Tuesday, September 4, 2012

"We are Back to School"

"After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:  "Hallelujah!"  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,..."


"There is a "roar" in heaven when these children pray!"

School has finally started back.  It's going really well for everyone.  Laurel is a junior.  Coleman is a freshman.  Shamira is in 6th grade.  Joan is in first and Derrick is in Kindergarten.  I feel like a shuttle some days having 5 children in 4 different schools but God always gets me where I need to be and I haven't forgotten anyone yet.  Shamira has one final medical test to be done.  As soon as I have a date for surgery I will be asking for prayers for her and her team.  Over the past two or three weeks I have forgotten why she was here.  I don't see the scars when I look at her anymore.  I see an excitement about being a part of our family and the joy and love she has for us humbles me every day.  She's not fearful of us anymore.  She has opened up about her past and she is beginning to trust us.  God has brought her here but I'm beginning to see that HE is using her in my life to remind me that I am not in control.  HE is.  Sometimes things aren't always the way they seem.  I have struggled with that so much.  I'm a "rule follower".  I like to make a list and mark it off.  What God continues to show me through Uganda is that I am to live one day at a time and that HE will give me the plan.  I am not to make it for HIM.  I could go through the list of places Shamira has been and all of the first foods and experiences that she has tried but nothing compares to seeing her embrace the new life God is giving her.  Her testimony is powerful and I can't wait for her to share it...hopefully soon.  

Since J and D have been here for a year, I decided to let them each choose an extra curricular activity.  D has chosen soccer.  His first game is this Saturday.  He hasn't been to a practice yet.  But he has worn his shin guards and socks a good bit so I'm pretty sure he's ready at anytime if the coach calls and says "lets go." He's most excited about getting gatorade after the game because that's what Coleman does.  I'll be looking forward to posting a quick update after the first game.  I have no idea what to expect but for sure a lot of smiles.  

Joanie is in dance.  All she really wanted to do was ballet.  She didn't want the tap and jazz shoes.  Laurel goes with her to interpret for her.  The lady at the studio told me Joan would be fine to be in there without someone signing for her.  I got a little offended by this because of course no one can sign to Joan.  Joan deserves to know what conversations others are having with her.  My heart ached a little thinking about Joan's deafness again.  It is not a problem for Joan...it's my problem.  But, she is my baby and I will always fight for her to have  language  and if I have to go to every dance class, every activity she wants to participate in I will.  I'm learning sign language as fast as I can.  It's getting a little easier but I still have a long way to go.   Oh Joanie...you give me gray hairs but you are keeping me young :)

I'm so proud of Laurel.  She is running cross country.  It wasn't her choice but she is doing it and she is sticking with it.  She is responding and not reacting to this decision that was made for her and I love her for this.  I love her coach and his philosophy and I think he will be a positive influence on Laurel.   Laurel has a way of encouraging others that is a gift from God.  I have a feeling, she is getting to use this gift through her cross country training.  I can't wait to go to her first meet.  I'll be waiting for her as she crosses the finish line.  I am her number one fan :)

Coleman is playing football.  I don't understand all of the positions he plays.  I don't understand the veer offense.  I try not to ask to many questions because I sense a tad of annoyance when I do.  My role is to be the prayer warrior for him and to gently remind him that in "all things we are to glorify God."  I believe Coleman does glorify God.  I  whisper to him no matter if you win or loose, you can still glorify God.  I remind him to pray for himself and his teammates.  Teaching him to pray is all I can teach him about football.  I have to admit, I am less excited about him playing high school football.  There seems to be such a variance of sizes of children...they are still children to me.  They don't have the "little children" smell anymore.  They smell BAD.  But, they are children.  I'm seeing Laurel and Coleman turn into a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman before my very eyes.  I see their brown eyed siblings look to them for wisdom and advice and love.  It's a beautiful thing. It's a God thing.  I am blessed to witness it and write it down.  

Todd's extra curricular activity is the NFL Sunday package on Direct T.V. and LSU.  You would really think with all of the games I have watched with him over almost 22 years of marriage I would understand the game a little better.  I don't.  I have a gift of "tuning out sports".  What can I say?  God equipped me in this way because HE knew I couldn't take it.  I LOVE to watch football and golf with Todd.  Some of the best naps I've taken have been during some of the biggest games :)  It works for us. 

I posted the picture above because as school has started and I have worked to get 5 children's back to school clothes, 5 children's immunizations, school supply lists, meet the teachers, schedules, etc. I am reminded that the children at Rays of Hope are still just as thankful probably more thankful to have a safe place to go and maybe get two meals a day.  As I stay in the ways of this world, they are truly living one day at a time.  God uses them in my life to whisper to me, "in all things, Glorify Me..." When they worship, it is a "roar of great multitude".  Lord, help me to remember that all of the busyness that I create for my children the most important lesson I can teach them is "Salvation and power and glory belong to YOU!"

Halleluja!

Amiee :)