Quick update...
In January, I wrote about three big adventures that were shaping my new year.
The first, pursuing a career outside of the classroom, has slipped to a back-burner. I am still looking and praying for an opportunity to use my skills in a different way. However, the last thing I want to do is make an impulsive move.So I've renewed my contract to teach for one more year. My tenth year. As the ninth year winds down, and the planning for next year revs up, I am getting caught up in the excitement of having another chance to work with some great people.
The second, the Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, is rapidly approaching. RAPIDLY. I leave in 34 days. I'm super excited, and more than a little nervous. I don't know if I'll be blogging/facebooking on the trip (I'm not taking my laptop), but I will take TONS of pictures. And journal. So I'll be super happy to share with you when I return.
The third, the fella.
Well... gee...
My 24-year-old-baby brother recently asked me "how's all that going for you?" I had to laugh. It's going great. In fact, that's why I'm here tonight.
To tell you about my day.
Today.
Sunday, May 11, 2014.
My first mother's day.
Yup. You read that right.
Remember when I introduced my special-someone? I mentioned that he had two young daughters.
They have not just accepted me into their lives. They have embraced me. Enthusiastically.
They are such sweethearts. And such a blessing to me.
I am so blessed. I just had to share.
After church and some errands, this is what I came home (home... teehee!) to today:
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| L's learning. Daddy's helping. M's supervising. I'm loving that I get to be a part of all this! |
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| A couple of lovely cards. Coffee, a cute pup. And a whole lot of love. Also, a project. Because this family loves projects. No soon-to-be-dead vase flowers this time. Instead, a flower box to make the place look more homey. |
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| The finished project. What a gift! |
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| Mother's day dinner - Super-Tacos. Family dinner is so much fun! |
And then, talking to my own mom (and dad and brother and SIL), and having them wish me a happy Mother's day, too? That acceptance of my love, my new family... wow! Just wow!
A year ago, four hours north of here, I spent mother's day with a family I barely knew, blessed by their charity, and thankful not to be alone. I am still quite thankful for them, and the gracious hospitality they offered. God's hands are everywhere, and I'm honored to have encountered so many in Stafford.
But today. Oh, today. Today, a couple lovely little girls showed me quite clearly that I am their family.
And thankful doesn't begin to describe the way I feel.
You know me, my friends. You know this is the thing I have hoped and prayed for most of my adult life. To have a family of my own. A good man who loves me. Children to care for. A place where I belong. A slice of Heaven here on Earth.
Rejoice with me, my friends. God is good. His blessings far exceed anything I could have imagined.
And I'm excited to see what comes next.
Surely you have granted [me] unending blessings, and made [me] glad with the joy of your presence! -PS21:6
