A day in the life of Juda!

My schedule afforded me a day to spend with Juda at school, first time ever. I met him along with his class at the bowling alley for an early game of?????well not sure you could really call it bowling, more like "stop, drop and role". Glad those bowling alley's aren't' made of thin wood. I then picked up Bethany from school and we headed back to Juda's school to spend a time of singing/signing a few songs before enjoying lunch with him. Which by the way he is so very good at signing and gestures to songs. He is verbalizing more and more, of course it sounds most like if you hold your nose and close your ears, that is what his verbal language sounds like, so we have to alter our hearing to understand him, which is fine, just take some getting used to. He is quite the site among the other K-2nd graders waiting in line for lunch, gathering up his own spoon/napkin/milk, then receiving his tray from the lunch lady. He is so independent, he made me so proud. We just followed him as he instructed us what to do. He was so proud to be the one in charge of us, rather than the opposite. He is so famous among his peers and school faculty. Everyone knows and loves Juda. One of the ladies that I knew told me a few of the lunchroom staff asked her " who was with Juda," ha ha ha ha. There asking tells me one of two things, either I need to come have lunch with Juda more often or I don't look like I should be his mother, or maybe both. We then spent recess with him and his friends which is so enjoyable as his friends in his class are all special needs, two of them have Down Syndrome, which makes them the three amigo's for sure.

Like I said I hardly have time in my day to visit Juda at school. Ai no Kesshin is a full time volunteer job. This week God has afforded me a chance to catch up on the home front. Makes me wonder what next week holds for me to have such opportunities this week?????? I'm glad for them no matter what tomorrow holds.

Tom is on his way to Great Lakes, IL!!!

Tom left yesterday for mainland Japan, spent the night and got an early start this morning headed for Great Lakes, IL to see Andy graduate Navy Bootcamp. Andy called us last week and said he would have a few days at Great Lakes after graduation before heading to Coronado, so keeping it a surpise to Andy, Tom made plans to head that way to celebrate Andy's accomplishments. Tom has been so faithful to write Andy nearly everyday to keep him informed of the outside world during his bootcamp experience, as from what I'm told, you are cut off from most if not all communication other than letters from home. Having experienced bootcamp before, Tom could relate all too well and encouraged Andy greatly in his letter writing. It has certainly been an experience to remember, not soon forgotten, or maybe after a few weeks of BUDS (Seal) training he might wish he was back at Great Lakes. Time will tell. As soon as we get the graduation pics of Andy, I'll post them, for now please pray for safe travels for Tom as he maneuvers his way to see/visit with his firstborn.

Going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo, How about You You You!

Over Bethany's spring break from school we met some of our friends at the local zoo. She was able to visit with Jack and Daisy her guinea pigs we so generously donated to the petting area of the zoo back in Dec, after the family voted that no one enjoyed cleaning up after them, thus they stunk often. We promised her when we gave them to the zoo that we could visit them once again, not for sure they would be there when we went for a visit. Much to my surprise they were there and appeared to be quite healthy. This made Bethany so happy to be able to share them with her friends. They couldn't believe that they used to be hers. Soooo fuuuunnnnn!

Promotion for Tom!

Tom got promoted to Audit Manager. We are so proud of him and all his hard work and integrity. YIPPEE!!!!!!!

No matter what his job at work is, he still doesn't mind doing the dishes!

To stay or not to stay? That is the question!

Here is Ben debating staying here on Okinawa with us to complete his next two years of college. There are positives and negatives to every decision in life. Ben has decided to stay and attend the Univ of Maryland on the base. He has completed a few classes there this year, but mostly has continued his education through ECU online. Online has proven to not work for him. According to him inclass might not work either, ha ha ha. He is challenged to stop playing/working long enough to complete his college. We are glad he is going to stay, he is such a good influence on Caleb and it gives them an opportunity to work on their relationship as brothers.

Opposites attract!

This is Bethany and her friend Allisia. They couldn't be more opposite, even in personality. When they are not at odds with each other they are very sweet together. This was from the spring performance. Their class girls danced to "Sakura", "Cherry Blossom". Very famous japanese song and dance.

Can you find Bethany?

This is Bethany's school photo. She is now in the oldest class. They are called the dandelions, because as the oldest class, once they graduate, they will scatter and go to different 1st grades all over island, just like a full blown dandelion. If you have trouble finding her, let me know, try on your own first. Tom has received the honor of being asked to be the PTA President for this school year. The japanese school year just began if your wondering. This will be the first time in the entire 42 years of the yochen that an American would hold this position. Pray for us as God continues to give us responsiblities in the Japanese community.

Getting ready for BABY!

Someone was so kind to donate to us a swing, bouncy seat and bassinet for a BABY! NO, we don't have a baby, but we need to always be ready for when God brings us one to foster. Bethany and Juda have had so much fun pretending with their baby dolls, rotating them from swing, to bouncy seat, to the final sleep station, the bassinet. We have witnessed God's blessing by placing twin boys this week with a Japanese pastor and his wife in Osaka Japan. We currently have a Down syndrome baby boy who will be having surgery this week to repair his heart defect. All of these babies have been in foster care in Japan. Here on Okinawa we are currently counseling two birthmothers who are in their second trimester. They can still choose abortion at any time and are undecided as to what to do. Continue to pray for birthmothers to choose life for their children.

Sick and Tired!!!!!

Well, Easter morning we woke up to Juda having a very high fever. No sunrise service for us. He slept all day and stayed medicated. We didn't really know what hurt as he can't really tell us. Tom returned home from California Sunday night just in time. By Tuesday, I was in the same boat. I now knew what hurt on Juda. Our throats were so sore and necks swollen, joints aching, high fevers and fatigue. Tom's remark was "Good, now you know how Juda feels, no more guessing!" Not quite what you want to hear when you are sick, he he he. By Wednesday morning Bethany is in the boat of sickness with Juda and myself. The pull out bed on the sofa stayed out all week and we three slept, fought fevers, sipped smoothies and watched "Happy Feet" and many more movies. Made it to a dr. on Thursday via Tom and by Friday we were all up and walking again. We are praying that train doesn't hit us again, ever. Got a call from a birthmother in crisis on Friday and I immediately, praise God, could go to counsel her. Pray for her to choose life for her baby! That sums up Juda's Spring Break week.

Oh to be young and enjoy "Easter Egg Hunting" again. Can't wait to see his reaction when he opens the eggs and finds goodies. Can you recall when you finally "GOT IT". "GOT IT" meaning, when you finally realized what the REAL meaning of Easter was. Each year brings more meaning of the love of Jesus. What LOVE he has for us to die for each one of us. But the greatest JOY is the hope we have in His resurrection, the grave is EMPTY, Praise the Lord!

Juda the politician!!!

Juda fell today at school and cut his nose just a wee bit, bled a lot, scared everyone a bunch. I did need to go pick him up. Determining that he was fine, I decided to make a quick trip to the commissary. Well, I can't do that when I have Juda with me, because he knows sooooo many people on island especially from his school. He is so funny, just reaches out his hand to shake hands with folks as if to say "Vote for Me", which they probably would no matter what his cause. Before you start wondering about Juda's hairy arms and large hands, this is a favorite past time for Ben to do with Juda, not so sure it is Juda's favorite thing to do, however, it does bring laughter into the house and hey, it's all good.

Living Lord Supper

Tonight was the first performance of the Living Lord Supper. Ben portrayed Thadeous. He is seated second from the end on the right. He did a great job along with everyone else. Each disciple/apostle spoke of their life and how Jesus changed it and that Jesus speaks of someone betraying him and will it be "I", they each say. As if to imply for us to ask of ourselves, "Is it I". It is a wonderful way to get ready for Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Recently I have been listening closely to the words of a praise song I love and they sing of how Jesus thought of me when he climbed that hill, as they nailed him to the cross, Jesus looks at me with "Eternal" eyes, although I'm heeped in sin. That he is my Redeemer, Savior, Friend. Redeemer, redeem my heart again, Savior, shelter me from sin, your familiar with my weakness, devoted to the end, "Redeemer, Savior, Friend". That one day when I lay down my crowns at his feet and that the grace he gave me will be returned in praise, that his love knows no end. "Redeemer, Savior, Friend". Remember these words as you celebrate Holy week and Easter Sunday.

Here we GO

I've just spent the last couple of hours working on this blog. I hope you enjoy it. I'll try posting often. Make it a favorite and check it often too. I love keeping up with all of you and I love sharing with you what God is doing in our loves. It amazes me everyday what God can and will do with each of us. Bless you all! Enjoy this picture from the north end of Okinawa, called Motobu.

Andy

In May, Andy graduated from NCSU with a degree in Natural Resources. We enjoyed having him home all summer. He returned to Raleigh in late Aug unsure of what the future held for him. He then joined the Navy with a Seal contract. He is currently in Great Lakes half way through Navy Bootcamp. If all goes well, we appreciate prayer support, he will graduate April 27. He will then go immediately to San Diego for BUDS "Seal Training" for 6 months. His letters are sounding good now, the first couple were questionable. Not sure where the "Natural Resourses" degree will fit in.......

Caleb

Caleb usually tries to hide from the camera, however, he must have thought he was safe because he had one in his hand, but it was not the right one. His smile brings us smiles once again. He is now working and enjoying it too. He continues to work on his highschool studies online.

Peety the Pirate

This has got to be the funniest picture we have of Ben. We've named this look the "Peety the Pirate" most appropriate for ECU students. Ben grew out his beard all scragly as he says, "He doesn't want to be a chick magnet". Well, I think it is working, ha ha. He has since shaved and trimmed it up a bit but not too much because he will be portraying "Thadeus" in the Living Lord Support at church this week. He is working full time again, so we miss his silly self around the house, however, we are glad he is on island with us for now anyway.

Toothless

Juda lost his first tooth, the next day the second one came out, but he wouldn't let us take any more pics of him. His new ones have come in now and are big. He is quite a dood these days, having his own desires of independence can be a challenge for a boy in a man's world. He loves to ride his bike and it is his main requests all throughout the day. When riding in the park, he stops and talks to people, using sign language and a few sounds. From a distance I watch and smile as so far everyone appeases him and high fives him and then he goes on his way. He is full of life and is very much a BOY, loving wheels and anything that goes around.

Singing and Swinging

Bethany learned to swing on her own this week. She commented that it must have been because she ate fish the night before, ha ha. She LOVES to swing and now can for endless amounts of time on her own. YIPPEE!!! We are so proud of you Bessy girl.

25th Wedding Anniversay

Since I last wrote you all, Tom and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversay. Wow, I hardly feel a day older than 25, how can that be, ha ha. Wow....25 years of memories, of laughter, of joy, of tears, of sorrows, of adventure, of travels, of changes, of BLESSINGS! We are praying that God will give us that many and more. I'm so glad we got married young and have grown up together, it has been fun, and we are still having fun.

Sarah Gordon

Bethany and Juda love it when Sarah come to visit, it is like Aunt Sarah has come, we won't say

that Grandma Sarah has come, ha ha ha. Although Sarah will be a grandma in about 7 months thanks to her daughter Katherine and son in law Ando. Sarah, Ako and Georgina came from mainland Japan to conduct a "Phone Counselor" training seminar here on Okinawa. It is 18 hours of training, lots of information and some very painful to absorb, however, we had a good turnout and a few already applied to be counselors. Continue to pray for babies and birthmothers, the Lord is hearing our prayers, especially for Down Syndrome children to not be placed in orphanages. Thank you for all your prayer support.

Ako

Ako enjoyed Bethany once again as she looks so much like her Emma and acts just like her too, we were amazed as we shared their likenesses. Ako is the "Translator Coordinator" for Ai no Kesshin, but that title does not do her justice. She is such a special lady and we so enjoy her visits, she has so much love to share, we are blessed to receive some from her. Ako has lived with the Gordon Family for some 20 years now in Shizuoka Japan.

Georgina

Georgina and Juda sharing one last hug til we meet again, probably next year when she comes to conduct another "Phone Counselor" training seminar for Ai no Kesshin. We sure enjoyed
having her and Ako and Sarah for a few days during the training. Although it is alot of long hours and alot of painful information to teach, we did however get a one hour trip to the exchange for the first time ever in their many visits over the past two years here. What an accomplishment. Georgina had one small place left in her heart for one more japanese man, Juda fit nicely.

Hudson

Alot has happened since October 31 when we last saw Yoshito, for starters his name has changed to Hudson. We had the pleasure of meeting Hudson and his lovely parents Tammy and Bob Monteith this past week. We took Hudson and his family to the hospital he was born at and stayed the first 3 months of his life, along with hearing his daddy preach at a missions conference and just loving on them for a couple of visits. We are so happy for the Monteith's and for Hudson, what a great thing God has done for them all and for us to experience seeing and being a part of his life.

Yoshito

Back on September 1st we met Yoshito, who was 3 months old. We welcomed him into our home as our own and provided him with love and all the other needs of his life. We then placed him with his new family on October 31. What a joy it was to have the experience of "Foster Care" for a very special little boy whose name is now Hudson Caleb Monteith.

Communication with ease,hopefully!!!!

Hello everyone,
I am going to try this blogging thing, so many of you already do it and do a good job at it, however, I'm not IT savvy, so we'll see, learn as I go along and hopefully it will be twofold, in that I can keep a journal account of God's blessing us while at the same time, keeping you posted on those prayers and praises we continue to send out. Thanks for your faithfulness to us in your prayer support.