We have been talking all month about the Summer ahead and getting out of school for Summer. Kenley is so funny because she gets excited, yet confused, not really knowing what all of this talk of no school is about. Kenley has told us that in China they did not get out of school for the Summer. I am guessing that living in the orphanage and going to school there, the schedule was the same each day, each week, each month. So this is something new for her. Just another new experience in her little life.
As the last day of school quickly approached and I tucked Kenley in bed the night before her last day of school, something very unexpected happened. Tears! It was like any other night we prayed and then I told her of the plans for the next day, her last day being in kindergarten. I was telling Kenley to be sure to tell Mrs. Decuir, her teacher thank you for being such a good teacher this year and to give her a big hug tomorrow. I told her that it would be her last day of kindergarten, she would have a new teacher when she returned to school in the fall, and she would be a first grader! As I talked, I was so excited and proud but, she cried. She cried! I'm smiling a big proud Momma smile, excitement in my voice and she is crying. Not just tears slowly running down her face but a terribly sad cry of loss. It broke my heart and I knew that in my excitement for all Kenley had accomplished so quickly, she was scared. There was now another change, another unknown for her. I explained to Kenley that all the children at her school would go back next year to a new class and a new teacher, this seemed to help calm her. I told her she would still get to see Mrs. Decuir, in the hall at school next year and at church on Sundays, her sweet smile returned. We wiped away the tears, hugged and as I left, I cried. How could I have known that she would be so upset? That feeling of being in way over my head came. Wow what a mistake I had made, I am sure I will make more but I am learning. God is showing me and teaching me, not only things about myself but, about Him and even about others.
One thing I knew as I walked out of Kenley's room that night was Mrs. Decuir had made a big impact. In just four short months, this little girl loved her teacher. Not only loved her but was scared she was losing her. God blessed us with just the right teacher for Kenley this year. A patient, kind, caring, accepting, structured, loving, teacher and I could go on. She was a perfect fit, just what Kenley needed. So thank you Mrs. Decuir thank you for giving of yourself, for taking on this challenge. The challenge of a child who not only didn't speak English, but who had never had parents, who didn't understand anything of western culture, knew nothing of our southern manners of yes mams and no mams, a little girl who had lived the same routine for five years and had moved across the world to a place that couldn't be more different. What a remarkable job you did and Kenley's reaction that night as we tucked in was evidence.
So, in what I felt was such a mistake in my parenting God showed me some things. Things I needed to be reminded of, that He has chosen many to be a part of my childrens lives, many for many purposes, His plan is perfect, something I know, but He wanted me to see it and what can be done in someones life in four months. So, I look at what a difference was made in Kenley's life in such a short time. I don't know about you but, I'm challenged. Thanks Mrs. Decuir for the challenge :) With love from the whole Brasher family, you have made quiet a difference in our little Kenley's life, and Mom's too.
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