A Couple of Things We've Learned...

What a start! We have been here for 17 days, today. This is our second week end off since we began. The first week end we were off, the relief parent had pneumonia, was hospitalized a few days after her shift...so, today I was a little aprehensive about leaving our boys again! However, we just got home, and this relief parent was raving about how good the boys were all day! They had all their chores done, and seemed pretty mellow!

Now, the girls are home, so that should add some drama! Actually, it has been good for the girls to have this experience of brothers. When the four of us go out, the girls always ask if we can get this one thing for the boys, or take home something special for them--just because! Today, we went to their favorite candy store at the mall, and the girls brought home jaw breakers & carmel/apple suckers for each of them.

Randy has great plans for them to become disc golf enthusiasts. We have located a course near here. While we were away today, he picked up some putters & drivers to share with them. (terms that I think are hilarious to describe a disc, similar to what we called 'frisbees' when I was growing up...Of course, I know 'frisbee' is a brand name...still funny to me) I'll keep you posted as to their progress in the sport!

We have learned many things since we have been here. Probably the most important lesson that we have faced together is that when one of the boys says "I don't want to do...or go... (fill in the blank)"--there's probably a bad memory attached to the blank...so, as usual, we have tried to remain flexible...and not force our agenda with them.

This week, I have had amazing teachable moments with each of the boys. From teaching one how to sew a button on his pants, to getting grass stains out of another's jeans (He swore when they came out of the dryer that I had just gone in to town and purchased him new jeans!!!), to real life issues that concern drugs, sex, relationships and Our God--Creator of the Universe! At least they are open, and they are opening up! Good thing, because the four of us have fallen completely in love with them, collectively as a group, and individually!

One of the high lights of our day is to sit on the front porch and watch as all 6 of our high schoolers stand at the end of our drive way and talk and gesture and wait for the bus...there's our pretty twins, the geek, the nerd, the prep and the jock--and not any one boy is one of those adjectives, they are all each one at different moments of the day--they keep us laughing and crying and praying--they keep us on our toes and on our knees and on our feet all at the same time--we must stay alert to their needs, their wants and desires and thier fears and pain.

This week, the boys were blessed to get new beds and new bedding. However, they did not get mattresses. I have made a couple of contacts with people I know in Illinois & Indiana...and I am praying that we will hear this week that soon our boys will have new mattresses, too! God's hand of provision is so clear!

To me, this is the most gorgeous place on earth. Randy & I are flourishing. The girls are growing up right before our eyes. Mallory has grown about an inch and a half taller--who knew she'd do that!?!!

I covet your prayers, as you think of us, pray for us and the boys and our girls... that God would be glorified and honored in what we do here!