Ten, Exchange Student, Traveling to DC, Traveling to NY, Traveling to Dominican

Do you like the picture, Zach?  This is one of Zach's favorite soccer players.  

Week 10 done.  As I posted on a friend's blog, I am getting a little more proficient in tell time in God's time.  We had a scheduled conference call with our social worker on Monday at 8:30 am to go over the addendum.  Monday passed and we could not make contact with the SW.  when the frustration started bleeding into my day, I caught myself and thought.  The timing on this is perfect.  I may not understand it, but it is perfect.  We talked on Tuesday.  I received the rough draft on the addendum on Wednesday.  She will/has forwarded it on to Jessica.  It is moving and when I start thinking about the timing of it all, I am determined not to get frustrated.  Little M may not be ready or someone in our family may not be ready.

We received an email last week thanking us for volunteering to take a Chinese foreign exchange student in for 3 weeks.  We thought it was a joke because we had no idea what they were talking about.  Jason sent an email to the teacher (with whom we are friends)... Apparently, Andrew volunteered us and then forgot to tell us.  I am scrambling now.  We pick up our student on Sunday.

We go to NY tomorrow to celebrate my Dad's 70th birthday.  Very excited about seeing family.

Eliza leaves Sunday to go to DC with her class to participate in the inauguration.  Please pray for her safety.  It is the first time that she will be away for a few nights.  

Andrew received permission from the academic dean at his school to go to the Dominican Republic.  He will be going for a week with a group of doctors, peace corp, and engineers without borders.  He will help with doctors visits by providing support.  He will be the only student.  I will be on my knees that whole week.  (By the way, the academic dean said that we may have to reevaluate taking Andrew to Ethiopia if it falls in the same academic year.....  I don't think so.  I may have to reevaluate the school, if that is the case.  As Jason says.... don't let school interfere with a good education.  I am not worried.  Again, God's timing is perfect.)

Zach is having dreams about traveling to Ethiopia.  I asked him if he was okay with a new sister (just in case).  He said... I am good with little girls, too.  This after getting time with Ruth and Aster.  The other thing that he said that I just want to keep in the scrapbook.  He said...if he does not make it as a professional soccer player, he wants to be a good teacher.  He would do yoga with his students on days that they could not get out for recess, and show them how to do a trial in his class, too.  This from a child who hated school last year.  What a difference a teacher can make!