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Having to go to town for various chores and appointments is one of the most disruptive things to our daily routines. But these things are a part of our life, they have to happen, and I am left to make the most of them.
Monday morning we needed to
- try and see a doctor for a sore toe (not an emergency but it has to happen)
- visit a friend who has just had her baby (and today was the only day I could do it as she was leaving hospital and leaving town the next day)
- meet with my friend for prayer (this happens every Monday)
- buy a birthday present
- buy food for a birthday party!
Having older children means they can stay home and continue in their studies so that is helpful but Nomi and Daniel still need direction. I took Nomi with me (she had the sore toe) and left Daniel at home with a list of activities for him to do by himself and/or with Jess or Josh helping him. This worked really well.
Nomi came to town and she learnt:
- how to keep focused, reading her book, even with a tv in the room
- when it is appropriate to join mum’s conversations and when it is best to leave mum with her friends
- how the medical system works, especially triage, and to be compassionate for people who get in before you!
- the benefits of shopping where there is a sale
None of these things would have been written in a lesson plan for her this week but they are valuable lessons. But, the most exciting lesson for her was at the Jewellers. While I was praying with my friend (owner of jewelry shop) Nomi was able to watch the jewelers at work through the window. One of them came out and showed Nomi the project she was working on and discussed all sorts of information about metal and jewels with her. Then one of the assistances was tidying up some trays of diamonds after showing a customer and gave Nomi a quick overview of all sorts of different diamonds. It wasn’t long after the diamonds were all packed away that I came out and started some browsing of my own. Nomi pointed out a bracelet that had a representation of the Bungle Bungles on it. A very big dramatic piece of jewelry. She said she wanted to know how the Bungle Bungles were made but Maria said she had to ask the “bald man” – aka the jeweler! So I caught his eye and he came over and gave Nomi such a great description of how he made the bracelet, then he took her to see other pieces using the same technicque. Nomi thanked him and off we went. As we left the shop Nomi goes – I’d love to work there – I’d be happy to polish glass and sweep floors if I could just watch what was going on.
I would never have thought to direct Nomi’s creative passions towards jewelry making and who is to say that is what she will do but it was another reminder that our lifestyle, the things that happen every day give us not only an opportunity to teach but an opportunity to see into our children’s lives.