Those who know me know that children are some of my very favorite people. And while I enjoy children of all ages, if asked to pick a specific favorite age, my choice would be three-year-olds.
So could it be a coincidence that my coworkers have two beautiful little girls, Lorena and Isadora, one of whom just turned three? Not even. This proves that God knows me inside and out. He often gives me things and people and friendships just to show His love and bring joy to my heart. It reminds me that I am not only God’s servant, I am His beloved daughter.
Anyway, three-year-old Isadora has an impressive vocabulary, which, combined with her outgoing personality and developing reasoning skills, are put to good use each day, entertaining the adults in her life. Not even her parents can predict what will come out of her mouth at any given moment.
The following conversations took place in Portuguese, but I will translate them as accurately as possible, trying not to lose the Cuteness Factor.
FIRST STORY
Sunday night, on the way home from church, Isadora rested her head in my lap and grabbed my hand. Noticing the rough dry skin on a couple of my fingertips, she started rubbing it and suddenly exclaimed, “There’s a DISEASE here!”
Me: *pretending to be shocked* A disease? How did I get this disease?
Isadora: It’s because when you fell off a tractor trailer truck.
Me: *trying not to laugh* Oh, ok. And what’s the name of this disease?
Isadora: You can call it fall…en.
Me: Fallen, right. And how can I get rid of the disease?
Isadora: “e-perar” (due to her slight lisp, I wasn’t quite sure what she said, so guessed at the most similar Portuguese word that came to mind)
Me: Operate?!? *thinking, oh no! A three-year-old wants to cut off my fingers.*
Isadora: “No! E-perar” (she still didn’t put the s in the word, but I got it this time)
Me: Oh, you said WAIT. If I wait, the disease will go away?
Isadora: It will.
Me: Well, that’s pretty much what I’m doing. I’m waiting for it to go away, and I’m also asking God to take it away.
Doctor Isadora seemed satisfied with that, and rested on my lap again.
SECOND STORY
We were in the car again, with the air conditioner on. Isadora suddenly sniffed and said, “I smell cold.”
Her mom commented that cold does seem to have its own smell.
Isadora: Do you know how I smell cold?
Me: No, how?
Isadora: I take it in with my mouth, and it leaves out my nose, and then I smell it.
Me: *laughing* Wow, you did a really good job explaining it. How did you figure that out?
Isadora: I was just sitting here in my carseat, not going anywhere. So I made it up.
THIRD STORY
Lorena and Isadora showed up at my door. Isadora was holding her teddy bear.
Me: Hi, girls! Come on in!
(Lorena opened the door and entered, Isadora stayed outside).
Me: What’s the matter, Isadora? You can come in.
Isadora: I can’t, because my son is shy around you. (her son, is, of course, the teddy bear)
Me: *bending down to the teddy bear’s level* Oh, that’s too bad. Hi Isadora’s son! You can come in too. Why is he shy around me?
Isadora: Well. He’s shy, because he’s my son, and you don’t have any sons.
So apparently, I should have brought a teddy bear along to Brazil.
Paulette,
These are very cute and endearing stories. Thanks for sending them along.
Love, Uncle Bob
Sincerely, Bob Stahl 508-226-0477 http://www.RAStahlCompany.com
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Uncle Bob! There will probably be more stories like these sometime. Isadora seems to have a limitless supply of cute things to say.
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🙂 I love to visit With children who know you well enough to not be shy. So glad you have children near by. Will they be near when you go to your village. I am sure you will find children to love and enjoy. What better way to show God’s love to a community than by loving the children.
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Yes, they will! Lorena and Isadora are Wellington and Juliana’s daughters, the family who has already been in the village. Even the girls are excited that I’m going back with them, and going to live in their house at the beginning. And I’m sure I will love and enjoy the children of the village too.
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Thanks for adding to this early wakeup the Lord has blessed me with. You are such a shining jewel in Christ’s crown and I’m happy to know if you!
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You’re welcome, Heidi! Praise the Lord that it blessed you. I’m happy to know you too! And glad to know that you continue to shine for Jesus there!
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Oh, Paulette, This is so cute. I love to hear the stories. You are a remarkable woman and GOD will bless all of your efforts.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Cheryl! God bless!
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Awww…I want to meet Isadora (and the whole family) so badly! God has certainly blessed you with wonderful friends to work with.
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He sure has! And hopefully someday you can meet her. Isadora already asked for a picture of all “the children” (meaning my nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters), and wanted to pray for all of you in her bedtime prayers.
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Thanks for sharing Paulette, it’s always fun hearing the stories from little ones. I can see you smiling through your words.
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Thank you for your comment, Marilyn. Hope you are doing well. Miss you! *hugs*
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AWW ! So cute !
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You know what’s funny? When I met you, you were just a bit older than Isadora is now! 🙂
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Me ? HAHA
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Oh, you never know what is going to come out of little ones mo!uths. They are always a joy. Thanks for sharing..
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