More blessed to give, than to receive

Last week a friend blessed me with fellowship as we had dinner together. Quite without warning I saw a tiny newborn baby girly with her mom and dad. I struck up a conversation with the mom only to be pleasantly and unexpectedly bonded into a brand new wonderful friendship with a complete stranger. I learned that my new friend was from Pennsylvania and that she and her husband were here because they had just adopted this beautiful baby. As time drew near for our exits, we exchanged contact information and Jen to ld me that her husband Joe was leaving the following day, they had two little boys back home and he had to return to work. Jen and I suggested that we get together before she went back, and she said that she would just love to get out of her hotel with the baby, but she had no car. Yesterday after church I went and picked up Jen and baby Gabriella. We spent the afternoon out as we delighted and engaged in “girlee” time. Although I was completely exhausted from working for about 12 hours the past few days, it was such a blessing to be with my new friend and to be a blessing to her. A small thing, like getting her out of the hotel for the day, turned out to be a great time for us both. We laughed, we showed Gabriella all kinds of adorable new clothes for her, we shared coffee, and smiles, but most of all…we shared our hearts.

For the sake of the Children

As I reflect on the past 7 months of teaching at C.C. Ronnow, I soon discovered that no matter how many things I disagree with in a school, bottom line-I adore the children! There is a strange dichotomy between being an impassioned school teacher and a mom-one does it all for the sake of the children. I never realized while growing in in the suburbs, playing house with my dolls and "teaching" summer school in backyard during the summer, just how much God created me for children. All I have to do is look at a child and an electrical fuse lights me up inside like a Christmas tree adorned in all of its splendor. I have found no greater joy than nurturing children every single day of my life! If I could not touch the life of a child each and every day, then I honestly think that I would die! I am so going to miss my precious 3rd graders. I love you Michelle, Rachell, Felipe, Dulce, Brandon, Juan, Maria, Julian, Laisha, Jessie, Catherine, Jasmin, Alex, Jesse, Renny, Joanna, Brian, Alicia, and Jacqueline. You are the hidden treasure in the earth, and you will always be the hidden treasure in my heart!