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Thank you Sandoz Family!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Cajun Gumbo and Fun!
Language Acquisition class ended Friday and my mind is so full I do believe knowledge is oozing out my ears. I have been given tools that will assist in me learning Kazakh.
If you wonder where I am, I'm on top of the table taking the picture!!!
Our small group that meets once a week pictured above with another small group.
During the past two weeks we had the amazing opportunity to work with a language helper. This is a person who's second language is English. We are encouraged to find a person in our new country who will helps us learn the language. To practice these skills people from the local community who were born in another country are brought in so we practice some of the ideas given to us so we can have a better understand how they will work once we are in our new home.
My group was the four of us above and I want to say what an amazing group of people they are. It was such a joy to work with Clay, Bonnie and Michelle. They each are so gifted and talented in so many ways. Our language helper was Natasha from Russia and oh, what a delight she was. The idea wasn't to learn the language we each will be learning in our various countries, but learn the techniques and skills to help us learn a new language. We actually learned some Russian and it was so much fun.
Clay's parent drove in from Louisiana. As a special gift they prepared an authentic Cajun Gumbo for all of us Friday night. Oh, my it was absolutely delicious. I had to eat seconds. It was Meagan's Birthday (Clay's sweet wife) and she was surprised with a birthday cake. It was a great time to fellowship and enjoy each other's company and know we had no homework for the weekend. YEAH!!!
The weather here in North Carolina is cool and crisp. The leaves have changed to beautiful yellow, oranges and reds. As I watch fall change through the kaleidoscope of colors I'm aware of how fast time is moving forward. Soon winter will blanket the area with a chill in the air and the leaves will blanket the ground in brown. The reality that this will be my last fall here on the east coast for awhile brings a mixture of emotions. I'm so excited to be that much closer to moving to Kazakhstan and at the same time missing my family and friends who I will leave behind. My dear friends and family are treasures I sometimes forget to acknowledge just how precious each one is to me. I am looking forward to spending some quality time when I get back to Richmond with many dear friends.
Thank you for being with me on this journey. My love to each of you.
Love Vicki
If you wonder where I am, I'm on top of the table taking the picture!!!
Our small group that meets once a week pictured above with another small group.
During the past two weeks we had the amazing opportunity to work with a language helper. This is a person who's second language is English. We are encouraged to find a person in our new country who will helps us learn the language. To practice these skills people from the local community who were born in another country are brought in so we practice some of the ideas given to us so we can have a better understand how they will work once we are in our new home.
My group was the four of us above and I want to say what an amazing group of people they are. It was such a joy to work with Clay, Bonnie and Michelle. They each are so gifted and talented in so many ways. Our language helper was Natasha from Russia and oh, what a delight she was. The idea wasn't to learn the language we each will be learning in our various countries, but learn the techniques and skills to help us learn a new language. We actually learned some Russian and it was so much fun.
Clay's parent drove in from Louisiana. As a special gift they prepared an authentic Cajun Gumbo for all of us Friday night. Oh, my it was absolutely delicious. I had to eat seconds. It was Meagan's Birthday (Clay's sweet wife) and she was surprised with a birthday cake. It was a great time to fellowship and enjoy each other's company and know we had no homework for the weekend. YEAH!!!
The weather here in North Carolina is cool and crisp. The leaves have changed to beautiful yellow, oranges and reds. As I watch fall change through the kaleidoscope of colors I'm aware of how fast time is moving forward. Soon winter will blanket the area with a chill in the air and the leaves will blanket the ground in brown. The reality that this will be my last fall here on the east coast for awhile brings a mixture of emotions. I'm so excited to be that much closer to moving to Kazakhstan and at the same time missing my family and friends who I will leave behind. My dear friends and family are treasures I sometimes forget to acknowledge just how precious each one is to me. I am looking forward to spending some quality time when I get back to Richmond with many dear friends.
Thank you for being with me on this journey. My love to each of you.
Love Vicki
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I Received a Call from my Baby Girl!!!
Just a quick - SHOUT of JOY!!! Yesterday I finally got a call from Sarah... She sounded great. She only had a few minutes and needed to give me information about graduation on November 21st. When I would try and ask a question her response was "Mom, I don't have time for your questions I have to give you some important information!" then she'd be off running with what she needed to share. Oh, how my heart filled with such joy and happiness to hear her sweet voice. She spoke about new friends, being injured and on light duty for three days, passing academic test, how hard her RDC is, and how she loved me and miss me, her brother, father, step-mother, friends and family. Then she had to go... She request letters from everyone and pictures.
I thought the first call she might be crying and sharing how hard things were, but that isn't what I got. She was upbeat, positive, and happy even when speaking about the hard things. She sounded so grown up.
Well, that is all for now dear friends. I am over my head with this language learning.. ugh.. But did want to share this great joy with you.
Thank you each for your encouragement. If you need Sarah's address let me know.
Love
Vicki
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Language Acquisition!!! Oh, My!!!
FIRST SOME SIGHTS FROM BEAUTIFUL WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
I am not learning Kazakh, but the skills needed to learn a second language.
Did you know that there are over 700 sounds the human voice apparatus is capable of making? I sure didn't.. Did you know that there is a Phonetic Alphabet to guide you in how to say any word of any language? Did you know there are things called stop, voiced and unvoiced sounds and things called Fricatives.. Oh, My!!! Is your head spinning yet???? We are learning things like intentional and being proactive in our language learning (in all our learning) I can't take a back seat and hope I learn the Kazakh language by just being there. The instructors are also preparing us for the overwhelming sense of our loss of identity while learning to learn a new language. Who am I??? if you take away my culture, language and ability to communicate...
I've heard much criticism of people who aren't learning English when they move to America.. Now I'm not saying people shouldn't learn the language of the country they are living in. I most certainly seek to learn Kazakh. But have you ever considered how it feels to - even if willingly - be plopped down in a culture that is very different, where you can't do basic things like buy food or go to the bank or communicate with your neighbors. It throws everything in your world upside down. Like falling down the rabbit's hole in Alice in Wonderland. This summer not having a "home" to go home to I found myself lost in a city I know. There was no auto pilot at the end of a day to get home. I had to think about each detail of my life. Do you realize how many daily things we each take for granted? The amount of time we don't have to really engage our minds to do the daily stuff? Now, think about having to think about each step of the day. There is no "auto pilot" to do anything, from brushing your teeth, fixing your meals, buying your groceries, nothing.. That brings a whole new meaning to stress.
The staff are giving us a "tool box" of strategies and skills to help us not only acquire the language but also navigate the mind field of emotions that comes along with living in a new country trying to learn the language.
Can I tell EVERYONE how THANKFUL that I have this opportunity to get this training. I came because I was told this would be good for me, I had no idea how unprepared I was and didn't understand I desperately needed this training.. Now, I do..
I have been amazed to look back over my life and see how so many things have been working together to prepare me for this very point in time. The training here is bringing together all my life experiences revealing how they weave together.
As a child I invented my own language which gave me the privilege of going to speech therapy. My youngest sister upon entering school was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I remember the teacher telling my mom that she was a bright child and would eventually catch up to the other students. The key was instead of presenting the same idea 10 times, present the idea 10 different ways. Kind of the same idea when people do the same behavior over and over expecting a different out come. In order to get a different out come you have to change the behavior. I've always like the analogy of Babe Ruth. He (at least use to - I'm not a baseball fan) held the record for home runs.. He also held the record for the most strikes.. The story goes that he said the reason he had the most home runs was because he wasn't afraid to swing the bad increasing the number of swings there fore increasing the number of times the bat connected with the ball.. I have to keep swinging, keep playing the game if I'm going to be successful. No toddler falls the first time then refuses to get up and try again. They don't focus on the fall, but rather on the goal.. At 47 I'm seeking to be more child like in attitude..
When Sarah, my youngest didn't begin speaking by age three I sought help and she too began speech therapy... I had no idea all that would be helpful now with some of the things they are teaching.. How amazing to see the threads woven through my life preparing me for this adventure..
Students from my ESL class from the local University
Once I started traveling to Kazakhstan our world open up to internationals in our area.. Marc and Sarah started bringing home international friends after their trip to Kazakhstan in 2002. Then we invited exchange students into our home for the school year. Talk about broadening our horizons. I taught classes at the local university in the ESL program. It was so much fun working with the students helping them increase their English language. Did you ever think why we say we have "butterflies" in our stomachs? In Taiwan they have waves in their stomachs! In Turkey they have rabbits!!
Marc and Sarah with our exchange student Tahmina from Turkmenistan. (Hello sweet Tahmina!)
I think there have been times I have forgotten how richly blessed I have been. One thing I had my exchange students do after they got over the excitement of being in America and began to see only what they didn't like and how much they missed their homes, was daily write a list of 20 things they were thankful for that day. Now, sometimes it was for very simple things like the sky is blue. There were days it was really hard for them to find things they liked about the new place they found themselves in. But it did work.. They began to see that different doesn't equate bad. I too have to remember that piece of advice. I too have to daily keep my list of things I am thankful for because sometime in the mist of the chaos of life I forget just truly how blessed beyond measure I am.
Saturday, I had the great privilege and blessing to tag along with Michelle, her two beautiful girls Abby & Lucy and Pat. We went to Hendersonville, NC but stopped several times on the way there and back. The colors on the trees are beautiful, the air crisp and cool. This is apple picking time in western North Carolina so fresh apple cider, apple butter and delicious apples can be picked up at various road side stands. In Hendersonville the girls had a grand time in the Hands On Museum. I enjoyed watching these precious girls simply enjoy the many activities. I think I had forgotten just how innocent, bright eyed, and trusting children can. I love the children that are in my life here at training. It helps ease the ache for my two.
My dear friend Lois, called and let me know SHE had RECEIVED a letter from my sweet daughter.. UGH.. I did not. The mail moves a little slower down to this part of the state. It was so good to know someone had heard from her and hear that she is making it. She reported that she was still alive (which is a good thing) that she misses home (I think that is typical for recruits) that she received the meanest and hardest drill Sargent (probably all recruits feel this) and she also finally had a date for boot camp graduation. November 21st. A week after I finish training here, almost perfect timing. I was hoping for a little more time between training and her graduation to have time to work, but this is it. Now, I have to figure out how to get to Great Lakes, IL and a place to stay. Sarah only has leave for that day so I don't need to stay in the area except for that Thursday and Friday night. I don't know if I'll fly or drive.. My car isn't up to that long of a road trip. I was a little worried taking it here, but it has hung in there. I did look into rental cars, but at this point I just don't know. It's not today's problem so I'm not going to worry about it..
My time here in training has been such an encouragement. The staff are amazing with their willingness to share their knowledge and friendships. Friendships that will last a life time across lands and oceans are being built between other students and staff. The dear friendships that I have treasured to this point I'm recognizing more just how valuable they are to me and how truly blessed I've been with the people that have been placed on the path in my life. Thank you dear friends for being there to encourage me and cheer for me along the way. I have been touched by the letters, notes, and care packages (thank you Tim & Lisa for the great books, Janet for the tasty treats and Lois for my mail, book, & my paints! :o} ) I could never do this alone or in my own strength and am so touched by the time and effort my dear friends have put into letting me know they are there for me. Everyone loves getting mail in this day of technology nothing replaces a physical letter.. Remember to write my sweet Sarah..
I've got several images I want to paint and have started on. What a joy to paint just for the joy of expressing my thankfulness of all the many blessing in my life. Maybe I'll share but for the moment it is like a journal with my inner most thoughts.. But oh, what fun I'm having..
Thank you dear friends.. I keep you each close to my heart..
May your day be filled with seeing the many joys and blessings given just for today..
Love
Vicki
I am not learning Kazakh, but the skills needed to learn a second language.
Did you know that there are over 700 sounds the human voice apparatus is capable of making? I sure didn't.. Did you know that there is a Phonetic Alphabet to guide you in how to say any word of any language? Did you know there are things called stop, voiced and unvoiced sounds and things called Fricatives.. Oh, My!!! Is your head spinning yet???? We are learning things like intentional and being proactive in our language learning (in all our learning) I can't take a back seat and hope I learn the Kazakh language by just being there. The instructors are also preparing us for the overwhelming sense of our loss of identity while learning to learn a new language. Who am I??? if you take away my culture, language and ability to communicate...
I've heard much criticism of people who aren't learning English when they move to America.. Now I'm not saying people shouldn't learn the language of the country they are living in. I most certainly seek to learn Kazakh. But have you ever considered how it feels to - even if willingly - be plopped down in a culture that is very different, where you can't do basic things like buy food or go to the bank or communicate with your neighbors. It throws everything in your world upside down. Like falling down the rabbit's hole in Alice in Wonderland. This summer not having a "home" to go home to I found myself lost in a city I know. There was no auto pilot at the end of a day to get home. I had to think about each detail of my life. Do you realize how many daily things we each take for granted? The amount of time we don't have to really engage our minds to do the daily stuff? Now, think about having to think about each step of the day. There is no "auto pilot" to do anything, from brushing your teeth, fixing your meals, buying your groceries, nothing.. That brings a whole new meaning to stress.
The staff are giving us a "tool box" of strategies and skills to help us not only acquire the language but also navigate the mind field of emotions that comes along with living in a new country trying to learn the language.
Can I tell EVERYONE how THANKFUL that I have this opportunity to get this training. I came because I was told this would be good for me, I had no idea how unprepared I was and didn't understand I desperately needed this training.. Now, I do..
I have been amazed to look back over my life and see how so many things have been working together to prepare me for this very point in time. The training here is bringing together all my life experiences revealing how they weave together.
As a child I invented my own language which gave me the privilege of going to speech therapy. My youngest sister upon entering school was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I remember the teacher telling my mom that she was a bright child and would eventually catch up to the other students. The key was instead of presenting the same idea 10 times, present the idea 10 different ways. Kind of the same idea when people do the same behavior over and over expecting a different out come. In order to get a different out come you have to change the behavior. I've always like the analogy of Babe Ruth. He (at least use to - I'm not a baseball fan) held the record for home runs.. He also held the record for the most strikes.. The story goes that he said the reason he had the most home runs was because he wasn't afraid to swing the bad increasing the number of swings there fore increasing the number of times the bat connected with the ball.. I have to keep swinging, keep playing the game if I'm going to be successful. No toddler falls the first time then refuses to get up and try again. They don't focus on the fall, but rather on the goal.. At 47 I'm seeking to be more child like in attitude..
When Sarah, my youngest didn't begin speaking by age three I sought help and she too began speech therapy... I had no idea all that would be helpful now with some of the things they are teaching.. How amazing to see the threads woven through my life preparing me for this adventure..
Students from my ESL class from the local University
Once I started traveling to Kazakhstan our world open up to internationals in our area.. Marc and Sarah started bringing home international friends after their trip to Kazakhstan in 2002. Then we invited exchange students into our home for the school year. Talk about broadening our horizons. I taught classes at the local university in the ESL program. It was so much fun working with the students helping them increase their English language. Did you ever think why we say we have "butterflies" in our stomachs? In Taiwan they have waves in their stomachs! In Turkey they have rabbits!!
Marc and Sarah with our exchange student Tahmina from Turkmenistan. (Hello sweet Tahmina!)
I think there have been times I have forgotten how richly blessed I have been. One thing I had my exchange students do after they got over the excitement of being in America and began to see only what they didn't like and how much they missed their homes, was daily write a list of 20 things they were thankful for that day. Now, sometimes it was for very simple things like the sky is blue. There were days it was really hard for them to find things they liked about the new place they found themselves in. But it did work.. They began to see that different doesn't equate bad. I too have to remember that piece of advice. I too have to daily keep my list of things I am thankful for because sometime in the mist of the chaos of life I forget just truly how blessed beyond measure I am.
Saturday, I had the great privilege and blessing to tag along with Michelle, her two beautiful girls Abby & Lucy and Pat. We went to Hendersonville, NC but stopped several times on the way there and back. The colors on the trees are beautiful, the air crisp and cool. This is apple picking time in western North Carolina so fresh apple cider, apple butter and delicious apples can be picked up at various road side stands. In Hendersonville the girls had a grand time in the Hands On Museum. I enjoyed watching these precious girls simply enjoy the many activities. I think I had forgotten just how innocent, bright eyed, and trusting children can. I love the children that are in my life here at training. It helps ease the ache for my two.
My dear friend Lois, called and let me know SHE had RECEIVED a letter from my sweet daughter.. UGH.. I did not. The mail moves a little slower down to this part of the state. It was so good to know someone had heard from her and hear that she is making it. She reported that she was still alive (which is a good thing) that she misses home (I think that is typical for recruits) that she received the meanest and hardest drill Sargent (probably all recruits feel this) and she also finally had a date for boot camp graduation. November 21st. A week after I finish training here, almost perfect timing. I was hoping for a little more time between training and her graduation to have time to work, but this is it. Now, I have to figure out how to get to Great Lakes, IL and a place to stay. Sarah only has leave for that day so I don't need to stay in the area except for that Thursday and Friday night. I don't know if I'll fly or drive.. My car isn't up to that long of a road trip. I was a little worried taking it here, but it has hung in there. I did look into rental cars, but at this point I just don't know. It's not today's problem so I'm not going to worry about it..
My time here in training has been such an encouragement. The staff are amazing with their willingness to share their knowledge and friendships. Friendships that will last a life time across lands and oceans are being built between other students and staff. The dear friendships that I have treasured to this point I'm recognizing more just how valuable they are to me and how truly blessed I've been with the people that have been placed on the path in my life. Thank you dear friends for being there to encourage me and cheer for me along the way. I have been touched by the letters, notes, and care packages (thank you Tim & Lisa for the great books, Janet for the tasty treats and Lois for my mail, book, & my paints! :o} ) I could never do this alone or in my own strength and am so touched by the time and effort my dear friends have put into letting me know they are there for me. Everyone loves getting mail in this day of technology nothing replaces a physical letter.. Remember to write my sweet Sarah..
I've got several images I want to paint and have started on. What a joy to paint just for the joy of expressing my thankfulness of all the many blessing in my life. Maybe I'll share but for the moment it is like a journal with my inner most thoughts.. But oh, what fun I'm having..
Thank you dear friends.. I keep you each close to my heart..
May your day be filled with seeing the many joys and blessings given just for today..
Love
Vicki
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Looking Forward to a Quiet Weekend!
New Friendships!
Youngest Member of our Class!
Turning in Papers!
The "Gang"
Thursday we finished the first section of training. It is actually bittersweet. I'm more than ready to be done with "HOMEWORK & PAPERS" for the moment - more to come next week :o) - and at the same time sad because I really enjoyed learning all that the staff is presenting. It is also sad because two families and one single young man left. The amount of time and classes taken by each is different, so people leave and new ones come after each section. I am about half way through with my time here and know I will shed some tears when it is my time to bid farewell.
After class Thursday Chris & Paige had planned a community wide activity of fellowship and games. What a great time of to celebrate our accomplishments and new friendships. One family left out this morning at 5 AM to head north to New Hampshire. They are breaking it up into 3 days making stops along the way to visit family, which will help the kids not be quite so restless - hopefully. They have six precious children that I have grown quite fond of. Their youngest, Claire age 6 years, asked me after I had placed her in her car seat; "Are you going to miss me Miss Vicki?". I thought I would cry then for sure. I told her that "YES! I most definitely would miss her and her entire family, but now, we are friends for life over time and miles", so I will look forward to seeing her again. The kids said I became part of their family which touched my heart. This was said with laughter because I seemed to always know what timer dinner was and would show up or just hang out until dinner. I really didn't plan it, but it did work out that I would "conveniently" be there for many dinners. I liked being in the mist of the chaos of the family. And really what is "1" more when you have 6 kids around the table. Just kidding Phil & Jen!! Phil and Jen are such great parents and their love for each other shines through everything they do. What a great gift to make new treasured friends.
Sweet Claire, Jen & Anna
Making new friends is one of those wonderful side benefits to being here and I am truly thankful. I'm also thankful for time to just be. I miss my children so much, but am enjoying not having so many of the responsibilities that I have carried over the years raising children. I've had exchange students in my home the last couple of years and always loved the chaos and wondered how I would live without it. I'm finding that I am desiring time to just be me with none of the other responsibilities except what I need to do. Part of me is struggling with feeling selfish, but the other parts are savoring this sweet time to reconnect with myself.
Today I am heading into Hendersonville to buy some paints. An image has been given to my soul and I need to capture it on canvas. I feel like a little kid anticipating something special. Once I return from purchasing a few paints, I'm planning on painting the rest of the day. I wish I had brought all my paints and my easel. Oh, well.
From an email I received this quote: "Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. Being friends with
someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility." Anonymous
I'm counting the many rare jewels I have in the sweet friendships that I've accumulated over the years in addition the new ones being formed during this season and realizing how incredibly blessed I am. I'm also realizing the rare jewel of being friends with oneself, not in a selfish self centered way, but learning to treasure those unique qualities that were created in me and just enjoy being.
May you each enjoy today, count the many friendships that have been given you along your journey and treasure the unique creation you are.
Thank you for the many gifts of friendship you have given me.
Love
Vicki
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Research Paper finished and being turned in Today!
The last two weeks have been packed full of so many things I have barely had a chance to sit and catch my breath. The amazing things I am learning leaves me overloaded and feeling a little off balanced at times, but still excited about where this path is leading me. In addition to homework everyone is trying to spend time together as we get to know each other on a deeper level. I love talking and getting to know people and am energized by the interaction, but at times struggle to find the balance between getting homework done, spending time to process all I'm learning and socializing these new friends. There is so much fun to be had, but this past weekend I had to lock myself away so I could finish my paper and take some time to process.. Ugh.. Somedays I think I'm too old for all this learning. Other days I'm excited about all the new information. Another example of the contrast and contradictions in my life. Oh, well.
The list of people I count as great treasures in my life just got longer. What an amazing, talented, gifted group of people I have the privilege of getting to know. In the mist of so many transitions I am being blessed with a treasure box full to carry in my heart always.
Today I turn in my research paper. Yeah! I'm so relieved to have this out of the way. We don't have class tomorrow given us a three day weekend. Hurray!!! Thank you dear Lois for being my Editor on all my papers. I am the worlds worst speller (you have seen many instances of that in my blog, sorry :o( ) and I'm not so good with grammer. How many friends would edit papers after long days juggling work and families. Lois and Richard are such gems with generous hearts and gentle spirits. Next week I start a whole new group of lessons, but I can relax for the weekend and have a little fun with new friends...
Marc & Sarah's father sent me the pictures he took of Sarah before she left for Great Lakes, Illinois. I've heard from Sarah three times but each time she called while I was not near the phone so all I got was her message. My heart was so sad. She sounded so grown up. Oh how I miss my babies, but am happy that they are out building their lives, seeking their dreams.
This weekend is suppose to be beautiful and I'm looking into going horse back riding. The trees are just starting to turn, putting on their fall colors of reds, yellows and oranges. I love this time of year with the crisp morning air and the brilliant colors nature puts on. I'm hoping to get some beautiful pictures of the mountains in all their glory over the next couple weeks.
I'm not a big fan on being cold, but I love pulling out my turtlenecks and sweaters, wool socks and hiking boots. It has been a very dry summer here in North Carolina, but lately we have gotten a lot of rain so I'm hoping for a beautiful display of colors. The dryer the fall the quicker the leaves turn brown, die and fall off, the wetter the fall the more brilliant the display of colors.
A couple of the families and a few of the singles are finish with their training here and will be heading home tomorrow. How sad. We have all grown so close over the last month and I hate to see our time come to an end. When you are dumped together in a single location to live, work, and study there aren't as many walls kept up so you get to know people a lot faster. Friendships are being forged here that will last lifetimes over many miles. I will deeply miss these sweet friends and their children, but am comforted by the fact that our friendships can continue to grow with a little effort and the help of modern technologies like the internet..
On Sunday a new group of people will join those of us who signed up for the longer training coarse. I am looking forward to seeing who arrives and getting to know them.
I now have an address for Sarah, so if you are interested in dropping her a note of encouragement, please send me an email and I'll get you her address. When ever anyone is away from home for any length of time I think it touches the heart to hear from dear ones back home, but especially when you are young like Sarah facing the very challenging rigors of boot camp.
Thank you again dear friends. Your encouragement and support helps to carry me through as I walk the path prepared ahead of time for me to walk down. I have been so encouraged to see the many gifts and blessings I am receiving along the way.
You are each a great treasure in my heart.
Love
Vicki
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Farewell to Sarah!
Sarah, me & Marc
Sarah with her Dad and Step Mother
A group picture. Not the entire group, but a good part of family who came to celebrate with us.
I made it back to North Carolina Sunday and Sarah made it to Great Lake, Illinois Monday evening. Oh, how I miss my sweet baby girl.
Saturday was a sweet time to reconnect with family we haven't seen in awhile. The middle of us girls, Kami and her family hosted the gathering at their home. My youngest sister and her family drove all the way from Missouri.. It touched my heart deeply that each of my sisters would sacrifice for this special time. Thank you Kami and Emilie.. My mother did all the coordinating and organizing. Thank you Mom.
Sarah's Dad and Step-Mother came making the time all that more special for Sarah. Thank you Kit and Cindy.
My heart was bursting with so many emotions but the greatest of them was love for my daughter and thankfulness that my life has been so richly blessed by having her (and her brother) in my life. I am most definitely a much better person for having them in my life..
My Mother took Sarah Sunday to the recruiters office since I had to head back to North Carolina before she was suppose to arrive there. Monday, Kit and Marc went down to Ft. Lee to see Sarah off. My heart ached to be there, but it was probably better I wasn't. I'm not sure I could of not cried sending my "baby" off... Kit said Sarah did well. We are all so proud of her.
Monday evening Sarah called me from Great Lake, Illinois, but I missed the call.. Oh, how my heart ached, but her message said she had arrived, was doing well and would call in two weeks. She sounded so grown up.
I've got a major paper due next week in addition to several papers this week on top of other homework. I am enjoying learning , but sometimes am overwhelmed. Some days this old mind is just mush by the end of class.. :o)
Thank you sweet and dear friends for your encouragement. Being away has made my appreciation grow deeper for the people in my life that encourage and support me through the good times and bad.. Thank you..
Love
Vicki
Kathryn, Grandma & Adell
Marc and Michael
My sister Emilie and her family who drove from Missouri.
Sarah and her Dad having fun!
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