Memorial Day

Today we enjoyed being with family on a hot, summery day.  We prayed before our yummy, abundant meal, and talked freely about things that meant a lot to us.  We sat in a house that my parents are privileged to own, payments and all.  On the two hour journey--each way--Dave and I discussed our dreams and our family's future.  All of this was made possible by what Memorial Day is all about...remembering those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we take for granted on days like today and every day.  To those who gave their last full measure of devotion...I thank you.  To those who are giving on the front lines around the world...I thank you.  To those who gave of their time and talent in years past...I thank you.  May we NEVER forget!

Sophia's 100 Good Wishes Page

I'm excited to announce that we have launched a 100 Good Wishes Campaign to support Sophia's adoption from Taiwan!  Through the link to the right, you can visit our 100 Good Wishes page, and leave your good wishes for Sophia.  This is based on the idea of the 100 Good Wishes quilt, a Chinese tradition that spans generations.  The 100 Good Wishes folks have set up their organization specifically to help adoptive parents in their efforts to raise the necessary funds to bring home their children.  Please feel free to pass along our information to any friends you might have who would be willing to support our endeavor as well.  Thanks, and God bless you!

Words of Encouragement

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God'?  Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.  His understanding is inscrutable.  He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."  (Isaiah 40:27-31)

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)

"But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel,  your Savior..."  (Isaiah 43:1-3a)

Winding Down

The school year is winding down, which is always a bittersweet thing for a teacher. Yes, I'm looking forward to summer vacation, but I've grown attached to my young pupils. Several of them will not be returning to our school for first grade, so I pray that I have made a difference in their lives in this short school year. I have seen so much growth...I was looking at their school photos from the fall and they have matured so much! They are all reading now to varying degrees, and they all understand our routine and handle it like champs. Today there was a hiccup in our day, and they went with it like seasoned surfers on a rogue wave...I'm so proud of them!

Tomorrow we will add a straw to our days of school count and be at 162...only 18 more days left, but actually a bit less for my class as we graduate a few days earlier. Hopefully I have taught them more then phonics and math...may they remember that God loves them and has a plan for their lives...like Joseph, Esther and King David. May our theme verse, which we have said for 162 days...resonate with them for a long time: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23). Keep up the good work, K5--I'm proud of you!

Check It Out!

Go to our adoption blog for some exciting news!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

To my wonderful mother and mother-in-law, and all the other mothers and mothers-to-be and women who want to be mothers (because I was in that category for a very long time!)...may God bless you for all you do! Enjoy your special day!

The Coolest Mom Ever

Quote from my 5-year old son this morning on our way to school: "Mom, you're the coolest mom ever!"

How I hope he still thinks that when he's 15! (If my current 15-year old is any indication, chances of that happening are next to nil...but one can dream, can't she?)

Thought for the day/week/year/century:

Parenting is not for the faint of heart!!

(Can you tell what kind of parenting week it has been at our house?!?!?!)

May Musings

Today I changed the calendar in my kindergarten classroom and announced to the children that they only had one month left in K5...where has the time gone? This past weekend I finished teaching my spring grad course which started out delayed due to my trip to Florida in January to see my Haitian nephews and then due to snow in February. And Saturday we were experiencing near 90 degree temps and high humidity...amazing!

I think the older I get the more quickly time flies...and the more I realize that I really must seize the moment and use it wisely. There really is no time to waste. I was reminded on Sunday of God's faithfulness and immutability...in this world of constant flux and change, He never changes. He is my anchor as life swirls wildly around me. I am so thankful for the relationship I have with Him. Some day I will spend eternity basking in His glory and enjoying sweet worship and fellowship. And, I believe, time will finally stand still.

Oh glorious day!