This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Life continues to be full and blessed. These last few months we have been trying to adjust to having a college girl living away from home. Olivia is at UW Madison with the hopes of possibly entering medical school. The dynamics at home changed a little bit with Gretta now being the oldest young adult in the house. Gretta is busy with Choraliers and studying ALL the time. She holes herself up in her room on most nights making ump-teen notecards to study for various tests. Ella is playing indoor soccer and busy being a fan of all sports with her new friendships she has made since entering school. She squeaks in a little time at Culvers working- but does not get many hours since she is not fifteen yet- so that is a little frustrating to her. Dayne just turned teenager yesterday. He is now the oldest homeschooled here and is really helpful in making our days go smooth. Basketball fills his weekends.
Diego and Yerly are growing in their learning everyday. This year has been really rewarding seeing their level of reading and math skills come along. We still struggle with what they say are normal issues for kids who were abandoned at such young ages for such an extended period of time. Many of the issues seem to be our issues which we are finding are a result of reactive attachment. This whole process has increased our dependency of God- it has not been a bed of roses. It is difficult dealing with their emotions and difficult dealing with our unexpected emotions as well.
Jude has been our comic relief and continued blessing. He blesses Diego and Yerly everyday by allowing them to nurture him. He has helped them tremendously find a place in our somewhat chaotic family. He has provided learned empathy and care giving to the older kids. He has provided stress relief when we realize that dealing with a toddler issues are much easier than dealing with teenage issues. It is so easy to tell him no and sit him on the stairs….not as easy with free willing young adults who need to make their own decisions- which are sometimes hard for us to sit back and watch.
Whats on the rothwell plate? We are gearing up for some of us to travel to Cancun for a mission trip this summer. Gearing up for a family trip to Gulf Shores…even sooner!!!
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