I am delighted to share that Justin has been attending school all week! We started out slow, staying for 30 minutes or so, then worked our way up to three hours yesterday and today!

I’ve been able to stay in the classroom with Justin. We are so very grateful for our school’s ample support (Gloucester County Christian) and a wonderful teacher who doesn’t mind a parent tagging along with her kindergarten class. Justin requires the one on one support as he is still in need of assistance on stairs, frequent breaks and emotional reassurance when he becomes anxious. But can I tell you how much I’ve been enjoying being a “kindergarten student?” What fun and what a blessing that I get to be the one to walk alongside Justin as we softly step back into normalcy.

And I really burst with joy as I watch Justin learn phonics, play with his friends, and just get to be a “typical” kid again! God is faithfully restoring Justin both physically and emotionally. I know that structure and socialization are both essential to his growth and well-being, so I began prompting Justin to ease back into activities and routine a little at a time. And he has already progressed beautifully just this week! God is also granting me wisdom to be able to discern when to push Justin and when he needs to rest.

As I write at my kitchen table, I can see the Thundercloud Plum trees (yes I had to look up the name) just beginning to bloom in my backyard. These ornamental trees display a hearty, rich shade of violet-red leaves all summer. But, now, during the first hints of Spring, the tender buds are just beginning to show themselves, blooming softly and arrayed in a soft pink. And though the blossoms give the tree a delicate appearance, there are strong, sturdy leaves forming and waiting for their appointed time.

I look forward to Justin being fully restored as he was before he was touched by cancer. But, instead of being disheartened or frustrated by regression, I am choosing to appreciate the growth process and enjoy the journey as he blooms once again. I delight in watching him rediscover skills and abilities that cause him to smile with joy as if it was the first time.

So we will continue to move forward, stepping softly, hemmed in by God’s grace. We invite you to stay on this journey with us and share in the blessings. Grace be with you, my friends.

“Overwhelmed”

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful

You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful

You are Glorious, You are Glorious
Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious