First Day of Kindergarten!!

I remember the day we first met Sierra. She was 3 and pretty tiny, I remember being so glad that her birthday was in January because she wouldn't have to start school until she was over 5 1/2. I remember thinking that day was over 2 years away and I remember thinking.." oh but i know its going to go so fast!" I was right...the day came...today! I hated when the boys started school. I was a SAHM and I loved having them around. I did home day care and had a mess of kids everyday. But every morning I put them on the bus and waited patiently until they came home. Them coming home was my favorite part of the day. But I know something now that I didn't know before. Not all kids get to go to school. Many, many children around the world do not have the privilege of an education. If the truth be told, there is a chance that SIerra would not have attended school if she stayed in China. She might have attended a school in the orphanage but not the school out in town. Actually I recently found out that she had been enrolled in the SWIs Open Arms Program ( designed for infants 0-2) only to be removed when her medical condition became diagnosed. She was then placed in a room with other Special lNeeds kids who were taken care of by older girls from the orphanage. Kids taking care of kids. Their room was closed off to visitors. And these kids didn't go to school. So my take on her first day of school was a little different. She is so bright and is a sponge soaking in every bit of knowledge she can. I love that about her...her enthusiasm to learn. So I rejoiced and thanked God for the chance that she has been given. The opportunity to become ALL that she can become! Oh and the other part of her going to school that is making it so much easier??? Did I mention that she is attending the school that I work in??? That she gets to ride ( the 2/10 of a mile) with me up to school? That on this first day, her Daddy did put her on the bus to ride up the hill...but I got to take her off the bus when she arrived at school?? That her teacher said she can give me hugs whenever she sees me?? It really does not get much better than that!!!!!!!

Sierras 2 older brothers stopped by this morning to wish her a good day.  David hadn't left for college yet so I was able to get this photo of all my kiddos!!!