During a united nations member states committee debate in October 2019, fostering stable families and promotion of its vital role in social protection of youth, the old and disabled was mentioned as a priority for many countries. The family’s role was noted in helping societies be more inclusive. From the debate, the European union noted that balancing work and family remained a challenge for many families in Europe.1
From a Biblical perspective, God made the first family to ever exist and placed them in a good home. His actions shows that He wills wellness for the family. Nora and Nia is therefore a creative family book. It is written to be read and hopefully be an inspiration in helping foster stability in families while supporting it in playing its vital role in social inclusion. Through integration of healthy stabilizing values like play, creativity, work and godly bible training in daily routines, I hope you and your family will enjoy reading it.
Author Neema Penuel
1 https://undocs.org/A/75/61%E2%80%93E/2020/4
“A man [soul] is stamped by the special conditions under
which he lives.” Johannes Pedersen (Theologian)
“It seems essential, in relationships and all tasks, that we
concentrate only on what is most significant and
important.” Søren Kierkegaard( Teologian and
Philosopher)
Nora and Nia are having lots of fun. Playing in the garden is their favorite activity. At a good distance, they observe the big docile bumble bee to see how many flowers it visits. They weave two small nests and place them on an apple tree in hope that little swift birds will take a rest. They seem to fly all the time. It is still summer holiday and the sun shines brightly day after day. Schools are closed and Nora and Nia are actively playing in the family garden almost all day long.
Flowers bloom all around and trees bear fruit. Wild nuts, apples, plums and berries are in plenty. Nora and Nia know which ones to pluck and even taste. From their parents they have learnt something about the nuts and fruits that are food for people. They have also learnt about some of the berries that are not good for food.
“Always ask before you taste new plants.” Mum’s cautioning words keeps their childish tasting boundaries drawn. “It might look colorful and good to eat, but not every plant is edible.”
Today is Monday. When Nora, Nia and Nuru finished eating breakfast together with their parents, they sat and chatted a bit. Dad wanted to know what they had all enjoyed doing the previous day. He asked each child the question. “What two things did you enjoy doing yesterday?”