Going back to kindergarten

Last week I started my new job with the Blue Valley school district.  I am working with 6 different autistic children.  I work with these kids in their typical classroom with their peers.  It has been so fun.  I forgot how much I enjoyed kindergarten.  I still remember my classmates, teacher, and good times had there. 

 Hanging out in a kindergarten class all day has really given me a new energy.  I leave school feeling excited and like I've really done something meaningful.  I hope that I continue to love this job.  I know God has me here for a reason and I'm thankful for what he has given me.

I love getting to know the little people in the class.  I also love how they are so welcoming and willing to help with all the special needs kids.  I think it's very important to expose children to their special needs peers at an early age.  Kindergartners are still so innocent and accepting of everyone.  I wish I was still like that! 

Lord, 

I pray you give me the eyes to see people like a kindergartner.  I pray you give me the heart of acceptance and joy like a kindergartner.  

Amen

Miss these faces!

Would gladly adopt any and all of these kids if it were possible!

Haiti and babies

This past week has been a rough week for me.  I'm getting ready to transition to a new job, but I really just want to be in Haiti.  I want to be loving the little ones we met while we were there, and walking down the streets with our entourage of kids trailing behind us as we go deliver food and prayer to the prisoners and Gran Moun (old people).  I know that God has a big picture painted for us and right now we can only see the little brush strokes that our right in front of us.  Me getting this job was a huge answer to prayer and is a crucial piece in getting us back to Haiti in January.  I am thankful for it, and can't wait to see God work through me in the public school system.

Another thing we have desired for awhile now is a child of our own.  Ben and I knew when we got married that we wanted a few children and really longed to be parents.  We can't wait to teach our child about Jesus and feel the kind of love that a parent has for a child.  We believe that this is also in God's plan for our lives and can't wait until that day comes.  We would appreciate any and all prayers for a baby.  We are ready to be parents, whenever God chooses to give us that blessing.  

Welcome home Pat!

Welcome home Pat!  We are so proud of you for serving your country.  We are also thankful for your safe return.  We love you!

Summer in KC

Well, we've had a pretty great summer.  Our favorite part being our trip to Haiti in June.  We've also been able to hang out with friends, watch the royals play, and this weekend we are going to Lake of the Ozarks for some fun in the sun.  Ben's brother Pat flew in last weekend after serving in Afghanistan.  We were very happy to welcome him home and thankful that God has kept him safe over the past year.  

Crazy Love

Ben and I have been reading the book "Crazy Love."  Thanks auntie Pam!   We've just started but it has really got us thinking.  It talks about how small we are in comparison to God and his universe.  It has really reminded us that he created us and this world so perfectly.  He thought of everything!  Being just the right distance from the sun so that we don't go up in a ball of flames, the plants producing oxygen for us to breath, the earth spinning at just the right speed so that we don't go flying in to space, the fact that our bodies just function without us having to think about it!  It's amazing if you think about all the things that have to be just right in order for us to survive and exist.  God is amazing!  He really has thought of everything! 

You might be thinking, "DUH!" he's GOD.  But we often forget these things.  I know I do.  He has a perfect plan for us and I am constantly reminded of that and thankful for that.  He knew my name before I was born, he knows how many hairs are on my head.  If all this is true, then why do I have such a hard time trusting him sometimes?  Well, I'm working on it....and I'm thankful for his grace and love for me.  

The book also talks about God sending Jesus...his only son to die for us!  I don't know about you, but I don't think I couldn't send my child to die for someone.  Imagine watching your child nailed to a cross....suffering, so that the rest of humanity could have eternal life!  NO WAY!  You'd be on your own if I were GOD!  Luckily I'm not, and thankfully Jesus did die on the cross for us....so that we could have eternal life!  All we have to do is choose to follow him, and serve him!  Count me in....Thanks God!  

Ok, I'll end the sunday school lesson!  I was just really reminded of God's grace and love last night while we were reading.  I'm so thankful that he has chosen to love me....in spite of all my gross sin!  

Moving Forward

It's been awhile since we've updated.  My mom has been getting after me to update our blog.  So here goes!  We've both been a little under the weather this past week.  Suffering from a summer cold!  Not fun.  I think we are on the upswing of things now.  

We have really been missing Haiti and can't wait to go back.  Tonight we are meeting with a friend of ours who helps missionaries raise support for their mission.  We are hoping he can give us some ideas and help us raise money for our next trip and our future in Haiti.  We both are ready and willing to go back when ever the Lord calls us.  The picture above is of the twins that we would really love to have come live in our home.  Givens and Giveson!  They are sweet!

I'm getting ready to go back to school.....not as a student but as a teacher.  I start my new job with the bluevalley school district as a teacher in the autism classroom in August.  I am looking forward to that, but will miss the freedom that I now have being self employed.  It will be nice to have more adult interaction throughout the day.  I've always made many friends wherever I work, and hope this won't be any different.

Well that's it for now.  I've been bugging Ben about updating, so we'll see if he gives in and graces our blog with some love!