Seven years ago I sat in my car and cried and shook and told God I couldn't do what he was obviously asking me to do.
I'd just picked up the standardized test results for my newly adopted African sons. According to the test, they needed to be in kindergarten.
You can't be placed in a kindergarten class when you are 13 and 14 years old. This left one option- homeschooling. To say I was overwhelmed and feeling under qualified doesn't even begin to describe the fearful dread that gripped my heart.
For two years, I could sometimes be found with a good attitude patiently covering the basics of elementary school. Other days I could be found with my crying face pressed into the very fibers of my carpet saying over and over, "I CAN'T DO THIS!"
And God was happy I'd finally reached a place where I needed him.
Really needed him. After all, how can I call myself a woman of faith if I live a life that doesn't really require any faith?
Now it's seven years later. Yesterday I sat in the high school media center amazed at what years of dependence on God can bring.
The superintendent of our county was there. Both the principal and vice-principal were there along with a teacher from each department, a few select students and their doting parents.
Jackson and I didn't really know why we were there except that he'd been nominated for some award. We had no idea what award or what the award meant.
The ceremony was certainly inspiring as students with amazing accomplishments and accolades were honored.
Finally, it was time for the last award. The principal stepped forward and explained that only one female and one male were chosen for the Administrator's Excelsior Award. The girl's name was called and a beautiful speech explained why she was this year's recipient.
Then the principal looked our direction. He called my son's name.
My son. My son who not too long ago was a forgotten orphan in a forgotten country. My amazing son whose grades are average and who has never stepped foot in an AP class. But my son who has beaten the odds and fought against labels. My son who will graduate, go to college, and become a man of dreams and success.
This is part of what the principal read as my son, Jackson, bent his head to accept a medal of honor being placed around his neck:
Afterwards, I sat in my car and cried. Only this time, they were tears of absolute joy. Joy of the purest kind. And I told God I was so thankful seven years ago I couldn't do what he was asking me to do.
Because then He did it. And that is simply indescribable.
_____________________________________________________________________
The winners of the books from this weeks giveaway will now be announced on Monday. Because y'all I'm so mushy I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to pick and might wind up bankrupting my ministry by giving hundreds and hundreds of free books.
And then I'd get fired.
And then I'd cry more tears.
And I've officially used up my tears for today.
The end. Happy Weekend~
I'd just picked up the standardized test results for my newly adopted African sons. According to the test, they needed to be in kindergarten.
You can't be placed in a kindergarten class when you are 13 and 14 years old. This left one option- homeschooling. To say I was overwhelmed and feeling under qualified doesn't even begin to describe the fearful dread that gripped my heart.
For two years, I could sometimes be found with a good attitude patiently covering the basics of elementary school. Other days I could be found with my crying face pressed into the very fibers of my carpet saying over and over, "I CAN'T DO THIS!"
And God was happy I'd finally reached a place where I needed him.
Really needed him. After all, how can I call myself a woman of faith if I live a life that doesn't really require any faith?
Now it's seven years later. Yesterday I sat in the high school media center amazed at what years of dependence on God can bring.
The superintendent of our county was there. Both the principal and vice-principal were there along with a teacher from each department, a few select students and their doting parents.
Jackson and I didn't really know why we were there except that he'd been nominated for some award. We had no idea what award or what the award meant.
The ceremony was certainly inspiring as students with amazing accomplishments and accolades were honored.
Finally, it was time for the last award. The principal stepped forward and explained that only one female and one male were chosen for the Administrator's Excelsior Award. The girl's name was called and a beautiful speech explained why she was this year's recipient.
Then the principal looked our direction. He called my son's name.
My son. My son who not too long ago was a forgotten orphan in a forgotten country. My amazing son whose grades are average and who has never stepped foot in an AP class. But my son who has beaten the odds and fought against labels. My son who will graduate, go to college, and become a man of dreams and success.
This is part of what the principal read as my son, Jackson, bent his head to accept a medal of honor being placed around his neck:
Many of you who know Jackson TerKeurst's background are aware that his time with us has been but a short chapter in a life full of challenges and experiences we can never understand. He has conquered all of these with a strong and persevering spirit.
He has become a model student and outstanding citizen whose excellent
manners display respect for all. He is an excellent example of what hard
work, a pure heart, and belief in one's self can bring in life. Whatever his path, he will be successful and a model for others to follow.
Congratulations on being an Excelsior Award recipient.
Afterwards, I sat in my car and cried. Only this time, they were tears of absolute joy. Joy of the purest kind. And I told God I was so thankful seven years ago I couldn't do what he was asking me to do.
Because then He did it. And that is simply indescribable.
_____________________________________________________________________
The winners of the books from this weeks giveaway will now be announced on Monday. Because y'all I'm so mushy I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to pick and might wind up bankrupting my ministry by giving hundreds and hundreds of free books.
And then I'd get fired.
And then I'd cry more tears.
And I've officially used up my tears for today.
The end. Happy Weekend~
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