Dat and his new bike!
Dat receives a back pack from Enoch and Marissa. Ut is on the left.
Dat gets his first piece of birthday cake ever!
Birthday boy in with decorations. Joy colored the cake picture above the balloons.Life in Vietnam seems to move at an ever increasing pace. Here are some hightlights from the past week or so...
...we celebrated Dat's birth and life last Friday night. He had never had a party before, so he was very happy with the balloons, flag banners, cake, ice cream, special meal and presents. Duc and Linh, Enoch and Marissa, and Bee celebrated with us. Dat received some more school supplies from Duc and Linh, a back pack from Enoch and Marissa (filled with art supplies), and a bike from the Brewer clan. We had a chance to share with Dat that his life is no accident. He has a great purpose designed from His Heavenly Father. We celebrated not only the past event of his birth, but the anticipation of a bright future. Ut and Dat both expressed heartfelt gratitude. Hard to believe that four months ago, Ut was not expected to survive through September.
...on Saturday, Ut and Dat returned home to Hiep Duc. If there has been a time in Vietnam when we smiled through tears, this was it. Tony, all the girls, Duc, Linh and Sally, and Enoch and Marissa accompanied them. (I stayed at the house to work on lesson plans for the week.) Before he left, Dat followed me to the kitchen. He caught my hand and said simply, "Mommy, you will not forget me?" I assured him that would be impossible. Tony and the group got them to their home, and stocked with food. We will see them again in a couple of weeks.
...Anna Mei had a mishap at an indoor playground and chipped a front tooth. Thankfully, the gum does not appear damaged and it is not causing her pain. Also, we are glad to have an upcoming opportunity to visit our dentist in the US!
...We made a working compass in science class using a sewing needle and a bar magnet. It reminded me of the internal compass God provides that points us to Him--the Holy Spirit. Like the needle, we don't have to strive or work to be pointed in the right direction--we simply need to surrender and follow where He points us.
...We celebrated Marissa's birthday yesterday. How wonderful to share life in Vietnam with great friends! Marissa and Enoch are making a difference in the lives of children and poor families. They are a blessing to our family also.
...because of the time to order and have materials delivered, we have just scored achievement tests from last year. We praise God for good results!
All in all, it's been a great week. God is good. His mercy endures forever! Grace and peace!
