Big Sister

I always wanted a little sibling. Mostly I wanted a little brother, but I would have settle for a little sister too.

My parents on the other hand (as wise as they are) decided that two girls would probably be enough to keep them on their toes...they were right.

But 20-some years later, God has answered my prayers in a BIG WAY. I am the official, un-official big sister of 12+ "siblings".

It's a fun job...

...most of the time.

Allow me to share some highlights.

1. This is my butt

Ok, this may not have been one of my best "older sister" moments but in my first month here, I taught the kids the phrases sit on your butt and this is my (hand, leg, etc). Well, they are fast learners and managed to put the sentences together. Imagine Betsy's shock when Josue went up to her and proudly announced this is my butt.

2. Cooking lessons

I love to bake, the kids love to eat. It's a great relationship. It's been fun teaching the girls to bake and Lesli can make a 5-batch of banana bread without having to look at the recipe. Success!

3. Stand-up Comic

It's not usually a good idea to laugh at the mom, especially when she's upset about something. But the "big sister" - you can laugh at her all day. Even better when she makes mistakes in her Spanish or does something culturally incorrect. But seriously, I don't mind being the butt of the jokes and usually I deserve it.

Favorite topics are my driving skills, my first attempts at cooking for large quantities of children, and my baby pictures.

4. College pays off

This is the one that set off this whole blog. It's 8:00 at night and I'm sitting at the kitchen table with the majority of the kids. We're studying for exams this week. Since I'm the most recent graduate of the ministry, I am the one to help the kids study and do their homework. Good thing I went to college to be a teacher.

5. All-nighters

What teenage girl doesn't love a good sleepover? I definitely did, and even more in college. Sometimes it's therapeutic to stay up all night and talk or to rent movies and eat junk food and then repent of it the next morning. One night around Christmas time, Angie and I stayed up until 1 am talking on the pull-out couch in Betsy's living room. Getting up early the next morning was rough, but so worth it!

6. Goof-off

This is my favorite. I like to act like a kid, I like to be super silly, and I love it when the kids participate. Last weekend we were sent to be early, but no-one was tired. So...the girls and I dressed up as super heroes and filmed "interviews" with each other. Super silly and super fun. I'd love to tell you more about what happened, but we swore each other to secrecy!

Being a big sister here has been such a blessing for me. It's also been a challenge. I've always looked up to my big sister but not I have kids looking up to me. It definitely makes me think about my actions and words because I have to be a good example. Luckily the kids are gracious with me and God continues to teach me.

This is the "super hero" night. Don't judge. And as an added side note: all the underwear in the pictures is straight out of the package...super clean!

We got a little carried away while painting a "Happy Birthday" sign!