WayfaringStrangers

This post brought to you by this Friday Miracle: Our host fee for Victoria- and then some- have been funded. It was funded by family. And friends. And Behn's co-workers. And complete strangers. It was funded by people who shared our story and/or who gave a little or a lot. We also were given clothes, a mattress, gift cards and a suitcase. We are so extremely grateful for every bit. It's weird and humbling asking for money. We signed up for this, but then we asked others to help. "Hey world! An overwhelmed   mom family with 2 boys are going to do something pretty crazy and have a non-English speaking child come stay with us for 5 weeks. Want to give us your mon-ay??" We knew that it was ultimately our responsibility to cover the fees, and some of the funding did come from our personal Orphan Care fund because we wanted to include ourselves in giving to Victoria. But it was a leap of faith and prayer and here we are. God heard and answered- through many of you!...

Last fall, new neighbors moved in next door. That house had been empty for a while, and we were grateful to have a nice family moving in. Better yet, they had a child the exact same age as Graham. As new neighbors do, I chatted with the mom and we asked general questions, "How old is your son? Where did you move from? What do you do?" My new friend described her job and her long commute and then asked what I "do." My answer was, of course, "I stay at home with my kids. I tutor special needs kids or teach riding lessons a couple of times a week...but mostly I'm home." "Oh, that must be so nice. I wish I could do that" was her response. Before I go any further, I am not writing this to shame anyone for working outside the home. Lots of people need 2 incomes, and there are also a lot of hard working single moms out there. And trust me, I always keep my eyes open for work, just in case the "right" job would come along (doubt...

I just called Graham inside for his bath. The weather has been amazing today, and the boys spent every minute outside. Behn and I dug, planted, and watered. Played ball. Behn took the kids to the park while I went to teach and ride at the barn. Behn even mowed a little, with Patrick on his heels with his own mini-mower. At the end of the afternoon, we took a family walk to the creek. It was a perfect spring day. When I called Graham in moments ago, he ran to me with his boundless energy. Feet flying. Both boys are muddy, finger nails dirty, and bruises and scratches from playing outside and in the trees all day. It's childhood at it's best. The feeling of being exhausted from breathing in fresh air all day, from running as hard as you could, from climbing a tree, and the sun on your face. So grateful for these two healthy boys, their running and free play, and that we all love to be outside together. Cheers to a good night's sleep.