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.