Marcie's house

Kiel discovered that one of his classmates at ENC lives in Rochester. They looked each other up. Turns out his Mom works at Roberts, and she and I bumped into each other in the parking lot, and struck up a conversation revolving around boys in college and boys playing soccer. Last week she called me and invited the boys and I to Sunday dinner at their house after church. I was happy to accept. I always enjoy making a new friend, and she seemed easy to talk with.



I hadn't realized that she has six children, three older boys, one younger son, and adopted twin girls from Belarus. We showed up at the appointed time, and I was instantly transported to the days of my kids growing up. The household was in constant motion, and kid energy and excited voices were everywhere, punctuated by two dogs and a cat.



Their Dad was outside grilling steaks, and Marcie was whipping up a pineapple upside down cake for dessert. The kids were well versed in chores - one of the twins showed up and set the table, the other one got the drinks out, the middle son pulled chairs around the lunch nook.



One son was fussing about needing to leave for work, and another was on the phone seeing if the local video store had the latest version of a new game yet. Kids entered and exited the room every few seconds, chasing each other, carrying the cat outside, fussing over a lost toy. It was wonderful! I hadn't had so much fun since I was one of eight growing up.



I remember when I first was married, Dan used to go outside and stand on the porch when we visited my parents. He wasn't used to so much noise. Later when I had kids and my parents nest was emptying, they used to be bothered by the hubbub at my digs. Marcie laughed and said they have a neighbor kid who comes over for entertainment just to watch all the commotion.



By comparison, my life has certainly quieted down. Now that there is basically just Drew and I, and we pretty much occupy different areas of the apartment, I don't encounter the level of excitement and energy we found Sunday. I miss it, yet I am glad I don't have to deal with it all.



Later, after we ate and the kids were outside swimming in the newly refilled pool (with the frigid water), Marcie showed me her photo album of their trip to pick up the girls, and talked of their adventure in bringing them to America. The girls came to look at the well worn album and point again to things and places and people and outfits they recall.



It made me once again yearn to get Jairus House functional. One of the aspects of Jairus House is to have a place for children from other countries who are in need of medical treatments not available in their home country to be able to come and stay and get the help they need. While they are here, perhaps their home situation can be improved so they can return to their families in a better position than they left.



It is a long way off. But I have taken the first baby step. I filed the paperwork for declaring Jairus House a business entity. I am quietly excited. Now I need to put together my board before the paperwork can go through. I still need a couple more people. I am praying that the right ones come forward quickly. Then we can begin the process of filing for 501c3 status. That will take about 6 months.



Meantime, I hope I can readjust to the activity level of a home filled with love in full tilt. I was so touched when each one of the children followed their Dad's example and thanked Marcie for the meal before they left the table. Perhaps there is hope.