3 Months - Lazy Days of Summer

The girls are home 3 months now, and they're speaking entirely English - even to Chinese friends.  Jenny will sometimes get her Chinese confused - which means she's thinking in English now.  I remember that transition when learning Hebrew - it's a befuddled place to be - but a place where real gains start.

Jenny and Sarah still bicker - they are very different, and very STRONG personalities.  They love each other already, however, and are the first to come to the other's defense from any perceived slight on the bus, etc.  They both finished school this week and enjoyed their classes very much.  We had nothing but positive input from their teachers - and both girls learn easily.  Sarah is much more interested in non-academic pursuits and mostly avoids any type of work entirely.  We attached her upcoming season of three dance classes to her willingness to cheerfully help her sisters instead of disappearing or pretending not to hear when there are things to be done.  That seems to have hit the spot.  She told me that her foster mama did everything for her.  Too bad, so sad, but things are different here. :)  She's always happy and cheerful - and a real joy to be around.

Jenny is diligent about school and wants to do anything and everything to catch up.  She is easy to teach - but does get tired after reading a lot.  She is working hard on not interrupting others - something I didn't master till this year, lol!  She is SO excited about homeschooling next year and asked me to order her a homeschool shirt like her sisters.  Sarah is excited about her best friend and neighbor being in her class at school where she will continue to get ESOL help. 

There are no urgent medical appointments with this adoption, (except mine) no rush heart surgeries, no attachment issues and bonding difficulties - just the increased activity level of now 6 very active and enthusiastic kids.  My leg is healing slowly but surely, and we're becoming used to the new normal of a home bound mama and big brothers doing all the errands, shopping, and chauffering.  They are wonderful.

Rachel scored outstanding in Columbia at the State Piano competition and continues to dance.  She is Sarah's hero and they have similar interests.  Rachel is much more temperate in personality, however, so I'm glad that Sarah is mimicking her.

Katie and Jenny are the sports women - Katie is a strong swimmer and Jenny has yet to find her talents - but is interested in soccer and running.  It's interesting that despite teasing from other children occasionally, Jenny has no insecurities about her ear - often choosing hair accessories that allow it to be seen.  I think it's wonderful that she's secure in her skin - and Sarah also feels no anxiety about her eye.  This was not the case when they first arrived - this is a big change for both.  Sarah burst out with, "Mom, I LOVE America!"  the other day, and constantly tells me how much she loves me.  Both girls are interested in visiting their foster families again in the future and both have happy memories of China.  It feels like they have always been here - and I can't imagine our family without them.  We are so blessed.

Thank you for the prayers over the last year - and I am praying for those of you still in the process.  May you be blessed even more than we have been.  Love, Kim

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21