Sunday, April 19, 2009

Our Easter in Betty's Bay

Over the Easter weekend we were in Bettys Bay (a holiday town about 1 hour from Cape Town) with our friends Ruth and Jono and family. We had such a good time that we forgot to take photos. We did however manage to catch a photo Matt's first bite of a marshmellow chocolate egg!



He really liked it!!
This Easter our celebration was rather different from usual. We joined other holidaying families in someone's holiday home for an informal but meaningful service. Ruth and I left the service half way through as our toddlers weren't keen to sit still. As it was a sunny and calm day we headed for the lake. I was very conscious of God in this setting - the lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and has a beautiful mountain as a backdrop.
We also got chatting to a young mother and her daughter who were also enjoying the cool water. This young girl has cerebral palsy and at the age of 6 is unable to walk or talk. Once this mother heard that Matt had a rare genetic syndrome we connected immediately. Before I had Matt I would have been shy or uncertain as how I should interact with her and her daughter. I probably would have stayed away. But Matt has taught me that he has such depth to his personality despite his medical label. So as I looked into this young girls eyes I saw beauty and I saw a little of the person who was in there. It was a short but precious encounter.
Later that evening Ruth's mother, Eleanor led us in communion after serving us a tasty supper. She is to be ordained as a minister next month, and her reflection on Jesus' death and resurrection was meaningful and deeply encouraging. After a time of sharing and praying for each other, we spent the rest of the evening in fits of laughter playing the board game "Taboo". We returned from home rested and joyful.

4 comments:

Belinda Chaplin said...

Glad to see you guys had a good time with the Gaunts! I think the photo of Matt opening up his mouth for the chocolate egg is hilarious! He looks like a little snapping turtle :-) And that he is REALLY enjoying it!

Kelly said...

Cute picture of Matt eating the egg...I can tell he liked it!

What a special Easter you had. I, too, feel a connection to others with special needs and I don't think I would be as forward as I am now. I understand and feel comfortable communicating that to other parents like me.

Kelly W.

Kelly said...

It doesn't look like Matt wanted to try the chocolate!! LOL! Too cute! Kelly F

Anonymous said...

Adorable picture. Noah probably would have put the whole thing in his mouth instead of taking a bite.