Teacher Conferences

As the first quarter came to a close, the annual long awaited parent/teacher conferences were scheduled. Having one child in middle school and one in high school awarded us the opportunity to see a multitude of different teachers. The first teacher said something like this, “Austin is doing very well in my class, I enjoy having him, he participates well and maybe could even add more as his thoughts are insightful.” The next teacher’s comments were “Adriann is doing very well, she’s a joy to have in class, she participates well but could possibly even talk a little less.” This went on throughout the next few sessions and I found myself chuckling out loud as I would leave each room. As their Mom, I am very proud of their efforts and work the first quarter. However, I am also delighted in who God has created each of them to be. Different, yes, actually opposites in some respects yet alike in many others. I am thankful God has entrusted them to our care...for such a time as this.

Blessings come in small packages!

This past week, I had my annual “I miss fall” moment. Autumn is by far my favorite time of the year in America. So many things make it a special time, the cool weather after hot Mississippi summers, football games, our anniversary, and the changing of the leaves to name only a few. In those moments, where I long to see the trees glowing with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, I find myself looking back at pictures from Smoky Mountain trips gone by, bringing out the box in storage labeled “fall decorations” and baking pumpkin bread. Recently as my friend and I were walking one morning, we were amazed to find a tree in our neighborhood with a few red leaves. What a sweet gift God gave us, living right here in the middle of the tropics! It reminded me that Father loves me and cares about every detail of my life.

Drum roll...........

After an extended break from blogging, we're back! The blog began as a way to keep family and friends updated on our lives in Asia. We'd also like to share all that Father is doing to draw the nations to Himself. Psalms 105:1-5 says it best, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him, tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name, let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

On a personal note, these are a few family pictures taken a few months ago! My how much our children have grown. Austin is about to complete his sophomore year of high school and Adriann is finishing up elementary school. Next year - 7th grade, not sure if this Mom is ready for my kiddos to be in middle and high school! We are blessed...I thank God daily for the children he has entrusted to us for such a time as this.