Back to the Classics Reading Challenge

 Reading is such a big part of my life, but I rarely write about it. It's my relaxation, and I don't need to "process" it by writing, but maybe I should share more about one of my passions and pleasures. This year, I am joining the "Back to the Classics Reading Challenge." I will need to read a book published at least 50 years ago in each of 12 categories and write a review. The reading will be easy but maybe not so easy to write the review. Although the rules don't state it, I am not going to include re-reads. I may change my list, but this is what I have for now.

1. 19th Century Classic. Any classic book originally published between 1800 and 1899. 

Eris is scheduled to read Ivanhoe by Walter Scott (1819) in 7th grade, so I will pre-read it. I will likely read many others in this category, so I might substitute with something else.

2. 20th Century Classic. Any classic book originally published between 1900 and 1969.

How the Heather Looks by Joan Bodger (1965) is another book for Eris's 7th grade.

3. Classic by a Female Author. 

I have recently learned that Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote some adult novels. I plan to try The Shuttle (1906).

4. Classic in Translation. Any classic originally written in a novel other than your native language.  The Way of a Pilgrim by Anonymous Russian author (1860) which I got for Christmas OR the first book in Sigrid Undset’s Kristen Lavransdatter trilogy The Wreath (1920).

5. Classic Comedy. 

 Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1889) is one I've heard is good and Philip says he'll read it aloud with me. Another possibility is something by P.G. Wodehouse. I've never read anything by him, so I'll likely try something. I like books that make me laugh out loud, but my sense of humor is different than many readers it seems.

6. Classic Tragedy.  

Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte. I have actually never read this and really should. I don't generally like tragedy, but there are some classics I should get behind me.

7. Very Long Classic. Any classic single work 500 pages or longer.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1867) is over 1,000 pages in any edition I saw. I will be reading this with an online reading group, taking it slowly throughout the year.

8. Classic Novella. Any work of narrative fiction shorter than 250 pages.  

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote (1958) is only 149 pages or Lady Susan by Jane Austen which is only 180 pages (1871).

9. Classic From the Americas (includes the Caribbean). Includes classic set in either continent or the Caribbean, or by an author originally from one of those countries. 

I'm not sure about this one yet. I could just read something from an US author, but it would be good to stretch myself. I've never read One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Columbia; 1967), so this might be a good choice.

10. Classic From Africa, Asia, or Oceania (includes Australia). Any classic set in one of those continents or islands, or by an author from these countries.
I'm not sure about his one, either. I might read something from Japan if I can find something at Project Gutenberg. Perhaps I will read The English Governess at the Siamese Court by Anna Harriette Leonowens (1870). I started it or maybe Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon and didn't enjoy the attitude of imperialistic superiority, but that is part of history, and I live in Thailand so I probably should read it. I can't get Anna and the King through Gutenberg, so I'll try the memoir.
 

11. Classic From a Place You've Lived. Read locally! Any classic set in a city, county, state or country in which you've lived.

I could read The English Governess at the Siamese Court for this one. I could also read something from Israel, Oregon, or New Orleans (or even Wyoming). I haven't chosen something for this category yet.

12. Classic Play. Any play written or performed at least 50 years ago. Plays are eligible for this category only. After Eris and I finish Twelfth Night, we will start another Shakespeare play, so I might choose that. I'm also considering something even older such as by Sophocles or Aristophanes.

This is the first time I've done a reading challenge, and I'm looking forward to stretching myself to read somethings I wouldn't otherwise. Anyone want to join me? (sign up for challenge here) Any suggestions for me? Hooray for another great year of reading!

A Christmas Party

Our family has spent more Christmases in countries which don't widely celebrate Christmas than in the United States. Because of this, celebrations of our Saviour's birth are more special and keeping Christmas in our home is more precious to us. This is our first Christmas in Tha Sala and with Grace of God Church. Sunday was our church family Christmas party, and I'm willing to bet you've never been to a party quite like this.

It started out as a mostly normal Sunday. I helped teach Children's Sunday School, telling the story of Jesus' birth. We sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" with the last line changed to "and a blessing from God." Because Thailand does not traditionally celebrate Christmas, Thai churches tend to accept all Christmas traditions as celebrating Jesus' birth. The church was decorated with decorated trees, stockings, and miniature Santas. The worship team and many other wore red "Santa" hats. Despite the mixed decor, there was no confusion about the reason for the holiday: a birthday cake for Jesus held a prominent place. We sang Christmas carols and then "Happy Birthday, Jesus."

I didn't get to listen to the sermon due to a wild two year old (too many pre-church sweets from the old ladies Calla knows to beg from). Lunch included special fried chicken, sweet drinks, and birthday cake. Then it was party time. We started with some songs, including a Thai version of "Jingle Bell Rock" which had a line about celebrating Jesus' birth. Next we were challenged with some games. The American kids went up against some Thai kids for "telephone." Since the teams were each given a tongue twister in their non-native tongue, both teams came up with nonsense. "She sells seashells by the seashore" became "I'm sorry, mikadu." The Thai phrase was simplified to "naam nom noi" (something like water milk please).

The gift exchange brought out the silly side of the church members. I had thought that Thais might be reluctant to "steal" gifts from others, but once the pastor started it, many people got in on the fun. Everyone expressed childlike excitement as each package was opened and people snatched rice cookers and sateen comforters from friends. I brought  home a giant Mickey Mouse pillow for the kids, Philip took an electric iron, and my dad ended up with a Pickachu backpack.

The afternoon ended with Thai dancing. Tables were lined up in the center of the room, and everyone dancing around them single file. I noticed the elderly ladies and young girls were most conscientious about performing the proper hand motions and mincing steps. Calla kept walking around and around the tables; she was so tired, she had to hold on the tables to keep from falling over. Finally, I scooped her up, and it was time to go home. Merry Christmas from Thailand!

Next Sunday, our church is having a community outreach, including the kids performing a Christmas Pageant. We have invited some friends, and other church members are inviting friends and family. Please pray that many will hear the story of Christmas and realize that it is for them, not just foreigners.

Delights of My Life

I delight in Simeon's explanations and questions:
     One morning, "The birds sing because they are having a contest to see which is the best singer." After overhearing a conversation about song-bird contests in the area where we live.
     "Mommy, how do you get a blister?" (When your skin rubs against something too much. Like rubbing against a shovel handle when you dig.) "I think it's better to dig with your hands. Mommy, how do you get a splinter?" (From touching or walking on wood. A little piece can break off in your skin.) "If your skin rubs against something wooden, do you get a blister or a splinter?"

I delight in Calla's discoveries:
     Laying on her tummy on the tile floor to look more carefully at the reflected Christmas lights.
     Scooping up water from our rain-filled walk and trying to figure out how to pour it back out without dumping it on herself.
     Buckling her sandals herself (though, on the wrong feet, of course).

I delight in Eris's study of the Bible:
     Her noticing my mistakes when I tell a Bible story in Sunday School.
     Her questions about the prophets.
     Her love of the Psalms.

I delight in Hollis's enthusiasm:
     The days when she decides to do the "best job ever" on her chores.
     Her singing her favorite Christmas songs at the top of her lungs (as long as we're not all squashed together in the pick-up).
     Her jumping and running after insects in the garden.

I delight in Meriel's sensitive spirit:
     Her remembering to thank me for preparing meals and school lessons.
     Her joy in reading and re-reading books.
     Her carefulness with her littlest sister.

I delight in watching my children with their Grandma and Grandpa:
      Simeon catching butterflies with Grandpa.
     Meriel snuggled on the couch next to Grandma, both reading.
     Hollis dancing to Christmas music with Grandpa.
     Eris beating Grandma and Grandpa in a game of Nerts (card game).
     Calla asking Grandpa to read her bedtime story.
     Eris reading aloud a book to Grandma.
     Meriel getting caught in a rainstorm while on a bike ride with Grandpa.

This is just a small sample of the joys and delights I find each day. I am so blessed to be able watch my children learn and blossom into the wonderful people God has made them.

Awaiting Christmas

This past week has been extremely busy with finishing up the school term, preparing for Grandma and Grandpa's arrival, and getting ready for the second birthday of a very special girl. Even without school lessons, the busyness has potential to continue: helping children shop for and create gifts, decorating the house, preparing my own gifts, cooking and doing laundry for nine, taking Grandma and Grandpa on day-trips, and more. Amidst the bustle, our family commits to expecting and preparing for Christmas in more than material ways.

According to "Dictionary.com" the definition of "advent" is "a coming into place, view, or being; arrival." During the events of the first Christmas, thousands of years preparations were "coming into place" leading to the arrival of One long expected. One of my goals during the Advent season is to give my children and myself an idea of what it would be like to be waiting for the Messiah. After the fact it is simple to see the meaning of "unto us a child is born, unto a us a son is given." Imagine wondering what to expect and being unsure how it would come together.

Some of my favorite Christmas carols express this longing. When I sing "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus" or "Come, O Come, Emmanuel," I join with Anna and Simeon anticipating the holy arrival. "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight" conveys my feelings as well as those of the shepherds. I feel the "thrill of hope" in the "holy night of our dear Savior's birth" along with all those present because "long lay the world in sin and error pining." We're so blessed to be on the other side of the waiting. Truly, "Joy to the world; the Lord is come!"

Between swimming in the sea and hanging loads of laundry, I will be relishing the words of the carols and meditating on the words of the prophets. I will be waiting the arrival of the Savior with the full knowledge He has already arrived and accomplished His purpose on earth. This is the joy of Advent. I wish you and your family a blessed Advent Season!