VICTORY!

Before moving to Poland, we were told (and briefly experienced on our first visit here a couple years ago) that many people here do not have the same demeanor as many Americans. What I mean by that, is people are not necessarily going to smile or wave when you pass by on the sidewalk or chat with you while you wait in the check out line in the grocery store. This can be taken as someone being rude (through an American perspective) but it's not, it's a cultural difference. However, we have figured out, that people here will in fact, smile at you on the tram and begin chatting with you randomly only because of one thing. Our children. Yes, we attract a lot of attention out and about with our three children (all still very little and obviously close in age) and it draws stares, many, many stares. On several occasions, it lures people to talk to them (and us) which in turn provides mutual smiles. And don't you worry if we are on a tram and the kids are sitting down while we stand with the stroller, because there is always a grandma around to hold their hand or pass them a piece of candy...it's one of the sweetest things (haha no pun intended!)

Many times while riding trams, one of our kids will be playing with the other and get each other to giggle, this always brings smiles and laughter from those crowded around us (because if you haven't heard Olivia laugh, you're missing out. Let's put it this way, she gets her laugh from her mama. Enough said right?! Ha)  But yesterday, we had a moment on a very crowded tram that had us all laughing in the near vicinity. Our oldest started singing a song, softly at first but then louder and louder as she got closer to the chorus that goes, "Victory, Victory, conquered death, set me free...Jesus alive in me! La la la la la la la la la la...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" As you can imagine it was quite the show, not to mention our other two littles joined in singing. This had everyone around us laughing and trying to talk to us and figure out what they were singing about. Some understood the word Jesus, so asking if it was "Christ". 

I couldn't help but giggle and think about how we are to be the light and salt of the earth (as it talks about in Matthew). And as we approach the day in which we Celebrate Jesus' birth, we have very good reason to be singing "Victory...Jesus alive in me!" He is the Savior of the World, the one who brings joy and laughter and peace, even through the smallest of people...on a crowded tram ride. 

I found this to be a fitting story for the day yesterday as we read about the story of Isaac in the Old Testament for our daily Advent ready and the family project was to make someone laugh for the day. I would say mission accomplished! In case you've never heard this song and need to hear about or be reminded of Jesus' saving grace, I have included the link HERE! Enjoy :)