a red letter day

We closed on the sale of our home this morning.  The buyers are just wonderful to be with, and we were so busy getting to know one another that the house sale seemed almost peripheral. :)  This was one more glorious reminder of how God has orchestrated this journey.  The timing was perfect, and they are just the kind of people we wanted for our neighbors.

In other news, we're so, so proud of our girls.  Today was the last day of school for them.  They both brought home glowing report cards and special awards.

Emma is officially a first grader now!  She came off the bus crying this afternoon because she already missed her teacher.  Miss Taylor gave out candy bar awards to all her students, with a unique candy to represent each one.  Emma received the "Dove" award for being a peacemaker and problem solver. As Emma was quick to remind me, her name means "healer ... and that's almost the same thing!"  She was also the top reader out of all the Kindergartners (there were over 100) and set a new school record for her grade.  Congratulations, Emma!

Eliana is now a rising 5th grader!  While she didn't shed any tears today, she will really miss her teacher as well, and she hopes to stay in touch.  Eliana received an award for being the most mature 4th grader Mrs. Brown has ever taught (in 6 years)!  She has a "balanced perspective and an open mind."   She also met her reading goals for the year, earning a very impressive number of points.  Yesterday she was named the June Star Musician by her music teacher.  She has really enjoyed learning to play the recorder and being part of the school choir.  Way to go, Eliana!


I've emphasized before that intelligence is not a virtue, and I still firmly believe that.  What thrills us most is the spiritual fruit that we see in our kids' lives.  Both of the girls have been peacemakers among their peers, and both of them have cared for others who were struggling.  They have persevered through subjects that were difficult for them and come out victorious on the other side.  As we face this major transition, these are the qualities that we pray they will take along to their new school.  The same good God who provided such wonderful teachers for them in Charlotte has gone ahead of them to prepare the way in Wheaton.

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Psalm 84:11