If you'd like to learn more about our Drew Zhuang Zhuang, there's still more to come.
Thank you for the financial blessing one of you sent us Saturday night! What an awesome way to end the day when God was smiling down.
And, even more blessings for a friend...who welcomed, through adoption, a precious newborn baby boy to their family. Read more here!
Then, come back and watch this video. I love the showers of blessings God sends after a storm.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Video of our Baby Boy!
What a precious treasure that arrived in our mailbox today.
The same friend Marsha, who prepared a package for her son Josh to take to China, sent another blessing to us.
Josh had taken several video clips of our Drew, and her husband made a DVD of them. The DVD arrived in the mail today while Stan and I were in Valdosta. It was the kind of yippee that keeps a tired body from resting.
We've been told by the founder of the foster home that God must have a sense of humor to place Ellie and Drew in the same family. We've been told our Drew is vivacious. Apparently, Amy was looking for the most pleasant of words to describe him. :)
Watch this boy in action...and I mean action. He is the loudest and the busiest of all of the children in the foster home. He is the center of attention. He is enjoying life (In case you can't tell which one that is, he is the one is the grey shirt, continually wrestling with Josh). Look out Stan and Brandon and Caleb and Kennith. We've got a ball of fire coming home from China. I hope you have the energy to keep up with him. (This is one of several videos. I hope to post a new one each day this week!!!!) Listen to that sweet voice.
Don't forget to pause the playlist player at the bottom of the page!
The same friend Marsha, who prepared a package for her son Josh to take to China, sent another blessing to us.
Josh had taken several video clips of our Drew, and her husband made a DVD of them. The DVD arrived in the mail today while Stan and I were in Valdosta. It was the kind of yippee that keeps a tired body from resting.
We've been told by the founder of the foster home that God must have a sense of humor to place Ellie and Drew in the same family. We've been told our Drew is vivacious. Apparently, Amy was looking for the most pleasant of words to describe him. :)
Watch this boy in action...and I mean action. He is the loudest and the busiest of all of the children in the foster home. He is the center of attention. He is enjoying life (In case you can't tell which one that is, he is the one is the grey shirt, continually wrestling with Josh). Look out Stan and Brandon and Caleb and Kennith. We've got a ball of fire coming home from China. I hope you have the energy to keep up with him. (This is one of several videos. I hope to post a new one each day this week!!!!) Listen to that sweet voice.
Don't forget to pause the playlist player at the bottom of the page!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Mom and JT's Day Out
With the storm we suffered over the last few months, and the upcoming BIG changes in our family dynamics, I have realized that I need to give my kids some one-on-one Mama time. (Stan get's his share, too.)
Over the holidays, I spent a day out with each of the little kids individually.
I enjoyed my day out with Josie-Tatum as much, if not more, than she did.
We had gone ice skating with Kennith and his youth group before Christmas, and Josie-Tatum wanted to to back.
So, one day after Christmas, Josie-Tatum and I left for Savannah, just the two of us.
We did go ice skating and had such fun, while burning a few calories at the same time.
When we had gone ice skating before Christmas, we drove through beautiful downtown Savannah before heading to the mall. At the mall we met with Kennith and his youth group for lunch. As we drove through downtown on Abercorn Street, we passed the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. The girls thought it was beautiful, so I told them how much more beautiful it was inside.
Josie-Tatum remembered my saying that, so she asked if we could go see the inside. After ice skating, I typed the address for the cathedral into the GPS and realized we were within walking distance. Since she loves a good walk as much as her mother, we decided to walk through the lovely historic city on our way to the church.
The weather was as beautiful as the city!
It had been at least 20 years since I had been inside St. John's, and I had forgotten how extravagant it was, had forgotten about the tree made of poinsettias displayed at Christmas, forgotten about the Holy hush felt when you enter the building.
We ended our date with a picnic I had already prepared. We sat in the park in the square around which the cathedral stands.
It was a God-given heavenly moment. A day the LORD made. A day to rejoice and be glad in it.
Over the holidays, I spent a day out with each of the little kids individually.
I enjoyed my day out with Josie-Tatum as much, if not more, than she did.
We had gone ice skating with Kennith and his youth group before Christmas, and Josie-Tatum wanted to to back.
So, one day after Christmas, Josie-Tatum and I left for Savannah, just the two of us.
We did go ice skating and had such fun, while burning a few calories at the same time.
When we had gone ice skating before Christmas, we drove through beautiful downtown Savannah before heading to the mall. At the mall we met with Kennith and his youth group for lunch. As we drove through downtown on Abercorn Street, we passed the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. The girls thought it was beautiful, so I told them how much more beautiful it was inside.
Josie-Tatum remembered my saying that, so she asked if we could go see the inside. After ice skating, I typed the address for the cathedral into the GPS and realized we were within walking distance. Since she loves a good walk as much as her mother, we decided to walk through the lovely historic city on our way to the church.
The weather was as beautiful as the city!
It had been at least 20 years since I had been inside St. John's, and I had forgotten how extravagant it was, had forgotten about the tree made of poinsettias displayed at Christmas, forgotten about the Holy hush felt when you enter the building.
We ended our date with a picnic I had already prepared. We sat in the park in the square around which the cathedral stands.
It was a God-given heavenly moment. A day the LORD made. A day to rejoice and be glad in it.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Not to be Outdone~ :)
Stan doesn't want Whitney's love to outshine him.
So.....
You should know that he does sometimes cook supper. And since I don't often fry foods, he usually chooses to fry something. And, if you grew up in the south, your mouth might water when I tell you he was frying porkchops the day I took these photos.
I wanted shots of him cooking, the evidence that he really can cook.....
He was more interested in showing off his handiwork.
If you're ever in south Georgia, ask Stan too cook up you something.
So.....
You should know that he does sometimes cook supper. And since I don't often fry foods, he usually chooses to fry something. And, if you grew up in the south, your mouth might water when I tell you he was frying porkchops the day I took these photos.
I wanted shots of him cooking, the evidence that he really can cook.....
He was more interested in showing off his handiwork.
If you're ever in south Georgia, ask Stan too cook up you something.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Finally...you can meet....
Kennith!
Kennith is the love of Whitney's life. And, her whole family liked him from the minute we met him. She met him in church. (Hey Girls, THAT is THE place to meet your soul mate.)
And, for those of you who know Josie-Tatum personally, you may be as schocked as we were to hear this. Kennith came to our house after driving two hours to get here. He arrived just before lunch. Then, as Josie-Tatum was going to bed, she looked at him and said, "I think you will make a good brother-in-law." He had won Josie-Tatum over in hours.....after one visit. That was something.
You might also want to know, he has NOT asked Whitney to marry him.
But, Kennith rolled with the punch and laughed as much as we all did.
He even joined cookie baking day, with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the kids.
He loves Jesus. He treats Whitney with kindess and respect. He entertains my girls when he and Whitney skype at night.
But, New Year's Eve, he won my heart.
We had a family emergency and Kennith was on his way to our house. He took the time to text me and tell me he was praying for us. I was with the family member at the hospital. I remembered I had a Boston Butt at home I needed to put on the smoker.
Whitney and Kennith spent the day preparing the butt and keeping an eye on it throughout the hours and hours it was on the smoker.
Kennith!
I had come home, but needed to rest. Kennith continued working in my kitchen.
We're all thinkin' he's a keeper. He can be a part of our miracle of more.
Kennith is the love of Whitney's life. And, her whole family liked him from the minute we met him. She met him in church. (Hey Girls, THAT is THE place to meet your soul mate.)
And, for those of you who know Josie-Tatum personally, you may be as schocked as we were to hear this. Kennith came to our house after driving two hours to get here. He arrived just before lunch. Then, as Josie-Tatum was going to bed, she looked at him and said, "I think you will make a good brother-in-law." He had won Josie-Tatum over in hours.....after one visit. That was something.
You might also want to know, he has NOT asked Whitney to marry him.
But, Kennith rolled with the punch and laughed as much as we all did.
He even joined cookie baking day, with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the kids.
He loves Jesus. He treats Whitney with kindess and respect. He entertains my girls when he and Whitney skype at night.
But, New Year's Eve, he won my heart.
We had a family emergency and Kennith was on his way to our house. He took the time to text me and tell me he was praying for us. I was with the family member at the hospital. I remembered I had a Boston Butt at home I needed to put on the smoker.
Whitney and Kennith spent the day preparing the butt and keeping an eye on it throughout the hours and hours it was on the smoker.
Kennith!
I had come home, but needed to rest. Kennith continued working in my kitchen.
We're all thinkin' he's a keeper. He can be a part of our miracle of more.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The New 147 Millions Orphans "Minus" Campaign
Oh Friends! I am soooo excited about this new shirt. I love, love, love it. On the front it reads, "147 Millions Orphans." On the back it reads "Minus #". You get to choose the number!!!! You can choose any number 1-6.
We have been doing very little fundraising since our miracle donation. If you don't know about that, you can read more here:
http://meimeimakesfour.blogspot.com/2011/11/more-than-i-ever-could-have-imagined.html
Through the MIGHTY hand of God, we have been blessed with enough money to go to China. Our fundraising efforts now are simply to be sure we have enough money to take Josie-Tatum and Ellie with us. We think it is so important for them to be a part of "Gotcha Day," to be reminded of what a special moment that is.
We desperately want to take Ellie back to her foster home. That is where Drew is currently living, and the nannies at Amazing Hands loved her dearly. The government of China is also forcing AH to give up their home...and since it is CHina...they can do that. They are currently looking for a new location. This will likely be Ellie's only opportunity to visit the place where she was cared for until her Forever Family came.
Take a look at these shirts. If you'd like a shirt, you can purchase the red baseball shirt for $35 and the tee-shirt for $20. The red shirt is a women's fitted shirt, so I recommend ordering at least one size larger. The t-shirt fits like most commonly worn t-shirts. If you need it shipped, I will take care of the shipping costs.
We have been doing very little fundraising since our miracle donation. If you don't know about that, you can read more here:
http://meimeimakesfour.blogspot.com/2011/11/more-than-i-ever-could-have-imagined.html
Through the MIGHTY hand of God, we have been blessed with enough money to go to China. Our fundraising efforts now are simply to be sure we have enough money to take Josie-Tatum and Ellie with us. We think it is so important for them to be a part of "Gotcha Day," to be reminded of what a special moment that is.
We desperately want to take Ellie back to her foster home. That is where Drew is currently living, and the nannies at Amazing Hands loved her dearly. The government of China is also forcing AH to give up their home...and since it is CHina...they can do that. They are currently looking for a new location. This will likely be Ellie's only opportunity to visit the place where she was cared for until her Forever Family came.
Take a look at these shirts. If you'd like a shirt, you can purchase the red baseball shirt for $35 and the tee-shirt for $20. The red shirt is a women's fitted shirt, so I recommend ordering at least one size larger. The t-shirt fits like most commonly worn t-shirts. If you need it shipped, I will take care of the shipping costs.
You may click the paypal link included here. When ordering, please include in the message to seller box at Pay Pal and/or send me an email stating the size and type of shirt, as well as the number you want placed on the back. If you are ordering in honor of our family, you can put Minus 5 on your shirt. Many of you, though, have beautiful families completed through adoption, so you'll have your own number.
Thank you for your unending support and prayers throughout this past year as we followed God's guiding hand. The enemy fought every step of the way, but our God who loves the orphan more than we do, who loves Drew and Zeke more than I can imagine, has sustained us. He is Jehovah-Jireh.
May He receive all the glory due Him!
Robbie
You are not required to have a paypal account to pay through this button. It will also accept credit and debit cards.
We also still have Ugandan beads to sell. You can use the same button to order necklaces. Due to the release of Katie's book, 147 Millions Orphans is currently out of beads, but I have about 20 strands.
Thank you for your unending support and prayers throughout this past year as we followed God's guiding hand. The enemy fought every step of the way, but our God who loves the orphan more than we do, who loves Drew and Zeke more than I can imagine, has sustained us. He is Jehovah-Jireh.
May He receive all the glory due Him!
Robbie
You are not required to have a paypal account to pay through this button. It will also accept credit and debit cards.
We also still have Ugandan beads to sell. You can use the same button to order necklaces. Due to the release of Katie's book, 147 Millions Orphans is currently out of beads, but I have about 20 strands.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Twenty-Four Hours of Blessings
Yesterday I received a message from a friend M. M and I have never met, but the LORD connected us is a way that I won't try to explain now. But, if you are like me, you are amazed at how God connects so many people in the adoption community, the things you find you have common, the love and support you receive from people you've never met in person.
Well, M was thinking of me because her son J was taking a trip to China, and she had JUST learned that the group would be visiting the foster home where Dre is on Saturday. J was just hours away from leaving, and she emailed me a question, "Would you live for my son to tell Drew his parents say hello? Since it was last minute she offered to send a gift to him on our behalf."
Since I was at work, and she was not able to hear from me, she took the liberty...and I and so glad she did, to put together a care package for Drew. She even printed some recent photos of his family to send.
Last night, she sent me this photo.
And, on Saturday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 in China, while we are still sleeping, J will be meeting our Drew. He will be telling him that his Mama and Baba are on the way. He will be the first one to show him a photo of his family!!! I am thrilled.
(BTW, I was working already this week... getting a photo album ready to send to him. So, now before the photo album comes, he'll already have a gift and already know what his family looks like.
After I got home, STan and I went to town to have new photos made for our visas. We discussed the package Drew would be receiving while driving to town. After our visa photos were ready, he passed by a display of Match Box and Hot Wheels cars. When I reminded him that we have a Rubber Maid container full of cars that belonged to Caleb at home, he said, "The boys should have the joy of opening the package with a new car." Then, he spent his time looking at every car.
Not.
Even.
Kidding.
And, after he found the perfect six cars, he said, "I plan to buy two cars each week!"
I had a blast just watching him enjoy looking through cars. He came home and put them in a special place, where he plans to keep purchases he makes for the boys.
God is soooooo good.
Then, when I was getting dressed for work this morning, and Stan was in the tub...I brought my computer into the bathroom so I could listen to The Fish Atlanta on the computer, so I checked my email.
Surprise!
A message from the founder of Drew's foster home.
Here are some pictures which Tina took of ZZ during the Christmas party. He is a vivacious, energetic, and very smart little guy! We marvel at how the Lord chose you for him and him for you, because he has so much potential for all that energy and brainpower! It takes a strong and wise mother to raise him in the way of the Lord. I am sure your husband is also a strong and wise leader for your family. When it's time to go, ZZ would be so excited!! We can't wait to see him united with his God-given, forever family! The angels in heaven must rejoice with us! Meanwhile, please take care and keep well! Please give Ellie a big hug from us! :-)
Blessings,
Amy
And, photos!!
Check back tomorrow. I have someone who must be introduced before another member of my family "disowns" me. ;) You know who you are.
Well, M was thinking of me because her son J was taking a trip to China, and she had JUST learned that the group would be visiting the foster home where Dre is on Saturday. J was just hours away from leaving, and she emailed me a question, "Would you live for my son to tell Drew his parents say hello? Since it was last minute she offered to send a gift to him on our behalf."
Since I was at work, and she was not able to hear from me, she took the liberty...and I and so glad she did, to put together a care package for Drew. She even printed some recent photos of his family to send.
Last night, she sent me this photo.
And, on Saturday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 in China, while we are still sleeping, J will be meeting our Drew. He will be telling him that his Mama and Baba are on the way. He will be the first one to show him a photo of his family!!! I am thrilled.
(BTW, I was working already this week... getting a photo album ready to send to him. So, now before the photo album comes, he'll already have a gift and already know what his family looks like.
After I got home, STan and I went to town to have new photos made for our visas. We discussed the package Drew would be receiving while driving to town. After our visa photos were ready, he passed by a display of Match Box and Hot Wheels cars. When I reminded him that we have a Rubber Maid container full of cars that belonged to Caleb at home, he said, "The boys should have the joy of opening the package with a new car." Then, he spent his time looking at every car.
Not.
Even.
Kidding.
And, after he found the perfect six cars, he said, "I plan to buy two cars each week!"
I had a blast just watching him enjoy looking through cars. He came home and put them in a special place, where he plans to keep purchases he makes for the boys.
God is soooooo good.
Then, when I was getting dressed for work this morning, and Stan was in the tub...I brought my computer into the bathroom so I could listen to The Fish Atlanta on the computer, so I checked my email.
Surprise!
A message from the founder of Drew's foster home.
Here are some pictures which Tina took of ZZ during the Christmas party. He is a vivacious, energetic, and very smart little guy! We marvel at how the Lord chose you for him and him for you, because he has so much potential for all that energy and brainpower! It takes a strong and wise mother to raise him in the way of the Lord. I am sure your husband is also a strong and wise leader for your family. When it's time to go, ZZ would be so excited!! We can't wait to see him united with his God-given, forever family! The angels in heaven must rejoice with us! Meanwhile, please take care and keep well! Please give Ellie a big hug from us! :-)
Blessings,
Amy
And, photos!!
Check back tomorrow. I have someone who must be introduced before another member of my family "disowns" me. ;) You know who you are.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Blessed Christmas
I can't wait to share....but I'm headed out the door.
Our Christmas was incredibly blessed with ALL of our children home.
Today, Josie-Tatum asked her mama for a date, so we are going ice skating.
I hope to post photos and more this evening.
I pray your Christmas was overflowing with blessings, too.
Our Christmas was incredibly blessed with ALL of our children home.
Today, Josie-Tatum asked her mama for a date, so we are going ice skating.
I hope to post photos and more this evening.
I pray your Christmas was overflowing with blessings, too.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Merry Christmas from Ellie, JT, and the Ninja Sheep
It was a Christmas play like no other. It was awesome!
I love to watch Christmas plays involving children. I love to watch children being children.
That would be the best way to describe our children's Christmas play at church. It opened with Ellie as the greeter. Didn't you enjoy that?
The story continued with Mary, Joseph, and inkeeper, the stable......
some angels:
Josie-Tatum was an angel.
Of course, there was one BRIGHT star, but there was many other smaller stars. Ellie was a small star. (After a quick costume change following the opening.)
The play, however, had some very interesting animals. They slowly crawled....down the aisle and made it to the stage. The sheep, though, were not quite the docile creatures we remember sheep to be. They seemed more like sheep from Mission Impossible. They had a quite a few moves that might impress Tom Cruise. I was unable to get a really good action show, but, perhaps you can get the idea from this one.
I pray you have enjoyed children's Christmas plays this year, too. If not, I think you should schedule some time to see one. It helps us see Christmas through special eyes.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Blessed with Boys
Overwhelmed with the goodness of our Savior this weekend, I sat in our home and pondered life as it will soon be with two more sons. How could I be so blessed?
All of my children were home, except Zeke and Drew. Whitney and Brandon are home from college for the holidays. And, blessing of blessings, Caleb's submarine came back into its home port this week. He came by for the afternoon.
Later that evening, after having a family Christmas with his wife's extended family, Caleb came back to see us. There was much laughter as we sat around the dining room table, and we were joined later by some of the boys' high school friends. It's been a long time since I heard so much laughter in our home.
And...since the boys complain that they "never" make the blog, I asked them, along with their friends to pose for a photo.
The friends, however, couldn't understand why the girls weren't allowed to be in the picture. They insisted we take a photo with the girls, too. Just to be Caleb's and Brandon's record was kept unbroken, there had to be a few pranks before the photo session was over.
And, finally a photo with all of them.
All of my children were home, except Zeke and Drew. Whitney and Brandon are home from college for the holidays. And, blessing of blessings, Caleb's submarine came back into its home port this week. He came by for the afternoon.
Later that evening, after having a family Christmas with his wife's extended family, Caleb came back to see us. There was much laughter as we sat around the dining room table, and we were joined later by some of the boys' high school friends. It's been a long time since I heard so much laughter in our home.
And...since the boys complain that they "never" make the blog, I asked them, along with their friends to pose for a photo.
The friends, however, couldn't understand why the girls weren't allowed to be in the picture. They insisted we take a photo with the girls, too. Just to be Caleb's and Brandon's record was kept unbroken, there had to be a few pranks before the photo session was over.
And, finally a photo with all of them.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Making Memories
Sometimes, I have a crazy idea pop into my head about Making Memories. I have decided on a Friday afternoon to go see snow fall in West Virginia....and we made memories.
This idea was a little less expensive. The girls had an impromptu sleep over. They started on the trampoline. Then, we ordered pizza. Then we started making memories.
After the trampoline and our pizza supper, someone allowed Ellie and LizAnn to give a manicure. Future advice: Six-yea-olds are not gentle on the cuticles.
Did you guess?
It was Daddy!!!! (He told me I shouldn't post these photos on the blog, but he had a smile on his face when he told me that, so I think he wont' mind.)
We made lots of paper snowflakes, and embellished them with glitter glue and sequins. Stan even made a snowflake; however, he decided to have me work on the embellishment so he could keep his "man card." (Yeah, right! After the previouc manicure.)
After the snowflake creations and subsequent cleaning of the mess, we did something I love that totally freaks Stan out. I made hot chocolate and took the girls outside to shout Merry Christmas at the passersby. Only......we were on the roof. Not. Kidding.
When I asked Liz Ann if she'd like to spend the night with Ellie, she said with great enthusiasm, "I've always wanted to take a bath with Ellie!" So, I made it a bubble bath.
And, after the bubble bath, we left our home at 11:00 PM and rode the town looking at Christmas lights.
It was an awesome evening of making memories!!
This idea was a little less expensive. The girls had an impromptu sleep over. They started on the trampoline. Then, we ordered pizza. Then we started making memories.
After the trampoline and our pizza supper, someone allowed Ellie and LizAnn to give a manicure. Future advice: Six-yea-olds are not gentle on the cuticles.
Did you guess?
It was Daddy!!!! (He told me I shouldn't post these photos on the blog, but he had a smile on his face when he told me that, so I think he wont' mind.)
We made lots of paper snowflakes, and embellished them with glitter glue and sequins. Stan even made a snowflake; however, he decided to have me work on the embellishment so he could keep his "man card." (Yeah, right! After the previouc manicure.)
After the snowflake creations and subsequent cleaning of the mess, we did something I love that totally freaks Stan out. I made hot chocolate and took the girls outside to shout Merry Christmas at the passersby. Only......we were on the roof. Not. Kidding.
When I asked Liz Ann if she'd like to spend the night with Ellie, she said with great enthusiasm, "I've always wanted to take a bath with Ellie!" So, I made it a bubble bath.
And, after the bubble bath, we left our home at 11:00 PM and rode the town looking at Christmas lights.
It was an awesome evening of making memories!!
Sing Hallelujah
We interrupt this family blog for a story about another child....whose life is connected to ours in a way that only Jesus Himself could orchestrate.
Many of you may remember that last year our family was contacted and asked to advocate for Xiao Yong. It was when we began to advocate for him that God led us to our Drew. (Read more about this story on a Memorial Box post here.
Today is Xiao Yong's day!!!
He was left behind time after time and year after year. He WAS the only child remaining at the foster home where our Ellie lived. Many children have come and found their families. Many new faces always coming, always leaving. Xiao Yong was always staying.
He had developed a habit of asking any male volunteers who came to the foster home, "Big Brother, will you play with me?"
But, God who loves the fatherless was orchestrating a plan for Xiao Yong. Our family had the privilege of praying for him from Friday to Monday...when we learned a family was committing to him, a forever family.
Now, just over one year later. Xiao Young met his Baba!!!!
(That's "daddy" in Chinese.)
Sing Hallelujah with me!
Many of you may remember that last year our family was contacted and asked to advocate for Xiao Yong. It was when we began to advocate for him that God led us to our Drew. (Read more about this story on a Memorial Box post here.
Today is Xiao Yong's day!!!
He was left behind time after time and year after year. He WAS the only child remaining at the foster home where our Ellie lived. Many children have come and found their families. Many new faces always coming, always leaving. Xiao Yong was always staying.
He had developed a habit of asking any male volunteers who came to the foster home, "Big Brother, will you play with me?"
But, God who loves the fatherless was orchestrating a plan for Xiao Yong. Our family had the privilege of praying for him from Friday to Monday...when we learned a family was committing to him, a forever family.
Now, just over one year later. Xiao Young met his Baba!!!!
(That's "daddy" in Chinese.)
Sing Hallelujah with me!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Dear Teacher....too precious NOT to share
I have a pain in the neck...NO. REALLY. My neck is killing me, and I will see the doctor today. But, better than a pain in the neck is the most PRECIOUS letter I have ever received from a student.
I have a file that I have labeled, "Smiles From Students." I couldn't possibly keep every note, letter, or hand drawn picture from the past 25 years...but I keep those that are special.
And, this one will go on the top. I don't know, maybe it should go in our Memorial Box.
I must begin by telling you I had a very difficult afternoon yesterday. There is nothing wrong with me, but there was a situation involving people I love dearly, and I was sort of caught in the middle.
I received a phone call about it at work, and I was upset. (The details are not mine to share, but this letter will blow you away.) I was so upset that I had to leave the classroom for a few minutes and get my thoughts and myself together. An administrator saw me in the hallway, and my classroom was well cared for while I nursed my aching heart. Many of my students in more than one class saw me...as it was "changing classes" time. When I returned to the CR, I assured them everything was fine. It was just some sad news from a friend.
And, truthfully, when I went to bed last night, PRAISE the LORD! Jesus had worked through the difficult siutation.
Then today, a student put a note on my desk. Nothing unusual about that.
Until I read it.
Get the tissues:
Dear Mrs. Robbie,
Are you ok? I saw you crying yesterday an dgot worried. Mrs. (teacher) told us we could pray if wanted to. So I did. I bowed my head and closed my eyes and said, "Dear Lord. Be with Mrs. Robbie. If anything is wrong work it out pleace. Once again be with Mrs. Robbie. Amen.:
Sincerely with love,
(Student Name)
P.S. I am always remembering you!
God sends me just what I need just when I need it. Many teachers shy away from fourth grade. I love fourth graders. And, while the world would say the generation of children in elementary school is full of problems. I would agree. But this same student has had her share of problems, and she has been left with a heart of compassion that surely makes Jesus smile more than I did today.
I have a file that I have labeled, "Smiles From Students." I couldn't possibly keep every note, letter, or hand drawn picture from the past 25 years...but I keep those that are special.
And, this one will go on the top. I don't know, maybe it should go in our Memorial Box.
I must begin by telling you I had a very difficult afternoon yesterday. There is nothing wrong with me, but there was a situation involving people I love dearly, and I was sort of caught in the middle.
I received a phone call about it at work, and I was upset. (The details are not mine to share, but this letter will blow you away.) I was so upset that I had to leave the classroom for a few minutes and get my thoughts and myself together. An administrator saw me in the hallway, and my classroom was well cared for while I nursed my aching heart. Many of my students in more than one class saw me...as it was "changing classes" time. When I returned to the CR, I assured them everything was fine. It was just some sad news from a friend.
And, truthfully, when I went to bed last night, PRAISE the LORD! Jesus had worked through the difficult siutation.
Then today, a student put a note on my desk. Nothing unusual about that.
Until I read it.
Get the tissues:
Dear Mrs. Robbie,
Are you ok? I saw you crying yesterday an dgot worried. Mrs. (teacher) told us we could pray if wanted to. So I did. I bowed my head and closed my eyes and said, "Dear Lord. Be with Mrs. Robbie. If anything is wrong work it out pleace. Once again be with Mrs. Robbie. Amen.:
Sincerely with love,
(Student Name)
P.S. I am always remembering you!
God sends me just what I need just when I need it. Many teachers shy away from fourth grade. I love fourth graders. And, while the world would say the generation of children in elementary school is full of problems. I would agree. But this same student has had her share of problems, and she has been left with a heart of compassion that surely makes Jesus smile more than I did today.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Two Reasons to Smile
I smiled when my cell phone rang today. Smile with me....the caller ID showed Caleb's cell phone number. His submarine was surfacing, so he was standing on top of the sub calling his mama and she felt like she was on top of the world. :)
And, finally, I have been able to upload this video from a month ago. Smile at the debut of Moose, aka my nephew Joshua, and Ellie singing Ellie's theme song. (Don't forget to scroll down and pause the play list.) "You fall down. You get back up again. You may be knocked down but not out forever."
Ellie would love to see your comments telling her what an inspiration she is!
And, finally, I have been able to upload this video from a month ago. Smile at the debut of Moose, aka my nephew Joshua, and Ellie singing Ellie's theme song. (Don't forget to scroll down and pause the play list.) "You fall down. You get back up again. You may be knocked down but not out forever."
Ellie would love to see your comments telling her what an inspiration she is!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sweet Surprise from China
I've had these precious photos for a couple of weeks, but haven't shared yet.
Drew celebrated his 4th birthday on Nov 13th...and his AWESOME nanny sent me pictures of the celebration.
Have you noticed how many photos include him eating? I think that boy likes to eat!;)
Please pray for our Drew. His nanny also shared that his closest friend was adopted this summer and the other two boys close to his age are leaving with their forever families soon. While he knows his forever family is coming, he will be "left behind" for a few months without his friends. Pray that God will protect his heart.
Our Zeke is in a huge orphanage. While his current situation lacks the loving and caring environment where Drew is, he is likely not even aware that a family is coming. His orphanage has just opened to adoption in the last year. He will need much prayer as he learns to adjust to a family, but his heart is less vulnerable right now.
Thank you for rejoicing with us. Thank you for all of the emails and encouragement we received in the last 2 days!!!!!
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Ellie Min Chun
Josie-Tatum's MeiMei
