As some may know, I've been in Vienna for the past week and a half or so for my sister's graduation. The big day finally came. Last night she walked down the isle with her 23 classmates (biggest class in VCS history), gave a beautiful Valedictorian speech, received the Christian Citizenship award, had many of her accomplishments listed off, and received a diploma. It was all quite lovely. Before graduation, the two projects I've been working on since I got here (and actually before I got here too) were finished. One was our Waschküche (laundry room) in the basement, of which me and dad have been drywalling the ceiling. A big, dirty project that we finally finished. It took even longer because of the second project which I've been working on for the last month or so: Kristiana's album. For her birthday/graduation gift I've been making her an intense album of pictures/memories with a great deal of help from mom and some from dad as well. They found a beautiful leather album imported from italy and had it sent to me. I have since gone through every single picture we have, picked out the ones we wanted, and come up with a plan for putting them in with some sort of organization - a section of family pictures, some of her school, growing up, family vacation, her and I together, special people or memories, etc. Part of the process was of course coming up with touching, funny, or just appropriate captions for each picture or page. The last page was supposed to be a poem. Much to my relief, I managed to write one. Probably not the best I've ever done, but its heartfelt enough to do the job I think. So this is it.
For Kristiana
Sister, sister, newly born
You came to us nine months forewarned
But nothing in our minds that night
Prepared us for years of delight
Gift of God to mortals flawed
Three servants undeserving
Sister, sister, laughter child
Quiet goodness left undefiled
Unwavering love would not abate
Despite a world oft filled with hate
A harsh toned word a thing unheard
A blessing to all ears
Sister, sister, sharp of wit,
Yet humility enough to counter it
Mind that marvels many men
With silver tongue and matching pen
Whether tales or chatter or serious matter
Wisdom beyond your years
Sister, sister, tool of grace
Uplifter of the forsaken face
If asked for less you give but more
To all unwelcome at another door
Your gentle soul makes others whole
These thankful multitudes
Sister, sister, friend of mine
Faithful companion by God’s design
True in every time of need
Or for silly games of daring deeds
Smiles and tears through many years
A proud and grateful brother
Sister, sister, dear to me
Time for you to make history
As unexpected life unfolds
Remain steadfast, constant, and bold
No host or hoard defeats your Lord
Together conquer all
