Wednesday, February 14, 2018

It does not seem real that it has been 10 years since I saw and held Emma for the first time. I remember that day ten years ago in Korea like it was yesterday. Last year I wrote a post that gives  more details about our first meeting with Emma. You can read it here if you would like. I just cannot let this day go by without reflecting on the miracle of that moment of finally holding Emma in my arms. We had walked through some dark paths on our journey, but those months waiting for Emma, those moments were all hope seemed to be lost of ever getting our daughter home were some of the darkest days and nights of our life. Those who walked with us through these months can testify to the dark cloud that was forever present over my spirit. So that Valentine's Day in 2008 was my forever reminder our the Lord's faithfulness. It was not easy, it was not easy even after she came home, but God was building our family in a beautiful way. This year has been the most challenging on the relationship between Emma and I . She is growing up and lots of changes in her life. We had many arguments, door slamming, arms raised in defeat, and tears this year. As she has grown and reached other milestones the last few months I see how much our relationship has grown and our relationship is so much sweeter. Emma is a tenderhearted, book loving, amazing young lady and I am thankful every day that I was chosen to be her mother.

Today at school my preschooler were extra loving and extra chatty during our Valentine's party. I got lots of extra hugs and "I love you" today and it just makes me realize how much I am going to miss this class in just a few months when the school year is over. I got lots of chocolate and some other sweet gifts and I am just so blessed to have amazing families in our class. Tomorrow is the 100th Day of School so we will be partying some more. We are having an ice cream party so I am sure it will be so much fun! Tonight we are staying home. The girls and I went to the grocery store after school to get some a few things and traffic and the store were insane! We had some Italian beef and I made the Pioneer Woman's peanut butter pie recipe. It looks good, so I am hoping when we eat it later it is as good as it looks.

I ask that you would continue to pray for our family. Lots of questions we have been answering this week from parents and other people and it gets kind of awkward. Please pray as we seek where God wants Jeremy next year and my selfish prayer is that we will know something sooner than later. Last week the Bible story in our class was about Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. This has always been one of my favorite stories and I feel like many times in my life I have felt like we were being thrown in the fire. As I taught the lesson I became emotional because I felt like we were once again about to enter the flames. The Lord, however, encouraged my heart and maybe, just maybe, we were thrown in these flames back in July and we are actually about to be rescued from the fire. We have definitely been in the heat of the battle. Just a bit of change on the way I have been viewing our current situation. Whatever is next, may the Lord be gloried and everyone that knows our story will see God's hand on our life.

Some of my sweet treats and Valentine boxes my class made

The only thing I ask for on Valentine's Day

I love this guy! I love that even when life is really messed up he still makes me laugh. The 8th grade sold flowers and cards to be delivered today. He bought me a flower and gave another teacher the picture of his head to put in my card. A 7th grader drew the picture. Samuel delivered it my room and I was laughing so hard I went into a coughing fit.