My Favorite Ornaments - Venezuela

Our Venezuelan ornaments...

Last year was our first Christmas in VZ, so, along with all transition come new traditions. We didn’t know how hard it might be to find ornaments here...cause let me tell ya...there are no Hallmark stores here! ;D

But, have no fear, this is where downtown shopping comes in handy. Shopping on Calle 20 in Barquisimeto near Christmas is like shopping at the mall the week of Christmas. It is a madhouse, but we found a store that sold little trinkets that represented this country and worked well for each of our children. 

This year, in Caracas (since we haven’t been here very long), was not looking so hot until we found an artisan shop in one of our local malls where I could have spent hours looking at all their unique hand-made items. In fact, I did spend quite a bit of time in there and when my hubby found me, I was able to walk around the store and say, “I want this one and this one and this one and this one and this one.” :D 

But since it isn’t Christmas Eve yet, I can’t show you the ornaments I found this year, but I can tell you that they definitely make my list of favorites.

But let’s get back to last year...

Malachi received a mini coffee mug, 

because it reminds us of how he is growing into a man 

and we enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with him
in the mornings and just talking.

Moriah received a harp, not because she plays 
that instrument, but because it represents a beautiful instrument that makes beautiful music 
and she is a beautiful instrument of God that makes beautiful music that glorifies Him, 
even if she is still a little shy about doing so. 

Micah received a plaque that reads “Naguara” 
which is a slang term used in the Barquisimeto area to mean all kinds of things, but all within the genre of, 
“No way” or “You’re kidding me” or “Whatever” 
or “I can’t believe it” kinds of phrases. 
It reminds us of how he has learned Spanish 
faster than any of us, even the slang terms or phrases 
that make no sense in any language, but they use them here and you just learn to use them and go with it. 

Matthew received a shirt with the VZ flag on it 
because it was just so cute and he is one cute kid. 
It also makes me think of how he just goes with the flow, so to speak. He puts on whatever “shirt” he needs to in order to fit the circumstances. 
He is great about doing whatever needs to be done without asking a lot of questions 
and if that means changing his “shirt,” 
then so be it. It doesn’t bother him 
and he is with you all the way. 

Merci received a doll that says, “I love VZ.” 
She is so into being a little mother...and sometimes…
she tries to be big mama to her siblings. 
In fact, they are all really good at mimicking her 
“hands on the hips, teeth clenched, 
growling their name, little attitude” 
that appears when they don’t do exactly what she wanted or expected them to do for her. :D

All of their ornaments describe them in their new home and ever-adapting personalities. They have done so well at making VZ their home and although they have their culture shock moments, they have really adapted well and often surprise me with their ability to understand their new surroundings. 

Before September 2012, our children had always lived in the same small town in eastern North Carolina. But in less than 2 1/2 years, they have lived in two separate countries, and another continent in three different houses and said good-bye to too many old friends, new friends and even family. 

Although there have been tough times and tears shed, they are better for it. They are stronger, wiser, more discerning, and resilient and I am proud to be their mom! Scott and I have 5 great kids and we are thankful for all the lessons learned and all the fun times we have had and will continue to have with them. We couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do missions without them!