First day of school

It's hard to believe today is the first day of school...back from summer vacation! It's even harder to believe that JingJing is in 1st grade and Meredith, 4th. They have grown up so fast! Sometimes you wish you could just stop time....I think that's why, whenever JingJing asks me to hold her, I have stopped to do so, because I know those days won't last forever. It's even hard for me to remember, the last time I was able to pick Meredith up like that, which is very sad to me.

However, one of my goals as a mother, is to raise our girls, to be godly young women, who will be productive, polite, competent, intelligent members of society, who can make a difference wherever they are, whatever they are doing.....and with all that, it means they have to grow up. It seems like just yesterday, the orphanage workers were bringing JingJing to us in the CCAA, in that little room, all 15 pounds of her, sweating, from all the clothes they piled on her. It's been neat to see her little personality blossom, and she is 'full out', all the time! And sweet Meredith, she is very kind and compassionate, quite different than the headstrong, stubbon toddler she was.

Their teachers are Mrs. Wimberley and Miss Lindsey. We pray they have a great year and continue to learn all that God has for them!

Although not having a job has been difficult, this is the first time I have ever gotten to take them to school, which was a HUGE blessing! I have been at work on the first day of school, ever since 2006, so it was great to be able to do that today. I can't wait to hear how their day went!

And of course, we think of Emma and prayed for her, too...not knowing if she has started school yet. Please pray that her orphanage is one of the 'good' ones, that prepares their children well, for a new family. We've heard some accounts of children not knowing really what is going on, and I'm sure that is very difficult and scary for the child.

Last night, as I laid awake, I tried to picture myself as Emma, that first night she is in the hotel with us....
"here I am, laying in this bed, with these strange people. They are complete strangers to me...they look different, smell different, and I can't even understand what they are saying. I am really pretty scared. Is something going to happen to me while I am sleeping? Will I wake up here, in this bed? What if they change their minds? Boy, am I afraid. I had to say goodbye to my friends at the orphange and to the nannies that I know, and the orphanage director. I am sad and I feel alone...."

So, we pray for peace, for healing in her heart and mind, and that somehow, just somehow, she will know we love her, have been praying for her, and have been waiting for her...a long time.