If you read this post, then you know how excited Josh and I were to have the kids I’ve been mentoring be our flower girl and ring bearers. I stated in that post, “If nothing goes according to plan on … Continue reading
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you know that the kids I’ve been mentoring from the Burton neighborhood in Grand Rapids have been a huge part of my life, and now our lives. The kids have gotten … Continue reading
There have been many catalysts for my move to Detroit. One of the biggest came in the form of pancakes for dinner. (Check out how the tradition started here). For the last 3.5 years, I’ve been blessed to invest in … Continue reading
This video, from Kensington Church, is an amazing visual of kids that are changing the world and parents that are supporting them. You’ll love hearing their stories. Do you remember in Luke 18 when Jesus says, “These children are the … Continue reading
There is something special about being the one that tucked babies into cribs and remembers what they were like before they could talk.
I spent last weekend in Chicago with the kids I used to nanny, and the youngest kept asking me: “Did I always laugh this way? Was I always able to roll my tongue like this?” What a gift to be so deeply rooted in who they are.
Reading quality literature like “Who Took My Hairy Toe?” was always a favorite pastime. Whenever I visit, we dig the old book out of the pile. And though they’ve heard the story a hundred times, they still cuddle up and pretend to be scared at all the right parts.
[Photos taken by the amazing 11 year old photographer]
As these kids attempt to maneuver this crazy world, I’m happy to be the one to bring familiarity to the scene.
Interacting with children continues to teach me more about God’s awesome love for us. I love the tangible reminder that although December has thrown some curveballs, my roots go deep with the One that knows me best.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7
Dear children Remain in this precious moment Of sharing, learning, surrender to each other You’re practicing so much more Than piano
May your life get thrown upside down as you encounter kids that have no one else coming for them May you climb to the top, no matter how many tries it takesMay you become glowing observers of the success of … Continue reading
A Day at the Carousel and A Poem by Emily Dickinson Exhilaration is the Breeze That lifts us from the Ground And leaves us in another place Whose statement is not found – Returns us not, but after time We … Continue reading
Remember when I did history week (peek back here) and you saw me with my dad on my first day of school? Well, guess what else was so awesome about him? He also took us to first day of school … Continue reading
I was given a gift yesterday. I could sense people watching my smile grow. But I’m certain no other adult quite understood my delight. Delight because, right there, before all of our eyes, “my kids”* had moved from timidity to bliss. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve been a mermaid and a sea prince all along. And today, they finally found their water. This is the story I was lucky enough to witness.
Please understand that this next picture I’m going to show you is very sacred. This was the reason for my beaming smile. Them, “swimming.” They just crawled along like this for multiple “5 more minutes.” And I let them. Because I’m a sucker for letting kids live out a good fairy tale…
*if you’re just catching my story, then “my kids” are the kids I mentor from an at-risk neighborhood in Grand Rapids. love.them.
P.S. Yes, I think the Mexican family was also surprised that I was darker than their children. I think I’ll start wearing sunscreen.
