A week after Nana and Pop Pop left, we found ourselves getting very busy! Aleeya was super excited to be going to Science Camp for a week, and Scott and I were headed to a staff retreat at Hume Lake for three days, while getting the other three kids to friends' homes while we were away. All of a sudden, everything seemed to be happening very quickly and finalization was only a week and a half away!
Scott had originally planned to go with Aleeya to Science camp, as he had gone with both boys when they were in sixth grade. While he would not go as her counselor, he would go to help out and just be there for her! But, when we learned that our church staff would be headed to a staff retreat that same week, we knew we needed to be there instead. These staff retreats are very special and truly nourish our souls, and we were so looking forward to the time away with the others that we serve with at our church. Aleeya was sad to learn that he wouldn't be coming, but still very excited to go!
We had a few ups and downs getting things together and making sure it would all work out, and then it happened! Early Monday morning, I took her to school to board a bus and be gone for a whole week. I hadn't really realized that this was our first time really being away from her, and while I knew she'd have a blast, it felt strange to have her away from us. Often, I have talked about this experience like it is giving birth, and there are times when I feel like she is my newborn. And leaving a newborn, or a year old baby for a week is not an easy thing for me. I knew she was in God's hands and prayed for her so often throughout the week. I prayed for her protection, for her to have fun, and for her to make good choices during her time there.
Scott and I left a couple of hours later to head up to our staff retreat at a truly beautiful place called Hume Lake. We had only visited there once previously for a day, and knew this would be a wonderful, relaxing place. While there, our speaker gave us time to "be alone" with God - to have no agenda, no special reading plan, just to be alone with God and listen. This was similar to the day we had at a retreat prior to making our decision to meet Aleeya, and I was so in need of it again. The year had been so full, and my heart so joyous at times and so heavy at other times, and I needed some time with my Father. Right before we were given this time to go be alone with Jesus, the speaker's wife shared about visiting a vineyard and how they were able to learn what was done to the grapes as they were growing on the vine. She talked about how they would prune away grapes, and that these grapes weren't even bad grapes - they were good! She wondered why, and they explained that it made the grapes that remained so much better when they did this! She asked us, "What is God asking you to let go of?" She encouraged us to open our hands wide and let Him have it. When she said this, God spoke so clearly to me of what those things were, and I was so glad to let them go! It was very freeing, and I was so thankful for the encouragement and reminder!
Now, I have to tell you how wonderful my God is, because in the month prior, God had really spoken clearly to me during a worship service we had called our 5:19 Gathering (based on Ephesians 5:19). One of our pastors had shared some Scripture and then just let things be very quiet for a few minutes for us to hear from God. And God spoke. He told me, in a really wonderful personal way, "I love you" (and while I know He loves the world, He said He loved me)! He also told me "He would give me rest." Rest sounded so good - rest for my soul, rest for my body. Oh, the depth of His love for me! I knew it was my loving Lord speaking to me . . it was so clear . . so perfect . . so like Him! I felt blessed beyond words!
So, I was really longing for this quiet time with Him on this particular day. I was in a beautiful setting, in the woods near a lake with the backdrop of mountains and tall redwood trees all around me. As I began to follow the trail, there were a couple of benches. I felt so tired, so I sat down and just watched nature happening around me. The blue birds were happy to keep me company, and then I just felt this huge urge to lie down on the bench. As I did, it felt strange, but then He just kinda reminded me - "you are so tired!" My body, soul, and spirit - they were tired. The ups and downs of life, of adoption, or waiting had taken a tole and I needed rest, His perfect sweet rest.
After a little while, I sat back up and just looked around. Things were beautiful, but He didn't seem to be speaking right then. So, I decided to walk further and find another spot. I eventually came to a place closer to the water's edge. I love the water. There was a huge tree that had fallen there, and I was thankful to have the log as a place to sit. I realized as I was resting there, that this was once a huge beautiful tree, standing so tall and so fulfilling its purpose, but now it had a new purpose. God had allowed it to fall at just this spot for a reason, and I was enjoying it. I wondered if that's what He had been doing in my life. I had felt so strong and useful most of my life, but this last while, He seemed to be re-making my life, using it for other purposes. I wondered if the tree was happy to have its new purpose, and wondered if I too could enjoy what God was doing in my life. As well, I began to watch the water rhythmically coming onto the shore. It was so perfect and so steady. God spoke just one word, but said it so clearly . . "Steadfast." I knew once again that it was His voice, but really wasn't sure what it meant. I took a stick and wrote it in the wet sand, wondering if I had even spelled it correctly. I tried to think about the meaning, and guessed it meant something about His faithfulness. I spent some time praying, thanking God for speaking, and knowing He was doing a work in my soul. Then I headed back to join everyone for lunch.
We had a completely wonderful time there! Great food (to me, food is always great when someone else is preparing it, bringing it out to me, and cleaning up too - loved it!), nice accommodations, a lovely walk around the entire lake talking with my husband about what God had said to me and just enjoying this special time together, a wonderful bonfire later with the staff sharing about the day, times of communion remembering our Lord's death for us, and just great time away catching up with those we serve alongside. These are wonderful people that I struggle to stay in touch with because of our different ministries and schedules, but so long to! Something about getting away is truly good - maybe that's why Jesus withdrew to lonely places to be with His Father!
Well, we headed back down on Wednesday, and I felt sad leaving that mountain. God's hand is truly in His creation, and we felt just a little closer to Him there! But I also missed the kids and knew we needed to get home, and was thankful to return home with a full heart. We had been encouraged to live a more unhurried life, a life more intently listening to our Lord. And while I had so much to do to prepare for the following week with Adoption Day, Scott's birthday, and our Adoption Party, I had a inner peace and quietness knowing He'd be with me.
We got home on Wednesday afternoon, got three of our kids home, and unpacked and did the laundry routine. On Thursday night, Austin was studying for a vocab quiz and had a ton of words on index cards that he wanted me to quiz him on. He needed to know synonyms, antonyms, and definitions. The most amazing thing happened as I quizzed him! One of his words was "fortitude." Now that may not seem like much of an exciting thing, but it's synonym was the word "steadfast." I learned that it's meaning was "to be faithful in difficulty." I was blown away! My God had spoked the perfect word to me, and I was overwhelmed inside! It truly couldn't have been any clearer and more sweetly said! Thank you Lord!
And then we had to wait until Friday afternoon to get Aleeya. I realized that it was probably a really good thing that this week was so full, because it seemed so strange to have her gone and would have been hard if we were home that whole week. On Friday, we went to the school to pick her up, and as we drove in the parking lot, the scene was great! She did a little hop with a smile on her face and her hand waving, and I felt the tears coming on! I thought - "there's my girl; I really love her and I really missed her!" It was a good feeling!
Friday night, it was so wonderful having everyone home, hearing the stories of science camp, and just being together! I couldn't believe that in less than a week, the adoption would be finalized - wow!!!
The Butler Family
WE ARE FAMILY!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Visit from Grandparents & A Baptism . . . September 9, 2012
Before we knew it, the week had arrived for my Mom and Dad to come out from Florida to see us! This visit was pretty much happening because Aleeya had asked if they could come out for the finalization, but now we were excited they were coming even if the date of finalization had been moved out a few weeks! It would allow for us to have more time with them, instead of working on planning for the "big day" and the party to follow. I felt more relaxed for sure. Plus, it was a good distraction from the feeling of waiting for one more week to go by . . we all knew this week would fly (sad, but true)!
The Sunday before they arrived, Aleeya and I were the only ones in the van on the way to church (I had dropped the others off earlier since the boys are involved with the band and a discipleship group and Ashley wanted to go to early service). I mentioned that I had some pretty crazy dreams the night before and told her how I was supposed to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my entire extended family and somehow got busy shopping for food and was like two hours late and everyone was upset with me. I told her I think it meant that I still had much to do to prepare for my parents coming and was feeling a little behind. She said she had a dream too. She said that Nana and Pop Pop had come to visit, but that every time she went to give them a hug, they didn't see her. I told her that dreams sometimes have reality built into them and tell us something of what we are actually feeling. (At other times, they seem totally off the wall!) She had never heard of that, but her dream made a lot of sense. I told her it sounded like she might be worried that my parents would see everyone else and pour their love on them, but maybe not her since they didn't know her as well. It sounded like she was wondering if they would really "see" her and love her? I realized at this point that she really was nervous and wondering what it would be like. I reassured her that my parents would totally love her and spoil her with lots of love just like they did their other three grandkids.
They arrived on Tuesday, and they did exactly that! They are very good at spoiling their grandkids, especially since we only see each other about once a year. They were thrilled to see her, to get to know her better, and to love on all of us. I loved watching them give her big HUGS and get to know her better! They walked in and began handing out gifts, giving them some spending money, and hanging out and playing games and talking with the kids! On Wednesday morning, the girls had chapel at school and Aleeya invited them to come. I told her they might be too tired since they had to get up really early (like 1am our time) to fly out and be here. Then they had stayed up with us and talked until about 9pm. She understood and we went to bed. I mentioned it to them, and they said, "oh yes, we'll go!" They were up and at the school for chapel, and I was told by a sweet friend later what a special time it was. They had both come in to sit by the girls. At first, it was Dad, Mom, Ashley, and Aleeya. Then Dad got up and walked all the way around the rows to come back around and sit by Aleeya, making everyone move down one. He sat beside her with his arm around her so proud! This made my heart melt. I loved that my parents where able to accept her as their granddaughter so quickly!
On one of the first couple days here, I remember seeing Aleeya outside on the swing trying to read her twenty minutes a day for school (it was hard to find a quite place to read since the girls had given their room to Nana and Pop Pop and were sleeping out in the office area). Then I saw Pop Pop head outside to sit down and talk with her. I knew Aleeya was trying to get her homework done, and kinda wanted to let Dad know, but I'm so glad I didn't! Dad was out there telling her about how he used to be a horseback policeman because he knew she liked horses! He was telling her a little bit about himself so she would know her Pop Pop better! It was really special!
We also one last visit from her social worker. This was a meeting I was not really wanting at this point. But it was neat that my parents got to meet her social worker, and she was kind enough to make it a really short visit! I was just really realizing how done we were with visits, how done we were with having locks on everything, how much we were wanting to stop being concerned about every little decision in case it would be against foster family rules, and how ready we were to be a normal family (or as normal as possible :) )! I felt bad that I didn't want to see this wonderful social worker, a lady I felt like had become a friend, someone I really respected, but we were finished being a foster family and were ready to move on! I was told by my social worker that this was completely natural and part of the process! There is a time you want social worker, and a time for them to stop coming to visit. It was time!
My Mom and Dad totally blessed us with some yummy meals, some special treats, and a fun visit to Angels Camp with the kids. Mom shared some special memories from some journals she had and gave each of the kids a journal to write down the special things that God does for them. It was great to go to church with them on Sunday morning, and it was fun having the girls go with us to the service. It was so sweet that when Ashley was getting cold during the service, Mom gave her jacket to her for her to wear - she looked so cute!
We had a really special memory to make together on Sunday evening. Ashley had been asking for months about getting baptized. She had accepted Jesus when she was younger, and was really ready to do this! Aleeya would listen attentively and ask questions, but didn't seem completely ready. About a week prior to their visit, Ashley mentioned it again, and I asked if she'd like to do it while Nana and Pop Pop were here! Of course! I asked Aleeya if she would want to get baptized, and she said she thought she should wait longer since she just recently got saved. I told her that the only reason we had Ashley wait a little bit was because she got saved so young and we wanted to be sure she understood it fully before she got baptized. I told her that at her age, I was sure that she understood! She said she was interested. So, I sat with the girls and read through the Scriptures that talked about baptism in the Bible. I showed them about Philip getting baptized right after he understood the Gospel, and then about Jesus being baptized in obedience to His Father. We talked some more about the meaning of it all, and Aleeya said she did want to get baptized. So, on Sunday evening, we went to a friend's pool, and in the presence of some really special friends and their Nana and Pop Pop, they were baptized by their Dad (it's pretty cool to have a Dad that's a Pastor)! It was a very special evening, and we were so glad to have family to celebrate it with! Their Daddy was so blessed, and we were thankful that all four of our kids had accepted Jesus as their Savior, been baptized, and were desiring to follow Jesus with their lives - so thankful!
Time flies quickly when family is here somehow, and before we knew it, it was time for Nana and Pop Pop to head back to Florida. We were so glad for the time they had with us, so happy that Aleeya got to meet her grandparents, and thankful for special memories made together! It had been a great week for sure and we were one week closer to finalization!
The Sunday before they arrived, Aleeya and I were the only ones in the van on the way to church (I had dropped the others off earlier since the boys are involved with the band and a discipleship group and Ashley wanted to go to early service). I mentioned that I had some pretty crazy dreams the night before and told her how I was supposed to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my entire extended family and somehow got busy shopping for food and was like two hours late and everyone was upset with me. I told her I think it meant that I still had much to do to prepare for my parents coming and was feeling a little behind. She said she had a dream too. She said that Nana and Pop Pop had come to visit, but that every time she went to give them a hug, they didn't see her. I told her that dreams sometimes have reality built into them and tell us something of what we are actually feeling. (At other times, they seem totally off the wall!) She had never heard of that, but her dream made a lot of sense. I told her it sounded like she might be worried that my parents would see everyone else and pour their love on them, but maybe not her since they didn't know her as well. It sounded like she was wondering if they would really "see" her and love her? I realized at this point that she really was nervous and wondering what it would be like. I reassured her that my parents would totally love her and spoil her with lots of love just like they did their other three grandkids.
They arrived on Tuesday, and they did exactly that! They are very good at spoiling their grandkids, especially since we only see each other about once a year. They were thrilled to see her, to get to know her better, and to love on all of us. I loved watching them give her big HUGS and get to know her better! They walked in and began handing out gifts, giving them some spending money, and hanging out and playing games and talking with the kids! On Wednesday morning, the girls had chapel at school and Aleeya invited them to come. I told her they might be too tired since they had to get up really early (like 1am our time) to fly out and be here. Then they had stayed up with us and talked until about 9pm. She understood and we went to bed. I mentioned it to them, and they said, "oh yes, we'll go!" They were up and at the school for chapel, and I was told by a sweet friend later what a special time it was. They had both come in to sit by the girls. At first, it was Dad, Mom, Ashley, and Aleeya. Then Dad got up and walked all the way around the rows to come back around and sit by Aleeya, making everyone move down one. He sat beside her with his arm around her so proud! This made my heart melt. I loved that my parents where able to accept her as their granddaughter so quickly!
On one of the first couple days here, I remember seeing Aleeya outside on the swing trying to read her twenty minutes a day for school (it was hard to find a quite place to read since the girls had given their room to Nana and Pop Pop and were sleeping out in the office area). Then I saw Pop Pop head outside to sit down and talk with her. I knew Aleeya was trying to get her homework done, and kinda wanted to let Dad know, but I'm so glad I didn't! Dad was out there telling her about how he used to be a horseback policeman because he knew she liked horses! He was telling her a little bit about himself so she would know her Pop Pop better! It was really special!
We also one last visit from her social worker. This was a meeting I was not really wanting at this point. But it was neat that my parents got to meet her social worker, and she was kind enough to make it a really short visit! I was just really realizing how done we were with visits, how done we were with having locks on everything, how much we were wanting to stop being concerned about every little decision in case it would be against foster family rules, and how ready we were to be a normal family (or as normal as possible :) )! I felt bad that I didn't want to see this wonderful social worker, a lady I felt like had become a friend, someone I really respected, but we were finished being a foster family and were ready to move on! I was told by my social worker that this was completely natural and part of the process! There is a time you want social worker, and a time for them to stop coming to visit. It was time!
My Mom and Dad totally blessed us with some yummy meals, some special treats, and a fun visit to Angels Camp with the kids. Mom shared some special memories from some journals she had and gave each of the kids a journal to write down the special things that God does for them. It was great to go to church with them on Sunday morning, and it was fun having the girls go with us to the service. It was so sweet that when Ashley was getting cold during the service, Mom gave her jacket to her for her to wear - she looked so cute!
We had a really special memory to make together on Sunday evening. Ashley had been asking for months about getting baptized. She had accepted Jesus when she was younger, and was really ready to do this! Aleeya would listen attentively and ask questions, but didn't seem completely ready. About a week prior to their visit, Ashley mentioned it again, and I asked if she'd like to do it while Nana and Pop Pop were here! Of course! I asked Aleeya if she would want to get baptized, and she said she thought she should wait longer since she just recently got saved. I told her that the only reason we had Ashley wait a little bit was because she got saved so young and we wanted to be sure she understood it fully before she got baptized. I told her that at her age, I was sure that she understood! She said she was interested. So, I sat with the girls and read through the Scriptures that talked about baptism in the Bible. I showed them about Philip getting baptized right after he understood the Gospel, and then about Jesus being baptized in obedience to His Father. We talked some more about the meaning of it all, and Aleeya said she did want to get baptized. So, on Sunday evening, we went to a friend's pool, and in the presence of some really special friends and their Nana and Pop Pop, they were baptized by their Dad (it's pretty cool to have a Dad that's a Pastor)! It was a very special evening, and we were so glad to have family to celebrate it with! Their Daddy was so blessed, and we were thankful that all four of our kids had accepted Jesus as their Savior, been baptized, and were desiring to follow Jesus with their lives - so thankful!
Time flies quickly when family is here somehow, and before we knew it, it was time for Nana and Pop Pop to head back to Florida. We were so glad for the time they had with us, so happy that Aleeya got to meet her grandparents, and thankful for special memories made together! It had been a great week for sure and we were one week closer to finalization!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Somewhere in the Middle . . . September 6, 2012
While the summer had been kinda rough at times, with our move and the struggles I sensed Aleeya working through on vacation, the weekends since school began proved to show more signs of hardship in her life. Throughout the week, she would come home from school and do the normal schedule of eating snack, making lunch for the next day, reading, and doing homework. But on the weekends, I noticed her spending A LOT of time in her room, reading . . writing in her journal . . just being in there. At first, I figured she was overly tired from all the extra that school added to her life, or that maybe she was just wanting some time to herself and perhaps that was normal at this age. After all, I haven't had a 12 year old girl yet. But after awhile, it started to make me feel like something wasn't right. I started to feel sad . . and a little frustrated. I checked on her, and she seemed ok, but things just didn't seem right. I tried to give it some time, a couple of weekends, but then I really began feeling like she was in her room too much. I felt like I never saw her. She came out for meals, or if we were going somewhere, but that was about it. She was nice enough, and wasn't causing any trouble, but it felt like she wasn't really a "part" of our family. After a few weekends of this, I went in and asked if she was ok. She said she was fine, and I asked why she was spending so much time in her room? She didn't really have an answer, and I told her I'd really like one. I told her that I felt she was spending too much time in her room and asked her how it would feel if I spent all day in my room when she was home. She said she wouldn't like that. I told her that maybe she's feeling kinda tired or down, and that it would be good to get outside and be active and that she needed to not be in her room unless she needed to change or read or something for the rest of the weekend. Sometimes as mom's it seems we need to help our kids to get out of the slumps they may not notice (at least that was my reasoning). Then she began coming out, and it felt even more awkward. She didn't seem to know what to do with herself or have any kind of desire to do anything. I started thinking that it would be better if she were just in her room because of how she made it feel.
Scott and I talked about it that weekend, and as we talked, I began to think that maybe she was really beginning to struggle with this whole adoption thing. Maybe she wanted to feel loved, safe, and part of a family, but still didn't really get that it was going to finalize and really "happen." I started to think that she was feeling like she was not being loyal to her birth family by getting adopted. It kinda seemed like she was becoming less attached to us. Later, as I talked through things with Aleeya, I asked her if she was having some of these feelings and she said yes. She was struggling and wondering if her birth family knew about the adoption and if it made them sad. I told her I felt like she was trying to be somewhere in the middle . . knowing she couldn't go back to her birth family and understanding that wasn't best, yet not wanting to attach to us because that may upset her birth family . . so she was kinda being on her own. She kinda seemed to agree that this was how she was feeling. She was definitely drifting. Whenever we talked about finalization day, Aleeya would seem really happy, but there was so much else going on inside her as well. I learned that much of what she was feeling and thinking was part of the normal grieving process. She was loosing her birth family, the family she lived with for 8 years. There was some denial about her birth family, some feelings of great hope that they would accept Jesus and be better, some wondering about if the finalization would actually go through. She had a dream that her social worker would come on finalization day and say that it wouldn't work out. I wasn't sure if this was a fear, something she kinda wanted to happen, or just an uncertainty within her because of how often things had changed in the past with the court system and her life. We assured her that everything would work out, and even had her social worker confirm on her visit. Oh yeah, her social worker called to visit yet one last time because the finalization date was pushed back a few weeks. I so wanted to say "no, we don't need a visit," but knew she should come and I should be kind. We had just thought it was her last visit a couple of times now, and that was frustrating.
Because of her age and all the questions she had, I decided to take her by the court house so she could see the room where we would go and have an idea of what things were like. Right as we went toward the front door, some interesting people came out. I thought, "oh boy, this may not have been such a great idea!" Then, we had to go through metal detectors as we entered, which was really comforting. Thankfully, there weren't many people in the halls and it was good for me to remember exactly where we would need to go. She thought the room looked kinda small for a court room, and later told me she was a little scared about the courthouse. I told her we would be going early in the morning, and the judges really enjoy these hearings! I "think" it was a good idea to help prepare her?
It was at this point that I realized that it was a good thing, a God thing, that we had some more time to process before the actual finalization day in court. God knew better than I once again! I began praying that God would calm her heart, help her to be honest with her struggles, and see the good that God was providing for her. I so wanted to see her being at peace, feeling His love, and enjoying the life God was giving her.
I still remember her saying that she wanted to get adopted soon after we met her, and I thought how hard that would be to say as a girl that left her birth family at eight. I think I would always want to be with my birth family, and I think she's been feeling that more since realizing that it's actually happening. And while I understand it, it often hurts. I reminded her that while adoption doesn't always sound that great because kids want to be with the family God originally gave them, God has allowed it because He really cares about children and wants them to be safe and loved! I told her we loved her so much and would be her forever family.
We would really appreciate your prayers for all of us as we experience this day together soon! God knows what's going on, and if He can calm the raging storm, He can calm our hearts as well.
Scott and I talked about it that weekend, and as we talked, I began to think that maybe she was really beginning to struggle with this whole adoption thing. Maybe she wanted to feel loved, safe, and part of a family, but still didn't really get that it was going to finalize and really "happen." I started to think that she was feeling like she was not being loyal to her birth family by getting adopted. It kinda seemed like she was becoming less attached to us. Later, as I talked through things with Aleeya, I asked her if she was having some of these feelings and she said yes. She was struggling and wondering if her birth family knew about the adoption and if it made them sad. I told her I felt like she was trying to be somewhere in the middle . . knowing she couldn't go back to her birth family and understanding that wasn't best, yet not wanting to attach to us because that may upset her birth family . . so she was kinda being on her own. She kinda seemed to agree that this was how she was feeling. She was definitely drifting. Whenever we talked about finalization day, Aleeya would seem really happy, but there was so much else going on inside her as well. I learned that much of what she was feeling and thinking was part of the normal grieving process. She was loosing her birth family, the family she lived with for 8 years. There was some denial about her birth family, some feelings of great hope that they would accept Jesus and be better, some wondering about if the finalization would actually go through. She had a dream that her social worker would come on finalization day and say that it wouldn't work out. I wasn't sure if this was a fear, something she kinda wanted to happen, or just an uncertainty within her because of how often things had changed in the past with the court system and her life. We assured her that everything would work out, and even had her social worker confirm on her visit. Oh yeah, her social worker called to visit yet one last time because the finalization date was pushed back a few weeks. I so wanted to say "no, we don't need a visit," but knew she should come and I should be kind. We had just thought it was her last visit a couple of times now, and that was frustrating.
Because of her age and all the questions she had, I decided to take her by the court house so she could see the room where we would go and have an idea of what things were like. Right as we went toward the front door, some interesting people came out. I thought, "oh boy, this may not have been such a great idea!" Then, we had to go through metal detectors as we entered, which was really comforting. Thankfully, there weren't many people in the halls and it was good for me to remember exactly where we would need to go. She thought the room looked kinda small for a court room, and later told me she was a little scared about the courthouse. I told her we would be going early in the morning, and the judges really enjoy these hearings! I "think" it was a good idea to help prepare her?
It was at this point that I realized that it was a good thing, a God thing, that we had some more time to process before the actual finalization day in court. God knew better than I once again! I began praying that God would calm her heart, help her to be honest with her struggles, and see the good that God was providing for her. I so wanted to see her being at peace, feeling His love, and enjoying the life God was giving her.
I still remember her saying that she wanted to get adopted soon after we met her, and I thought how hard that would be to say as a girl that left her birth family at eight. I think I would always want to be with my birth family, and I think she's been feeling that more since realizing that it's actually happening. And while I understand it, it often hurts. I reminded her that while adoption doesn't always sound that great because kids want to be with the family God originally gave them, God has allowed it because He really cares about children and wants them to be safe and loved! I told her we loved her so much and would be her forever family.
We would really appreciate your prayers for all of us as we experience this day together soon! God knows what's going on, and if He can calm the raging storm, He can calm our hearts as well.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Really Hard to Wait . . Again . . August 27, 2012
Well, since we signed adoptive placement papers on July 10, we have been waiting for one paper called a remittitur (at least I think that's what it's called) in order to get our court date scheduled. We were told we should have it by August 21st or within that week no problem. So, we waited and waited.
During all of this, we were scheduling a time for my parents to come out for the finalization since Aleeya had asked if they could. She had only met them a couple of times the year before when they came out to California from Florida, but we thought it was pretty special that she asked for them. My parents said sure they would love to come, and we began the process of getting them out with some airline miles. That meant we had to plan a couple of weeks out to avoid fees. Everyone said that it should be no problem to get a court date within 2-3 weeks of when we got the remittitur, so we tried to play it safe and scheduled them to fly out September 11th (which was pretty brave of them I thought - that date holds so many memories). Then the paper wasn't coming, but everyone still felt like it shouldn't be a problem. My parents could only stay about a week because of some missions work they had planned, but we waited to plan their return flight in case they just needed to be here one extra day. So, basically, a lot was riding on our court date and we were in waiting mode.
On August 27th, our adoption agency moved forward with getting a court date since everything looked good with the paper coming and they went to the court house on August 27th to schedule our finalization day. I was so excited . . until I got the call. They were very surprised to find out that all the court dates were taken through the end of September. There were a couple of dates that last week, but Aleeya would be at science camp. This meant having to tell Aleeya that we would have to wait yet another two or three weeks longer than expected and having to let her and my parents know that they wouldn't be there for it. And we were just so ready, so planning on it being in September, and it was so hard to hear. I got the call while I was at work. Did I mention I went back to work this year? I started working at the kids school 2 days a week as a "Special Projects Assistant" (basically helping out with extras at the elementary and high school), and I love it! It's fun being there, working with some great people, seeing the kids, and making a little extra to help our family. Anyhow, when I got the call it was early in the morning, and I was so wanting to cry and scream all at once, but I was at work and still kinda new there too! It was like telling a 9 month pregnant woman that was really close to her due date that she just needed to wait a few more weeks past the date - no problem, right! I couldn't see how this was in God's plan and why we would have to wait any longer! It seems there were more adoptions finalizing than usual, which was a good thing, right?!
So they worked on getting us a good date in October. Scott was supposed to be gone the first week of October to an awesome retreat called "the Journey." So, I figured that was still on and we'd have to wait for the second week of October. But Scott said he would cancel his trip for this, no problem, and asked that it be scheduled on Thursday, October 4th. Now, this was a bit shocking to me because this is his birthday! And if you know him, you know that he loves his birthday (kinda like a little kid that gets excited months before, lets everyone know what he might like to get, and wants the celebration to last as long as possible)! So, after texting him like 3 or 4 times to be sure he wanted this date and reminding him that we would be celebrating both every year from now on, he came over to see me to say that he really wanted to share this date with her and was excited about it! So, October 4th it was! Later, I realized how awesome my husband is, and how cool this was that she would share something so special in our family history (if that makes sense). I had read in an adoption book that it's great if you can find traits or special things that link your new child to their new family!
It took me awhile to be excited about it. Aleeya was a little sad that we had to wait, and my parents were too, but both of them were pretty understanding. Everyone else seemed excited we got a date, and didn't seem to understand that it was much further away than it should have been. I was the only one still kicking and screaming. It just didn't seem fair. But I knew I had to accept it and trust God that He knew best. So, we scheduled my parents return flights for September 17th and began talking about how neat it was that finalization day would be on daddy's birthday - this would be something really awesome! I tried to act like it was ok in front of Aleeya, but felt so sad. Yet it was time to begin planning that special day and a party was in order as well; so for that, I was excited! It was at least good to know that we had a date and be settled with that information! Now, to trust God with the end like we had the beginning . . . He who began a good work would complete it . . . in His timing!
During all of this, we were scheduling a time for my parents to come out for the finalization since Aleeya had asked if they could. She had only met them a couple of times the year before when they came out to California from Florida, but we thought it was pretty special that she asked for them. My parents said sure they would love to come, and we began the process of getting them out with some airline miles. That meant we had to plan a couple of weeks out to avoid fees. Everyone said that it should be no problem to get a court date within 2-3 weeks of when we got the remittitur, so we tried to play it safe and scheduled them to fly out September 11th (which was pretty brave of them I thought - that date holds so many memories). Then the paper wasn't coming, but everyone still felt like it shouldn't be a problem. My parents could only stay about a week because of some missions work they had planned, but we waited to plan their return flight in case they just needed to be here one extra day. So, basically, a lot was riding on our court date and we were in waiting mode.
On August 27th, our adoption agency moved forward with getting a court date since everything looked good with the paper coming and they went to the court house on August 27th to schedule our finalization day. I was so excited . . until I got the call. They were very surprised to find out that all the court dates were taken through the end of September. There were a couple of dates that last week, but Aleeya would be at science camp. This meant having to tell Aleeya that we would have to wait yet another two or three weeks longer than expected and having to let her and my parents know that they wouldn't be there for it. And we were just so ready, so planning on it being in September, and it was so hard to hear. I got the call while I was at work. Did I mention I went back to work this year? I started working at the kids school 2 days a week as a "Special Projects Assistant" (basically helping out with extras at the elementary and high school), and I love it! It's fun being there, working with some great people, seeing the kids, and making a little extra to help our family. Anyhow, when I got the call it was early in the morning, and I was so wanting to cry and scream all at once, but I was at work and still kinda new there too! It was like telling a 9 month pregnant woman that was really close to her due date that she just needed to wait a few more weeks past the date - no problem, right! I couldn't see how this was in God's plan and why we would have to wait any longer! It seems there were more adoptions finalizing than usual, which was a good thing, right?!
So they worked on getting us a good date in October. Scott was supposed to be gone the first week of October to an awesome retreat called "the Journey." So, I figured that was still on and we'd have to wait for the second week of October. But Scott said he would cancel his trip for this, no problem, and asked that it be scheduled on Thursday, October 4th. Now, this was a bit shocking to me because this is his birthday! And if you know him, you know that he loves his birthday (kinda like a little kid that gets excited months before, lets everyone know what he might like to get, and wants the celebration to last as long as possible)! So, after texting him like 3 or 4 times to be sure he wanted this date and reminding him that we would be celebrating both every year from now on, he came over to see me to say that he really wanted to share this date with her and was excited about it! So, October 4th it was! Later, I realized how awesome my husband is, and how cool this was that she would share something so special in our family history (if that makes sense). I had read in an adoption book that it's great if you can find traits or special things that link your new child to their new family!
It took me awhile to be excited about it. Aleeya was a little sad that we had to wait, and my parents were too, but both of them were pretty understanding. Everyone else seemed excited we got a date, and didn't seem to understand that it was much further away than it should have been. I was the only one still kicking and screaming. It just didn't seem fair. But I knew I had to accept it and trust God that He knew best. So, we scheduled my parents return flights for September 17th and began talking about how neat it was that finalization day would be on daddy's birthday - this would be something really awesome! I tried to act like it was ok in front of Aleeya, but felt so sad. Yet it was time to begin planning that special day and a party was in order as well; so for that, I was excited! It was at least good to know that we had a date and be settled with that information! Now, to trust God with the end like we had the beginning . . . He who began a good work would complete it . . . in His timing!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Sickness can be Healthy . . August 21, 2012
I was out picking up one of our kids from an event on Saturday night when I got the call that Aleeya wasn't feeling well. Now, this is a girl that is really healthy and has only dealt with a few allergies or a cold or two since we've had her over a year, so I wasn't sure what this meant. I headed home within the hour and found her with a decent temperature and chills. I felt awful being out while she was feeling so yucky!
I have taken care of my other three kids and their many sickness over the years, but this was my first time getting to take care of Aleeya and it was pretty great to do it! She was funny in some of the things she did - like getting her footed pajamas on and getting under lots of blankets because she had the chills only to have me come in and say to get in a light t-shirt and only have her sheet over her because her temperature would only get hotter with all of that on her! I was able to touch her sweet face quite a bit feeling for her temperature, and came in throughout the night a couple of times to see if the fever came back after giving her Advil.
We stayed home together the next day (Sunday) and she rested and read most of the day. She was kinda quiet and sweet, and I just kept checking on her and giving her water to drink. I could tell that this was a good thing . . . my being able to "mother" her during her sickness. She still had a fever that night, so we kept her home from school the next day. But the fever left over night, and she was totally fine on Monday. So, we spent part of the day doing some errands and just hanging out.
Later, I saw a note in her journal that said that it was really nice to have a Mom to take care of her. While I can't say that I'm glad she got sick, I realized that this sickness was actually somewhat of a good thing!
I have taken care of my other three kids and their many sickness over the years, but this was my first time getting to take care of Aleeya and it was pretty great to do it! She was funny in some of the things she did - like getting her footed pajamas on and getting under lots of blankets because she had the chills only to have me come in and say to get in a light t-shirt and only have her sheet over her because her temperature would only get hotter with all of that on her! I was able to touch her sweet face quite a bit feeling for her temperature, and came in throughout the night a couple of times to see if the fever came back after giving her Advil.
We stayed home together the next day (Sunday) and she rested and read most of the day. She was kinda quiet and sweet, and I just kept checking on her and giving her water to drink. I could tell that this was a good thing . . . my being able to "mother" her during her sickness. She still had a fever that night, so we kept her home from school the next day. But the fever left over night, and she was totally fine on Monday. So, we spent part of the day doing some errands and just hanging out.
Later, I saw a note in her journal that said that it was really nice to have a Mom to take care of her. While I can't say that I'm glad she got sick, I realized that this sickness was actually somewhat of a good thing!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Warfare, It's Really Happening . . . August 18, 2012
I'm not at all sure how to explain all of this, but this idea of spiritual warfare has come up multiple times over the past few months. And what I mean by warfare is the war that is being raged against those that are seeking to follow God, versus the devil and his demons trying to dissuade us from following. Now, I know and believe that our God is "greater than he that is in the world," and He has all power and knows all that is happening. Yet, I need to be aware of the war that is taking place around me to try to destroy our faith, our family, and our future.
I've known the Scriptures from a child, and have known that the "devil prows around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (I Peter 5:8), but sometimes life can be going along well and you don't really notice the affects of it. Well, since we have been in motion to adopt, I have known that we are under attack. I have learned that Satan doesn't like "when we protect and welcome children, because we are announcing something about Jesus and His kingdom." Satan has always been about the business of killing children (the baby Israelites during Moses' day, killing children under 2 when Jesus was born, and in our current world, abortion), and he very much dislikes "new beginnings and new life." I have learned that "the Father is fighting for orphans, making them sons and daughters, and we should do the same." As we have gone forward with adopting, we have faced more struggles, difficulties, and set backs over the past year and a half than we have ever faced before. As well, we have so many friends that are in the process of adoption, or have adopted, that I have seen go through some really hard times! As our family began facing tough stuff and I continued to hear of others really struggling, this idea of warfare came up over and over in my mind. I mentioned it to a couple of friends that are in the same boat of adoption, and they too have felt it. And then, as I began reading a book entitled "Adopted for Life" by Russell D. Moore, I saw it again. Some of his book is quoted or summarized in these paragraphs. I would highly encourage reading it!
So, the reason for this blog is to let you know that God loves the plan of adoption, and that spiritual warfare is taking place as we join in the adoption plan! When I say God loves adoption, it comes in the context that adoption is part of His story of redemption. It is written throughout the pages of the Bible. Galatians 4:4-7 says, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." (The cool thing is that these same words will be used in the court room when we finalize our adoption of Aleeya. They bring identity, a sense of belonging! They will let her know that she's our child with a new birth certificate and everything, and that she has every right as an heir.)
You see, I have grown to understand that my God has adopted me, a sinner, once a slave to my birthfather the devil, into His family by way of the cross. He gets adoption!!! He invented it! He has a very mixed family of all backgrounds and colors, and calls us His brothers and sisters because of our adoption. This is incredible! If we really got this, we would be so much better prepared to accept our brothers and sisters in Christ because we are all part of His family! As well, we could accept the family that has so many beautiful colors in their family through adoption. We would not think it odd to add a child of a different race and background to our family. I believe I have taken my adoption into God's family for granted, and always acted like I was a natural heir of God. But Jesus had to go through major pain and suffering on the cross for my sins to allow me a place in His family.
As I have gotten older, I have always believed that there are very strong pictures here on earth of our relationship with God. When I got married, I realized that it was a picture of God and His bride, the Church. I realized the impact of the one flesh union, the covenant relationship. Then when we had children, I was amazed at the picture I saw of God's love for me, His child. When I looked at this little baby in my arms who had so far only caused me discomfort for 9 months and then crucial pain during labor, and yet, I loved him more than life itself, I began to understand a small part of God's love for me, His child. You see, He too suffered for me to be part of His family and loved me more than I could imagine! I began understanding more about the "family of God," as we began interacting as a earthly family and desired to show God to the world through our lives. As well, I can often see His family at work as I attend church or small groups and feel the love of my fellow Christians around me.
I don't think I have even come close to understanding His amazing plan of adoption until recently and still have much to learn, but I am understanding more and more why satan wants to mess this plan up (along with marriages and families). He doesn't like it when we began to care for the needy, the oppressed, the orphans. He doesn't like it when we understand our own orphan status. He said in John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." You see, we are all orphaned by our sin, but God's grace allowed us to be His heirs. I'm really beginning to get my adoption story. My spirit longs and groans for the day when He will come back to take us to our forever home!
When we begin to show this adoption story by living it out, we need to be prepared for warfare. I must say, I was less prepared than I would like to believe, but I am begging God for the strength and power to trust Him, to believe Him, and to have greater faith in Him! And I'm thankful that I know He is with me each step of the way. He is truly a faithful Father!
A friend of mine on Facebook posted this video and it gave me that goosebumps, ready to cry, passionate-inside feeling that made me want to share it with the world. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you understand God's plan of adoption even more. There are some pieces of a Veggie Tale movie (which we have always been fans of and need to purchase this one really soon), so enjoy those scenes. But the lyrics are incredible and the song explains so much about our status as orphans!
I've known the Scriptures from a child, and have known that the "devil prows around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (I Peter 5:8), but sometimes life can be going along well and you don't really notice the affects of it. Well, since we have been in motion to adopt, I have known that we are under attack. I have learned that Satan doesn't like "when we protect and welcome children, because we are announcing something about Jesus and His kingdom." Satan has always been about the business of killing children (the baby Israelites during Moses' day, killing children under 2 when Jesus was born, and in our current world, abortion), and he very much dislikes "new beginnings and new life." I have learned that "the Father is fighting for orphans, making them sons and daughters, and we should do the same." As we have gone forward with adopting, we have faced more struggles, difficulties, and set backs over the past year and a half than we have ever faced before. As well, we have so many friends that are in the process of adoption, or have adopted, that I have seen go through some really hard times! As our family began facing tough stuff and I continued to hear of others really struggling, this idea of warfare came up over and over in my mind. I mentioned it to a couple of friends that are in the same boat of adoption, and they too have felt it. And then, as I began reading a book entitled "Adopted for Life" by Russell D. Moore, I saw it again. Some of his book is quoted or summarized in these paragraphs. I would highly encourage reading it!
So, the reason for this blog is to let you know that God loves the plan of adoption, and that spiritual warfare is taking place as we join in the adoption plan! When I say God loves adoption, it comes in the context that adoption is part of His story of redemption. It is written throughout the pages of the Bible. Galatians 4:4-7 says, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." (The cool thing is that these same words will be used in the court room when we finalize our adoption of Aleeya. They bring identity, a sense of belonging! They will let her know that she's our child with a new birth certificate and everything, and that she has every right as an heir.)
You see, I have grown to understand that my God has adopted me, a sinner, once a slave to my birthfather the devil, into His family by way of the cross. He gets adoption!!! He invented it! He has a very mixed family of all backgrounds and colors, and calls us His brothers and sisters because of our adoption. This is incredible! If we really got this, we would be so much better prepared to accept our brothers and sisters in Christ because we are all part of His family! As well, we could accept the family that has so many beautiful colors in their family through adoption. We would not think it odd to add a child of a different race and background to our family. I believe I have taken my adoption into God's family for granted, and always acted like I was a natural heir of God. But Jesus had to go through major pain and suffering on the cross for my sins to allow me a place in His family.
As I have gotten older, I have always believed that there are very strong pictures here on earth of our relationship with God. When I got married, I realized that it was a picture of God and His bride, the Church. I realized the impact of the one flesh union, the covenant relationship. Then when we had children, I was amazed at the picture I saw of God's love for me, His child. When I looked at this little baby in my arms who had so far only caused me discomfort for 9 months and then crucial pain during labor, and yet, I loved him more than life itself, I began to understand a small part of God's love for me, His child. You see, He too suffered for me to be part of His family and loved me more than I could imagine! I began understanding more about the "family of God," as we began interacting as a earthly family and desired to show God to the world through our lives. As well, I can often see His family at work as I attend church or small groups and feel the love of my fellow Christians around me.
I don't think I have even come close to understanding His amazing plan of adoption until recently and still have much to learn, but I am understanding more and more why satan wants to mess this plan up (along with marriages and families). He doesn't like it when we began to care for the needy, the oppressed, the orphans. He doesn't like it when we understand our own orphan status. He said in John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." You see, we are all orphaned by our sin, but God's grace allowed us to be His heirs. I'm really beginning to get my adoption story. My spirit longs and groans for the day when He will come back to take us to our forever home!
When we begin to show this adoption story by living it out, we need to be prepared for warfare. I must say, I was less prepared than I would like to believe, but I am begging God for the strength and power to trust Him, to believe Him, and to have greater faith in Him! And I'm thankful that I know He is with me each step of the way. He is truly a faithful Father!
A friend of mine on Facebook posted this video and it gave me that goosebumps, ready to cry, passionate-inside feeling that made me want to share it with the world. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you understand God's plan of adoption even more. There are some pieces of a Veggie Tale movie (which we have always been fans of and need to purchase this one really soon), so enjoy those scenes. But the lyrics are incredible and the song explains so much about our status as orphans!
| www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5zlRABH9wQ |
Monday, September 3, 2012
Happiest Girl Ever . . . August 6, 2012
The week after vacation was a nice and busy time of getting ready for school to begin. We went through all the stuff we already had and checked it with the lists of stuff the school said we needed for each kid. The kids look at this as fun, and I do too, at first! But with three kids making their piles, it gets a little crazy as I try to be sure they are checking stuff off so we know what we still need to buy. Our oldest, Austin is in high school and doesn't get his list until after the first day of school. Last year, I did most of this ahead of time for Aleeya and just did my best guessing which things she would like (colors and styles). This year as she worked through her list, I could see her trying to figure it all out. I realized this was not a "normal" event for her. So, we checked through her list to find she wasn't quite sure what a Composition Notebook and a few other items were. It was a good time to go over the names of all the items she had so when the teacher asked for those things, she would know just what to get out :). After we checked off what we had, I took the kids shopping with me for some of the stuff and then just finished the rest myself. It takes quite a bit of concentration, so I was thankful to have gone late one night to Walmart without the crowds.
We also did haircuts for the kids, and made sure everyone had a nice outfit for the first day of school. For some of them, it was just a newer shirt. With Aleeya at the age of 12, she is very in between on sizes. She's not really in the "girls" section, but not really in the "Juniors" section either. And the styles out there are just tough! So . . . we went shopping and looked and looked! I was just hoping to find one cute shirt for the first day back. We were very happy when we found ONE while shopping the three floors at "Forever 21!" This seems to be my dilemma with shopping as well, so I guess it's just a girl thing :)! At least we had a fun time together shopping!
In the midst of getting ready for school, our social worker came for his last official visit in our home. It was a short visit and one in which he just checked in on us to be sure we didn't have any more questions. It felt really good to know that soon we would be a "normal" family that would function without the monthly visits. We felt blessed to love our social workers and enjoy their visits, but there is something about them coming month after month that reminds us we aren't officially and legally her family. Yet we so are! We also had a fun day during the week where all the kids got to have a "Play Day!" Basically, they all had a friend over or went to a friends and just hung out one afternoon. This was something we hadn't had much time to do this summer with the move and busy times, and everyone really enjoyed it!
We had back-to-school night on the Thursday before school began the following Monday, and she was able to meet her new teachers for 6th grade, see who was in her homeroom, and the most anticipated part . . . get her very own locker! We went up with her to see where her locker was and make sure she knew how to do a combination lock. The first few tries were a little rough, but luckily the girl beside her was struggling too! The boys were great in showing her how it's done (since they have been there and done that), and I just kept showing her and then having her try again. We made sure she got it open 3 times straight before we knew she was good to go! Then I hung out with her and a new friend and her mom for awhile on the playground. I was thankful that this year she could make someone that was new to the school feel welcome (like so many had for her the year before), and begin what seemed to be a special friendship. These girls were busy laughing and having a great time together!
Throughout the week, Aleeya had mentioned how excited she was to go back to school. I just kept looking at her strangely when I'd hear her say it! This is my girl that loves to sleep in and is not at all a morning person. This is my girl that was often working long hours on homework last year. This was my girl that was so nervous about starting at Big Valley in 5th grade and asked tons of questions! Well, this year was different!!! She was so excited to go back and see her friends; she was happy and alert that first early morning; she couldn't wait! Turns out, our girl is quite social and REALLY enjoys seeing her friends!
We got up pretty early the first day so we could take our annual "1st day of school picture" at the school. We like all the kids to be together for it, which means we have to be there by 7:40am since the boys start at 8am a ways away from where we take our picture at the elementary school campus. So, we were up early, went to our favorite doughnut shop to get breakfast, and took our fun first day pics, which includes one with Daddy behind them making a funny face as well as one with all good smiles! Aleeya was full of energy and excitement and even enjoyed meeting another new girl that morning. I later realized that this was her first time going back to the same school since she moved from Saipan when she was 7. This was a big deal in her life to be at the same school, to be secure, and she was so happy!
This was the start to a new year indeed and I was so happy for her as well! I wasn't sure if I was ready to begin it all again, but I prayed that I would be. I prayed for each of them to do their best with their studies, that God would help them to follow Him and His ways, and that He would help them to form some great friendships. I couldn't believe I had a 10th grader, one starting Jr. High (7th grade), a 6th grader, and a 4th grader! But that's exactly what God had me doing, and I knew I would need to lean on Him and ask for lots of wisdom to make this year great!
We also did haircuts for the kids, and made sure everyone had a nice outfit for the first day of school. For some of them, it was just a newer shirt. With Aleeya at the age of 12, she is very in between on sizes. She's not really in the "girls" section, but not really in the "Juniors" section either. And the styles out there are just tough! So . . . we went shopping and looked and looked! I was just hoping to find one cute shirt for the first day back. We were very happy when we found ONE while shopping the three floors at "Forever 21!" This seems to be my dilemma with shopping as well, so I guess it's just a girl thing :)! At least we had a fun time together shopping!
In the midst of getting ready for school, our social worker came for his last official visit in our home. It was a short visit and one in which he just checked in on us to be sure we didn't have any more questions. It felt really good to know that soon we would be a "normal" family that would function without the monthly visits. We felt blessed to love our social workers and enjoy their visits, but there is something about them coming month after month that reminds us we aren't officially and legally her family. Yet we so are! We also had a fun day during the week where all the kids got to have a "Play Day!" Basically, they all had a friend over or went to a friends and just hung out one afternoon. This was something we hadn't had much time to do this summer with the move and busy times, and everyone really enjoyed it!
We had back-to-school night on the Thursday before school began the following Monday, and she was able to meet her new teachers for 6th grade, see who was in her homeroom, and the most anticipated part . . . get her very own locker! We went up with her to see where her locker was and make sure she knew how to do a combination lock. The first few tries were a little rough, but luckily the girl beside her was struggling too! The boys were great in showing her how it's done (since they have been there and done that), and I just kept showing her and then having her try again. We made sure she got it open 3 times straight before we knew she was good to go! Then I hung out with her and a new friend and her mom for awhile on the playground. I was thankful that this year she could make someone that was new to the school feel welcome (like so many had for her the year before), and begin what seemed to be a special friendship. These girls were busy laughing and having a great time together!
Throughout the week, Aleeya had mentioned how excited she was to go back to school. I just kept looking at her strangely when I'd hear her say it! This is my girl that loves to sleep in and is not at all a morning person. This is my girl that was often working long hours on homework last year. This was my girl that was so nervous about starting at Big Valley in 5th grade and asked tons of questions! Well, this year was different!!! She was so excited to go back and see her friends; she was happy and alert that first early morning; she couldn't wait! Turns out, our girl is quite social and REALLY enjoys seeing her friends!
We got up pretty early the first day so we could take our annual "1st day of school picture" at the school. We like all the kids to be together for it, which means we have to be there by 7:40am since the boys start at 8am a ways away from where we take our picture at the elementary school campus. So, we were up early, went to our favorite doughnut shop to get breakfast, and took our fun first day pics, which includes one with Daddy behind them making a funny face as well as one with all good smiles! Aleeya was full of energy and excitement and even enjoyed meeting another new girl that morning. I later realized that this was her first time going back to the same school since she moved from Saipan when she was 7. This was a big deal in her life to be at the same school, to be secure, and she was so happy!
This was the start to a new year indeed and I was so happy for her as well! I wasn't sure if I was ready to begin it all again, but I prayed that I would be. I prayed for each of them to do their best with their studies, that God would help them to follow Him and His ways, and that He would help them to form some great friendships. I couldn't believe I had a 10th grader, one starting Jr. High (7th grade), a 6th grader, and a 4th grader! But that's exactly what God had me doing, and I knew I would need to lean on Him and ask for lots of wisdom to make this year great!
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