I am often thinking about what to write here on this blog. I have even written full posts in my head only to realize it's not that kind of blog and I'm not that good of a writer. So, I use this blog to update and inform family and friends about life wherever we happen to be living at the moment. The thing is, life, it's pretty routine and I can't imagine anyone really wants to hear about laundry, dinner and sweeping the floor. And I really don't want to write about it...
I've found myself thinking about my second oldest a lot in the past few days and thought I might as well tell you about him. Since all of you are far away you don't get to know him or see him like I do and I think all my kids are worth knowing...even taking into account my obvious bias.
When Benson was born he looked like an old man.
Seriously, the oldest man. He had huge ears, a big nose and NO chin. He goes on record as being our worst sleeper and least likely to cuddle or snuggle. He was usually happy though and content to watch Josiah do whatever he was doing. With only a year between them they have always been together.
Benson is 6 now and he has maintained his big ears. He thinks his ears are great, and so do I. Lots of people stare at his ears, some whisper to me about them, some just reach out and touch them. He is affectionately known as "satellite ears" by some of the Moroccans, but he could care less. What's the big deal, big ears or small ears, they've got nothing to do with your value as a person, right?! It's what I've always wanted for my kids, that they would see themselves as they honestly are and be content. Knowing that Man looks on the outside, but GOD looks at the heart. Benny gets that. I know that the chances are pretty good that those ears might get him heartbroken someday. People are mean. I pray though that he remembers what he knows now and that he clings to his God.
Benny has the softest heart of anyone in our family. He is quick to break in light of his sin and constantly checking in to see if he's on the right track. He takes his punishments quietly and immediately runs to your arms after being rebuked. I remember Uncle Daniel getting on him about something and being enveloped in a bear hug from Benson after the rebuke was over. It's a special and challenging thing to witness and be a part of. I wish I could be more like him.
I imagine that Benson will grow up to be a radio sports guy. He talks non stop and is a master at the play-by-play. He'll tell you about the very moments you just witnessed and why they were funny or who said what. He wakes up with a story on his lips and falls asleep with something he is dying to tell you. Somehow, though I still cannot figure out how, he has an New Jersey accent. No, really, he does. It is sweet and funny just like him.
He adores his brothers and sisters and can be found hugging, kissing and playing with anyone of them at any given moment. People give him energy and he wants to be with them at all times. For every time that I am frustrated or annoyed with Benson, I am also incredibly blessed by his love for all people, his ability to accept criticism and his confidence that has nothing to do with self esteem, but has everything to do with Christ. May it always be true.
He seems to be truly happy here in Morocco. He stumbles over Arabic and forgets what he's learned almost the moment he learned it but he's trying and not bothered if it's not right. He's made friends at school and loves running around with any kid who will. He is most happy with missimon and chocolate, but really, who isn't. Like I said, he is a blessing and I love him.
Thats Benny. Maybe I'll get a chance to write about the other 4 in the next couple weeks.
