Saturday, Gabriel and Keats will receive their First Holy Communion.
They are excited. Keats keeps asking how many days. Rehearsal was Wednesday night, and everything went well.
We’ve borrowed jackets, and both boys have ties and black shoes. They tried their outfits on tonight, and they looked so handsome. It’s funny because when I told them they would be wearing jackets they both fussed about it, almost as if they thought they ought to. But tonight they both grinned and giggled looking at themselves in the mirror. Keats really needs a haircut, so I will try to do that myself Friday evening. Gabe likes to have his hair “edged up” and I can’t do that, so I took him to the barbershop today.
I came across a new book about Liberia the other day and ordered it immediately. The book is called Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold and it arrived today. I have read several books on the history of Liberia, and especially the civil war (and I’m still confused by all the different groups,) but this book is different. It was written by a photographer who actually lived behind rebel lines during part of the war. The photographs are sometimes beautiful and sometimes horrifying (it’s not for children.) After our adoption was finalized and all the lies and corruption surrounding it began to sink in, my heart hardened against Liberia. I didn’t even want to think about it. But the more I love Gabriel, the more my heart softens and I can’t stop thinking about this place where he was born and spent at least seven years of his life (probably longer, we are uncertain of his age.) He survived one of the most brutal civil wars in history. After more than three years with us, Gabe is an amazingly natural part of our family, but at the same time I can’t help but think of him as a miracle. And Saturday feels like a really big deal in so many ways.
And not to be all serious, and then turn the subject to knitting again, but several of you asked about the yarn in the bottom left corner of my last yarn along photo. It’s Madelinetosh merino light in filigree. A mutual friend helped me choose the color for a friend having surgery in a couple of weeks. I cast on and knit several repeats of a beautiful lace scarf, but then realized there was no way I could knit all that lace and meet my end of the month deadline for finishing it, especially because I kept making mistakes. So, I ripped it out! I started a more simple shawl today and hopefully will finish it in time! I think it will be perfect in it’s relative simplicity.
Such a big weekend. Sending blessings, from my world to yours.
Congratulations on the boys’ First Holy Communion. May your family be blessed abundantly!
Bless you, Keats and Gabe, as you receive Our Lord!
Congratulations to your sons! My daughter made her’s today, as well.
Many blessings on those special boys of yours this weekend. Last Sunday we had some First Communicants too and I loved how elegant some boys were(girls are always girls, therefore often too much for my taste. When I did my first Communion, April 25th 1978 in Italy, we all had the same simple tunic and I appreciated it). I especially memorized one boy and I’d like James to look like that when it will be his very special day! And for the yarn, I knew it was Madelinetosh! Thanks for sharing.
I also didn’t know much about Liberia until last week. My midwife sent a link for a show called “The Worst Place in the World to be a….Midwife”. It is set in Liberia. I cried through most of it. My best friend was adopted from a civil war torn country (Sri Lanka) when she was 3 months old, she is now 30, and has been back once, in her teen years. She can only cry with thankfulness, when she thinks of how her life may have turned out….
Prayers for your boys! Our seven-year-old son will be celebrating his First Holy Communion tomorrow, too. He grumbled about wearing a suit until he saw himself all dressed up! Such an exciting, wonderful time! Peace +JMJ+
What a very special weekend your family will be sharing. I loved reading your thoughts about Gabriel and his life before he folded into his new family. Now to knitting: you really do find the most beautiful shawl patterns!
It’s a testament to you and your husband that your boy are excited about their first Eucharist, and really know it’s something important.
Ginny, Congratulations on your big boys’ special day!
I noticed that picture of Larkspur with the larkspur 🙂 Do you have other colors of the flower? I grow several varieties in my garden and I’d be happy to share some seeds with your plant loving girl. I also have pretty Hungarian bread seed poppies that have just finished blooming and have made beautiful seed pods. If your Larkspur would be interested in either I’d be happy to post her some. Just let me know!
Again many blessings on your family’s special weekend!
Rachel
Ginny, I will be keeping Gabe and Keats in our prayers. Adrian will likely be making his First Communion in the fall this year. My guys always understand that any occasion that requires a tie and jacket is a BIG DEAL.
Love Lark’s over-use of tape. We have the same problem here…in fact, I had to use clear packing tape to wrap Sebastian’s birthday gifts with, as all the other stuff had been used up…
That MadTosh yarn is gorgeous–reminds me of agates or jaspers…
Have a lovely weekend!
Have a wonderful weekend full of beauty and grace, Ginny.
Oh, Ginny your boys will be in my prayers as we travel to Lydia’s graduation tomorrow morning. I am sure they look very dandy in their fine clothes. The children in the Faith Formation class my husband and I thought this year will also make the First Holy Communion tomorrow. We sadly have to miss it.
The new shall pattern is perfect for this yarn color! It is going to be gorgeous. When I was a teenager I use to sign my name with two little stalks of wheat beside.
Oops.. the children we taught … not thought
I’m excited for you and the boys. I’ll be keeping all of you in my prayers.
Love the boots on the wrong feet picture. My kids do that all the time.
What a blessed experience for your family! I hope Saturday goes swimmingly. I love your sweet family, Ginny!
Wishing your family a wonderful weekend.
🙂 i really like the picture of your boy child up the tree. i find my boys up trees all the time.
Sweet Holy Blessings on your family this weekend. I remember my first communion as if it were yesterday. That was the day I dedicated my life to service to our Lord Jesus. My life has taken so many turns since then. I am now married for 40 years, have 5 children and 10 grandchildren and am truly blessed. The little seven year old girl in me still remembers her pledge to become a nun/nurse on the hospital ship Mercy.
Have you seen the movie “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”? Its all about the war in Liberia and the women who demanded peace.
i just watched the trailer for the movie. oh my goodness. you know, i had no idea. it is so shameful how in the dark i am about what horrible things are happening in other parts of the world.
Ginny: your boy Gabe, oh my. he surely is a miracle.
I haven’t, but I want to.
I did not know the story of how Gabriel came into your life but he does seem like a miracle to me too! I know you already know this, but your family is truly blessed! Have a wonderful weekend together!
xoxo
~ joey ~
Many blessings to your two wonderful boys on their most special day!!
-Jaime