Field Day 2014

Last week the academy had their annual field day.  This was the first time since we have been here that we didn't have a child participating.  However, we really enjoyed being able to cheer on our grand daughter Aurora.  It was a cool day with a little drizzle here and there.  But it was a wonderful day of cheering on all of the children and connecting with everyone on the base here.  How we appreciated all those who volunteered to help out to make this day a beautiful memory for students and their families.

We're Expecting!

That's right!  In November we are expecting our 4th grandchild.  On Saturday we celebrated Jeremiah's 1st birthday.  Jeremiah opened up a onesie that said, " Jeremiah, I'm the big brother".  We are so happy and excited for Seth,  Camille, and Jeremiah.  And we are of course thrilled that we will  have another grandchild to love and invest in.

Happy International Nurses Day

International Nurse's Day is celebrated today on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. And since I have many family members who are incredible nurses both in the US and in Canada I am celebrating and honoring them today.   Each one of them are the most dedicated caring nurses I know.   These ladies go beyond the call of duty to give their patients the best in nursing care.  They are the hands and feet of Jesus.  Thanks you ladies for how you tirelessly serve and care for others.  Many lives have been changed because of you.


Just in case you are wondering who all these lovely ladies are:


First there is my sister Ruth who has been an RN for over 30 years. 

My sister Gay who has been an RN for over 20 years.

 Our daughter Ruth is an RN and in her first year of nursing.

Our daughter Camille is an RN and in her second year of nursing.

Our niece Jodi who is an RN and in her first year of nursing.

Our niece Adrienne who has been an RN for over 10 years

And our niece Rachel who just finished her second year of nursing school

Happy Mother's Day

Vern and I are so blessed to have such awesome mothers.  How thankful we are for them.  We sure would have loved to spend the day with them!   I am also very thankful that the Lord has given me the joy and privilege of being a mother and grandmother.  It was a joy today to also celebrate two other amazing mothers in our family, Kristina and Camille.  They are such great mommies to our precious grandchildren.  To you mothers out there, I hope you have had a wonderful day.  Being a mother and investing in your children big or small is one of the most valuable things you can do in life.    Keep making a difference in their lives!

Healthy Transitions - Building a RAFT

In the book, "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds" the authors, David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken talk about what is needed for a healthy closure when it comes to saying goodbyes. Think of building a "RAFT" with four poles. 

• Reconciliation
• Affirmation
• Farewells
• Think destination

RECONCILIATION - When moving from one place to another it is important to make relationships right; to deal with any misunderstanding that has not been dealt with.  If a person does not resolve  interpersonal conflicts before moving they bring with themselves "mental baggage" that will weight them down in life.  In reconciliation there is the need to both forgive and be forgiven.  This is the first "pole" in building a good raft and will be a big help in having closure and being free to embrace new friendships and relationships in a new location. 

AFFIRMATION - This is recognizing the people in our lives that have impacted us: teachers and close friends.   It is important to show appreciation and to acknowledge those friendships.  In doing this it helps us celebrate them and also mourn their loss.

FAREWELLS - During the last days and weeks before a major move it is important to say good-bye to special people, places, pets, and possessions that have been apart of our lives.  Being able to take the time to say a proper good-bye is a great help in having closure.

THINK DESTINATION - As a person is saying "good-bye" it is important to be realistic about all the positives and negatives about the move ahead.  Are there people in place that will be there to help during the chaos of a move?

In thinking of having these four "poles" in your raft it will be a big help in making a major move.  Transitions are always a challenge but working through these steps will help things go a little smoother.  (If you want to learn about Third Culture Kids and how you can help them through life, the book mentioned at the beginning of this blog is a GREAT resource.)

Yesterday afternoon I spent some time with some awesome kids who are facing a major move to the US and then overseas.  We talked about the different steps in building a "RAFT".  We tried building a RAFT with four poles.  And then we had fun making some edible rafts.  Please pray for these dear children and the major transitions ahead of them.

 

Happy 1st. Birthday Jeremiah

Happy 1st. Birthday Jeremiah.  What a precious little boy you are!  Jeremiah, you are a gift from God and we know God has an amazing plan for your life.  We are so glad that we live so close to you and can be a part of your life.  We love you, are praying for you, and are cheering you on in life!