Rachelle D. Alspaugh's Blog, page 28
August 19, 2018
Back to 2nd grade I go!
With the building under construction up until the very last minute, this has been the craziest start to a new school year. I finally got into my room at noon on Wednesday and actually had my room ready for my kids by Friday afternoon for our Porch Party. My teammates couldn't believe how quickly I got it all done and set up, but I had to point out that I'm a minimalist and keep things simple and efficient. I also had to point out that I didn't bring everything back from home yet--nor do I think I will.
I cleared out a ton, but all of this still occupies his room. If I find I don't need it, I'm not taking it back to school. (Mostly books, organizers, and decorations).
Here is the rest of my classroom, all ready for my sweet students to start their second grade year tomorrow morning.
I was fortunate enough to "grab" that awesome cubby unit from a coworker that didn't see a need for it in her room. That will be a wonderful space saver for me without the expense.
I've since put a few more things up on the window blinds and organized all the shelves.
My favorite part is the little reading center in the corner with a cute little flower lamp that I "won" as a white elephant gift two years ago.
My classroom theme is army, so I've got an army banner and a few army bears and accessories. But our Dual Language program has us color code everyting in red (for Spanish) and blue (for English), so I try not to add much of any other colors. Too much color is overstimulating, anyway, in my opinion.
After five years in a Pre-K classroom overcrowded with way too many things, all this space just makes me feel so happy and free.
I've got a special place designated in the back for our class guinea pig(s), which I will be picking up tomorrow after spending the summer with a previous student. I've kinda missed those little critters and already packed some healthy snacks (veggies) for them!
Oh, and these pictures don't reflect a complete ceiling, which didn't get finished until about an hour or two before the kids showed up on Friday!
But as crazy and last minute as the construction left us this year, I must say that I had the best porch part ever in my teaching career. 21 out of 22 students came, half of them already brought all of their supplies, and the kids were so excited to see that they get another year with me (I had them three years ago in Pre-K). But not only the kids--the parents, too. They were just as excited, if not more. :)
I absolutely love my new team, too, and we've done nothing but help and encourage each other over the last week. One is starting his second year at my school, but his 15th year in 2nd grade. One is in her second year of teaching and is moving from 5th to 2nd. The other one is brand new to our school and district, but she comes with experience teaching Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd. And me--and though I've been away from 2nd grade for the last five years, I feel like I'm back "home" in my sweet spot.
I am truly looking forward to a great year ahead. I think I might even be able to sleep tonight, which I almost never do the night before school starts.
I cleared out a ton, but all of this still occupies his room. If I find I don't need it, I'm not taking it back to school. (Mostly books, organizers, and decorations). Here is the rest of my classroom, all ready for my sweet students to start their second grade year tomorrow morning.
I was fortunate enough to "grab" that awesome cubby unit from a coworker that didn't see a need for it in her room. That will be a wonderful space saver for me without the expense. 
I've since put a few more things up on the window blinds and organized all the shelves.
My favorite part is the little reading center in the corner with a cute little flower lamp that I "won" as a white elephant gift two years ago.
My classroom theme is army, so I've got an army banner and a few army bears and accessories. But our Dual Language program has us color code everyting in red (for Spanish) and blue (for English), so I try not to add much of any other colors. Too much color is overstimulating, anyway, in my opinion. After five years in a Pre-K classroom overcrowded with way too many things, all this space just makes me feel so happy and free.
I've got a special place designated in the back for our class guinea pig(s), which I will be picking up tomorrow after spending the summer with a previous student. I've kinda missed those little critters and already packed some healthy snacks (veggies) for them!
Oh, and these pictures don't reflect a complete ceiling, which didn't get finished until about an hour or two before the kids showed up on Friday!
But as crazy and last minute as the construction left us this year, I must say that I had the best porch part ever in my teaching career. 21 out of 22 students came, half of them already brought all of their supplies, and the kids were so excited to see that they get another year with me (I had them three years ago in Pre-K). But not only the kids--the parents, too. They were just as excited, if not more. :)
I absolutely love my new team, too, and we've done nothing but help and encourage each other over the last week. One is starting his second year at my school, but his 15th year in 2nd grade. One is in her second year of teaching and is moving from 5th to 2nd. The other one is brand new to our school and district, but she comes with experience teaching Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd. And me--and though I've been away from 2nd grade for the last five years, I feel like I'm back "home" in my sweet spot.
I am truly looking forward to a great year ahead. I think I might even be able to sleep tonight, which I almost never do the night before school starts.
DBU Take Two
This has been such a crazy, busy week that these pics seem much older than just 8 days.
Eight days ago, Juan came back from Pine Cove with his roommate, and I picked him up mid-morning near Fort Worth.
First things first, a MUCH needed haircut.
We went home for him to shower before taking him out shopping for some new school clothes and other necessities for the year ahead at DBU. However, he started his laundry and fell asleep for the rest of the afternoon. That boy was truly exhausted. I managed to get all of his laundry done for him before we headed to church that evening.
Sure was nice to have him back at church with me! In fact, we all were together for the service for the first time in a long time. I've missed that.
Afterward we ate dinner as a family for the second time all summer, along with some friends that came, too.
The next morning, we made it out shopping in record time, stocking him up on new clothes, shoes, apartment necessities, and a few groceries. I gave him a list of simple foods to have on hand to make simple meals, I gave him a budget, I made him use his calculator as he shopped to make sure he didn't go over, and I gave him cash to pay for it all, explaining how much he'll be able to spend on his food each month. He actually really enjoyed "adulting" for the morning.
After that, we met my parents for lunch before heading home for a few hours for him to pack everything up again.
Early that evening, we got him all moved in to his new apartment on the DBU campus that he will be sharing with four other guys, three of whom had been there for the last few weeks/months while he was at Pine Cove. I didn't take pictures of the inside because, well, it was definitely an all guys apartment. Enough said.
This beautiful little park/fitness trail is practically right in front of his apartment.
He's not at DBU by accident. God has a purpose for him there, and despite several setbacks his first year due to some immaturity issues, poor self-management skills, and a definite lack of English that became quite evident pretty quickly, (and a very humbling second semester trying to swim back to shore), he improved just enough to keep his funding for a second try this year.
I saw him grow and mature in many ways during his summer at Pine Cove, so I am hoping that those skills and that maturity will help him start off much stronger this year. I suppose we'll have to just take things one semester at a time and not get ahead of ourselves in planning out his life. If I've learned anything since meeting him ten years ago, it's that his life is in God's hands, not mine, and I need to trust God with my son on a daily basis.
I miss him around here. David and I have had a really sweet summer together, but there is always that feeling that someone is missing. And the sad reality is that I think he's going to be missing more often than not from here on out.
Juan and I have a very close relationship, one that seems to get closer the more independent he becomes. My role has changed from parenting and modeling to now coaching, guiding, and encouraging. His love language is Words of Affirmation, so I am constantly looking for ways to praise him, encourage him, and lift him up--as well as looking for times to just say, "I'm proud of you, son." I'm learning that those words of affirmation go a long way with him. A lot further than any bit of nagging and reminding him of his shortcomings would go.
I guess it's just like practicing gratitude, intentionally focusing on the good rather than dwelling on the negative. Makes a huge difference in all areas of life.
So, as much as I miss my son, I'm so thankful for his summer experience working and serving at Pine Cove, I'm thankful for his first year at DBU, and I'm thankful for how God reopened the door for him to go back to DBU this semester. I used to fret over the fact that our four years with him were just not enough time to prepare him. But now I see that God said, "That's right. They weren't. But I've still got him in MY hands and have continued to surround him with just the right people and environments that he needs to continue growing into the man he's supposed to become."
Just like He told me after the adoption failed, "Trust Me with him. I love him even more than you do."
Eight days ago, Juan came back from Pine Cove with his roommate, and I picked him up mid-morning near Fort Worth.
First things first, a MUCH needed haircut.
We went home for him to shower before taking him out shopping for some new school clothes and other necessities for the year ahead at DBU. However, he started his laundry and fell asleep for the rest of the afternoon. That boy was truly exhausted. I managed to get all of his laundry done for him before we headed to church that evening.
Sure was nice to have him back at church with me! In fact, we all were together for the service for the first time in a long time. I've missed that.
Afterward we ate dinner as a family for the second time all summer, along with some friends that came, too.
The next morning, we made it out shopping in record time, stocking him up on new clothes, shoes, apartment necessities, and a few groceries. I gave him a list of simple foods to have on hand to make simple meals, I gave him a budget, I made him use his calculator as he shopped to make sure he didn't go over, and I gave him cash to pay for it all, explaining how much he'll be able to spend on his food each month. He actually really enjoyed "adulting" for the morning. After that, we met my parents for lunch before heading home for a few hours for him to pack everything up again.
Early that evening, we got him all moved in to his new apartment on the DBU campus that he will be sharing with four other guys, three of whom had been there for the last few weeks/months while he was at Pine Cove. I didn't take pictures of the inside because, well, it was definitely an all guys apartment. Enough said.
This beautiful little park/fitness trail is practically right in front of his apartment.
He's not at DBU by accident. God has a purpose for him there, and despite several setbacks his first year due to some immaturity issues, poor self-management skills, and a definite lack of English that became quite evident pretty quickly, (and a very humbling second semester trying to swim back to shore), he improved just enough to keep his funding for a second try this year.
I saw him grow and mature in many ways during his summer at Pine Cove, so I am hoping that those skills and that maturity will help him start off much stronger this year. I suppose we'll have to just take things one semester at a time and not get ahead of ourselves in planning out his life. If I've learned anything since meeting him ten years ago, it's that his life is in God's hands, not mine, and I need to trust God with my son on a daily basis.
I miss him around here. David and I have had a really sweet summer together, but there is always that feeling that someone is missing. And the sad reality is that I think he's going to be missing more often than not from here on out.
Juan and I have a very close relationship, one that seems to get closer the more independent he becomes. My role has changed from parenting and modeling to now coaching, guiding, and encouraging. His love language is Words of Affirmation, so I am constantly looking for ways to praise him, encourage him, and lift him up--as well as looking for times to just say, "I'm proud of you, son." I'm learning that those words of affirmation go a long way with him. A lot further than any bit of nagging and reminding him of his shortcomings would go.
I guess it's just like practicing gratitude, intentionally focusing on the good rather than dwelling on the negative. Makes a huge difference in all areas of life.
So, as much as I miss my son, I'm so thankful for his summer experience working and serving at Pine Cove, I'm thankful for his first year at DBU, and I'm thankful for how God reopened the door for him to go back to DBU this semester. I used to fret over the fact that our four years with him were just not enough time to prepare him. But now I see that God said, "That's right. They weren't. But I've still got him in MY hands and have continued to surround him with just the right people and environments that he needs to continue growing into the man he's supposed to become."
Just like He told me after the adoption failed, "Trust Me with him. I love him even more than you do."
August 7, 2018
One more day
One more day of summer. One more day to attempt to sleep in. One more day to soak up a quiet morning. One more day to hang out and chill with David, watching movies and playing games. One more day to visit my favorite coffee shop.
One more day.
To be honest, though, I wish I could soak up the silence of the morning tomorrow in my classroom. Every year I make it a point to head in to school a few days to a week before everyone else comes back because I can think so much better when it's quiet and I don't have to talk to a single soul. For this introvert, it's really the perfect way to start out a school year. I get most of my things organized, special copies made, posters put up, and desks/furniture arranged before all the other teachers fill the halls with their extroverted energy, enthusiasm, and NOISE.
Not that I don't enjoy seeing everyone again, catching up, and meeting the new teachers. Just not all at once, and definitely not when I need to focus and think clearly enough to start off a new year.
But, alas, I will not have that privilege of starting the year quietly. The building remains under construction and we're told we can't get into our classrooms until the last two days of staff development, still a week from Thursday. Leaving two short days to get things set up, plus that Saturday and Sunday before school starts if we so choose. (Normally, I am adamant about NOT working over the weekend, but this year may be different.)
So, for now I'm trying to think backwards and get the things done now that I would normally do those last two days, like taking a good look at all the lessons I'll be teaching the first week, as well as how I will present all of the procedures and routines. The fact that I'm returning to a grade I taught for many years makes it much easier than if I were having to learn a whole new grade level, and the fact that I already know and have taught many of the students coming up into second grade takes that whole level of first-day-of-school stress away.
Since Juan was gone for the entire summer, I stored ALL of my classroom stuff (that I had to bring home due to the construction at school) in his room. I figured I'd have it all out and back to school by this week, just in time for him to come home this weekend to reoccupy his room. No such luck. So I spent today picking out the essential things that I'll need to take back to school at least for the first week (since we won't have much time) and moved all that into David's room (lol), clearing out enough space in Juan's room so he can sleep, unpack from a summer at Pine Cove, and repack for the next semester at DBU.
(In another few days, he'll be home for a whirlwind of a weekend, and then we'll take him straight to DBU to settle in a few days early before classes. This summer with him gone so long made me realize just how different our role in his life is now and how different his role is in our lives, too. Makes me super thankful for all of our travels together last summer and our big family vacation over Christmas. Not sure how many more of those opportunities we will see with him. Very bittersweet, bringing lots of mixed emotions.)
The following weekend will be spent scrambling to make sure everything is ready for the first day of school. Not the way I would have liked to start a new school year, but, it is what it is. I'm just glad I've had a restful and quiet summer to prepare for the whirlwind of the next two weekends.
And, just like the kids, I am definitely craving that sense of structure and routine again that the school year brings. It brings comfort and security and just makes you feel safe and productive.
One more day, and then I'm off to start my 16th year of teaching in the same school where I started my career. Back to my home away from home with a bunch of kids and families that I've grown to love more with each year. Classroom ready or not, I'm looking forward to a great year ahead.
One more day.
To be honest, though, I wish I could soak up the silence of the morning tomorrow in my classroom. Every year I make it a point to head in to school a few days to a week before everyone else comes back because I can think so much better when it's quiet and I don't have to talk to a single soul. For this introvert, it's really the perfect way to start out a school year. I get most of my things organized, special copies made, posters put up, and desks/furniture arranged before all the other teachers fill the halls with their extroverted energy, enthusiasm, and NOISE.
Not that I don't enjoy seeing everyone again, catching up, and meeting the new teachers. Just not all at once, and definitely not when I need to focus and think clearly enough to start off a new year.
But, alas, I will not have that privilege of starting the year quietly. The building remains under construction and we're told we can't get into our classrooms until the last two days of staff development, still a week from Thursday. Leaving two short days to get things set up, plus that Saturday and Sunday before school starts if we so choose. (Normally, I am adamant about NOT working over the weekend, but this year may be different.)
So, for now I'm trying to think backwards and get the things done now that I would normally do those last two days, like taking a good look at all the lessons I'll be teaching the first week, as well as how I will present all of the procedures and routines. The fact that I'm returning to a grade I taught for many years makes it much easier than if I were having to learn a whole new grade level, and the fact that I already know and have taught many of the students coming up into second grade takes that whole level of first-day-of-school stress away.
Since Juan was gone for the entire summer, I stored ALL of my classroom stuff (that I had to bring home due to the construction at school) in his room. I figured I'd have it all out and back to school by this week, just in time for him to come home this weekend to reoccupy his room. No such luck. So I spent today picking out the essential things that I'll need to take back to school at least for the first week (since we won't have much time) and moved all that into David's room (lol), clearing out enough space in Juan's room so he can sleep, unpack from a summer at Pine Cove, and repack for the next semester at DBU.
(In another few days, he'll be home for a whirlwind of a weekend, and then we'll take him straight to DBU to settle in a few days early before classes. This summer with him gone so long made me realize just how different our role in his life is now and how different his role is in our lives, too. Makes me super thankful for all of our travels together last summer and our big family vacation over Christmas. Not sure how many more of those opportunities we will see with him. Very bittersweet, bringing lots of mixed emotions.)
The following weekend will be spent scrambling to make sure everything is ready for the first day of school. Not the way I would have liked to start a new school year, but, it is what it is. I'm just glad I've had a restful and quiet summer to prepare for the whirlwind of the next two weekends.
And, just like the kids, I am definitely craving that sense of structure and routine again that the school year brings. It brings comfort and security and just makes you feel safe and productive.
One more day, and then I'm off to start my 16th year of teaching in the same school where I started my career. Back to my home away from home with a bunch of kids and families that I've grown to love more with each year. Classroom ready or not, I'm looking forward to a great year ahead.
July 29, 2018
A summer at home
This was by far one of the most uneventful summers I've had in a long while.
But after traveling the country and the world in 2017, I welcomed a quiet summer at home.
Mike got to go to Indiana for five days to celebrate his younger brother's 40th birthday and to help his parents get much further along on a big construction project at their home.
Juan has enjoyed spending a summer away from home with many other college students from Texas and other states while working hard at Pine Cove in Columbus, Texas. His weeks have been hard, but his weekends have been a lot of fun for him.
David got to go to camp in Winter Park, Colorado, he served on a mission trip to the Rio Grande Valley down by Mexico (in one of the hottest weeks of the year), he bought an old pick-up to work on with Mike as a fun project so he will have it to drive to school this year, and he's been working at Chick Fil-a several evenings each week.
Winter Park, CO trip--JOURNEY HS CAMPChurch camp--Where deep spiritual transformation takes place and great friendships are born
Off to the Rio Grande ValleyMission trips--Where students learn about putting others' needs before their own, while also building life-long friendships with those serving alongside them
Out to the driveway
Fun times working with Dad, learning new things, taking pride and ownership in his first vehicle
The only trip I took was an overnight stay near Pine Cove to visit with Juan, the only time our entire family was together. The rest of the summer, I just stayed home. And I loved it.
I cleaned parts of my home that I haven't touched in a long time. I organized closets, drawers, pantries, and purged a ton of stuff I just didn't need, either to the trash or to Goodwill. We repainted David's room from the deep purple he chose as a 12 year old to the patriotic colors he now loves as a 16 year old. I repainted my bathroom with the extra white paint from David's room and the gray paint from his trim. (I had aspirations of painting more of the house, but everyone else's schedules were a little too scattered for us to all work together on that, so those aspirations will wait for another opportunity.)
I re-organized my school files to get them ready to tackle second grade again--a year that I am truly looking forward to and am ready to jump back into very soon. I am eager to see the surprised look on the kids' faces when they see that I get to be their teacher for the second time now two years later, in a grade I feel much more confident in and prepared to teach than I ever did Pre-K. I see a very fun, rewarding year ahead.
I spent time with my parents, now that they're in town. Not as much as expected, but definitely more than if they were still living ten hours away. We dressed up like cows together so we could get free sandwiches at Chick Fil-a. I got to celebrate my dad's birthday with him, make a neat craft with my mom, and find some thrifty places to shop together.
Mike and I went on lots of dinner dates, and David and I watched a lot of movies at home and played tons of games together. Plus we watched the Fireworks twice!
I watched the World Cup very faithfully, right alongside of Laura, as we texted each other between two continents throughout the games, sharing tears together when Colombia lost their final match. I didn't get to visit her this year, but I felt like we still got to spend time together--something I will never take for granted.
I caught up on some long, overdue coffee dates with one of my dearest friends walking through a very similar stage of life with me right now. And we now have a new favorite coffee shop, thanks to Juan for introducing me to it right before he left for the summer.
I enjoyed Spain this year by watching pictures on Facebook from two of my friends who visited there this summer. I enjoyed Guatemala by following the Facebook and Instagram posts of the team that went, by supporting one of the students, and by praying for all of them. Watching their pictures and posts made me cherish my own memories in both places all the more. Thankful for the opportunities gifted to me a year ago.
And on Wednesday nights, I had the opportunity to lead five weeks of a women's Bible study at church called Fear and Anxiety. That alone brought me absolute joy, especially the first night. When you pray for months for God to bring just the right women to a study, and then they come pouring into the room on the first night from literally all over the metroplex--many of whom had absolutely no connection to our church, it's incredibly humbling. Women ranging from 12 years old to 80 years old. College girls craving the Word of God who googled nearby churches and just came, not even knowing we had a Bible study going on. A friend from my son's soccer team four years ago who just happened to want to get involved in a Bible study and saw a post on Facebook. A woman (a stranger) who heard me give my testimony at the Unveiled Event in May after seeing it advertised on Facebook, who left that night saying God brought her to speak directly to her through my message, and then she came back for a summer of Bible study. In May, a stranger, now, a dear friend. Another friend who unexpectedly moved back from Mexico for at least the summer and immediately joined the study. Several moms and daughters of all ages who wanted to do the study together, including my own mom. Many even invited friends and family members to come after the first night.
As of my last e-mail yesterday, we had 50 women on the roster, plus a name that was missing, along with a friend doing the study on her own because her schedule didn't allow her to come. Just like any summer Bible study, it's hard to compete with vacations, mission trips, holidays, and other summer activities and meetings. We never had all 50 women at once. Some signed up, couldn't make the first meeting, and never ended up coming. But they still got the e-mails and many even got the book. God will lead them through it on His own time. Others started out strong but fell behind, so they didn't make more than one or two sessions. I told them--go at your own pace. Let God guide you. A few others have dealt with sickness or family illness, while others had to work. We've ranged from 15-39 women on a given night, but I am praying for all 50 of them, and I know God will do something in each one of them through the study in His time.
Now for one last week to hang out with David, catch another cup of coffee/long conversation with a friend, finish up the last of our summer doctor/dental appointments, bring our Bible study to a close, perhaps visit with my parents, and continue to rest up before I head back to school in a little over a week.
All in all, for a summer spent at home, I found it quite rewarding and restful.
But after traveling the country and the world in 2017, I welcomed a quiet summer at home.
Mike got to go to Indiana for five days to celebrate his younger brother's 40th birthday and to help his parents get much further along on a big construction project at their home.
Juan has enjoyed spending a summer away from home with many other college students from Texas and other states while working hard at Pine Cove in Columbus, Texas. His weeks have been hard, but his weekends have been a lot of fun for him.
David got to go to camp in Winter Park, Colorado, he served on a mission trip to the Rio Grande Valley down by Mexico (in one of the hottest weeks of the year), he bought an old pick-up to work on with Mike as a fun project so he will have it to drive to school this year, and he's been working at Chick Fil-a several evenings each week.
Winter Park, CO trip--JOURNEY HS CAMPChurch camp--Where deep spiritual transformation takes place and great friendships are born
Off to the Rio Grande ValleyMission trips--Where students learn about putting others' needs before their own, while also building life-long friendships with those serving alongside them
Out to the driveway
Fun times working with Dad, learning new things, taking pride and ownership in his first vehicle
The only trip I took was an overnight stay near Pine Cove to visit with Juan, the only time our entire family was together. The rest of the summer, I just stayed home. And I loved it.
I cleaned parts of my home that I haven't touched in a long time. I organized closets, drawers, pantries, and purged a ton of stuff I just didn't need, either to the trash or to Goodwill. We repainted David's room from the deep purple he chose as a 12 year old to the patriotic colors he now loves as a 16 year old. I repainted my bathroom with the extra white paint from David's room and the gray paint from his trim. (I had aspirations of painting more of the house, but everyone else's schedules were a little too scattered for us to all work together on that, so those aspirations will wait for another opportunity.)
I re-organized my school files to get them ready to tackle second grade again--a year that I am truly looking forward to and am ready to jump back into very soon. I am eager to see the surprised look on the kids' faces when they see that I get to be their teacher for the second time now two years later, in a grade I feel much more confident in and prepared to teach than I ever did Pre-K. I see a very fun, rewarding year ahead.
I spent time with my parents, now that they're in town. Not as much as expected, but definitely more than if they were still living ten hours away. We dressed up like cows together so we could get free sandwiches at Chick Fil-a. I got to celebrate my dad's birthday with him, make a neat craft with my mom, and find some thrifty places to shop together.
Mike and I went on lots of dinner dates, and David and I watched a lot of movies at home and played tons of games together. Plus we watched the Fireworks twice!
I watched the World Cup very faithfully, right alongside of Laura, as we texted each other between two continents throughout the games, sharing tears together when Colombia lost their final match. I didn't get to visit her this year, but I felt like we still got to spend time together--something I will never take for granted.
I caught up on some long, overdue coffee dates with one of my dearest friends walking through a very similar stage of life with me right now. And we now have a new favorite coffee shop, thanks to Juan for introducing me to it right before he left for the summer.
I enjoyed Spain this year by watching pictures on Facebook from two of my friends who visited there this summer. I enjoyed Guatemala by following the Facebook and Instagram posts of the team that went, by supporting one of the students, and by praying for all of them. Watching their pictures and posts made me cherish my own memories in both places all the more. Thankful for the opportunities gifted to me a year ago.
And on Wednesday nights, I had the opportunity to lead five weeks of a women's Bible study at church called Fear and Anxiety. That alone brought me absolute joy, especially the first night. When you pray for months for God to bring just the right women to a study, and then they come pouring into the room on the first night from literally all over the metroplex--many of whom had absolutely no connection to our church, it's incredibly humbling. Women ranging from 12 years old to 80 years old. College girls craving the Word of God who googled nearby churches and just came, not even knowing we had a Bible study going on. A friend from my son's soccer team four years ago who just happened to want to get involved in a Bible study and saw a post on Facebook. A woman (a stranger) who heard me give my testimony at the Unveiled Event in May after seeing it advertised on Facebook, who left that night saying God brought her to speak directly to her through my message, and then she came back for a summer of Bible study. In May, a stranger, now, a dear friend. Another friend who unexpectedly moved back from Mexico for at least the summer and immediately joined the study. Several moms and daughters of all ages who wanted to do the study together, including my own mom. Many even invited friends and family members to come after the first night.
As of my last e-mail yesterday, we had 50 women on the roster, plus a name that was missing, along with a friend doing the study on her own because her schedule didn't allow her to come. Just like any summer Bible study, it's hard to compete with vacations, mission trips, holidays, and other summer activities and meetings. We never had all 50 women at once. Some signed up, couldn't make the first meeting, and never ended up coming. But they still got the e-mails and many even got the book. God will lead them through it on His own time. Others started out strong but fell behind, so they didn't make more than one or two sessions. I told them--go at your own pace. Let God guide you. A few others have dealt with sickness or family illness, while others had to work. We've ranged from 15-39 women on a given night, but I am praying for all 50 of them, and I know God will do something in each one of them through the study in His time.
Now for one last week to hang out with David, catch another cup of coffee/long conversation with a friend, finish up the last of our summer doctor/dental appointments, bring our Bible study to a close, perhaps visit with my parents, and continue to rest up before I head back to school in a little over a week.
All in all, for a summer spent at home, I found it quite rewarding and restful.
July 9, 2018
The gift of Pine Cove
Last fall, when Juan was supposed to be looking for an on-campus job to work at while in school, he sends me a picture of a flyer from Pine Cove Camp regarding summer jobs for 2018. He wrote, "So, I have an interview for this tomorrow. What do you think?"
It was completely out of the blue and caught me off guard. I'd heard about Pine Cove on the radio every year, but I knew nothing about it or even where it was. The flyer said he could work for the first half of the summer, the second half of the summer, or for the whole summer. We'd already told him that summers full of camp, mission trips, and vacations no longer existed for him and that he'd spend each summer working and taking extra classes as long as he was in college. So I told him he'd probably have to tell them he could work for just half of the summer so he could take a summer class, too. It was still pretty early in the fall, so summer was a long way away.
He said, "Okay, Mom. Thanks." And that was that. He had his interview the next day, said it went really well and that they'd let him know.
His roommate, Sam, also applied.
By mid-December, they'd already chosen their staff and let everyone know. Juan never heard anything back from them, even though Sam did. So he kept on applying for any summer camp position he could, some in different states all over the country, assuming at least someone else from DBU would be going, too.
Juan came home for spring break still without a summer position or plan. We said, "You need to call Pine Cove to find out if they have a place for you." He did, and they said they'd already filled all of their positions. They had him reapply, though, just in case.
At the end of April, I sat with my small group and shared my upcoming prayer request--for my boys to find jobs.
Just a few days later, Juan texted me.
"Mom, I got a job!!!!"
"That's great, son. Where?"
"At Pine Cove. They called and said they had a position open in maintenance, but I have to work for the whole summer. I have to be there May 12th."
Then I looked at the calendar and realized that was only two weeks away!
He scrambled to finish the semester to the best of his ability (that's another story), while packing up his dorm room and getting ready for a summer away from home, working in a job he really didn't even understand what he'd signed up for.
(Meanwhile, David got offered a local part-time job that same week and started the following week. God sure does take us seriously when we pray.)
We had a wedding to be at on May 12th, so that posed a problem. But then Juan reminded us that Sam was going to be working at Pine Cove for the summer, too, and he had to be there on the same day. So they planned to drive down there together. We took him to Sam's house on the morning of the 12th, and that's where I found out from Sam's mom that the boys weren't allowed to have any type of electronics with them and that they would only have their phones on them from Saturdays at 1:00 till Sundays at 1:00-- only for 24 hours, once a week, all summer.
Wow. Only God knew the plans He had for Juan this summer. Taming that electronic addiction, putting him in a small, uncomfortable cabin, teaching him new skills that he'd never had a single desire to learn, working him harder than he'd ever worked before, stretching him and teaching him to rely on Christ's strength rather than his own, all while building him up spiritually, bonding him tightly with solid Christian friends from all over the country, giving him godly supervisors and mentors that believe in him and encourage him, letting him use his own spiritual gift of encouragement to others, drawing him much closer to his college roommate, and keeping him immersed in the gospel.
As much as I've missed seeing him and talking to him more than our once-a-week phonecall, I am truly thankful and once again in awe of how God is orchestrating the events of this boy's life. With tears in my eyes, I can only say, "Thank you, God."
Standing in the welcoming line to guide the parents who were coming to pick up their campers, also switching on and off with others to help carry all the luggage back to their cars. (And from what he tells me, that's the hardest job of all, especially when it's for middle school girls. They sure do pack a lot!)
While Mike, David, and I waited for his last recap meeting to get over, we had a little fun on the basketball court together.
Then I decided to peek in on the meeting (that I later realized we were supposed to be at).The community in that room between the counselors and staff just blew me away.
Along with the prayer support that exists between them all. This is how they end every single week after the campers leave before they get the next 24 hours off.
Juan in one of the cabins (they change cabins often, depending on the number of campers), getting his laundry to take with us.
Just a friendly little armadillo walking by.
A quick pic of the cabin that I wasn't supposed to go in. Oops.
A quick pic for Laura, who's missing him, too!
Juan showing us his work area, along with all the tools and equipment he's using on the job. Here he is explaining the names for the tractors (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and how each tractor matches its name based on the differences in the four gospel writers.
Sitting on Matthew, the tractor he uses the most.
New skills he never imagined learning, especially since he calls himself a city boy.
Now he has finally entered his dad's world. Mike was actually a little jealous of Juan's experience here.
We stopped for a quick family "selfie" before dropping him off.
Until his friends pulled up, saw us, and offered to take a few better pics for us. :)
He quickly had to change into the blue Pine Cove shirt to get ready for his weekly meeting before the next set of campers came. I'd hoped to get a picture of him and Sam together, but it started to rain, so we had to say a quick goodbye and leave.
But after witnessing just an hour or two of Pine Cove and observing all God is doing in, for, and through my son there, this goodbye wasn't a hard one. The next five weeks are going to fly, and I don't want to wish a minute of them away for him.
The director introduced himself to me and said how much they love having Juan there because he's such a hard worker and is always encouraging everyone. All I could say was how thankful I am that he is there.
Pine Cove truly is a gift from God.
It was completely out of the blue and caught me off guard. I'd heard about Pine Cove on the radio every year, but I knew nothing about it or even where it was. The flyer said he could work for the first half of the summer, the second half of the summer, or for the whole summer. We'd already told him that summers full of camp, mission trips, and vacations no longer existed for him and that he'd spend each summer working and taking extra classes as long as he was in college. So I told him he'd probably have to tell them he could work for just half of the summer so he could take a summer class, too. It was still pretty early in the fall, so summer was a long way away.
He said, "Okay, Mom. Thanks." And that was that. He had his interview the next day, said it went really well and that they'd let him know.
His roommate, Sam, also applied.
By mid-December, they'd already chosen their staff and let everyone know. Juan never heard anything back from them, even though Sam did. So he kept on applying for any summer camp position he could, some in different states all over the country, assuming at least someone else from DBU would be going, too.
Juan came home for spring break still without a summer position or plan. We said, "You need to call Pine Cove to find out if they have a place for you." He did, and they said they'd already filled all of their positions. They had him reapply, though, just in case.
At the end of April, I sat with my small group and shared my upcoming prayer request--for my boys to find jobs.
Just a few days later, Juan texted me.
"Mom, I got a job!!!!"
"That's great, son. Where?"
"At Pine Cove. They called and said they had a position open in maintenance, but I have to work for the whole summer. I have to be there May 12th."
Then I looked at the calendar and realized that was only two weeks away!
He scrambled to finish the semester to the best of his ability (that's another story), while packing up his dorm room and getting ready for a summer away from home, working in a job he really didn't even understand what he'd signed up for.
(Meanwhile, David got offered a local part-time job that same week and started the following week. God sure does take us seriously when we pray.)
We had a wedding to be at on May 12th, so that posed a problem. But then Juan reminded us that Sam was going to be working at Pine Cove for the summer, too, and he had to be there on the same day. So they planned to drive down there together. We took him to Sam's house on the morning of the 12th, and that's where I found out from Sam's mom that the boys weren't allowed to have any type of electronics with them and that they would only have their phones on them from Saturdays at 1:00 till Sundays at 1:00-- only for 24 hours, once a week, all summer.
Wow. Only God knew the plans He had for Juan this summer. Taming that electronic addiction, putting him in a small, uncomfortable cabin, teaching him new skills that he'd never had a single desire to learn, working him harder than he'd ever worked before, stretching him and teaching him to rely on Christ's strength rather than his own, all while building him up spiritually, bonding him tightly with solid Christian friends from all over the country, giving him godly supervisors and mentors that believe in him and encourage him, letting him use his own spiritual gift of encouragement to others, drawing him much closer to his college roommate, and keeping him immersed in the gospel.
As much as I've missed seeing him and talking to him more than our once-a-week phonecall, I am truly thankful and once again in awe of how God is orchestrating the events of this boy's life. With tears in my eyes, I can only say, "Thank you, God."
Standing in the welcoming line to guide the parents who were coming to pick up their campers, also switching on and off with others to help carry all the luggage back to their cars. (And from what he tells me, that's the hardest job of all, especially when it's for middle school girls. They sure do pack a lot!)
While Mike, David, and I waited for his last recap meeting to get over, we had a little fun on the basketball court together.
Then I decided to peek in on the meeting (that I later realized we were supposed to be at).The community in that room between the counselors and staff just blew me away.
Along with the prayer support that exists between them all. This is how they end every single week after the campers leave before they get the next 24 hours off.
Juan in one of the cabins (they change cabins often, depending on the number of campers), getting his laundry to take with us.
Just a friendly little armadillo walking by.
A quick pic of the cabin that I wasn't supposed to go in. Oops.
A quick pic for Laura, who's missing him, too!
Juan showing us his work area, along with all the tools and equipment he's using on the job. Here he is explaining the names for the tractors (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and how each tractor matches its name based on the differences in the four gospel writers.
Sitting on Matthew, the tractor he uses the most.
New skills he never imagined learning, especially since he calls himself a city boy.
Now he has finally entered his dad's world. Mike was actually a little jealous of Juan's experience here.
We stopped for a quick family "selfie" before dropping him off.
Until his friends pulled up, saw us, and offered to take a few better pics for us. :)
He quickly had to change into the blue Pine Cove shirt to get ready for his weekly meeting before the next set of campers came. I'd hoped to get a picture of him and Sam together, but it started to rain, so we had to say a quick goodbye and leave.
But after witnessing just an hour or two of Pine Cove and observing all God is doing in, for, and through my son there, this goodbye wasn't a hard one. The next five weeks are going to fly, and I don't want to wish a minute of them away for him.
The director introduced himself to me and said how much they love having Juan there because he's such a hard worker and is always encouraging everyone. All I could say was how thankful I am that he is there.
Pine Cove truly is a gift from God.
July 3, 2018
Remembering
I haven't made any big plans this summer. No family vacations, no big trips, no crazy adventures. I've just been spending a lot of time at home, remembering. (And that's okay. Because sometimes remembering is even sweeter than the experiences themselves. Especially when you can see how each experience only represented a small portion of the amazing big picture they created together.)
So here I am, remembering (and cherishing) Spain.
Remembering Guatemala.
Remembering Colombia. Remembering Argentina.
Remembering family vacations to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, visiting famous landmarks in the U.S., riding rollercoasters at Six Flags, watching the World Cup with Colombian flags painted on our faces, and just hanging out around a fire at various campgrounds.
Remembering the excitement and pride over graduation and college orientation. And the struggle that soon followed to figure this college thing out.
Remembering two little pictures that captured my heart TEN YEARS AGO THIS MONTH and changed my life forever. All the above memories hinge on those two little pictures and the course of action that followed.
Ten years ago this month, Juan David and his sister bravely got on a plane together with twelve other kids from Colombia to spend five weeks in Austin, Texas, to experience another part of the world, as well as taste a bit of life within a family, while connecting with many prospective adoptive parents interested in adopting an older child.
Ten years ago this month, we made a trip to Austin, Texas to meet both of them, and they have both had my heart ever since.
The events of the last ten years still completely blow my mind, break my heart, and overwhelm me with so much emotion when I take the time to truly reflect over all that has transpired.
This summer I find myself missing my son, as he's away for 13 straight weeks working at a summer camp. The first year of college accustomed me to his absence, but the lack of ability to communicate more than once a week has been hard. I am more than grateful, though, for how God opened up a spot for him there at the very last minute, knowing ahead of time that it would be a stretching opportunity and one that would teach him to unplug and focus on the jobs, tasks, and people right in front of him. I also love how the distance has seemed to bond us and draw our relationship even closer than before.
I've missed watching the World Cup with him this year, sharing in his excitement over Colombia's wins and his (assumed) heartbreak over their most recent loss today. But while he's been gone, I've watched all the games "side by side" with Laura, as we've sent texts and comments back and forth during every single game. Today we shared our excitement over a last minute goal by Colombia and then tears over the final loss. Priceless. The joy of having her in my life again is another reason I pause to just remember.
I just heard this song the other day, and I think it expresses my current thoughts and sentiments exactly. We should always take the time to Remember to Remember.
So here I am, remembering (and cherishing) Spain.
Remembering Guatemala.
Remembering Colombia. Remembering Argentina.
Remembering family vacations to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, visiting famous landmarks in the U.S., riding rollercoasters at Six Flags, watching the World Cup with Colombian flags painted on our faces, and just hanging out around a fire at various campgrounds.
Remembering the excitement and pride over graduation and college orientation. And the struggle that soon followed to figure this college thing out.
Remembering two little pictures that captured my heart TEN YEARS AGO THIS MONTH and changed my life forever. All the above memories hinge on those two little pictures and the course of action that followed.
Ten years ago this month, Juan David and his sister bravely got on a plane together with twelve other kids from Colombia to spend five weeks in Austin, Texas, to experience another part of the world, as well as taste a bit of life within a family, while connecting with many prospective adoptive parents interested in adopting an older child.
Ten years ago this month, we made a trip to Austin, Texas to meet both of them, and they have both had my heart ever since.
The events of the last ten years still completely blow my mind, break my heart, and overwhelm me with so much emotion when I take the time to truly reflect over all that has transpired.
This summer I find myself missing my son, as he's away for 13 straight weeks working at a summer camp. The first year of college accustomed me to his absence, but the lack of ability to communicate more than once a week has been hard. I am more than grateful, though, for how God opened up a spot for him there at the very last minute, knowing ahead of time that it would be a stretching opportunity and one that would teach him to unplug and focus on the jobs, tasks, and people right in front of him. I also love how the distance has seemed to bond us and draw our relationship even closer than before.
I've missed watching the World Cup with him this year, sharing in his excitement over Colombia's wins and his (assumed) heartbreak over their most recent loss today. But while he's been gone, I've watched all the games "side by side" with Laura, as we've sent texts and comments back and forth during every single game. Today we shared our excitement over a last minute goal by Colombia and then tears over the final loss. Priceless. The joy of having her in my life again is another reason I pause to just remember.
I just heard this song the other day, and I think it expresses my current thoughts and sentiments exactly. We should always take the time to Remember to Remember.
June 12, 2018
And that's a wrap!
[image error]
Literally.
With the bond work being done in our school this summer, we had to end the year on a much tighter note this year, packing every single thing into a box of some sort or shrink wrap and mark the stuff that couldn't be packed. In addition to all that, we had to take home any personal items, including any and all organizational supplies, games, or materials we've added to the classroom out of our own resources. I've changed grade levels twice in the last fifteen years, but I've never left the building, so I had no idea how much stuff I'd accumulated on my own.
The rest of my stuff now occupies Juan's room while he is gone for the summer, minus the guinea pigs (who went home with a student).
The timing worked out right, though, because as this year started coming to a close, I made the request to change grade levels. Not sure what it was, but as soon as I came back from Christmas break, I felt a growing discontentment with my current placement. I found myself watching the older students, observing their work, and just missing that level of instruction and interaction. The more Pre-K trainings I went to, the more I realized how much I wanted to teach something else. We filled all of our open bilingual positions last year, and I was afraid that I'd missed my chance to be able to move to a higher grade. But I finally got the courage to be honest with my new principal and tell him that early childhood just is not my passion and that I truly missed teaching older kids. I told him that I'd taught 4th grade and 2nd grade before teaching Pre-K for the last five years, and that I'd be willing to take ANY open bilingual position next year.
Thankfully, he heard my plea for a change, but the only available option would be to follow my kids to kindergarten. I'd hoped for an older grade, but at least it got me up a level and gave me a whole day with one group of kids, rather than 44 kids each day for only 3 hours each class. He said if something else opened up over the summer, we could talk again, so I accepted it. I didn't tell my kids I would be their kindergarten teacher, though, just in case another grade level would open up. I still kept hoping, praying that God would put me right where I needed to be. As I packed up all my own materials to take home, I still kept all my second grade and fourth grade things, just in case.
Then the day before school let out, my wish came true. Next year I get to move back to second grade, a grade I truly love teaching. And since I've taught both bilingual Pre-K classes for the last five years, I get to teach a great group of kids that I already taught two years ago, a group whose parents already know me, trust me, and fully support me. I can't wait!
Teaching Pre-K has been a valuable lesson and experience for me that I will always be grateful for. It gave me more time at home with my family the whole time Juan David has been home with us, and it also helped me to see just where, when, and how learning starts. I can see where the gaps are and know better how to address them and fill them in as they continue in school. And I also learned that kids will rise to your level of expectation. I will admit that I had very low expectations of my first class of four-year-olds just due to ignorance about what they were capable of achieving. I rose those expectations every single year, and every single year, my kids strove to meet whatever expectation I had. I also learned how important structure and routine are for any age level. Without a solid structure and routine, even our best lessons and teaching opportunities can fail to reach our students.
I believe I will be a much better second grade teacher now than I was before I taught Pre-K, and I am so excited to have that chance again.
Literally.
With the bond work being done in our school this summer, we had to end the year on a much tighter note this year, packing every single thing into a box of some sort or shrink wrap and mark the stuff that couldn't be packed. In addition to all that, we had to take home any personal items, including any and all organizational supplies, games, or materials we've added to the classroom out of our own resources. I've changed grade levels twice in the last fifteen years, but I've never left the building, so I had no idea how much stuff I'd accumulated on my own.
The rest of my stuff now occupies Juan's room while he is gone for the summer, minus the guinea pigs (who went home with a student).
The timing worked out right, though, because as this year started coming to a close, I made the request to change grade levels. Not sure what it was, but as soon as I came back from Christmas break, I felt a growing discontentment with my current placement. I found myself watching the older students, observing their work, and just missing that level of instruction and interaction. The more Pre-K trainings I went to, the more I realized how much I wanted to teach something else. We filled all of our open bilingual positions last year, and I was afraid that I'd missed my chance to be able to move to a higher grade. But I finally got the courage to be honest with my new principal and tell him that early childhood just is not my passion and that I truly missed teaching older kids. I told him that I'd taught 4th grade and 2nd grade before teaching Pre-K for the last five years, and that I'd be willing to take ANY open bilingual position next year.
Thankfully, he heard my plea for a change, but the only available option would be to follow my kids to kindergarten. I'd hoped for an older grade, but at least it got me up a level and gave me a whole day with one group of kids, rather than 44 kids each day for only 3 hours each class. He said if something else opened up over the summer, we could talk again, so I accepted it. I didn't tell my kids I would be their kindergarten teacher, though, just in case another grade level would open up. I still kept hoping, praying that God would put me right where I needed to be. As I packed up all my own materials to take home, I still kept all my second grade and fourth grade things, just in case.
Then the day before school let out, my wish came true. Next year I get to move back to second grade, a grade I truly love teaching. And since I've taught both bilingual Pre-K classes for the last five years, I get to teach a great group of kids that I already taught two years ago, a group whose parents already know me, trust me, and fully support me. I can't wait!
Teaching Pre-K has been a valuable lesson and experience for me that I will always be grateful for. It gave me more time at home with my family the whole time Juan David has been home with us, and it also helped me to see just where, when, and how learning starts. I can see where the gaps are and know better how to address them and fill them in as they continue in school. And I also learned that kids will rise to your level of expectation. I will admit that I had very low expectations of my first class of four-year-olds just due to ignorance about what they were capable of achieving. I rose those expectations every single year, and every single year, my kids strove to meet whatever expectation I had. I also learned how important structure and routine are for any age level. Without a solid structure and routine, even our best lessons and teaching opportunities can fail to reach our students.
I believe I will be a much better second grade teacher now than I was before I taught Pre-K, and I am so excited to have that chance again.
June 1, 2018
Savoring May
The last time I wrote on this blog, I recapped all of our spring break adventures. Now here we are bringing May (and essentially an entire school year) to a close. Everybody and their brother will be out by the first of June, but we still have another week yet till we finish. I'm not complaining, though, because I had that extra week last August when I needed it so much more.
May held so many great moments for our family that I'd never forgive myself for not taking the time to blog about each and every one of them--or at least post pics of those May highlights with a caption or two about them.
This year's Teacher Appreciation Week truly filled my heart and left me feeling loved and appreciated in my classroom. My kids brought me flowers every single day that week, along with tons of chocolates, classroom supplies, sweet handwritten notes, soaps, lotions, candles, and even toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste! But to top it all off this year, four of the moms showed up unannounced at my classroom door on the last day with cake and cupcakes to surprise me for my birthday. First time in 15 years of teaching here in Texas-I felt so dearly loved.
My surprise birthday party!
Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Juan got a job at Pine Cove Christian Camp this summer and had to be there by May 12th, so I picked him up at school on May 10th and had one little sliver of time to spend with both him and David together on my birthday (the 11th). We got a quick drink together at Starbucks before David had to be at work for his own first week on the job at our very favorite Chick Fil-A.
If I only got to see Juan for a day, I'm glad it was on my birthday!
The next morning, Mike and I had a chance to go for a quick coffee date with Juan in the morning before we dropped him off with his roommate to ride with him down to Pine Cove for the entire summer. Not only will he not be home for three whole months, but we also can only communicate with him on his cell phone on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings while there are no campers. It makes communication a bit complicated, but I am so thankful for this opportunity for him to grow and mature. That little coffee date was extra special because we went to a coffee shop where one of his friends works, and she gave us all free coffee for my birthday. :)
That afternoon, on the 12th, Mike and I drove to Fort Worth to celebrate our sweet friend, Jenna's, wedding. Jenna was one of David's first babysitters here in Texas, and then she took care of our home and animals when we went to Colombia the first time. She holds a very special place in our hearts.
As do her parents, Kim (below) and Doug (above). We met them on our first mission trip with Lake Pointe Church when we went to Piedras Negras in 2004. We've been like family ever since. On that trip, we all met Madai (below left), who then came to the states to live with them and study the following year. After that, she came to visit every single summer. I love her like a sister.
We all went to Madai's wedding in Mexico four years ago, and we sadly haven't seen each other since. Kim and Doug moved to Hawaii three years ago, and we haven't seen them since. So it was a real blessing to find ourselves all back together for Jenna's wedding. They will always be like family to me.
Just a few days later, David and I headed to the orthodontist to finally get his braces off!!!!
Love that beautiful smile!
The office staff all came out and serenaded him to celebrate the big day! We could not have been any more satisfied with the orthodontist we chose for him, along with the amazingly friendly, upbeat staff that work there.
And, of course, we went out for a coffee date to celebrate that beautiful smile.
Exactly one week later, he passed his driving test and now is an officially licensed driver.
Lots of big things happening for my sweet "little" boy.
As if that's not enough to celebrate and cherish, I can't forget to add that I finally gained the courage to share my story, directly in relation to a message on prayer. I spoke at a women's event on May 8 at my church called Unveiled, so I spent quite a bit of time reliving all the emotions of the last 11 years in preparation for the event.
Just two days before I was to share about losing Juan David and Laura, adopting Juan David, and then finally finding Laura again 9 years later, I got a sweet text from her wishing me a happy Mother's Day because they were celebrating Moms that day in Spain. Later that week, I got another message from her wishing me a happy birthday, and then just two days later, I told her it was Mother's Day in the states, and she wished me a happy Mother's Day again.
After years of longing to know anything about her, those three sweet messages truly melted me heart.
Yes, May was a good month.
May held so many great moments for our family that I'd never forgive myself for not taking the time to blog about each and every one of them--or at least post pics of those May highlights with a caption or two about them.
This year's Teacher Appreciation Week truly filled my heart and left me feeling loved and appreciated in my classroom. My kids brought me flowers every single day that week, along with tons of chocolates, classroom supplies, sweet handwritten notes, soaps, lotions, candles, and even toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste! But to top it all off this year, four of the moms showed up unannounced at my classroom door on the last day with cake and cupcakes to surprise me for my birthday. First time in 15 years of teaching here in Texas-I felt so dearly loved.
My surprise birthday party!
Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Juan got a job at Pine Cove Christian Camp this summer and had to be there by May 12th, so I picked him up at school on May 10th and had one little sliver of time to spend with both him and David together on my birthday (the 11th). We got a quick drink together at Starbucks before David had to be at work for his own first week on the job at our very favorite Chick Fil-A.
If I only got to see Juan for a day, I'm glad it was on my birthday! 
The next morning, Mike and I had a chance to go for a quick coffee date with Juan in the morning before we dropped him off with his roommate to ride with him down to Pine Cove for the entire summer. Not only will he not be home for three whole months, but we also can only communicate with him on his cell phone on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings while there are no campers. It makes communication a bit complicated, but I am so thankful for this opportunity for him to grow and mature. That little coffee date was extra special because we went to a coffee shop where one of his friends works, and she gave us all free coffee for my birthday. :)That afternoon, on the 12th, Mike and I drove to Fort Worth to celebrate our sweet friend, Jenna's, wedding. Jenna was one of David's first babysitters here in Texas, and then she took care of our home and animals when we went to Colombia the first time. She holds a very special place in our hearts.
As do her parents, Kim (below) and Doug (above). We met them on our first mission trip with Lake Pointe Church when we went to Piedras Negras in 2004. We've been like family ever since. On that trip, we all met Madai (below left), who then came to the states to live with them and study the following year. After that, she came to visit every single summer. I love her like a sister.
We all went to Madai's wedding in Mexico four years ago, and we sadly haven't seen each other since. Kim and Doug moved to Hawaii three years ago, and we haven't seen them since. So it was a real blessing to find ourselves all back together for Jenna's wedding. They will always be like family to me.
Just a few days later, David and I headed to the orthodontist to finally get his braces off!!!!
Love that beautiful smile!
The office staff all came out and serenaded him to celebrate the big day! We could not have been any more satisfied with the orthodontist we chose for him, along with the amazingly friendly, upbeat staff that work there.
And, of course, we went out for a coffee date to celebrate that beautiful smile. Exactly one week later, he passed his driving test and now is an officially licensed driver.
Lots of big things happening for my sweet "little" boy. As if that's not enough to celebrate and cherish, I can't forget to add that I finally gained the courage to share my story, directly in relation to a message on prayer. I spoke at a women's event on May 8 at my church called Unveiled, so I spent quite a bit of time reliving all the emotions of the last 11 years in preparation for the event.
Just two days before I was to share about losing Juan David and Laura, adopting Juan David, and then finally finding Laura again 9 years later, I got a sweet text from her wishing me a happy Mother's Day because they were celebrating Moms that day in Spain. Later that week, I got another message from her wishing me a happy birthday, and then just two days later, I told her it was Mother's Day in the states, and she wished me a happy Mother's Day again.
After years of longing to know anything about her, those three sweet messages truly melted me heart.
Yes, May was a good month.
March 18, 2018
Part 2--More spring break adventures
Tea time wth Mom--My friend Olga (more Colombian connections) recently starting managing a cute little tea room in Rockwall, and she invited me to come out sometime to see her. My mom loves to drink tea, so I thought it would be a fun way to spend time with her over spring break.
And what an adorable little tea room it is! An old house redone inside to make it a cozy little area to spend time with someone special. I loved it and plan on going back. I had a nice time with my mom, I got to reconnect with Olga, and my sweet friend Eliza (who I met on our Guatemala trip and found out we have very similar personalities) had just started working there.
Olga and Eliza--two people I came to know and love while OUTSIDE of this country
Family Day Out--A few years ago, we went camping as a family at Lake Lavon, and we were pretty sure we heard lions roaring from a distance. Little did we know at the time that a wildlife refuge existed just a mile or so away from the campground in Wylie.
Well, since my parents just bought a house in Wylie, I felt it was a good time to introduce them to their new town by finally checking out this wildlife refuge--In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center. I took the boys and my parents, and my brother came along with his boys, too. I loved it and will definitely go back again sometime so Mike can see it, too. Such beautiful and majestic animals--all rescued from improper care somewhere. Lions, tigers, cougars, lemurs, leopards, cheetahs, bobcats, etc. And you can see them up close, much closer than at a zoo. They all have special names that they even know themselves by. It's a special place they've got there. Can't believe I've been here 15 years without knowing much about it.
One of the lemurs, just chillin'
One of the white tigers recently rescued.
This beautiful white tiger unfortunately didn't want to get up from naptime while we were there.
One of the black leopards that I couldn't get a good picture of.
A cheetah
If you are in the area and have never visited either of these two places, I highly recommend both of them.
And what an adorable little tea room it is! An old house redone inside to make it a cozy little area to spend time with someone special. I loved it and plan on going back. I had a nice time with my mom, I got to reconnect with Olga, and my sweet friend Eliza (who I met on our Guatemala trip and found out we have very similar personalities) had just started working there.
Olga and Eliza--two people I came to know and love while OUTSIDE of this country
Family Day Out--A few years ago, we went camping as a family at Lake Lavon, and we were pretty sure we heard lions roaring from a distance. Little did we know at the time that a wildlife refuge existed just a mile or so away from the campground in Wylie.
Well, since my parents just bought a house in Wylie, I felt it was a good time to introduce them to their new town by finally checking out this wildlife refuge--In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center. I took the boys and my parents, and my brother came along with his boys, too. I loved it and will definitely go back again sometime so Mike can see it, too. Such beautiful and majestic animals--all rescued from improper care somewhere. Lions, tigers, cougars, lemurs, leopards, cheetahs, bobcats, etc. And you can see them up close, much closer than at a zoo. They all have special names that they even know themselves by. It's a special place they've got there. Can't believe I've been here 15 years without knowing much about it.
One of the lemurs, just chillin'
One of the white tigers recently rescued.
This beautiful white tiger unfortunately didn't want to get up from naptime while we were there.
One of the black leopards that I couldn't get a good picture of.
A cheetahIf you are in the area and have never visited either of these two places, I highly recommend both of them.
Spring break 2018 (Part 1)
About ten days ago, I didn't have much of a plan for spring break. I had an overall idea to spend some quality time with my boys if they'd let me (yeah, they're at that age where Mom isn't really so cool to be around), to finally have a chance to spend some time with my parents other than a meal or two each week, and to catch up on some deeper cleaning and reorganizing around the house.
So, my visions of spring cleaning didn't really come to fruition. I didn't get a lot of extra rest, sleep in, or take naps.
But for being a pretty open, unplanned week, I'll have to say that I really enjoyed myself. In keeping with my word for 2018, in order to cherish each moment, I must take the time to reflect. So I'm using this one and only "down" day of my break to do just that.
The first weekend, Mike and David went on a little "off-road" trip with their homemade (self-built) rock crawler, and I ventured to DBU to pick Juan up and have a little "mom-son" weekend.
Believe it or not, Juan actually really enjoys those times, and they're always quite bonding and connecting. It's only the second time I've seen him this semester, so I really looked forward to hanging out with him. One of his favorite things to do when no one is home is to experiment in the kitchen. Just like a typical Latin male, he turns on the music and sings and dances the whole time while he cooks his heart out. So when he found out that Mike and David were gone for the weekend, he asked if we could get special things for him to make in the kitchen. And just like any college student going home for a visit, he was craving foods from home. Not this home, though, but rather his home in Colombia.
So off to the Latin grocery store we went to see what ingredients we could find.
The next morning he got up and hit the kitchen in preparation for a Sunday meal with his grandparents. He made a delicious Ajiaco soup, served with rice, avocado, and banana and a Guayaba roll on the side. He also made Maracuya juice, and we had Chocoramos (a special Colombian pre-packaged treat) for dessert. While we ate together, he just rambled on and on about memories we had together in Colombia.
The following day he made pasta the way he remembered it, with a milky paste/sauce, seasoned with cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro. And then after that he made us changua, a special hot breakfast made with milk, egg, cilantro, and bread, eaten more like a soup. We'd eaten it together for many a breakfast at a special little Christian bakery we found right around the corner from our apartment in Bogota when we were there for his adoption--so it, of course, brought back a lot of memories. I also got him a can of guanabana juice (and two extras to take back to let his roommates try), made him our own version of arequipe (caramel sauce), and brought him a few pieces of Colombian candy that I'd gotten at a meeting the day before he came home.
We really enjoyed each other's company, had fun together, and reminisced a lot about Colombia. I am very thankful for how well we connected during his time home. Honestly, I cherish each moment I have with him because I don't know how many vacations I'll still have with him. It could be a lot, or it could be very few, depending on what opportunities open up for him through DBU, his new friends there, or wherever he ends up working this summer.
To top it all off, we spent his last afternoon here on a video call together with Laura and her mom and aunt in Spain. Priceless. I love that we are all family to each other now.
So, my visions of spring cleaning didn't really come to fruition. I didn't get a lot of extra rest, sleep in, or take naps.
But for being a pretty open, unplanned week, I'll have to say that I really enjoyed myself. In keeping with my word for 2018, in order to cherish each moment, I must take the time to reflect. So I'm using this one and only "down" day of my break to do just that.
The first weekend, Mike and David went on a little "off-road" trip with their homemade (self-built) rock crawler, and I ventured to DBU to pick Juan up and have a little "mom-son" weekend.
Believe it or not, Juan actually really enjoys those times, and they're always quite bonding and connecting. It's only the second time I've seen him this semester, so I really looked forward to hanging out with him. One of his favorite things to do when no one is home is to experiment in the kitchen. Just like a typical Latin male, he turns on the music and sings and dances the whole time while he cooks his heart out. So when he found out that Mike and David were gone for the weekend, he asked if we could get special things for him to make in the kitchen. And just like any college student going home for a visit, he was craving foods from home. Not this home, though, but rather his home in Colombia.
So off to the Latin grocery store we went to see what ingredients we could find.
The next morning he got up and hit the kitchen in preparation for a Sunday meal with his grandparents. He made a delicious Ajiaco soup, served with rice, avocado, and banana and a Guayaba roll on the side. He also made Maracuya juice, and we had Chocoramos (a special Colombian pre-packaged treat) for dessert. While we ate together, he just rambled on and on about memories we had together in Colombia.
The following day he made pasta the way he remembered it, with a milky paste/sauce, seasoned with cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro. And then after that he made us changua, a special hot breakfast made with milk, egg, cilantro, and bread, eaten more like a soup. We'd eaten it together for many a breakfast at a special little Christian bakery we found right around the corner from our apartment in Bogota when we were there for his adoption--so it, of course, brought back a lot of memories. I also got him a can of guanabana juice (and two extras to take back to let his roommates try), made him our own version of arequipe (caramel sauce), and brought him a few pieces of Colombian candy that I'd gotten at a meeting the day before he came home.
We really enjoyed each other's company, had fun together, and reminisced a lot about Colombia. I am very thankful for how well we connected during his time home. Honestly, I cherish each moment I have with him because I don't know how many vacations I'll still have with him. It could be a lot, or it could be very few, depending on what opportunities open up for him through DBU, his new friends there, or wherever he ends up working this summer.
To top it all off, we spent his last afternoon here on a video call together with Laura and her mom and aunt in Spain. Priceless. I love that we are all family to each other now.
