That's Exactly Why We Love Him

According to the Miriam-Webster dictionary, an annotation is "a note added by way of comment or explanation." Sounds harmless and innocuous, right? But in Chilean schools, we have discovered a whole new meaning to this word!

I first heard the terms "anotacion negativa" and "anotacion positiva" during a class meeting for one of our girls.

I observed parents huddled nervously around a big burgundy book as the meeting ended. Curious, I asked another mom what all the fuss was about. She explained that students can receive both positive and negative annotations throughout the school year. They are written down on each student's page in the "big burgundy book" (as I like to call it.)

My next question was, what purpose does this serve? She said that the annotations remain in the child's permanent school records and should the child's parents wish to place him in another school in the future, that establishment may take the annotations into consideration when deciding whether to accept him or her as a prospective student.

However, the most ironic revelation to me as a parent was this: The school never formally advises the parents when their child receives an annotation, whether positive or negative. Which leads me to scratch my head and wonder, how are we supposed to support the school's efforts and encourage better behavior in our children if we are never told there is a problem in the first place?

So it happened that yesterday I had a meeting with Owen's English teacher to discuss an incident which occurred a few weeks ago. Apparently my son and his cronies caused a distraction in class one day. Apparently they forgot they were supposed to be studying English and deciding to try fencing instead! Apparently they were sword fighting with rulers at the front of the classroom and throwing themselves on the floor (in throes of dying agony, I can only assume??) while the poor teacher vainly attempted to teach her lesson. In exasperation she finally called upon the "inspector" to extract several of the boys from the classroom and escort them to the office, Owen included.

Wait just a minute. Am I really supposed to believe that this angelic toddler could create such a ruckus in first grade??

Okay, maybe I am. :)

In fact, if the entries on Owen's page in the big burgundy book are to be believed his first-grade antics may not be so far removed from the picture above as one might expect. Let's see ... pacifiers over his eyeballs versus pencils in his ears ... yes, one of the annotation did say that Owen likes to stick pencils in his ears to cause amusement in his classmates and interrupt the class with their laughter!

Another annotation described this incident: "The student arrived tired this morning and was sent to the bathroom to wet his face. He returned very wet all over, making the other students laugh and disrupting the teaching time ..."

Did she mean something like this?? (For the record, Owen had a major drool problem during his baby years!)


In all seriousness, as teachers ourselves we understand the difficulty of trying to control a classroom when there is a clown in the front row. And now we understand that apparently we are the ones staffing the circus! :) But I could not help but laugh out loud as I read through the annotations because each one was an anecdote of a day in the life of our first-grade son. (In fact, I really want to get a photocopy of that page for Owen's scrapbook!) Nonetheless I apologized to the teacher and assured her I would not be laughing when I spoke firmly to my son on the issue at home.

She in turn warmly assured me that Owen is a delightful boy, much loved by teachers and staff and peers and older students alike. In fact, she admitted the amount of spoiling he receives from everyone probably contributes to his antics! She also insisted that he is respectful and kind and that he is obviously receiving a good foundation at home. He is just ... inquieto! (restless!) and desordenado! (chaotic!)

Which I have to admit ... on some days ...

That's exactly why we love him.

Shades of Gray

This morning was busy with running back and forth across town on school-related errands with another mom from the Parents' Association. Finally headed home, I stopped at the video store to return the latest flick our children had watched on "Family Movie Night" (aka, most Friday nights at our house.)

My companion had a question. She must have repeated it twice before I fully understood what she was saying.

"Did you make a copy of it before you took it back?"

I realized that what for me might be a joking statement was in all seriousness to her. When I answered in the negative, she shook her head. "You shouldn't waste your money renting movies! Don't you know that you can buy all the latest ones for 1000 pesos (the equivalent of $2) at the Agro (local market) ... my kids have a whole stack of them! Kung Fu Panda 2, all the new movies. Why don't you do that instead?"

Inwardly I grimaced as I thought, "I do not want to have this conversation right now! How can I explain our position as Christians without coming across as judgmental? I know what she is saying is completely normal in Chile (as mentioned in previous posts, here and here) but it isn't for us."

I half hoped that the brief interval where I hopped out of the car to drop the box in the slot would distract her from continuing the conversation. But instead she picked up right where we left off. Forced to respond, I took a deep breath and said haltingly, "Well ... it's just that ... those movies are pirated. They're actually illegal. So that's why we don't buy them."

"No ..." she disagreed. "It's not like you are selling them to make money!"

"Well I may not be, but the person I'm buying them from is. What he's doing is illegal. And we don't want to support that."

Quickly she extolled the tenets of her position. "It's not like you can take kids to the movies all the time! That's just too expensive. And they want to see the new movies that are out. There's really no other choice!"

No other choice. How many times have we heard that excuse? More to the point, how many times have we used it?

We are constantly teaching our children about choices. How to make the right ones. What the consequences are of the wrong ones. Yet it's no wonder they are confused in a world that is such a foggy hue of gray most days. If we the adults don't even get it right, how can we expect them to?

Eva basically said the same thing during an impromptu conversation we had the other day on the steps leading to my bedroom. "Satan? I hate that guy!" she declared emphatically. Then she added, "So it's like he is all black. And God is all white. And so we are supposed to be like God. But then we can't be perfect. And then the black and white gets mixed, and it's all just gray!"

Thankfully, there is Light strong enough to pierce the darkness.

Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path." Because of this we can make our choices based on His eternal truth rather than our own human experiences and convenience. Even in a relativistic world, we can be unmoveable. When it all turns gray let us turn our eyes towards the Light and allow Him to be our guide!

A Night at Matrimonios

"A serving of Biblical wisdom with a dash of friendly fun and scoop of excellent eats" might describe well our monthly matrimonios' (married couples') meetings. Last night fifteen couples enjoyed sharing laughter and life experiences and learning life-changing truths from God's Word together.

To get the ball rolling (no pun intended!) we began the meeting with a couples' ping-pong competition. Only this one didn't involve paddles, but merely a lot of hot air! Each couple tried to blow the ball over to the opposing couples' side and off the table to earn bragging rights. Pedro had set up a bracket to ensure everyone competed and he led us all the way through to the final round, which was a face-off between our visiting missionary speaker and wife vs. a young married couple from church. The latter won, but both put forth their best effort amidst laughter and cheers.

Our second game had the dual purpose of icebreaker and marriage builder, as it involved giving each couple a set of questions with instructions to answer three now (with the rest for "homework") and be prepared to share one out loud with the group. The questions included: How did we meet? Where and when did we have our first kiss? What were our first impressions of each other? About what things do we fight? What is our favorite romantic movie? What was our favorite date or trip together? How did you propose to me? Where did we go on our honeymoon?

It's amazing how answering a single question for the group's benefit can open a window into knowing someone and there was clapping and more laughter as some sweet and some hilarious stories were shared. One couple shared that both their first kiss and marriage proposal were in a cemetary, while another said they met in prison (only not as inmates - both worked for organizations which provided resources to the prison, and they even shared their first "date" over coffee at the prison snack shop!)

Our third game was definitely unforgettable. The instructions called for the husband and wife to make it from point A to point B with the wife's feet on top of the husband's feet, which isn't as easy as it may sound. Two couples raced each other to the finish line. If nothing else, it was a unique test of each spouse's faith in the other!

Following the games and announcements, the teaching time centered on "4 Rules of Communication" in marriage. Our colleague Scott Russell from Santiago did an excellent job sharing these important principles from God's Word and how they apply to our marriage relationships.

The final part of the night was our monthly "once." (By the way, for a great description of this uniquely Chilean meal, read this blog post I recently stumbled upon!) Each couple provides some contribution and this month we enjoyed cheese empanadas, tuna sandwiches, chips with spicy Chilean dip, olives, cheese and a smorgasboard of delicious desserts. With three or four couples around a table, the last half hour or so was spent getting to know one another better - or in our table's case, answering some more of the icebreaker questions together!

New Pages

I often assume that those who visit our little corner of the blog world know all about us. However, perhaps that isn't always the case and for that reason I have added two new page links in the right-hand column entitled "Domestic Adoption" and "International Adoption" which describe our family's journey through each of those miraculous adventures.

In the future I hope to add a bit of history about our missions journey, and maybe "someday" I will even get around to organizing posts with tags. Who knows?! Stranger things have happened. :)

Have a blessed day!

Then & Now: Four Years in Chile

This picture from an unplanned Canadian layover
is how our children arrived to Chile four years ago:


And this picture from Easter is how they are headed back to the United States for furlough:


See any changes between "Then" & "Now?" :)

Four Years Ago Today

Four years ago today, our family set foot on Chilean soil. Four years ago today, we embarked upon our first term of missionary service in this special land (otherwise known as the adventure of a lifetime!) It is hard to believe the time has gone so fast.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than by doing what God has called us to do and dreaming about the future plans He has yet in store. This morning Pedro spent several hours with our missionary colleagues and a Christian architect going over ideas and possibilities regarding a piece of property for sale on the outskirts of Iquique. We are in the process of formulating a project proposal to present to our field team and mission board as a first step towards one day owning our (God's!) own church building in this city. What a day that will be!

Meanwhile, I met with two moms for the final morning of "Martes Para Mujeres" (albeit on a Wednesday!) It was with a full heart that I led the last session of our Biblical parenting course. I am so thankful that the Gospel was clearly presented in both the video and during our time of conversation together. My prayer continues to be for God's Holy Spirit to draw these special ladies to Himself. What a privilege it has been to meet regularly, knowing they are giving up their own time and other interests to come to my home because of the love they have for their children and their desire to raise them well.

Tonight I will meet with another four or five moms to finish the series with our evening group. For them as well my prayer is that they will understand that God loves them just as they do their own children. I pray they will know and understand that He wants to be a Heavenly Father to each one.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing us the precious privilege of serving You here. Thank You for your faithfulness and patience with us. May we be fruitful, for Your glory!

Post Number 2,001

I was startled when my eyes fell on the number 2,000 after my last post. Has it really been that many? 2,000 posts ... 2,000 stories ... 2,000 memories. Some joyful, some sad. Some hopeful; some heartbroken; some heavy; some healing.

Then tonight I heard this song by Steven Curtis Chapman for the first time and it was such a comforting reminder of the truth that in every one of the moments I have lived and recorded already and have yet to live and record ... "Jesus will meet you there."

I hope it will bless your heart as it did mine.

Sometimes the Truth (Is Hard to Find)

Who lies for you will lie against you.

~Bosnian Proverb

A half truth is a whole lie.
~Yiddish Proverb

Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies
soon grow color-blind. ~Austin O'Malley

A lack of honesty is one great area of frustration in the country where we serve. I qualify this by acknowledging it is probably an issue everywhere, but somehow it seems so ingrained in the actual fabric of the culture here in Chile. In fact, to paraphrase the statement I was given in explanation to a situation that arose today: "It's the Chilean way of getting things done."

For me personally, perhaps where I find this dishonesty most unnerving is in the professional setting. I could give numerous examples but I'll settle for this most recent one. Here in Chile there is a 19% value-added tax (called the IVA) that is commonly included in the price of goods and services. However, certain price quotes will separate the IVA from the base price. Such was the case this morning.

This year our Parents' Association (mentioned in this post) has been tasked with purchasing the raw materials to build pedestrian guardrails outside our children's school. They look like this:

With monies passed on from last year and additional funds earned through special activities this year, we now have the means to do so but are researching the most cost-effective option. Yesterday Pedro and I received pricing from one steel company in town, and this morning I provided that to the school. They in turn had received another quote and were still in conversation with a gentleman from Santiago. In comparing the two we realized their quote was slightly higher but already included the IVA.

Here is the conversation that followed:

Staff Member 1: "Oh, couldn't you tell him to take the IVA off?"

Staff Member 2: "I could try! It's not like it's a major project such as a huge building."

Staff Member 1: "Exactly! He could say it's for his personal use, maybe an addition to his house."

Staff Member 2: "Great idea! I'll tell him to say he is going to come help his mom with a small project at her house here in Iquique. I'll call him right now!" And then to me she added, "It's the Chilean way of getting things done!"

It may be the Chilean way of getting things done, but it certainly isn't God's way. What a challenge to walk in integrity when culture and society says it is okay to act otherwise! And what a great reminder to pray for my Chilean brothers and sisters in Christ, who live and work in this atmosphere each and every day.

God's Glorious Story (of Adoption)

I wept through this post tonight. Most days the details of our Haitian adoption journey are just shadows in my memory. But reading the chapters of this family's adoption from Ethiopia reminded me of the hard. Of the hair falling out (yes, mine too.) Of the office that refused (in our case for 13 months to sign a document.) But in the end, of God's glorious Story. I praise Him for bringing two more children home!

Jen Hatmaker - I'm Not Done Yet

Pitter Patter Art

I love reading about the creative ways adopting families go about raising funds to bring their child/ren home. It is always so encouraging to see how God provides perfectly for each situation!

One family has an especially unique way of raising funds. Laura Kelley is a busy mom to three children already, but she is also a talented artist! She created Pitter Patter Art to showcase her creations, with all proceeds currently going towards the adoption of their third son (this is their second Ethiopian adoption.)

In addition to selling her artwork, she offers a giveaway each new month they are waiting for their son. Their 9-month giveaway is open until tomorrow night and is for a 10 x 10 canvas showcasing a 9-word verse: "But as for me, I will always have hope." Psalm 71:14

I would love to win this piece! My middle name is Hope; our daughter Isabel's middle name is Hope. And our purpose as missionaries revolves around Hope: our eternal Hope in Jesus Christ.

But perhaps you would like to win it, too! If so, just click over to the giveaway and follow the instructions for several ways to join in. See you there! :)

Ruta 5: Iquique to Arica (and back)

True, it is listed as one of the "World's 10 Most Dangerous Roads." But as often as we have driven it the past two years, each trip becomes more enjoyable.

Last weekend, Pedro and I once again traveled north to Arica for a combination of business (meeting with the owners of the house we rent in Iquique) and pleasure (belatedly celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary.) On the way, we snapped many pictures of this celebrated route.

There is a breathtaking immensity to the sweeping vistas between Iquique and Arica that capture the imagination and remind us of the awesome power of our Creator. There are also sobering reminders of the frailty of man, as evidenced by dozens of crosses lining each steep cuesta (uphill climb.) On this particular trip we also encountered several charred and broken vehicles, signs of more recent tragedy.

Perhaps your life's journey will never take you upon this particular "dangerous road" but through these photos, you are welcome to follow along!

hitting the road together

one of many detours off (should I say onto?) the beaten path

pictures don't do justice to the height of the mountains and depth of the valley,
nor of the contrast of the green below with the towering brown barrenness above

another view from above ... notice how far down it goes

because even with a 12x zoom, this wreck is still far, far away

wonder what these are?? so do we ... modern art in the desert

taking a break to observe the statues

and check the leak under the car

burned-out hull of a truck

and another somber scene

this is why Ruta 5 is on the "dangerous road" list

crosses remembering victims of former accidents

two roads diverged in a narrow wood ... let's say "vast expanse"

looking down into one of the valleys

this one warns of dangerous bridge on a curve

sad evidence below the bridge

a memorial to victims

including recent words from a bereaved spouse and children

returning to Iquique via the "zig-zag" (narrow downhill road)

the spine of the dragon (this enormous sand dune is called "Cerro Dragon")

finally meeting the highway home

Say, "Cheese!"

After 24 hours' away, Pedro and I were welcomed home with squeals of delight.


Correction.

"Cheese," the hamster we were carrying, was welcomed with squeals of delight.

A gift from friends resulted in Eva's months-long dream being fulfilled.

(She quickly phoned cousins Mati and Micah to share the good news!)

And as you can tell, she wasn't the only one who was delighted!

In the World but Not of the World

We are in the world, but not of the world
We are in the world, but not of the world
We are set apart, to live our lives in the light

I can still picture learning this chorus in a darkened roomful of teenagers at America's Keswick sometime during my high school years. It was simple, yet clear: a musical reminder of the truth in Romans 12:2 that though we live in this fallen world, we are not conform to its patterns in our thinking and actions.

I've reflected on it often since then.

Especially these past few years as we've walked with our three older children through their secular school experience. Even more so recently as our girls begin to notice and question some of the choices and values of their peers that differ from their own - or at least, those we are trying prayerfully to instill in their hearts.

I've reflected on it as we have sought this year to become more involved in the structure of the school by my accepting a position as class representative and treasurer for the "Centro de Padres" (Parents' Association.)

When I encountered the tension of being part of the group yet resistant to some of the attitudes and actions displayed by its members ... When my own temper was tempted to flare due to catty power struggles and misinformation ... I reminded myself of it. And as activities were planned and worldly expectations clashed with my own comfort, it sent me in search of direction from God's Word as to how to respond.

As always, Jesus is our great example.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." - Matthew 9:10-13

Specifically, there was a school activity which was to be sponsored by the parents' committee. However, certain aspects of the event made it one we would not have chosen to attend had I not been on the committee. We were faced with the decision of whether to bow out and leave others doing all the work, or to find a way to participate without compromising our personal values.

We chose the latter.

Sure, it meant being on our feet almost an entire 24 hours one day. It meant starting the activity at 10 p.m. Chilean time and ending in the wee hours of the morning with aching feet and knotted backs and bleary eyes. For Pedro, it meant standing in the smoke of a grill and cooking 100+ anticuchos and choripanes while responding kindly to the picky parent who insisted her sausage was too cold. For me it meant hours in the kitchen preparing cookies and cakes and not hitting my pillow until 4:30 a.m. when the final pesos were counted.

But it also meant working side by side with people who had previously passed us by unnoticed on the school patio. It meant several personal interactions with the owners of the school and many chats with the school director. It meant showing we were willing to pitch in and do our part and keep our word.

Most importantly, it meant speaking with one mom on the committee about her spiritual journey and opening the door for deeper conversation in the future as we work together.

And that makes it worth it all!

I Look to You

After the heartfelt conversations we have had in our home this week, especially regarding body image, I loved this beautiful testimony by Amy Perry and Selah's new song, "I Look to You." I pray that my daughters will learn to look to HIM for their precious value and worth!

It's a "Fab Five" Sighting

capturing smiles on "Day of the Child" in Chile

Fingerprints of God

This evening my precious 10-year old and I had one of those bittersweet conversations common to mothers with daughters on the cusp of young womanhood. How thankful yet anxious I feel for the privilege of walking with my girls to the edge of adolescence and watching them wade into those whirling waters while I whisper encouragement from the shore. How well I remember my own inner turmoil at this tender age and wish for them much greater strength and purpose than I possessed in those days.

Tonight's conversation revolved around a laundry list of changes Eva wished she could exact upon her appearance. How she wishes her brown hair could be blond; and her hazel eyes blue. How she longs for a skinny stomach like so-and-so in her class who is so thin and and thinks she's "all that." How she wants to make her own breakfasts and lunches and to cut back on those oh-so-tempting sweets that surround her.

As always, I reminded her of how beautiful she is to us and how perfect she is to God. We talked of genes and how we can't change them but we can make choices to work with them towards healthier lives. I assured her that I would never want her eyes to be blue because then we wouldn't have our "matching" hazel eyes that she has always found so remarkable. We discussed dyeing hair and highlights and bikinis and modesty and belly dancing and falling in love (most notably regarding the latter the fact that she may have decided not to remain single forever after all - a serious deviation from her former life plan!)

Afterwards, it just happened to be family movie night and we just happened to be watching a video about a young boy's awkward transition into middle school with all its adolescent angst. Talk about timing. At the movie's end, I informed my three older kids that (1) they never have to worry about middle school because (2) I forbid them to continue growing but (3) if they ever do, they must not be as selfish as the film's protagonist and (4) choose good and kind friends while they are at it. Then we all laughed while I had that brief flash of panicky feeling because we all knows that as much as we parents might wish it sometime, we cannot make time stand still after all.

There is a song that I absolutely love and my girls know I love it because every time we listen to the CD both Pedro and I make a point to tell them that it is our song for them. Entitled "Fingerprints of God," it was written by a father for his daughter as she experienced many of the same insecurities Eva is now facing. How I hope and pray that she, too, will understand where her true beauty lies ... in the fingerprints of her Maker, in whose eyes (and in ours) she truly is a masterpiece.

Fingerprints of God
by Steven Curtis Chapman

I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like a magazine
Oh but when I look at you
It's clear to me

That I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece that all creation
Quietly applauds
And you're covered with
The fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand and perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living, breathing
Priceless work of art

And I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece that all creation
Quietly applauds
And you're covered with
The fingerprints of God

Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, And God's not through
In fact, He's just getting started!

On Living with Mild CP

I knew the tears would come.

As soon as I said the words, "Do you want to know the truth?" I second-guessed my decision to lay the cards on the table. My oldest daughter was on her way out the door to soccer, and for the umpteenth time her younger sister was voicing frustration that she could not go as well.

"But WHY won't you ever let me?!" she demanded, her eyes sparking over the pages of her homework assignment. I answered her question with my question and she insisted that yes, she wanted to know. But when I told her the reason - that we did not feel that co-ed soccer on a cement court was safe for her, now or ever - she erupted into sobs.

No amount of assurance that we have her best interests in mind was comfort to her wounded spirit. Reminders of the special things she has been able to do while her siblings have not (such as riding horses and weekly swim classes) did not help, either. All that mattered was that once again her physical limitations had set her apart in ways she hated and that disappointed her.

Many times while checking the "stats" on this blog, I find that visitors have stumbled upon a 2008 post entitled "Our Family & CP." In that post I shared a little about living with mild cerebral palsy and how it affects our daughter in small but significant ways. I have discovered over the years that there is much information available regarding CP in general, but little concerning mild cerebral palsy and its day-to-day realities.

It is not unusual for days and weeks to go by in which our daughter's diagnosis does not even cross our minds. She is a bright, funny, and caring little girl who is turning into a young lady before our very eyes. We expect of her what we expect of each member of our family. At the same time, situations do arise at times that remind us of her limitations and tug at our heartstrings as we seek to minize hurt feelings and disappointments. The soccer class conversation was one of these.

Another example would be our daughter's constant desire to cook and clean and help in the kitchen. These are wonderful things (seriously, what parent wouldn't be delighted to have children wanting to help with housework!) But there is this delicate balance of guiding her to those projects that are within her physical capabilities to do. CP affects her fine motor skills as well as overall strength in her hands, resulting in broken utensils and disappointed tears on more than one occasion. While allowing our children to try and fail is a natural and important part of parenting for any child, there is a special concern that she not feel defeated at being unable to do the simple things others can do.

I look at my daughter and realize that living with mild cerebral palsy has in some ways made her who she is. While there are days it frustrates and saddens her, I see and admire that despite her challenges she loves and trusts God and is allowing Him to mold her character for His glory and future purposes. The tenacity she has developed physically has spilled over to a strong sense of right and wrong, and she is unafraid to stand up for truth even when others do not. The compassion she exudes is a direct result of the hurts she herself has faced and does not wish for others. Her goals for the future always involve love and kindness and service, whether as a doctor, a therapist, or simply a mom (she says she wants to be all three!)

Yesterday as I was working on this post, I found something that was such an encouragement to my heart. It is a blog written by a young lady in college who is a special education major with aspirations for higher education and a career helping others. She also happens to have mild cerebral palsy. Erin describes the purpose of her blog in this way:

In this blog, it is my intention to give you a light-hearted (sometimes inevitably heavy-hearted) insight into the life of a college student who has a little bit of an extra challenge.

In addition to discussing topics that are relevant to disability, psychology, undergraduate training, pediatrics, and medicine, I hope to give you a sneak peek into the life of someone with a congenital and otherwise chronic illness is like.

It only took reading one of her posts for me to sit back with a mixture of hope, empathy, and a dawning realization that her experiences may one day be those of our own daughter. It is enlightening and encouraging to have this honest, open perspective of the future with its continuing challenges yet amazing opportunities. I can't wait to sit down with my daughter and talk through some of Erin's posts in the future because I know she will be so encouraged to realize that she is not the only to struggle with simple tasks like note taking, for example.

Only God knows the future, but I have always been confident that His plan for our daughter is a very special one. I am so thankful for the privilege to have a front-row seat and watch the miracles happen!

Cousins at the Beach (in Pictures)