God surprised us with blessings around every corner. He graced us with strength for every trial and provision for every need. Our cups overflow with gratitude.
JONATHAN [16]
Jonathan turned 16 this year. Friends ask, "Are you getting your driver's license?" To which he replies, "Nah, I don't trust myself." Finally, we agree on something!
The highlight of Jonathan's year was his summer spent at a research lab. Much of what he worked on is top secret (patent pending), but what little I could understand was that it involved engineering a machine using physics and chemistry principles to recycle energy efficiently.
Along with helping out as the Linux admin and coder, Jonathan collaborated, designed, and tinkered with the rest of the team. Through a physics computation, he discovered a flaw in the machine's design. This turned out to be a significant turning point as the team used this new discovery to make changes to the machine. Because of his contribution, the chief scientist asked Jonathan to present his findings at the lab's open house, so he donned his suit and did his thing.
Shortly thereafter, God opened another door for Jonathan to work with a UCI research team and a Google programmer on a web app project. He is learned a ton and working hard to contribute to the project. We are grateful for the opportunities God has brought his way!
For his sophomore year, Jonathan is juggling a heavy academic load. Nutmeg seems to know just when he could use a little support. Sometimes you just need a study buddy!
Homeschooling is not all about school, however. We also find time for a little music. :-)
ELIZABETH [14]
What joy Elizabeth brings to our family. She and I share a love of poetry, chocolate, and good books. The Lord blessed her with a terrific year!
Driving Jonathan to the lab in LA three to four times a week kept us very busy this summer. While we waited for him, Elizabeth, Daniel, and I had many adventures discovering museums, parks, libraries, and dim sum dives. On one of our escapades, Elizabeth planned a fun hike which led us to a pretty waterfall.
While visiting parks, our young naturalist often caught bugs in jars to bring home, where she transferred them into more comfortable habitats. I got over my initial squeamishness and let her slice the best fruits for her bugs while we ate the leftovers.
Elizabeth learned how to sew with the machine this summer, which opened up a new world of possibilities. She attacked fabric with a vengeance and whipped up a pair of shorts, a top, a backpack, and a pillowcase. She especially enjoyed sewing a stuffed dog for her little cousin. She later realized that, in her exuberance, she had mistakenly stuffed the dog's ears too. Thankfully, her little cousin didn't seem to mind. :-)
When she didn't have her nose stuck in the pages of a book, Elizabeth wrote poetry, baked gluten free pizzas, and painted with watercolors.We never know what she's going to create next. She's also discovered a love for English Country Dancing!
Elizabeth's biggest accomplishment this past year was overcoming her fear of public speaking. She competed in two speech tournaments with an original oratory speech on Temple Grandin, which she wrote, memorized, and delivered. This school year, she is excited about competing in new categories. We are proud of our young orator for taking on the challenge, and look forward to seeing how God is going to use her voice for His glory!
DANIEL [12]
Following the footsteps of his older siblings, Daniel finally became old enough to join our speech league this year. As the family extrovert, he couldn't wait to get started! His first order of business? Getting a suit!
Daniel has already competed in his first tournament a couple of weeks ago, performing a Duo Interpretation speech with his sister. He can't wait for future tourneys. The best is yet to come!
Besides tackling the stage, Daniel kicked and sparred to become the youngest person in our family to earn his Taekwondo black belt.
No one can spend ten minutes talking to Daniel and escape his obsession with the Air Force. After spending time at the aviation camp last year, he has been dreaming about attending the Air Force Academy. To prepare, he's been timing his runs, memorizing factoids about military aircraft, and cheering on the Falcons football team. He plans to spend some of his Christmas money on a chin up bar so he can train even more intensely next year.
Air Force aside, this year Daniel joined The Army. GOD'S ARMY! In June, he prayed to commit his life to Christ. One month later, he followed Christ in baptism! What a glorious day!
As parents, we have no greater joy than to see our children walk in truth.
By far, the richest memories of the year were the ones that couldn't be captured by a camera. God moving, hearts changing, prayers answered.
Thank you, Lord, for a memorable year!
"Trust...in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." 1 Timothy 6:17
No comments:
Post a Comment