Flashback Friday: Easter

 I decided to join Mocha with Linda's crowd and look back on my lifetime experiences to pull out memories on whatever topic she chooses for the week. This week is the Easter edition, and I thought I was going to draw a blank. I honestly have no recollection of coloring eggs or Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets or wearing special Easter outfits. So, my entry may be quite different from all the others. As I mulled the questions over last evening and into the night, some images and events came to mind. I will give this a try.

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood?

I called Mother and asked her what we used to do.
She said, "Nothing special. We didn't celebrate much. We were more practical."
For those who may not know, I grew up in a missionary family in Argentina.
I cannot remember whether egg hunts and such were practiced there then. By now they probably have an Easter Bunny and everything else as many American customs have spread abroad.

There are three Easters that stand out, each from a different period of our life.

Toward the end of our time on the ship Doulos, both Mike and I took part in the musical production of Breakfast in Galilee, directed by one of our best friends. It was a very special experience. I remember that at the time I had longer hair and wore two braids pinned on top framing my face. I wore a white sheet toga-like costume and looked the part for those times, at least I think so.

When we settled in small town USA, we kept hearing a lot about the Marion Easter Pageant. One year we got up at 5 a.m. to make sure we could get in to the early Easter Sunday performance. That was a powerfully stirring experience. Sadly it has been discontinued.

In 1991 we sent out a special Easter letter and our daughter contributed the art work.

Since living in the States, we have tried to do more. Our children especially keep up with traditions with their kids. This year Mike and I will be traveling. Another bicycling training trip is planned for next week.

So, friends new and old, this is my first meager contribution to Friday Flashback.
Whether we celebrate with all the trimmings and traditions or none, let us rejoice because He lives!