It was wild and wonderful.  I've cherished her so deeply after the agony we went through during her pregnancy.  A wise woman (Hi, Mom!) kept telling me she thought Sadie would be sweet and easy after the difficulty I experienced with her pregnancy.  And she was right.  Sadie has been the sweetest and easiest yet and I'm just crazy about her!

Happy birthday, my darling girl.  You are Mama's treasure.  I thank God for you every day.

~Abby

Coffee with a Friend

Ellee turned four last week.  I am totally crazy about this girl.  She is so feisty.  She keeps me on my toes and stretches me far and wide.  But she loves generously.  She doesn’t ever withhold a compliment or word of affection if it pops into her little head.  She really is sugar and spice and I love her for it.  I hope she always keeps her spunk.

There are a million and one things I could share about her.  But I really was struck last night by how accepting and kind she is to anyone.  I went to get her from a neighbors’ house and found her sitting at their kitchen table, sipping coffee and munching chewy Basotho bread.  She was talking the ear off our neighbor’s shepherd.  It is winter, so the shepherd is back in Mokhotlong to be out of the harsh environment of the rural mountains.  During the summer, he lives alone way, way out in a small hut.  However, it is safer for him to spend winter here, because he has more access to heat sources and doesn’t run the risk of freezing to death if it snows.  During the winter, the shepherd goes off in the morning with the herd and doesn’t return until sundown.  When he gets the sheep and goats back into their corral for the night, he goes to the house kitchen for supper, which he typically eats alone.  He eats a massive portion, as he hasn’t eaten all day, and he isn’t shy about shoveling it in for that very reason.  After supper, he goes down to his own small house beside the corral and sleeps, only to do it all again tomorrow.  He does this routine every single day without exception.  He doesn’t speak a bit of English but that didn’t deter Ellee.  She was just jabbering away about how hungry he must be because he’d been gone all day.  And something about the sheep and goats and I don’t know what else.  I couldn’t help but smile at how opposite it looked, little Ellee with her french braided blonde hair, pink jeans and light up Minnie Mouse shoes in the chair beside a man who couldn’t be less like her.  The shepherd, although friendly, is very rugged.  He dresses in very traditional shepherd garb.  His clothes are well worn, his beard is scruffy, his thick blanket and heavy rubber boots quickly indicate that he spends his days quite isolated while he watches the herds graze on the hillside.  I would honestly expect Ellee to be a bit skittish around him.  Obviously I am wrong about her.  She left with me saying how he is her friend and she would finish her coffee tomorrow with him.  She didn’t want him to eat alone.  I don’t pretend to know or understand all the cultural morés here.  But I’ve heard and seen enough over my years here to know that shepherds are not generally accepted as friends by non-shepherds.  They do their jobs, but they are quite a separate part of society in most cases.  Not to Ellee though.  She hasn’t lived long enough to pick up on those social boundaries and I am glad.  

I hope she never allows her friendliness to be contained by social groups.  I hope she will always befriend the outcasts or those who are viewed as different or less important.  I hope she never cares if someone is black or white, rich or poor, educated or not.  I hope she always pulls up a chair and talks about life with another gentle, friendly soul.  I hope she never quits enjoying coffee with a friend.  I hope she never changes.

(Table Mountain, Cape Town RSA)

~Abby

Wanderer

As a child, I used to love to visit my grandparents' house.  As an adult, I still get just as excited.  When I return to that log cabin set beautifully atop a mountain, memories of summer days and winter nights come flooding back.  Having spent a career in the Air Force, my Oma and Opa have collected a variety of unique items which decorate their lovely home.  I enjoy looking at the paintings and carvings from foreign lands.  The house itself is warm and welcoming, but most of all I love the memories I have from many visits over the years.  

The smell of strong coffee fills the house in the mornings.   Slowly but surely family arises and gathers for a simple breakfast.  Some have slept at the Big House, others at the cottage on the backside of the property, some even camp in the side yard in a pop out camper.  Mornings are spent on the front porch if it’s warm outside, or in the sunroom if it’s chilly.  When breakfast is cleared and put away, a family walk is on the agenda.  We spend a lot of time walking and exploring the land surrounding the house.

There is a pond on the bottom of the property where we go to feed the fish.  Walking down is easy, but walking back up is always a feat.  When I was small, it felt like such a long ways.  Now I realize it isn’t that far at all.  We climb trees and inspect moss and collect flowers for a table center piece.  In the heat of summer, we enjoy picking blackberries.  

Games begin on the front terraces during the late morning and after lunch.  Three legged races, bocce ball or softball with plastic bats and plastic balls are included in some of the fun.  We spread quilts on the lawn and enjoy each other’s company in the shade.  The beautiful lawn doubles as a driving range, where Opa practices his long-range shots.  We take rides in the golf cart and hunt for lost golf balls.  Sometimes, if it’s too hot or too cold, we venture down into the basement for more games or a classic movie.  I remember watching Lion King and Riverdance the most.  Those are two of my very favorite movies even now.  I almost always tear up watching Riverdance now because it takes me right back to my childhood in Oma’s basement.  

Summer nights are spent playing outside games.  We love to play flashlight tag.  We dress in dark clothes, set boundaries around the yard, and run to hide in our best spots.  My dad and my uncle often begin the hunting.  Fireflies light up in the dark and crickets are making noise all around.  We do our best to not giggle as they walk right past us. 

  

During the holidays, the house bustles with people moving about preparing for a big family get-together.  Some set places at the tables, while others are assembling the food on the buffet.  My Oma is a great cook and an even better hostess.  The air is so chilly outside, but sometimes I go out on the front porch swing while the dinner is being prepared.  There is plenty of space to spread out inside, but I enjoy sitting outside and breathing in the fresh mountain air and gazing at the starry night.  There seem to be so many more stars above that mountain than anywhere else.  

When the night is over and we all head to our designated sleeping spots, I enjoy replaying the day’s events before falling asleep.  It never gets old being there.  It’s the perfect place to visit, relax, eat and have tons of fun.  

Months ago, I saw an add for Wanderer Bracelets with coordinates from your favorite place.  During this stage of my life, I certainly feel like a wanderer.  I also feel as though I'll never feel completely at home anywhere again.  I've left pieces of my heart in lots of places and I'm only just getting started.  That specific place holds such cherished memories for me, I decided to order myself a Wanderer Bracelet with the coordinates from my grandparents' front porch.  I love knowing a little piece of my heart is with me even here.

~Abby

Girl Weekend

Last weekend Ellee and I attended a missionary ladies’ retreat in South Africa. Admittedly, I dreaded trying to “retreat” with Ellee in tow. She is such a clingy monkey, doesn’t want to walk anywhere, and still very much addicted to nursing; I expected it wouldn’t end up being very retreat-ish at all. Nevertheless, trying to wean her for one quiet weekend away seemed a bit rash and leaving her behind unweaned with Jono and Kyle would’ve been nothing short of a nightmare for them. So along she came. I had no idea what to expect besides hearing that the retreat was very well done and there would be tons of food. Both insights were delightfully spot-on.

Our venue was a beautiful guest farm with cottages and rose gardens and stone walkways. It was like an oasis from real life. Upon arrival I learned that reception had decided to put the two of us in an available room, which meant we would be on our own. I cannot even express how relieved I was to hear that. While Ellee sleeps fine at home, she often stirs at night when we are away and I was so anxious about how she might interfere with our roommates’ rest. Having our own room made the whole experience exponentially more enjoyable. Aside from that, I believe the room we were in was one of the nicest on the farm! It was two traditional rondovals (round huts) connected together, the first a sitting room and the second the bedroom with an adjoining bathroom. The furniture was old-timey, beautiful wood and the bathroom had a standing tub and a fancy sink. There were rugs and carpet on the floors - a real treat - and the roof was thatched. We fell asleep to drizzling rain both nights. The baby bed they’d set up for Ellee was so squishy and comfortable that I would’ve enjoyed sleeping on it! My bed was heavenly as well, although I’m not used to sleeping in a big bed by myself these days. Both nights Ellee girl slept like a log and I didn’t do half bad myself. It was so special- the quiet in my room- knowing Ellee was there with me but also enjoying the peace of being alone.

Mornings began with hot coffee delivered on a tray to our door, and snuggles in my big bed while Ellee woke up and drank her milk. Her bright eyes are so darling in the morning, slightly puffy from good sleep and her hair a mess of curls in her face. She looks so snugly in her pretty jammies. I drank my coffee and Ellee ate her cookie in the bathtub while we (I) talked about what we were going to do that day. The farm cat, Wynford, was Ellee’s first request each morning. She loved visiting the “cat-kee” whenever we could find him. After bath time, I’d dress up my living doll and fix her hair complete with a tiny bow. She sat on my bed and played with whatever I gave her as I got myself ready. Then we would venture out of our little cottage for the day.  

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served in a lovely dining room, each meal including no fewer than three courses; dinner had five or six! A bell was rung twice a day for tea time, first at 11:00 and again at 4:00, which was served alongside delicious baked goodies in a covered sitting area outside. We ate eggs and bacon, butternut soup and curried lamb and chocolate mousse and loads of other stuff. The homemade brown bread was fantastic and I know I ate too much of it! Ellee learned that she loves eating peas (which I never make) because they are perfect for little fingers to grab. She also likes lemon merengue pie and bran muffins and papaya.

The team of ladies from the States who came to facilitate our retreating really pampered us with chocolates, Bath & Body Works treats, and pedicures. They brought us taco seasoning and almond extract and maple flavoring and Hershey’s kisses. I love chocolate and new friends and new friends who bring me chocolate.

During Ellee’s nap times, I enjoyed worship and small group and Bible study with the other missionary ladies. When Ellee was awake, we often skipped the sessions and wandered around the farm visiting the bunnies, emus, and Wynford the cat. We sat in the lounge- a big living room with tons of fluffy couches and books and a sleeping kitty- to read books and practice walking and pet the feline. We walked around looking for the dog and at the birds and flowers.

Hauling around my lug of blonde curls was tough on my arms, but I’m so glad she was with me. I couldn’t help but fight back tears at what a sweet time we were having together. Every time I asked if she wanted to go do something, she agreed. I felt bad that I’d ever dreaded bringing her along. Even though it wasn’t as relaxing as it could’ve been alone, it was such a treasure to have her there. The only book we brought along from home was The Wheels on the Bus; I can’t remember how many times we read that silly book snuggled up in my bed. We made memories I’ll always cherish. Glad I had a tiny girlfriend to bring along to my getaway! Love that little lady.

~Abby

Christmas in August

Every once in a while, Christmas comes early .  Last week that is just what happened in Mokhotlong.  After lots of finagling with DHL between the US and Lesotho, our giant box of goodies from the States arrived safe and sound.  Full of surprises, things we had requested and a few things we’d forgotten while in the US, this package was exciting for all the St.Clairs.  

Dusty jammies and motorcycles for Kyle

Horse jammies for Ellee 

Inside we found a new baby doll for our little Baby Doll.  Superman and Planes jammies for Kyle.  Super hero undies for Jonathan… just kidding, those were for Kyle, too.  Chili powder, Reese’s, a thermometer and Arm & Hammer toothpaste for Mama.  And a giant box of shells and cheese, a new iPad case and head phones, and marshmallows for Sunday Night Sleepovers for Jonathan.  There were other things, too, like new jammies for Ellee, motorcycles for Kyle, a piano toy for Ellee, and a Liberty reading light for Jono.  His and hers coffee creamers.  Oh, and two pounds of pepperonis.  Ahhhh.... the taste of home.

So excited about pepperonis, I had to deviate from our normal leftovers-for-supper on Wednesday night and make some pizza.  Oh man, delicious!  These Americans think they are Italian with as much pizza and pasta and stromboli as we eat!

So this is how Kyle tells us what he wants to wear to bed now....

Thanks, Uncle Ric and contributing parties for getting our package to us!  

~Abby