Angie - Improving by Leaps and Bounds

Angie had her first perfect week since coming to the States in December! By perfect I don't mean it was devoid of eye-rolling or grumbling, let's be realistic. It was, however, free of tantrums, screaming, crying, wreckage, and injuries. Woohoo! Of course, there was this pair of new shoes, that she just had to have for picture day, on the horizon if she stayed positive all week. I'm glad no one let on just how unlikely those shoes are to make an appearance in her school photos. But more than just a demonstration of what Angie can do when motivated by shoes (am I the only woman in the world who cannot identify with this?), I think it's becoming safer to say we're really making some progress.

There are so many factors contributing to our improvement, it's hard to credit just one. Prayer has been huge, thank you all for helping us with these transitions by lifting us up. After nearly five months in one place, with no major family upheaval, there's finally some stability. Routine, structure, and downtime are keys to peace in Angie's life. School's getting easier as she learns the system and her English is coming along. She still has a way to go, but I think, little by little, she's starting to trust that the whole world, including Jon and myself, is not out to get her. And likely, one of the most important ingredients in this recipe for recent success, has been that Angie has a playmate.

Even coming home from school's better with a friend!

Her friend, our next door neighbor Jada, has become almost a permanent fixture around our house between the hours of 5:00-8:00pm. We add a fourth place setting at dinner most evenings, and we're learning her dietary druthers; her favorite food is spaghetti, but she doesn't like tomatoes, and on a hungry day she only eats about a third as much as our munchkin. Angie might prefer they play a little less Barbies and a little more basketball, but for the most part the giggling and squealing are endless, and the combination of laughter, biking, and roughhousing leave her ready for bed at bedtime, a wonderful treat for any parents. She's calmer, happier, more motivated, more patient, compliant, and secure. Literally, the poster child for having a friend. 

Thank you Lord for this step in the right direction! Next, while we're on a roll, she could use a friend at church, and some good news on her visa. But for now, we're content with the peace in our home, even if it's sometimes a rather loud and raucous kind of peace.

"A friend loves at all times..." -Proverbs 17:17