We can't believe how quickly this semester has flown by. The kids and I still have about 6 more weeks, but Chris is really winding down things at SWBT. He's done so well on all of his tests and papers, and I am amazed at how much he has learned in just one semester. You really approach learning from a different point of view when you're almost 40! :) No amount of testimony, however, would positively affect the high school and college kids today. You have to learn some lessons the hard way!
My job is going well. The very same issues we faced in Alabama and Mississippi are the issues we face here. It's all about standardized testing...unfortunately, I taught for a few years before all this No Child Left Behind business started. Those really were "the good ole days." We taught the material, we wrote our own tests, and somehow, the kids turned out more than okay...go figure!
MaryBeth is going on the big 5th grade field trip on Monday. They are going to a science camp in Oklahoma for three days. She is so excited. Benton played an awesome baseball game today, and he was invited to join a competetive team for the spring. He was thrilled! Brandon has started reading and sounding out words. I would think that by the third child this would be no big deal, but I get so tickled just listening to him blend words together. That's just so cool to me :)...proud mama!! More importantly, we have seen the kids growing spirirtually. I'm not saying this would not have happened if we had never started on this journey. I do know, however, that their new environment and lack of comforts has made them turn their eyes to Jesus. It's so sweet when your 8 year old turns to scripture to deal with a not-telling-the-truth issue, and your 10 year old spends hours one night writing out scriptures for her non-christian friend to help her understand who God is. And then there's nothing sweeter than hearing your 5 year old quoting scriptures and singing praise songs!! I have to remind myself of these truths...These are the blessings that get us through our homesickness and our longings to pack it all up and go home. I firmly believe we'll look back on these days with very fond memories.
I do have a new prayer request...my mom, who has been fighting pancreatitus (spelling??) has also found out that she has a ovarian cyst that the doctors are suspicious of. She will see an oncologist gynocologist Tuesday, so I ask that you lift her up in your prayers. Her name is Ann. She is a strong christian, and she knows exactly who is the source of her peace. She has fought the cancer battle twice, and has been healed both times. We fully expect a victory over whatever this battle turns out to be. Thank you for your prayers for her. Leroy Mullins and I were talking today about his and Barbara's Sunday School Classes, and how faithful they are in their prayers for us. Later my Nana and I were having a very similar conversation about how she and my grandaddy can't do much, but they can pray. God has so richly blesses us with Godly men and women who hold us up in prayer...thank you for being that support system under us. There are days when we would not make it without you. Please don't ever underestimate the power of your one prayer. I am all the more convicted to get on my knees even more in intercession for all my brothers and sisters in Christ.
As the holiday season approaches, we'll post on the blog when we're going to be where. We would love to see as many of you as possible. It looks like we're going to be in Oxford before Christmas, Trussville right around Christmas, and Memphis after Christmas/New Years. We can easily get to Tuscaloosa too, so please let us know if and when you're going to be around!!
Love you all!
Out of the boat...eyes fixed on Jesus!
Chris, Amanda, MaryBeth, Benton and Brandon
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