Sunday Snapshot: Terrified Twins

As the snow swirled furiously outside my window Friday morning, I began to dread the trip to the big city. All I was thinking about was dirty slushy streets, cold wet feet, and the impossibility of catching a taxi. I began to dream of productivity accomplished from the comfort of my own living room. I began to doubt my decision to leave the comforts of home. Thankfully, with train tickets already purchased, I was determined to brave the elements. While I did trudge through dirty gray slush, while finding a taxi proved to be extraordinarily challenging, and while my feet were cold and wet, such things were definitely worth it.

After a bit of shopping, I met up with my dear friend Amanda. A lot had happened in each of our lives since the last time we had seen each other. A lot. So we talked and talked and talked. For hours and hours. Sharing stories about the roads we had traversed in the past months, and praising a Father who has not only sustained but deeply blessed each of us. We were so busy talking that Angie, I’m afraid there are no pictures of the two of us together. I did manage to snap this one shot of Amanda, though, as we chatted over tea and cinnamon rolls in the morning.

After leaving Amanda, I headed out into the cold to visit Jasmine and the twins. The twins were bowled over in excitement at seeing their American aunt. They could hardly wait to make it into my arms.

Ok, so that wasn’t the case. In fact, both boys were absolutely terrified of the strange lady with a big nose and big eyes. That’s what I get for my absentee status over the past seven months.

They clung tightly to familiarity while they stared in wide-eyed fear at the new guest. Any time I crept closer than what they deemed as a barrier of safety, tears would fall.

So I sat back. And snapped away. Seriously, these boys are just some of the cutest, most photogenic babies I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering.

Even when they’re scared.

Those big wide eyes.

Those ears that stick out just slightly.

I was smitten. And so was my camera.

Eventually, some smiles began to appear.

And even a few giggles.

As long as I stayed far enough away.

Paul did become curious about the camera and crawl a little closer.

Only to return with tears to his mother’s arms a few moments later.

Despite non-stop encouragement from mom, grandma, and nanny that “It’s your American aunt! She loves you! She’s given you gifts! She’ll teach you English one day!” the boys were not in the least convinced.