School Days...

Growing up, there were two times during the year I had diffiuclty falling asleep. The first would be Christmas Eve, which was one of my favorite nights of the year. I can still see myself in my bed with my new PJ's on, anxious for the morning light to crack through the windows. The second would be the night before the first day of school. The excitement of a new school year, new friends and a new desk overwhelmed me.

This last Monday Jackson headed off to his first day of 1st grade. As I close my eyes I can see us taking pictures two years ago as he headed off to KG1 at Bingham Academy, it seems like it was just a few minutes ago.

Bingham is a special place, one that is hard to describe. The international school has been around for at least 50 years now and has seen students from all over the world attend. The thing that is really connects you at Bingham is the understood notion that everyone is going through the same things. The school is filled with local Ethiopian students, but also many international students who are trying to adapt to a new culture, no water and a world they are not used to. Jackson's class with filled with kids who looked so different from each other, and yet not one of them saw any difference. It was truly special.

Jackson's second year, which was KG2, started off a little different. I returned to Ethiopia from our furlough with Jackson while Amanda stayed in the States two more weeks to attend doctors appointments. Jackson was about two weeks late starting school but he quickly caught up. He was so excited to see many of his friends again from KG1 as well as new friends he was able to meet. Jackson also went from going to school half days to going full days (two days a week), which was a big adjustment. Both years Eric and I would rotate driving the kids to school, which was about 45 minutes away leaving at 6:45 in the morning. The drive home took about 1 1/2 hours because of traffic. On most days because of the congested streets whoever was driving would just stay in town, which made for a very long day.

Last year Jackson was able to finish out the school year at a local Christian school just down the road from us. The school was gracious to allow him to finish out the year and also participate in graduation, and on Monday he started 1st grade at the same school. As you can see Jackson has really gotten taller in just the last year. He now knows how to tie his shoes and his reading and writitng has improved greatly. Jackson has had a very unique life in his brief six years, and we pray God uses that in a very powerful way.

It is bittersweet seeing him head back to school to start 1st grade...

knowing that tomorrow he will be heading off to college.

So you don't like Planned Parenthood...Now what?

Ok, let me lay this out for your really quick. I don't like Planned Parenthood, and I think they are an evil vile company. Abortion for me is very black and white. If you are a Christian and if you believe the Bible to be true then you will be against abortion. That's not to say there are not those who are Christians who have had abortions, and have to live with that decision for the rest of their life. Each one of makes countless mistakes in our lives, but God is faithful and gracious even through our constant failures.

I don't agree with abortion. I don't like Planned Parenthood.  However, this isn't about either one those things.

It's about the next step.

You see, I think there are a great deal of well meaning Christians who don't agree with abortion. I think there are many who see what Planned Parenthood is: a wicked organization. If that is true (and I agree with you)  then here is my next question: What is your plan?

Do you think the young females who are going to Planned Parenthood are going to stop getting pregnant? Unlikely. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of the time us as the church stands up against something without having a game plan for those who come to us needing help. Right or wrong, the world sees the church stand against abortion, but also sees a organization that as a whole isn't willing to make a difference.

Here is where I am going. If we the church truly want to make a difference and stand against abortion then we need to lead the charge in finding a home for these babies. We need to lead the charge in being a difference in the lives of a young child. We need to be the front running in the adoption movement. I know many families that have done this, but unfortunately there are many more out there that could still be doing this. Do you want to make a difference? Here are some thoughts...

1. Adoption - As I mentioned, the church should be leading this. We should be the driving force in the world for making adoptions a reality. It is really not about the money, because while adoptions are expensive, God can provide the money. What better way to live out the gospel then to bring a child into your home?

2. Foster Care - My family and I have never done foster care, although we certainly would be open to it. We know people who have done foster care, and it is a tough road to take. Many people fear that they will become close to a child they eventually have to see walk away. However, here is word of encouragement. Wouldn't it be better to go through some pain knowing that you possibly could impact a child's life that otherwise might never be impacted?

3. Financial Support - There are those out there who don't believe God has called them to adopt or work with foster care, although I do think that for many it is an excuse. But, there are those that truly do believe God has closed the doors for them. If that is the case, then supporting the adoption movement is a natural option. Sponsor a child through Compassion International, support a local adoption agency or help an orphanage of a missionary friend you know are great options.

So, where do we go from here? If we are willing to stand against abortion and Planned Parenthood, then we need to have a plan of action in place.

What will that plan of action be?

Review: The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45

The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45 by Stephen E. Ambrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good book on the story of the the men who flew the B-24s during World War II. It was incredible to read about a key time in American and world history, focusing mostly on a then young Georg McGovern and the crew he worked with. It is hard to imagine that the majority of those fighting in the war were still teenagers. I especially enjoyed learning more about the B24s, how they were built and flew, and the importance they were to the war effort - Simply Amazing.

If you enjoy American history or military history, this would be a great read.




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