Thankful List ~ January through June 2017

January through June Thankful List

Wow, how has it been six months since I wrote out a thankful list?  Time goes much too quickly these days.

Addilyn, Josiah, Elias, and Aubri growing, learning, and developing.  Addilyn’s reading has taken off and she not only is reading chapter books but also reading aloud to Josiah and Eli.  She is so helpful with Aubri, loves crafting, and helping in the kitchen. She is exceptionally nurturing and self-sufficient.  Josiah grew up overnight.  Although still a sweet rambunctious little boy, he has matured so much over the past six months.  He is much more focused during lessons, has become a big helper, and is more willing to try new things.  Elias’ vocabulary has grown tremendously and he rarely stops talking.  He is fearless, stubborn, and makes sure to get his own way.  Aubri is still the “perfect baby.”  She eats and sleeps well.  She is rolling over and sitting up but has yet to crawl (thank goodness).  Recently she started babbling “mama” but I’m not completely convinced it actually means mama.

Here is a bullet point list of just a few other things we are incredibly thankful for over the past 6 months.

·      Friendships at Calvary:   Our community group!  Trip and Lisa Rodgers and how they absolutely love our children and serve sacrificially.  The CBC prayer ministry and friendships with Anita, Lisa, and Brenda.  The passion and zeal of the youth.

·      North Carolina Wesleyan College International Student Ministry:  I was so thankful for Katherine inviting me to be a part of the ministry, for Dawn and Donna welcoming me.  I enjoyed planning and hosting the Calvary Board Game Night, the community group cookout, an Easter party, going to the events on campus like the International Festival and Taste the Nations lunches.

·      Homeschool:  Josiah started understanding reading and math concepts, which was a huge highlight for the semester.  We took lot of fun field trips as a family and with Shepherd’s Co-Op.  Addi and Josiah were also able to participate in their very first craft fair. I thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with other homeschool moms this semester.  Addi and Josiah both did basketball.  We found an affordable dance class for Addi and in the spring she played soccer again while Josiah tried out baseball for the first time.

·      My dental work:  We were finally in a place where we could take care of all my dental work that needed to be done.  Dr. Gaskins was so generous with his time and care for me.  I also had oral surgery and then I began Invisalign.

·     Transitions:  A series of events led to Josh and I evaluating God’s call for our future.  We decided to relocate to Charlotte to help with the planning of a future church plant.  The Lord allowed all the details to fall into place with the selling of our house very quickly.  God provided a place for us to live in Charlotte and our new community group welcomed us with eagerness.  We are still waiting for the Lord to provide a new job for Josh but we are trusting in faith, as He has provided everything else in a remarkable way.