The Condensed Version

Each morning, first thing on the agenda is a Bible story with Eva - and a quick prayer. 'The Beginner's Bible' we have for toddlers is wonderful, but still a little involved for one so new to English. Lately, I've been thankful - and somewhat amused - at how easily we're able to translate Bible stories into Eva-digestible condensed versions. Here are a few examples; maybe you'll even be able to guess which stories they are...

1. Naughty snake; bad apple.
2. Big boat; two elephants; raining, raining.
3. Jacob sneaky; Esau hairy.
4. Baby hiding; water, basket.
5. Bush, HOT! God talking.
6. Hitting rock; water out!
7. Loud trumpets; wall falling!
8. Naomi crying, Boaz kissing.
9. David's rocks; mean giant fall down.
10. Lions grrrrrr; no bite!

Her First Day...

A letter from Eva's first day of 'day care':

E&V-

We are having a wonderful day. Eva is so smart, and fun. We have been reading books and doing activities about colors, letters, and shapes. I'm so surprised and thrilled about all the letters she already knows. She picked out an "E" and an "M" and an "A" for me today. She also correctly identified something yellow! I get a huge kick out of every shape being a "triangle!" Her vocabulary has increased so much since last week already. She loved music time, and really liked the song where we included everyone's name.

I can't believe how well she does at waiting for the whole group before we go outside, and already she is understanding the concept of turn-taking. (She's not always ready to DO it however, which is very typical for a three-year-old!) She is definitely checking me out for boundaries, looking at me when she does something she is not sure about, or looking to see if she can get away with something when I have told her "no". I love that she is getting comfortable enough to do that! She does listen VERY well when I reaffirm the boundary and redirect her.

I don't need to tell you that she has this amazing energy. She makes everyone around her smile. She is extremely likable, and all the girls are making deals about whose turn it is to sit by her.

She asks about you some, and loves to know the schedule leading up to your return. She has been showing everyone your picture all day. She speaks of you both with such love and enthusiasm.

Eva is awesome at cleaning up, and wanting to help.

I absolutely love your daughter! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of her life. I feel so blessed to have her here twice a week. She truly is amazing.

-inthestory-

T... what a precious friendship; what an amazing gift. Thank you for loving our daughter and so eagerly taking on this key role in her little life. She is so precious to us - and we are truly happy that she is with you during these times each week. We're finally here and God has so obviously done this! We love you and are full of gratitude...

In the Moment, Over Time

Ever have one of those life 'moments' where you get a glimpse of where you are - and, with it, where you've come from seems less important, serving only to magnify the beauty of the moment you're in? Today is one of those days for me. In this moment, I am aware of the following things:

1. There is much to be thankful for.
2. Precious few things are worthy of fear.
3. Love covers over a whole bunch of crap.
4. Time heals deep hurt.
5. Grace is afoot.
6. Joy comes with wanting what we have.
7. In God, nothing is wasted.
8. The good stuff is just a taste of what's possible.
9. Thank God He doesn't always give us what we think we want.
10. The Peace to come might look different than what we thought.