Progress

This weekend we went away to a waterpark hotel for the weekend.  We were graciously given it by a charity motorcycle ride that our youngest daughter was a recipient of.  We went away for the weekend with no explanation, not a lot of preparation, just fun.  As we were there, Jack and I commented on how different things are from only months ago.  Being away with RJ for the summer was probably one of the hardest patches we have ever had.  Rightly so on his part for not being home even one year without moving away for the summer without his dad.  I know that was not ideal but it was what needed to happen for our youngest.  How do we juggle all these kids?  We do the best we can.  But, that experience only made us stronger.  We went away this weekend without a doubt in Rj’s mind that we would come back home at the end of it.  That we would all be together.  Well, the weekend ended abruptly when Laila was put in the hospital.  You know what?  He handled that too.  He came to visit every day and while he was a bit distant and sad, he knew I would come home.  I remember not that long ago when we would drop him off to grandma’s for a few hours and would have to explain over and over that we would be back.  No more.  He loves being with other people and is secure to know that we’re always coming back and it can be fun to have a new experience.

Are things perfect?  No, are they ever??  I spent so much time reading and praying and fasting before RJ came to us almost a year ago and we did well for awhile.  But as life dragged us down and behaviors kicked in more and more it got harder and harder.  I’m back to a place now of study and prayer.  I’ve actually been taking the time every morning to get up early (which is not my favorite but it’s what works!) and pray for him.  I’ve been praying Jeremiah 31:20 over and over every day letting God’s word wash over my relationshipwith him.  “Isn’t RJ my much loved child?  Don’t I utterly adore him?  Even when I scold him, I still hold him dear.  I yearn for him and love him deeply declares the Lord.”

We have hired a tutor and it is the best money we have ever spent.  The homework time has been the biggest struggle and I had to step out of the equation.  Two days a week he does it with the tutor and the other days I do a little but Jack does most of it.  I praise the Lord that He knew and pulled me away from home schooling RJ.  He knew it would not work.

I was challenged last week to come up with a miracle that has happen in my life and I immediately thoughts of the many many miracles that it took to bring this boy home.  The biggest test of my faith came on the visa appointment day in Delhi.  You can read about it here.

Our life has changed so much and will continue to change but as I have these little experiences that show me that change and the way I can absolutely see God’s hand guiding it, I’m thankful and feel the need to share.  Thanks for letting me :)