Adventures with Andrew: Our Adoption Story

It’s no secret I love children.  It’s no secret I love being a mom.  Children are a blessing from God, and I am so blessed and grateful!  We are extremely excited to be adding to our family again, and eagerly look forward to the day we can bring Andrew home.  I wanted to take some time to share our adoption story.

My sweet family!

The story started about six years ago a few months after our youngest, Samuel, was born.  I felt even though our family was full and wonderful, it was still not quite complete.  So, I began to pray for “Andrew” and “Abigail” because praying for a him or a her just didn’t seem right.  Time passed, yet still in my heart I felt our family was not completed.  So, I kept praying for God to bring Andrew and Abigail home.  There were times I wondered if having more children was nothing but a pipe dream, but I continued to pray.  There were times I wondered if God’s answer was “no”, but I continued to pray.  I knew God heard my prayers.  I knew He loved me.  I knew that He knew what was best for me and our family.  I also knew God had a plan for our family.  I still felt deep in my heart there was room for more children, room for more love.  So even when it seemed God was silent and still in this area, I kept praying.





Corn on the cob was a huge hit!

During this time of prayer and waiting, we moved to Illinois where Brad began a preaching ministry.  While here we met a lot of new people, and many of them had adopted or been adopted.  It was amazing to me.  I kept praying.  One of the families we met had not only adopted a little girl from China, but Mrs. McGowan, the mom in the family, was the head of a ministry called In His Hands Orphan Outreach.  We were invited to an orphan banquet at the Crown Plaza here in town spring of 2013.  It was a wonderful night, an inspiring kind of night.  We were in a room of hundreds of people hearing updates on what In His Hands had done the year before and through their summer hosting program.  We also learned a lot about orphans and the great needs that they have all over the world.  I kept praying.  Another year went by and we were again invited to the banquet in the spring of 2014.  It was during this event that Brad leans over and says, “I think we should host an orphan this summer.”  I about fell out of my chair!  I couldn’t believe what I had just heard.  It was hard not to jump all over that and pounce on the poor unsuspecting man!  However, I kept praying.  I had to make sure this was God’s leading and His plan…not the Mary Plan because while the Mary Plan seems really awesome, I have learned God’s plan is always better!

I love this Scripture!
Image found on  etsy.com

When we got home that night, I quietly left the hosting papers from the banquet on the counter and waited for Brad to take the lead.  I am thankful that he did and we began a wonderful adventure.  We began the process of filling out forms and doing the necessary things to prepare for our summer house guest!  During that time we were able to have some very serious conversations about where all this was leading.  It was during this time I was able to share with Brad how I had been praying to adopt for several years.  It was during this time Brad shared that for over a year he had been praying about adopting!  I will never, ever forget that conversation.  God had been working, he had been listening, and he had prepared us both for this exact time.  I was overwhelmed by what God had been doing all those years when I thought he was silent.  It was very exciting to know we were going to add to our family.  We just weren’t sure if it was going to be one of the children from the summer program or not at that point.  So now we both were still praying, but now we were praying together! 

Adventures with Andrew continue each day.  I eagerly look forward to an update soon.
Image Found on etsy.com

July 4 finally came and “Colin” as he was called during the summer hosting program was finally here.  It didn’t take us long to know he was our Andrew.  While I can explain the process of conceiving a child physically, I cannot explain to you step by step the process of how Andrew was born in our hearts.  I wish I could because it is truly an incredible thing that God does.  What I can tell you is that without a doubt we knew that Andrew was our son.  The love we have for him is no different than the love we have for Neil, Maddie, Sarah, or Sam.  And so a few weeks into the hosting program, we officially began the process of adopting him.   And….we kept praying! I will let you know that putting him on that plane July 31 was perhaps one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I miss him so very much.

Going back to China day.  This was a hard day for Brad and me.  Miss our sweet boy!

I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart yearns for “Gotcha Day".  Right now it seems like it will never get here as we continue in the process of adoption, the legal process to adopt a child.  Many have asked very good questions about the process and are very surprised to learn how long it takes, but to fill out all the appropriate paperwork, have that processed, raise the funds needed, complete the parent training, required readings, etc…  it is a 9 – 12 month process from start to finish for our particular adoption.  We are hoping by early summer to bring him home.  Every adoption is different and the process varies by country and different situations.  Some friends we know who are adopting internationally have been in their process three years and hope to bring home their little boy very soon. 

 

We had filled out hosting papers, but this was the night we began filling out the adoption papers!

There is a lot of waiting in the journey of adoption.  You begin by filling out forms and gathering documents or copies of documents and mail those in to where they need to go.  Then you wait.  Then you fill out more forms and gather more documents, mail those in, and again you wait.  There is a lot of waiting.  Waiting for the papers to arrive at their destination, waiting for the proper people to review your papers, waiting for approval, and waiting to have those reports returned.  Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting some more.  Then there are holidays coming up where important offices are going to be closed and so we will again wait.  Just so you know…waiting is very hard and I’m not very good at it!

This is so very true! 
Image found on plus.google.com

We are on an incredible adventure with Andrew.  There are ups and downs and unknowns, but we are seeking to be obedient to the plan God is revealing to us for our family. The latest update is that we have mailed in our immigration papers, they were received and now we wait for our appointment for fingerprinting we assume in St. Louis.  So, we keep waiting and praying.  We pray for Andrew, his foster family, our process, and for God to provide for our needs because we trust God has a plan for our family.  I’m so excited to be on this adventure with God to bring Andrew home.   And….I keep praying!

Waiting and praying!

Schooling and Soccer Adventures



School is always an adventure!  This year is no different.  Neil began his junior year enrolled at Calvary Academy here in Springfield, IL.  Our experiences with the school last year was such a blessing.  We are very impressed not only with their academic accomplishments, but the love, care, and emphasis on raising godly men and women who have a solid relationship with Christ.  I was completely impressed with their graduation ceremony last May.  It was yet another confirmation of our prayers for Neil that Calvary was where he needed to be this fall. 

 

First day of school.  Junior at Calvary Academy.

I have had several ask me if it’s hard to not have him here.  Honestly, no…I have such a peace about this decision.  We began praying about this last fall and repeatedly God opened up doors and gave us assurance and peace.  I know this is where he should be right now and I have confidence in the programming, teachers, and administration.  It’s actually been very exciting.  “The best is yet to come.” was something a friend of mine told me concerning her children and she was/is right.  So many exciting things on the horizon for this young man God blessed us with!  Do I miss him?  You betcha!  I’ve never been one of those moms who can’t wait for school to start to send the kids off to school.  I enjoy spending time with my children.  While I can’t always say they replicate those feelings, it’s a privilege to be able to teach them and be a part of their lives.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything but I also realize they are not really mine, but God’s children.  As we have sought God’s direction for parenting and schooling Neil, He opened up this door and we were happy to go through it!  One of the things I miss most is hearing him sing and play the guitar during his breaks between classes.  I also have to admit our lunch time is a little less lively as we have lost some laughter from his quips and jokes. 

From the start of his life, while growing inside me, God has had his hand on our son.  He saw us through a difficult pregnancy mostly spent on bed rest.  The circle of friends praying for him on the day of his birth knew too God had a plan for him.  That tender moment of them encircling our hospital bed and praying for us will never ever be forgotten in this mama’s heart and mind.  To the friends, family, coaches, and youth ministers who have invested in his life up until now, I give my heartfelt thanks.  He has come a long way.  He has a long way to go.  Yet….the best is yet to come.  We look forward to this year helping him to reach his goals and dreams. 

First day of Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 8th grade.

The rest of us started school the same day Neil did.  I usually start much earlier, but wanted to spend as much time with Neil as possible before our new schedules began.  It was a good move on my part.  Sarah and Sam have really missed their big brother.  Maddie has started her 8^th grade year strong.  She is a diligent worker and studies hard.  She is very responsible and we are proud of her progress.  She is not one who enjoys school but she at least has a positive outlook and works to get her work completed.  I never have to get on her about getting her homework or chores completed.  Sarah is now in 3^rd grade which means she has more seatwork to do.  This has not been a welcome thing, but she is getting used to the routine I think finally.  This will be a transitional year for her in several subjects.  It will be interesting to see how she handles some of the new responsibilities and work.  Sam is now in Kindergarten and he LOVES school!  Who doesn’t love Kindergarten?!  He is most excited about his math book which we just got in the mail this weekend.  I had other math things for him to do to start school and he’s done very well, but this book was received with great shouts of joy and then a treasured item to be shown to anyone who would look at it!  I only wish this excitement and joy would last his entire educational career! 

Very hot.  Thankful for the breeze that day!  Calvary is in white/blue.  Neil has the long sleeve black shirt.

Soccer is another new adventure we find ourselves on this fall.  Neil is playing for Calvary’s Soccer Team.  This is the first year in some time they have even had a team.  Neil last played soccer at age 5.  He was the goalie then.  I clearly remember him in the goal watching the excitement on the tennis courts repeatedly.  He never knew what was going on in his game.  An occasional plane would fly by and that too might catch his attention.  Needless to say, that was the last year for soccer for him.  Twelve years later, he is playing goalie again and I’m pleased to report his attention span has improved greatly.  He seems to enjoy it.  It’s a new program and I don’t know how good they will be, but I am so proud of the team.  They are working hard!  I am also very proud of him because he is willing to try new things.  He knows he’s got a lot to learn and improve upon but he is willing to work hard.  This last spring he tried baseball and the school play.  I love his adventurous spirit to try new things! 

 

Working hard!

Sarah is also playing soccer this fall through the YMCA.  She has NEVER played soccer.  It’s kind of cute!  Today they won their first game and we celebrated with ice cream afterwards.  She was supposed to go in today and she stayed on the sideline.  The coach thought she went in.  Finally after one play a parent said, “Coach, you are down a player!”  It took him a minute to figure out who was missing.  She kind of shrugged and went in but didn’t know what position to play.  Once she was in though she played hard.  At one point she was on a break away and I thought she might score, but the other team turned the ball around and away they went.  It was an exciting game!  Today she declared she was hot and happy after the game.  Hot from the running and happy that they won!  She cracks me up!
 

My soccer players!

Our upcoming weeks will have days filled with school and evenings full of soccer practices and games.  It’s a fun place to be.  However, these are not the only adventures we are enjoying at this time.  Overwhelmed by God’s grace, love, forgiveness, and answers to prayers!

Love needs no words

Today was the last picnic for the Chinese hosting parents.  It was a hot one at the park today as we started, but by the time we left there was a cool breeze blowing.  As I type I can hear thunder and the light from the window has dimmed so rain is on the way.  I am thankful it held off.  It was a very enjoyable day outside in God's creation.

Giggles, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and lots of food were enjoyed today.  It was so wonderful to talk to others and hear their stories and what God has been doing in their lives.  We were also blessed to have a few personal testimonies shared from host families.  The best part was to hear the chaperones share via translator their feelings about the last few weeks here in America.  It was touching.

 

Today I watched Colin and a few of his friends join hands and begin to walk across the grass towards the playground and commented on how sweet it was.  A Chinese speaking friend who is from Springfield agreed it was sweet and commented on how at the orphanage they have no friends because they are afraid someone will take their toys or food so they fight to protect their toys/food.  I was speechless.  It seemed so natural to them to join hands and play.  I hope as they return back to China Thursday they will remember they are friends and not enemies.

I have been amazed at how love can speak so much louder than our words.  For the last three weeks I have seen love transform the children, the chaperones, the host families, and those in the community watching us.  Love speaks when words can not.  Love in action - smiling, helping, hugging, sharing.  Love is powerful. 

Our time with Colin is winding down, but the memories we've made are so sweet.  Enjoying every moment!

Children are children all over the world!

Colin's here!

Week one with Colin is coming to a close.  It's been quite a week, but over all a wonderful one!  It started out Friday night, July 4 at the Springfield airport waiting for a group of about 30 orphans and chaperones to arrive.  They had a 16 hour flight from Hong Kong to Dallas, TX and then a short layover until their final flight to Springfield.  We tracked their progress on the screen.  Before we left, the kids made signs for Colin and we enjoyed a cooked out lunch to celebrate the Fourth of July.

There were about 60 of us waiting in the airport.  We were not allowed very far into the airport so we could not actually see the plane land, but excitement swept through the crowd when we heard, "They've landed!"  Were they tired?  When had they last eaten?  Were they scared?  excited? nervous?  Then we saw them open the door and walk in a single file line.  It was an emotional moment for us all.  To think no one wanted these precious children broke your heart.  There were stares and smiles.  You could see yawns, but you could also see that children are children all over the world.  As the group was given their final instructions, pictures taken with host families, and last minute papers signed I watched two boys begin to play tag around the group.  I watched two others climb into a nearby wheel chair and begin to pull levers and try to figure it all out.  It made me chuckle. 

 

We were one of the last families to get paired up with our host child.  Colin is one of the two youngest children on the trip.  We had a rough start.  He literally stood in the corner with his hood pulled down over his face, crying.  He was scared.  He did ask via translator if we had a bike.  We assured him we did but that didn't seem to help.  About 15-20 minutes later with some coaxing he bolted to the bathroom with a few remaining friends from his trip and returned ready to go.  He gave Sam his suitcase and took Brad's hands and we haven't looked back since.  Immediately after getting to our house we rode the bike, played hot wheels, had a snack, and then a Bible story before bed.

Boys will be boys all over the world.  At breakfast yesterday I hear Colin make a pretend gun sound and look up to see he's eaten a piece of toast in the shape of a gun.  He and Sam were laughing and dueling it out.  This afternoon they were eating a chocolate pudding and laughing at one another...pudding mustaches on both faces.  They were cracking each other up.  Just two little boys having fun, and language was no barrier.  Each day he has relaxed more and talks all the time.  For the most part, it doesn't matter.  We do a lot of gestures and "show me" and at this time are getting along great.   He has experienced so many new things this week - bike riding, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, swimming, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Sparks in the Park Carnival, Parade, and Fireworks, playing at the park, basketball games, the zoo, ice cream, popsicles, pizza, and popcorn.  He is an obedient, kind, helpful young man.  It's so wonderful to hear him laugh!

Here's some things we learned this week.  His last name most likely comes from the name of the orphanage where he lives.  The other thing that tugged on my heart is that by the age of 14, the children leave the orphanage and can no longer be adopted.  They are on their own.  No one wants to hire these children because they are "unlucky" and so they have no where to go and no opportunity for a good life.  Many turn to crime, prostitution, or suicide. 

Wearing Neil's basketball shoes back home.  Cracked me up!

Please continue to pray for these children and others just like them all over the world.  Children made in God's image.  Children who need love.  Children who need Jesus.  Children who need families.  James 1:27 says, " Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."  God may not be calling you to adopt, but you can pray for the orphans around the globe, you can encourage others who are in the process of adopting with your words and actions, you can help with fundraising, and you can get involved with organizations that help and minister to orphans.  You can also open your heart and home to one of these wonderful, beautiful, children of God. 

Dairy Queen in Lincoln, IL after Neil's summer league game!

Tomorrow is our first picnic where potential forever families will attend.  Please, please pray for this!  It's from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rochester Community Park in Rochester, IL.  They will have two more picnics the following two Saturdays at the same place and time.  If you know anyone who is considering adoption, please spread the word and have them contact In His Hands Orphan Outreach or Madison Adoption Associates.  Our adventure continues.  Loving every moment of it!

Colin's Chance

Two of my favorites on first base!
I LOVE T-ball!

Summer is in full swing here in Springfield.  We’ve enjoyed every minute of our time off of classes and school work!  T-ball continues and I have to admit I’m addicted to it!  It is precious!!  Summer basketball has begun and we are travelling to games several nights a week.  Last weekend we went to Peoria for a tournament.  We were able to enjoy Chick Fil A and Ruby Tuesday while there!  YUM!  We continue to collect items for the Jr. Volunteer program at the APL for Maddie and she begins her weekly shift this week!  Swimming at the Y, visiting the library, participating in the summer reading program, sleeping in, watching TV, and having picnics are all things we’ve enjoyed already!   Camps and Summer Rec classes begin next week and we look forward to those activities as well.  However, the biggest thing we are all looking forward to this summer is hosting a seven year old orphan boy for the month of July.  His name is Colin and he is from China.



Summer basketball

In His Hands Orphan Outreach (IHH) is a ministry supported by Rochester Christian Church.  In His Hands and Madison Adoption Associates have partnered together for the last three years to sponsor a Summer Hosting Program.  The first two years they worked with orphans from the Philippines.  This year they are expanding to include children from two orphanages in China.  The children typically range from ages 5-14.  They study English at their orphanage and then are allowed to participate in the program which allows them to travel to America to experience our culture first hand much like an exchange student would.  They will be able to speak some English, but we are not sure how much.  A group of about 10 orphans come with chaperones to the states and stay in host homes for a month.  Then they return back to their home country.  Those who find their families while visiting here still have to return while the proper paperwork, documentation, and funds are completed.



APL Jr. Volunteer Kick Off Cookout
Only 1/3 of the volunteers came but we had a great time!

While here in the states these young people get to do a lot of fun things we all take for granted like eating out in a restaurant, going boating, going to a baseball game, visiting a zoo, visiting a museum, going to a grocery store, and swimming in a pool.  The children are never told or promised that this is a trip to find them forever families.  They are here for an educational experience.  The wonderful thing though is that while here they get to attend picnics where families who want to adopt can come meet them and get to know them better.  Most importantly though, they can be introduced to Jesus which is something they probably would not be able to do in China.  Religious freedom is something I know I take for granted.  It saddens me to think some of these young people have never heard about Jesus.  We are excited to be able to take Colin to worship at RCC and even a local VBS later in the month.  I look forward to reading Bible stories and praying together at night. 

Here’s what’s really exciting about this program though.  The last two years they have had 100% success rate in helping these young children/teens find forever families. 100%!!! Some host families do end up adopting their host child, and other children are adopted by families who attended the picnics.  As we have learned more about orphans and this program we discovered once a child reaches 5 years of age, their chances of being adopted are less than 5%.  This program is so important.  It provides Colin and other orphans an opportunity to have a forever family.  An opportunity they would not have if they stayed in China or the Philippines.



Picnic Fun!

This spring Brad and I attended the In His Hands Banquet at the local Crowne Plaza hotel.  This was our second year to attend.  Both years this event was well planned and gave us a wealth of information on orphans and some of the exciting things being done by IHH around the globe!  We were honored to get to sit with the band Citizen Way at the head table this year.  It was really cool.  Not many people can say they were passed the butter by the lead singer! J  Anyway….we began to feel like God was leading us to get involved and we began to prayerfully consider participating in the summer orphan hosting program.  After some time we both knew this is something God was calling us to do.  In the weeks that have followed we have gone through the steps necessary to host.  There has been paperwork, fingerprinting, medical forms, and fundraising.  It costs about $2,000 to host an orphan.  That includes expenses associated with paperwork, host training, all travel expenses for Colin within China and his round trip expenses to the U.S., lodging needed for Colin during the trip, medical coverage for Colin while in the U.S. as well as other miscellaneous expenses.  If you would like to help be a part of Colin’s chance at a forever family, please consider helping us with his expenses for this program.  You can donate at our youcaring.com page by clicking on the following link.

 

http://www.youcaring.com/other/colin-s-chance/190225

Some probably think we’re crazy.  I’m okay with that.  We feel called to host Colin, to introduce him to Jesus, and to allow him to experience as many things as possible. We feel called for this next month to love him and allow him to experience what it is like to be a part of a family. We are going to walk in obedience to what God is calling us to do, trust Him, and step out in faith to work out the details.  It’s a very exciting place to be!  I encourage you to partner with us in this amazing experience.  Please pray for our family, pray for Colin, and pray that these wonderful children will find their forever families this summer!

The Homestretch

The finish line of our 2013-2014 school year is in finally in sight.  We have finally rounded the last bend headed into the homestretch.  Tomorrow we will put away the books and begin our summer activities like many of you.  We have church camps, sports camps, Rochester Summer Rec Classes, T-ball games, summer basketball league games, and even a trip to visit grandparents.  Big time fun is just around the corner, and since we had to do so much school last summer with all the moves there is NO summer school for anyone!  YEAH!

Uncle Tim and the Ferris crew

It’s been quite a year here in Illinois.  It’s been a very tough year to be quite frank.  Our season of parenting at this time has been the most challenging it’s ever been.  I can’t help but laugh at myself.  I always thought the older they got, the easier it would be. Sleepless nights with a teenager are far more demanding than the sleepless nights with an infant.  Those with an infant drain your energy, while those with a teenager not only drain your energy but can also break your heart.  On the flip side, the victories with these young men and women are amazing as well.  The pride of them taking their first step transitioning from an infant to a toddler is incredible.  The pride of them standing on their own Christ centered beliefs in a group of peers is amazing.  I’m so grateful for God’s faithfulness, strength, and wisdom.  So glad He’s a strong foundation to stand on not only for me as I teach and parent, but for my children as they try to figure out where they belong and who they will follow/lead.



Wax Museum fun at Branson this spring

We’ve finally begun the process of painting and decorating the house!  It’s been so enjoyable to poke around on Pinterest to find new ideas.  Our first room is almost done, Maddie’s room.  She chose a neat Scottie Pup Quilt and a soft pink/gray color scheme.  It’s really turning out to be something precious!  Next I believe are posters for the walls that are purchased but need frames, and curtains.  Then we move on to the bathrooms.  I figured those are the smallest rooms so maybe we will get them done quicker and then I'll really feel like we are making progress! 

Brad and I have been trying to improve our health and have been using myfitnesspal.com and map my walk to meet some personal goals. Brad has lost 45+ pounds at this time.  I'm so proud of him!  I have lost about 20 pounds over the past year.  The last few months for me has been frustrating.  I just can’t seem to break this one particular goal.  We’ve started going to the YMCA here in town.  My hope is that maybe this will be something to help give me that boost!

Neil has been busy this spring by participating in more activities at Calvary Academy – Prom, the school play and playing baseball. Madeline has gone through some training at the Animal Protective League here in Springfield and can volunteer with an adult.  She was even accepted into their summer junior volunteer program.  Sarah is learning to ride her bike and has developed an interest in cheering so we are hoping to find a cheer clinic for her this summer.  Samuel signed up for T-ball and had his first game last night.  I LOVE T-ball.  SO, SO cute to watch these little ones play in the dirt, lay in the grass out in the outfield, laugh, sing, and some of them dance on the bases!  It’s pure therapy!

First Game.  First hit of the year. First time on base. 

The finish line is in sight.  Trying to finish strong.  Looking forward to summer!

A Fan In The Stands

High School Basketball continues to be a big part of our lives this winter as our oldest son, Neil, plays basketball for Calvary Academy High School.  Athletics is such a great way to teach so many life and spiritual lessons.  It has also been an incredible experience for the entire family.  Our younger children have been able to learn about how to love and support their older brother.  It has been good to see them step in and do Neil’s chores for him while he is away at practice or a game.  They are learning that as a family we are present in one another’s lives (Translation:  They sit through two basketball games a night an average of two nights per week). By watching this group of young men we have learned how to play unselfishly, how to win graciously, how to lose graciously, and that it takes dedication and practice to work together as a team.  Most importantly, we’ve had lessons on how to be a good fan in the stands!

There are your typical fair weather fans.  They show up when your team is winning and disappear or have better things to do when your team is losing.  On the opposite end are the fanatical fans that do crazy things – body paint, crazy game day outfits, game day rituals, etc.  Then there are those fans in the middle that attend games and cheer you on no matter the weather or the team’s record.  They buy season tickets or reserved seating.  They wear their team colors.  They applaud effort, hustle, and hard work - win or lose.   

I have been shocked at some of the behaviors of the adults in the stands this season.  I have been shocked to hear about some of the behaviors of the adults in the stands this season.  In a recent game over Christmas break, Brad came home to report that the opposing team had a large group of fans three rows behind our team’s bench.  Calvary lost this game, and instead of this group of fans cheering for their team…that just won the game…they chose to yell and taunt our team who lost.  How sad to hear a group of 40+ year old adults felt the need to hurl insults and rude comments at a group of 15-18 year old young men and their coaches.  Brad said he was so proud of our team.  They held their heads high, congratulated the winning team, and ignored the fans.

At a recent home game, the opposing team’s fans were all over the referees.  In particular, a young lady whom I’d guess to be about a senior in high school was under the basket on the sidelines.  She stood out to me not because of the skin tight leopard pants she was wearing, not because she was stomping her feet, pointing her fingers, or because of the torrent of ugly words spewing out of her mouth, but because her mother was standing right there beside her and didn’t say a word to stop her.  I was stunned.  I continued to be during the rest of the game while grown men stood and yelled at our boys and the refs.  It was so disappointing to see the example they were setting to the younger people in the gym that night.

Lastly, there is the obnoxious, egotistical fan.  They are very deceptive as they blend in very well with the other fans.  But after you discover them you stay far away from them on the bleachers.  I’ve observed this fan type throughout many years in Upwards basketball, youth baseball leagues, soccer games, football games, and other events.  It is frustrating when this fan ridicules and belittles other members of their child’s team as “encouragement/cheering”.  It is annoying when this person never yells at their own child when they make the same mistake.  I’ve heard this type of fan turn to another fan in the stands and start to question why a particular player is even on the playing field.  Why, it must be because of that player’s parents’ position in the community or their relationship with the coach, of course.  Why else would that child be playing?  How this fan can demean and tear down one of their own team’s players OUT LOUD for other fans to hear just puts me over the edge.

People are watching and LISTENING to us all the time.  Young children and youth in the stands are soaking up the things we do.  We are setting an example to them, even by just being a fan in the stands.  After one particular game, Brad, Neil and I were talking about the game, the opposing team’s fans, and the referees.  When we were finished the van was quiet.  Out of the dark, from the back of the van we hear Madeline’s sweet voice, “Why can’t they see it’s just a game?”  So young, and yet so wise!  Fans have to keep things in perspective.  It is a game.  It’s an opportunity for our children to use the skills and athletic talents God has given them to play and compete.  It’s also an opportunity for us, as fans, to use our voices to encourage, support, and build up these young men and women and display good sportsmanship.    

My red shirt is clean (our team colors).  The concession stand money is ready to go (for the kids’ snacks).  I’m ready to be a fan in the stands for Calvary Academy.  Go Saints!

Back to Normal......

The holidays are over.  Tomorrow the Christmas tree will come down and be boxed up once again for another year.  The decorations will be laid in the big tubs and taken back to storage.  The Christmas goodies all eaten and healthy food stocked up in the cabinets and refrigerator.  The scale has new batteries.  Sigh.  Finally….things can get back to normal and we can move on to the bright new beginning of 2014, right?  We get to put the past behind us and eagerly anticipate wonderful things in this new year.  The kids will go back to school.  We’ll go back to work.  Everything will go back to the way it was. 

I’ve come to the conclusion after 2013 that whoever said normal was just a setting on a dryer is correct.  Oh, I know what I used to mean when I’d say that I wanted things to get back to normal.  I wanted things to go back to the way they were – that comfortable, typical, predictable pattern of life where nothing out of the ordinary knocks the wind out of you while you find yourself flat on your back gasping for air.  No surprises.  No pain.  No change.  No chaos.  I am the one in charge of the calendar AND the to-do list.  No interruptions in my plan. 

Funny thing…God doesn’t promise a normal life, He promises an eternal one.  He doesn’t promise an easy life, He promises never to leave us and sticks with us in the difficult times.  He leads us places we’d never dare to go by our own choice because He knows we’d stick to the “normal” path and in doing so miss out on something better.  God’s plans are higher than ours.  Testimonies are built, lives are transformed, and Faith is deepened in the non-normal events of life.         

Normal.  Before they met Jesus, the twelve disciples were just a group of normal guys doing normal things.  Yet after their encounter with Jesus, they were transformed into the leaders of the Kingdom.  There was nothing normal about that.  Their entire lives were turned upside down and in a matter of speaking so was the world.  I was reminded this Christmas that the precious baby boy in the manger didn’t come to improve our lives.  That sweet baby came to transform us.  He came to transform me.  He came to transform you.  To take us off the “normal” path and lead us to heights we couldn’t dare reach on our own.  He didn’t come to stay in the manger, he came to save us on the cross!  Praise God!

So as 2014 begins I am confident things won’t be getting back to normal. Normal is just a setting on a dryer, right? 

Happy New Year!