An Excellent Book

This year has been a great one in the realm of wonderful reads; I've read about London's plague of 1666, about angry housewives eating bon-bon's, about the fate of a mentally challenged child given away at birth, and the journey of a young shepherd boy looking for treasure (which I recommend highly too - it's called the Alchemist...) but the book that I'm currently reading has really made an impact. The same kind of impact most of us felt when watching Hotel Rwanda - the kind that whispers in disbelief "this really happened and so many were unaware".

"What is the What" is novel based on the true story of a boy orphaned at the age of 6 due to the second civil war in southern Sudan, Africa. He speaks with a very honest voice in telling his story, and gives us bits and pieces of other refugee stories as well.

While I wouldn't consider this an entirely faith-based book, the title comes from the region's religious belief about a proposal that God presented the Dinka tribe with. I won't spoil it - but it makes sense in any tribal / non-tribal life.

In my opinion, the book gives an easily educated voice about the conflict between the region's people and the Arab nation to the north (and subsequently, discusses the Western world's involvement).

At this point, I'm straying from the organization that my original post intended, but you get the idea... it's a good book. One that I initially worried would be far too deep and/or educational for a bit of light reading, but you won't regret it.

To Embrace a Roller Coaster

The anticipation in an up-hill climb and the exhilaration of the down-hill plunge. These have been both an unnerving yet an amazing part of my ride. And now I can take the further plunge of allowing others to enjoy the ride with me.

In spite of what we thought our new plan would be in the child-rearing realm, Andy and I found out some time ago that we can expect a very persistent package this January. I am 14 weeks pregnant and based on the nauseous, exhausted and somewhat cranky themes of the past few months, we can expect a very healthy package at that.

Quite literally, the boys just heard the news at my most recent appointment wherein my doctor retrieved them from the waiting room to listen to the very strong heartbeat. Elliott's expression was brighter than that of a Christmas morning and Noah was convinced there was a monster in my tummy trying to eat my heart. Since then, Elliott has been pouring over the Baby Name Book, and writing out all of his favorites with Jade being in the lead for a girl (although he swears a boy is what he would prefer...) Noah has been very helpful too - asking me how I feel, rubbing my back and showering me in hugs and kisses. Having the boys involved has made this ride much more real, happy and exciting.