Thankfulness

Thankful. That is the meaning of Jadon's name. It also is probably the best word to describe our heart's gratitude to our loving heavenly Father for all that He is, has done, is doing and we trust will continue to do.

There have been times that I've (Ruth) had to remind myself that Jadon's name means "thankful" and that I am truly thankful to the Lord for His gift of him to us. Monday was such a day. Jadon had been showing a lot of favoritism toward Alan which was hard on all of us to the degree that Jadon nearly shunned anyone in the family who wasn't Babby (Jadon's Chinese name for Daddy). I was feeling a bit "bruised" Monday morning when the siren of an emergency vehicle sounded through the house. Jadon was with me at the time. He got all excited, pointed at me and proceeded to act out what appeared to be me dying. I was stunned. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! After awhile I asked Jadon if he really wanted Mommy to die. He replied, "Yes." Again I couldn't believe what I was hearing so I decided to put the question a different way, "Do you want a mommy?" "No" came Jadon's reply back to me. I was devastated. I called Alan who proceeded to call Bechy Zhou (Jadon's ELL teacher who "happens" to speak Mandarin). Becky graciously came to the house later in the afternoon and proceeded to discern that Jadon had been frightened by the sound and had chosen to tease as a way of dealing with his fears. When Becky explained the questions I had asked he demonstrated great sorrow for the misunderstanding. He hadn't understood my questions but had chosen to answer anyway.

That was a turning point. Now that I reflect back I can seen how God used the misunderstanding to bring us closer together. Since that time Jadon and Mommy have gotten along just fine most of the time. We are so grateful to our Lord and Father for His wonderful provision of Becky. His grace constantly amazes me. Not only will Becky be one of Jadon's teachers in the fall, she has started tutoring Jadon in some basic English and math skills. He has a long way to go in order to be ready for second grade in the fall but Becky feels it's doable. So far I am needing to sit close by where Jadon and Becky are working or Jadon refuses to stay on task.

This week we experienced the unpacking of some of the children's books that have been put away for quite some time. Jadon has enjoyed exploring those books tremendously. He has also become much more steady on the bike (starting, riding and stopping), however he needs to learn that when he closes his eyes or tries to look any place other than where he's going he will fall down. Today we made a trip to the local pharmacy on the bike across several streets together. He did great! He used the mandoline to help prepare the vegetables for the grill. He also helped shuck the season's first corn and then helped to de-silk it. He enjoyed the corn very much...an all American boy!! A warm day even allowed us to enjoy dinner on the screened porch. Thanks God!

I am also very thankful for the work God is so obviously working in Jadon's heart. He has started running around declaring "God made me!" He also loves singing along with several worship choruses..."It's all Your's God." He may not completely understand what he is saying, but we are encouraged at the progress of his heart. Again our hearts overflow with thankfulness.

School's Out

It's official. Kirsten is now a junior in High School, Andrew is now a Middle School student and Jadon is going to second grade!! Yikes, time flies.

The week has turned out well. Thanks to everyone who has been praying. Jadon seems to understand that Daddy has to work and is appearing to enjoy his time with Mommy even though he is still anxious and excited when Daddy returns. The week has been very productive. In the past two days he has seemed more interested in learning English words and speaking English phrases. His interactions are a hoot!

This morning Jadon went back to the doctor for a follow-up appointment. It went very well. The doctor was very pleased with his 3 pound weight gain, his increased use of English, his obvious settled feeling and responsiveness, and that his ears were still very clear. She was very encouraging and affirming to us.

This evening the family went to the home of one of Alan's colleagues for a gathering of the Education Cohort faculty and spouses. This is a group of people with whom Alan works everyday in team-teaching students who are preparing to be teachers. This group has really been a key to his enthusiasm and energy at work. He takes things that he learns from them in class and applies them to other classes all the time. We all had a great time. Jadon especially loved the fact that they had a cat and two large dogs. These people also presented a gift card (shower sort of) to Jadon, Andrew and Kirsten. What a great gift. It was a wonderful evening with people that are great colleagues and good friends.

Updates

It has been a whirlwind for us. Jadon went to school yesterday to meet his class for next year. His ELL teacher (who speaks Mandarin) was with him. Believe it or not he was fairly shy in the process. The boys who sat with him were very concerned about him and how he would be successful if he did not understand things. They asked his teacher if he was speaking Spanish. This week is also a big week because Alan is at school pretty much full time getting ready for orientation duties during the next three weeks. That leaves mom and Jadon at home together by themselves since school doesn't end until Thursday for Kirsten and Andrew. Things went well today and we pray that God's grace will continue to sustain all of us through these transitions. Yesterday Jadon and Andrew had a little water fight. Andrew graciously gave the super soaker to Jadon and he was left with a water bottle that didn't hold all that much water (see pictures). Also, you can see the progress that has been made in riding the bike. Now he just needs to learn to start by himself and he will be off to the races.