Today, I look back at a week full of good experiences (it's only Wednesday).

We've been committed to serving people "with" our children.  This last week, I

had a chance to watch both of our boys (10 years and 6 years) meet the

needs of different people.

Saturday we spent a little bit of time at a homeless shelter in Milwaukee serving

people.  Our boys are learning compassion and so are we.

Monday, Josiah (our 10 year old) taught English to my 53 year old sister.  

My sister recently received her GED and is going back to college.  To do this

she needed to take a course in English.  She's been frustrated with the

instructor in the technical college near by, because she's not getting the

education she really wants.  The instructor has the tendency to push her

along even when she "just isn't getting it."  Sound familiar?

Anyway, on Monday my son Josiah who is now doing 6th grade English sat

with his aunt for probably 2 hours and she left feeling like she learned more

from him than she's learned all semester in her English class at MATC -

imagine that!  I was soooo proud of how patient he was with her and then

how much she appreciated his help - praise God.

Monday night we visited a nursing home and did Christmas caroling and

then did a craft with the residents.  We don't have much to do as far as

organizing anything - we just show up and help (it's perfect for us).  My

friend Jenny works at the nursing home and has welcomed our visits.  I sat

there on Monday and watched both of our boys interact with the elderly. 

Again, it was such a good experience.  Both of the boys have been there

before (it was Angelena's - our 2 year old - first time).  The boys were kind

and considerate and spoke with such gentleness to the elderly.  I could see that

they truly cared and respected the people - I was gushing with gladness as I

watched.

It's in these moments that I thank God for the opportunity to serve with them - I

wouldn't trade this for the world.  I want so much to make a difference by raising

children who love God and their neighbors.

Today, I'm tired and we're taking a break.  We worked this morning on school

but this afternoon - I needed a nap and took one with Angelena.  Josiah and

Elias have been playing with their cars for the last 2 hours!  They haven't fought

once (that I know of).   Thank you Jesus for the time of rest.

This entry is just an outlet.  I haven't been talking on the phone much lately to

my friends (not enough time) and sometimes I just need an outlet for these thoughts

and feelings.