Kiddos

Hey, guess what?!  I have 3 kids!  Or at least I like to think I do.

I got my first kiddo when he was 5 through Gospel for Asia.  He lives in India and is loved and educated at Bridge of Hope.  He’s also loved and supported by me, which is a joy!  We send each other letters.  Yep, his handwriting is just adorable.

My second kiddo was adopted at birth and then unofficially adopted by me.  She lives in the US and I get to see her about once a month.  We read together a lot and she is so bright but hearing her sweet, soft “Miss Jessie” melts my heart every time.  It’s the best!

My last kiddo came to me through Compassion.  He lives in Africa and is 6 years old.  He’s growing big and strong at a church child development center.  We write letters to each other, too, and I send fun things like stickers while he sends me cute colorings.  Yep, his artwork is just adorable. 

The best thing is that I know each one of “my” kids are being told the gospel!  They’re also being fed, clothed, and educated while being active, disciplined, and taught how to function in society.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

I may never see two of them (though that would be amazing!) and I hope to be intentional with the one I am able to see, since I believe children are a blessing and need to be loved and instructed in the way to go.  I'm so glad to be partnering with such great companies to see this become a reality and that my friends allow me to be in their daughter's life.

So, if that weren’t reason enough to support and love kiddos, I was blessed with a good family so I know it’s importance and influence, and I’ve been blessed with means to bless someone else, so I’m going to it!  

Miscellaneous

Someone once gawked at the fact that I had a blog.  He didn’t understand how someone would decide what to write about, since he felt like he didn't have enough material.  I was thinking more along the lines of, "What the heck do I choose to write about!  There are too many choices!"  Today that feeling is on steroids.

I usually get one good topic, if you will, stuck in my head.  More times than not, it has just recently happened.  I mean, the blog writes itself!  It’s pretty cool, really.  And boils down to the fact that I type out some of my thoughts.

Tonight is crazy!  I have so many topics whizzing around in my head.  Do I write about…

My Yellowstone trip failure

How guys are cray cray

Cancer and suffering

Roommates

Army: life and lessons learned

Driving

How I can’t stand people not texting back

My nervous but excited state with starting a new job

A favorite hymn

Planning on doing piano lessons

The importance and impact of words
Looking for a sports car

How I had a “that could be me” moment (and I’m not sure I’m okay with it)

Catch-ups with friends

My 3 kids

Maybe I should take votes from readers :)

Well, to cut the suspense, I’m not going to talk about any of those this post.  Just thinking about everything I want to say and could say makes me 1) appreciate those who really do listen to me and care to hear what I say, 2) want to choose the right people to share things with, and 3) realize that, if I get married, I’m going to need an amazing husband who will put up with all my ramblings.

In the meantime, there are very, very few people I will tell everything on my mind to and for this reason they have the blessed title of “best friend.”  I’m seeing said person next weekend and I’ve obviously got a lot to tell her!

Post-Training

Amidst the many hugs upon returning home, I heard a lot of comments:

“You have so many bruises…”

“You’re so skinny!”

“You look so buff!  Watch out for those guns.  …Man, I want you on my side”

“You look great!”

“You met the guy of your dreams, didn’t you?!”

“I can tell you’re different, changed for the better.”
"You look so tan!"

Not gonna lie, I liked all the comments. :)  However, one of the best was “Glad you’re back!  I/We missed you!”  It’s always nice to know you’re loved.

I also loved seeing some good friends right off the bat, being able to share some stories, and getting to catch up on life.

My training was like nothing else I’ve ever done.  I went through a gas chamber, performed hand-to-hand combat, rescued “patients”, flew in a Blackhawk, made hard choices, was platoon sergeant, ate a lot of food (MREs aren't too bad...), completed marches that went for miles, carried pounds of gear, woke up ridiculously early, went to bed ridiculously early, and so much more.  I’m glad I finished and finished on a high note.  I’m stronger and more confident, to say the very least.  I learned so much about myself and the Army while meeting incredible people.  I persevered but most definitely would not have made it without God, prayer, and friends.

I’m ready for whatever’s next, civilian side or Army side!  And one thing is coming next week.  Yipee!