anna grace haas silva: Our Week

While my parents were in Haiti this past week with my three younger sisters Abby, Mariah ,and Katie, and one of my older sisters, Emily, I spent the week at our house in Sanibel with my little brother Nathan and foster brother Jeremiah, along with our dear friends Scott and Kerry Hasenbalg and their three sweet kids, Cole (our boys age), Maya, and baby Leah. In order for my parents to be able to go to Haiti, they had to have someone who is legally allowed to stay with Jeremiah since he is their foster son and I as a sister am not yet over twenty-one years old. Since Scott and Kerry have completed their adoption paper work and are allowed to do respite care for foster children, they were willing to come down and stay with us for the week.

Before my parents left, I had some apprehensions about caring for Jeremiah for a long period of time without either of them around, plus schooling him. Well, was I in for a blessed surprise! Every morning we went to the quiet room at the library, and not one time did he have a bad attitude or complain about his work, as I had anticipated. Some of what he does is challenge for him, and knowing that sometimes he acts out when others teach him and having never taught him before myself, I didn't exactly know what to expect. Not only did he do all of his work well without giving me a hard time, but I really enjoyed it! There were two big lessons I learned this week with this- that it's critical for me to keep my calm and patience no matter how long it's taking to teach a concept that he can't seem to grasp. This is important when teaching all children, but especially Jeremiah and children who have come through difficult circumstances and how important positive reinforcement is for their fragile emotions. And not only did our schooling go well at the library, but Kerry did school with Cole and Nathan (about the two easiest kids to teach ever!) and Maya with her kindergarten. Every afternoon the three boys and Maya played together like the four best behaved children in the world. I must say that much of this is due to the fact that Cole's 9-year-old mind is much more like a very wise adult and he was the mediator many times, keeping Lego, swimming in the pool and other activities running smoothly. Kerry and I repeatedly said throughout the week that we couldn't have this any easier. Fully aware of my preconceived notions about the possibility of how the week could have unfolded, I continually gave my worries to God, knowing that He alone is the One who can give us peace. It ended up to be one of the most enjoyable weeks ever for me, and I think this was God's way of letting me know that He desires to bless us a we are obedient to Him. He clearly showed me this week that He will take care of me as I give my worry to Him. Jer only had one real issue on the last day, and Kerry was able to calmly talk it through with him. I know that with every difficulty we go through with him, he is learning how to love and be loved. I'm thankful that even in the frustrating times God's plan is at work and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him.

As we had a great week in Sanibel, Mom, Dad, and the girls had a very great week in Haiti, working with many organizations including Restavek Freedom, Love A Child, Convoy of Hope, and Mission of Hope Haiti. My dad is also part of getting prison ministry started and is working with a friend from El Salvador who runs a very successful prison ministry there along with their organization called El Vinculo De Amor (The Love Link).

As the kids played at the pool or beach each afternoon or were at Sea School or Logos (kids program at church) I got to spend time with Kerry shopping and having fun, but most importantly being encouraged in the Lord by her and Scott. Every time I am with them I get such godly counsel, and because Kerry understands me better than anyone I know and is so wise in the Lord, she is never ceases to constantly bring my focus back to honoring God in every area of my life. One of the big lessons I learned this week was how important it is not to strive. I shouldn't try to live by my own time and make things happen by my own power. I'm only setting myself up for failure and disappointment. When I submit to God and His timing, then I will accept everything He calls me to do with obedience and in turn He will bless me as He sees fit. Life will go according to His plan, causing me to have peace in my heart, knowing that whatever comes my way is from Him and must be necessary for what He is preparing me for. Even as we were talking about this, my mind went back to several occasions where things came together that could've only been God- things that my striving for would have only disappointed me and taken me away from enjoying the moment of life that I was in, which is another lesson I learned. Thinking too much about the past or the future, or wishing to be in other places or with other people only robs you of enjoying the moment of life you are in. Enjoy the moment, because soon life will be over and you don't want to look back and have missed the joy of fully living life at each moment. I will always be grateful that no matter where I am in life, I can always count on Scott and Kerry to give me counsel that will point me back to honoring God.

To wrap this up, I'd like to share some pictures from our fun week!