Beautiful Advent!

"If Jesus is present, there no longer exists any time without meaning and empty […] If He is present, we can continue to hope even when others can no longer assure us of support, even when the present becomes difficult."  

- Pope Benedict XVI -

    This has been a rather unique Advent season for the Chehade' household. Not only is it our first Christmas together as a married couple, but we also have the tremendous joy of having the season guided by the growing presence of our LITTLE BABY!!! For me personally, this is also the first time where I haven't had to meet deadlines, prepare for meetings, or work late hours for school or work responsibilities. Months ago I may have imagined life to gain a greater sense of freedom, rest, and quiet through the act of withholding those main ties. But like any other time- life has continued to walk that balance of responsibility and joy. hahaha, I guess no matter how we may imagine it- life will never be void of these two things. :-) 

I finally begun to gain strength and am really thankful for being able to eat at most meals. I think back to the days where the smallest smell or movement would trigger some unpleasant symptom. The main thing which helped me get through those months was being reminded of those in our little family. Doctor's appointments, things I'd read, and simply praying and talking to the baby helped remind me that even though I was feeling defeated the baby was growing and gaining strength each day. Little acts of love that Karim would share became glimpses of the amazing father that he already was. Interesting how all of these “little” things transformed the “big” things of not being able to eat, socialize much, or even walk around into such small and insignificant things (Not to say that I never complained, I know I'm helping Karim on his fast track to sainthood!!! hahaha). To me this aspect of pregnancy has served to amplify the message of Advent- where something so small, peaceful and humble transforms the whole world.

"Advent is a time of the presence and the expectation in the eternal"

    Last week I had the opportunity to attend mass for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It has been one of my favorite feast days since I was a little girl and have always looked forward to it (Back when I was a little girl the excitement of the day was more about getting to eat tamales!! hahaha). On the day of her feast, I woke up not feeling well but decided to really make an effort to attend mass. I had so many excuses for not following this desire but subsided them to offer the day for Baby Chehade’ and Karim. The expression of prayer in those celebrating the feast day was beautiful and I felt so blessed to start the day in the Eucharist. As I began to reflect on Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is pregnant with Jesus, I recognized that Advent isn’t just a time of ‘waiting’ for Jesus to arrive. Just like these past months of feeling sick and facing new difficulties, I was never just ‘waiting’ for that moment when our little Baby Chehade’ is to be born. Both Karim and I have experienced truly poignant moments with the baby because he/she is already with us- teaching us to love. Even though we have those expectations of how beautiful it will be to interact with the baby in new ways, the ability to cherish these moments of stillness and loving someone with a special type of 'hidden presence' is something irreplaceable. What a treasure it is to know that in the period of Advent- every moment is in a sense ‘pregnant’ with the presence of God: that unconditional, trusting, all-encompassing love which transforms all things.

Wishing everyone a most beautiful Christmas!!

All my love,

Teresita & Baby Chehade’

"These are the hands..."

Dating

The other day I was holding Karim's hands and remembered a blessing that was read to us during our marriage preparation retreat. I remember being very moved by the words and felt so grateful for the intimacy of this simple act of holding my future husband's hands. I know from my own experience, it's easy to become distracted by the movement of life and not take the time to truly cherish the hands we are blessed to hold.

I thought I'd share the poem/blessing in case you would like to read it! :)
Wishing everyone a beautiful start to the Advent season!!

Besitos y sonrisas,
Teresita :)

Wedding

Blessing of the Hands

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you. 

Travel & Missionary Work

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

Baby!

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May you see these hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.