Roots and Wings

Spending a summer with family, friends, and trips to old and new places has triggered a muse about family roots: how wonderful they are, and the deep puzzle of how to grow this globally nomadic family appropriate roots without clipping the wings that such a life gives.













Driving through the village where I spent my teen years
Inviting my children to enjoy places I did growing up
Watching my children in wonder over what I found common place
















Listening to my sister-in-law talk with her mother about family generations
Seeing my girls playing with their cousins and friends

Receiving grandparent blessings

Talking deeply with parents

Such things are treasured moments that bring satisfied fulfillment - and an uncomfortable sense of deep loss. For these are experiences that we get to do only in snatches every few years.  My children will see the world, be comfortable and familiar with multiple cultures, languages, ways of thinking - all great things for the future world that they will live in - but they will miss out on the rich goodness of a settled life within reach of extended family. Both worlds are good, both filled with God - yes, we miss what we have left behind, but that is not the muse.  How to bring up our children to appreciate and be able to live in both worlds is.

What kind of roots can you grow as a family on the move? That is my question of the hour, day, week, month, year, life!