Our family recently returned from a 4-day trip to the Negev. I was teaching and thought that they would be intrigued with the transitory patterns of migrating Bedouin in the biblical period. This has been a three-year tradition. Nine years ago, I went on the trip with the school cellphone at the ready (back then, cellphones weren’t as ubiquitous) in case Kelli called on the way to the hospital. The trip was uninterrupted and Luke was born a few days later. Three years later, Kelli, Luke and Mark all came along for the trip. Luke walked up Masada with help from our friend Becky. Three years after that, a very-pregnant Kelli was along together with Luke, Mark and Bethany. This time, Luke (age 6) walked up Masada by himself. Well, not all alone, but without assistance. Last week, we reprised the trip with a nearly-three-year-old Katie in tow. Luke and Mark joined me on the walk up Masada and both hardly needed to take a break at all.
Three years ago, we stayed in at a nice hotel in Eilat. One of the boys was thrilled with the room and exclaimed, “look, mom, a computer.” And spotting another in the bedroom, “two computers!” They were unfamiliar with a small object with a large gravitational pull known to the rest of the world as a television.
This year, the object was less of a mystery, but when Luke needed to go to the bathroom, he insisted that it be paused.
I suppose I should expect to be called in by Social Services to answer charges of how we are depriving our children of a normal upbringing. Though I should add, that it’s not purely principle, but also a matter of space in the house.
Staring at a silver box, March 2007
What a familiar scene! Our kids are also amazed by the “silver box.” It has taken them a while to understand that they can’t interact with it like a book. The “pages” turn too fast for them to be able to take everything in :) We are looking forward to seeing y’all in Texas before too long!
Take heart valliant warrior against the TV! The chance to walk up Masada many many times far outweighs missing an episode of “Power Rangers,” or whatever mindless drivel they are currently foisting on the little ones!
Todd – Welcome back. Sounds like the Lord blessed your trip, and I’m glad the family was able to come along. I hope you continue to have good outings in these last few months.
Todd,
I liked the picture of your children watching TV! I would say you are not depriving them of a normal upbringing; rather you are enhancing their unique and exciting upbringing. I mean I loved Nickelodeon as a kid, but it wasn’t that great. Except for the gameshow Double Dare!
Matt
Todd,
I wish all of the kids in my class weren’t familiar with TV. That’s all they talk about and all they do when they get home. They don’t even seem to find time for their homework because their “favorite show” is on. It’s amazing that they are able to watch nearly 4 hours of TV or video games a night! Your children are blessed to be raised by you and Kelli and not a “silver box.”
Rachel