The difference a year makes

I'm not going to attempt to catch up on everything, but before we celebrate E's bday tomorrow, I wanted write a little about my firstborn, who turned seven last week. It's amazing what God can do in a year. Last summer was rough for Sam. His dad was deployed, and he seemed to have a hard time with anything new. I mentioned it briefly here and here. Soccer, day camp, school, sunday school, being in a wedding, playdates with friends--ALL of these were a stuggle for him. Even the thought of them brought tears. I learned that Jess and I needed to be patient with him, but at the same time, I worried: What does this struggle mean for an army brat? If new people/places/things are so difficult for him, how will he handle the many transitions and hardships he will face in our military family? For this reason, Sam was my main concern as we moved to Kansas, AND my biggest reason to homeschool.

You might not even believe that last paragraph if you saw him today. He has adjusted so well to a new place. He has been enthusiastic about making friends, meeting people, and trying new activities. Once a worrier, now he trusts. He walks into a new classroom at Sunday School, and even the chaos of a new Vacation Bible School with a smile on his face. I can't explain it. Yes, his dad was deployed last year, but that timidity characterized Sam for several years, not just last summer. This is more. This is answered prayer.

Here is Sam at the VBS program at Main Post Chapel. He LOVED it.

He requested a carrot cake: If you had been with me on our trips back from getting our "farm box" you'd understand-the boy would sit in the backseat and eat all the carrots from the box before we got home.

Dad and I are so proud of you, Sam, and love you very much!