Today was the first day of the 2012 Boy Scout popcorn sales. Generally, I dread this time of the year. Is that bad? Today was no different in that aspect.
Yankee Candle Company was generous enough to allow us to set up popcorn tables in their store. One broken candle (thanks to our youngest), one broken plate (thanks to yours truly) and 3.5 hours later we finished our first round of sales. After a brief stop to pick up some more, we headed to one neighborhood to sale popcorn door to door. We walked for nearly 3 hours as the boys made it their goal to hit every house on every street. Needless to say I was TIRED when we were done. A couple of mistakes I made: First, I didn't bring water with me. I don't know why. I really just didn't think about it. I was PARCHED by the time we were done. Second mistake, I did't wear good supportive shoes. I didn't know when I left the house this morning that we were going door-to-door, so I wore shoes that would be fine for sitting at the mall. On a positive note, though my feet hurt, I didn't have any problems with my knees! I'll chalk that up as an NSV!
After we came home, I ate a quick bite, changed shoes and we went grocery shopping. That's always a good 1-2 hours for us. After it's all said and done, I'm tired, but I can walk. I promise you that the situation wouldn't have been the same this time last year. I probably couldn't have even finished the neighborhood. Only real negative I've noticed this evening is that a few times I'm light headed when going from sitting to standing. I really believe it's due to dehydration which could also be effecting my BP. Blood sugars may be off a bit too since I didn't plan well for being gone most of the day. Regardless, I'm not in pain tonight! I'll take that.
I'm so thankful that God has given me this tool for a healthier life!
PS - if you want Boy Scout Popcorn, let me know!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
A-Weigh We Go
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Catching Up
Wow! I'm behind! I'm behind in blogging and in reading my emails and I'm sure there are other things that I'm so far behind in that I can't even remember that I'm behind on them! Oy! So, let's see if I can do a little bit of catching up on here...
After my dizzy episode, I sat out of the next Body Pump class until I had a chance to talk with RD. What we decided to try is a couple of things before that class. One - try to increase fluids (though I still felt I had done good on that when I was dizzy) and Two - try to get some carbs in closer to the exercise time. That particular day, I couldn't go during lunch time so I went after work. It had been almost 3 hours since I had last had anything in my system besides water. RD suggested that it can be as simple as a glass of milk, but to make sure that I've gotten some carbs. The next opportunity for class was this past Thursday. Made it to the lunchtime class and had absolutely no problems with dizziness. I've decided to monitor my food a bit more closely on the days I do that class. It's actually a mental struggle to get there, but at this point, it's what I've found that I'm actually sticking with!
Had another support group last week. The topic was "Change". We each got to discuss some of the changes we're experiencing and how we feel about them. I had a couple of things that came to mind. First, I mentioned how we really are working as a family to try to get healthy. It's not just me losing weight, but we truly are talking about and making changes to our eating and exercise habits to help us all get healthier. I wish I had made these changes much earlier in my life...where all my kids could have benefited from a healthy Mom and healthy lifestyle. Regardless, it's a good change and one that I pray benefits us all. The other change issue was a bit harder to discuss. I'm having an issue accepting compliments from people. I get embarrassed, to be quite honest. The change in my appearance is something that must really be noticeable now because I'm hearing comments almost everywhere I go. It's attention that I'm not use to and I'm not always sure how to respond. Trust me, I am thrilled that people notice the hard work and I'm equally as thrilled when they tell me. I'm just not use to hearing it...it's weird. -shrug-
Speaking of change, my work environment is changing again. In July I moved to a new role with my former boss. There were a total of five of us in that group. We found out on Thursday that the other three were being transitioned to different roles/jobs/departments. That leaves my boss...and me...as "Business Development". I'm excited and nervous at the same time. We are going to have a LOT on our plate and a lot of eyes on us. I pray that God will continue to grant me wisdom in my job and continue to provide me the organizational skills it's going to take to make this successful! OH and a big announcement last week is that our insurance is changing at work - which means that had I waited, I wouldn't have had insurance to cover the surgery. God's timing is always perfect!!!
I learned a new word this week, thanks to the online forum I visit: "Shrinkles" Shrinkles is a cute way of referring to the extra skin that's hanging around these days. Shrinkles are the wrinkles as a result of shrinking in size!
I had a case of the "foamies" this morning. I'm not sure if it was because I ate too fast, ate too much or a combination of both. I really don't believe it's quantity because what I ate is pretty much a staple breakfast for me. One Morning Star Farms Sausage Patty and one scrambled egg. As I was eating the last bite of the egg, I knew I had to stop - it felt like all my food was stuck. I never threw up, but for over an hour, I had foamies in the back of my throat. Again, not a pleasant experience, but a reminder that I need to be listening to my body!
Finally, I did something that I never thought possible. I out-shopped both my daughters! I'm not a shopper by nature. Never really enjoyed it, but I was at a stage where I needed some new clothes (again). It seems like Fall has arrived and that meant that I had no clothes that I could wear for the season. Even the clothes I bought in July have gotten too big. My size 18 pants are baggy and some of the tops just hang. So today I decided to fix that issue. I spent a couple of hours this morning first looking for (without much luck) 70s get-ups for my boys to wear to Throw Back night at our church youth group tomorrow night. Slightly after noon, my daughters came and got me and we headed off to the consignment shops. I took them along so they could help me determine if the clothes fit, were too big, too snug or ugly. LoL We hit three consignment stores and then the mall. It was slightly after 6pm when my oldest daughter made the comment that she never thought she'd see the day that I out-shopped them! :) They dropped me off at home a little later and I was out the door again still trying to find something for the boys. I finally got home a little after 9pm. I'm excited to report that for a little over $100 I was able to get 6 shirts, 3 sweaters, 2 tank tops (to wear under the sweaters), 5 pair of pants and 1 pair of jeans! Trust me when I say it takes a LOT of time to try on all those clothes and still come away with that much stuff for that little money! Fun fact for me...all the pants were size 16 and the tops were either L or XL! (NSVs for sure!)
I look at the way that God is leading me through this path and I am so thankful for His faithfulness. Through hectic and changing times, He is there. He gives me strength and rest at the same time. I am so blessed!
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
After my dizzy episode, I sat out of the next Body Pump class until I had a chance to talk with RD. What we decided to try is a couple of things before that class. One - try to increase fluids (though I still felt I had done good on that when I was dizzy) and Two - try to get some carbs in closer to the exercise time. That particular day, I couldn't go during lunch time so I went after work. It had been almost 3 hours since I had last had anything in my system besides water. RD suggested that it can be as simple as a glass of milk, but to make sure that I've gotten some carbs. The next opportunity for class was this past Thursday. Made it to the lunchtime class and had absolutely no problems with dizziness. I've decided to monitor my food a bit more closely on the days I do that class. It's actually a mental struggle to get there, but at this point, it's what I've found that I'm actually sticking with!
Had another support group last week. The topic was "Change". We each got to discuss some of the changes we're experiencing and how we feel about them. I had a couple of things that came to mind. First, I mentioned how we really are working as a family to try to get healthy. It's not just me losing weight, but we truly are talking about and making changes to our eating and exercise habits to help us all get healthier. I wish I had made these changes much earlier in my life...where all my kids could have benefited from a healthy Mom and healthy lifestyle. Regardless, it's a good change and one that I pray benefits us all. The other change issue was a bit harder to discuss. I'm having an issue accepting compliments from people. I get embarrassed, to be quite honest. The change in my appearance is something that must really be noticeable now because I'm hearing comments almost everywhere I go. It's attention that I'm not use to and I'm not always sure how to respond. Trust me, I am thrilled that people notice the hard work and I'm equally as thrilled when they tell me. I'm just not use to hearing it...it's weird. -shrug-
Speaking of change, my work environment is changing again. In July I moved to a new role with my former boss. There were a total of five of us in that group. We found out on Thursday that the other three were being transitioned to different roles/jobs/departments. That leaves my boss...and me...as "Business Development". I'm excited and nervous at the same time. We are going to have a LOT on our plate and a lot of eyes on us. I pray that God will continue to grant me wisdom in my job and continue to provide me the organizational skills it's going to take to make this successful! OH and a big announcement last week is that our insurance is changing at work - which means that had I waited, I wouldn't have had insurance to cover the surgery. God's timing is always perfect!!!
I learned a new word this week, thanks to the online forum I visit: "Shrinkles" Shrinkles is a cute way of referring to the extra skin that's hanging around these days. Shrinkles are the wrinkles as a result of shrinking in size!
I had a case of the "foamies" this morning. I'm not sure if it was because I ate too fast, ate too much or a combination of both. I really don't believe it's quantity because what I ate is pretty much a staple breakfast for me. One Morning Star Farms Sausage Patty and one scrambled egg. As I was eating the last bite of the egg, I knew I had to stop - it felt like all my food was stuck. I never threw up, but for over an hour, I had foamies in the back of my throat. Again, not a pleasant experience, but a reminder that I need to be listening to my body!
Finally, I did something that I never thought possible. I out-shopped both my daughters! I'm not a shopper by nature. Never really enjoyed it, but I was at a stage where I needed some new clothes (again). It seems like Fall has arrived and that meant that I had no clothes that I could wear for the season. Even the clothes I bought in July have gotten too big. My size 18 pants are baggy and some of the tops just hang. So today I decided to fix that issue. I spent a couple of hours this morning first looking for (without much luck) 70s get-ups for my boys to wear to Throw Back night at our church youth group tomorrow night. Slightly after noon, my daughters came and got me and we headed off to the consignment shops. I took them along so they could help me determine if the clothes fit, were too big, too snug or ugly. LoL We hit three consignment stores and then the mall. It was slightly after 6pm when my oldest daughter made the comment that she never thought she'd see the day that I out-shopped them! :) They dropped me off at home a little later and I was out the door again still trying to find something for the boys. I finally got home a little after 9pm. I'm excited to report that for a little over $100 I was able to get 6 shirts, 3 sweaters, 2 tank tops (to wear under the sweaters), 5 pair of pants and 1 pair of jeans! Trust me when I say it takes a LOT of time to try on all those clothes and still come away with that much stuff for that little money! Fun fact for me...all the pants were size 16 and the tops were either L or XL! (NSVs for sure!)
I look at the way that God is leading me through this path and I am so thankful for His faithfulness. Through hectic and changing times, He is there. He gives me strength and rest at the same time. I am so blessed!
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Stop This Thing - I Wanna Get Off!!
So I had my first "odd" exercise experience this evening. Not quite half way through my Body Pump class, I got VERY dizzy. Not just light headed, but "find a wall to hold me up" dizzy. I stepped out to get a sip of water and immediately felt nauseous. I didn't even go back into the room. (Apologized at the front desk for not putting my weights and stuff up!) I sat in the locker room for a few minutes until the dizziness subsided and then headed home.
I've been trying to figure out what (if anything) was different tonight. I had gotten in 56oz of fluids and 65g of protein before going to class, so I don't think nutrition was the issue. It was slightly warmer in the room this evening. I did increase the weight for my squats and was sweating by the end of that tract - but not breathing too heavily or anything. The only other thing I can think of is maybe my blood pressure is low. Tonight I feel a little sluggish, but I've drank more water and rested. I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow and if there are any noticeable dizzy episodes, I may call bariatric center to see if I can drop by for a BP check.
I can't believe I'm about to type this part, but I was really bummed that I couldn't finish the class! Maybe that means exercise and I are getting closer. That's not a bad thing, right?
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
I've been trying to figure out what (if anything) was different tonight. I had gotten in 56oz of fluids and 65g of protein before going to class, so I don't think nutrition was the issue. It was slightly warmer in the room this evening. I did increase the weight for my squats and was sweating by the end of that tract - but not breathing too heavily or anything. The only other thing I can think of is maybe my blood pressure is low. Tonight I feel a little sluggish, but I've drank more water and rested. I'm going to see how I feel tomorrow and if there are any noticeable dizzy episodes, I may call bariatric center to see if I can drop by for a BP check.
I can't believe I'm about to type this part, but I was really bummed that I couldn't finish the class! Maybe that means exercise and I are getting closer. That's not a bad thing, right?
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Cooking More
"You cook more now since you've lost weight." An honest observation and comment from CME. Trying to think of the reason behind it, I suppose it could be the fact that I want to actually work on a HEALTHY lifestyle...and I suppose cooking is part of that. I mean, it makes sense, after all. We all know that fast food isn't healthy. But why do I really cook more now?
I'm experimenting with recipes, for one. Our youngest son's birthday was celebrated today and he asked for Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake. I've always used 1/3 less fat cream cheese when I make this and I was too nervous to try to substitute anything since it's what he requested. However there are three family members who don't like pumpkin and I chose not to have cheesecake. I'm not sure how to calculate sugar grams in a recipe and I didn't want to ruin the night (or my Onderland) by attempting to eat a piece of one of my favorite desserts. Plus, though it's not particularly unhealthy (in the right serving size), I just couldn't see the benefits for me to have some. Instead I decided to make an apple pie to use up some apples that were recently given to me. I substituted both the regular sugar and the brown sugar with Splenda versions of both. I'm 44 years old and this is the first time I have ever even attempted to make an apple pie! Seriously! It actually turned out REALLY good! Personally, I didn't eat the crust, instead I measured out 1/4 c. of the baked apples, but everyone said it was yummy and at the end of the party I had an empty pie pan to prove it.
Secondly, I think I'm cooking more because it saves money. We added a lunch option to our eMeals Plan so I'm now fixing the boys' lunches too. Great thing about it is that it provides a variety of healthy choices for the boys. They're not stuck eating the overly-preserved/processed food that the schools serve and they get more time to eat which is a bonus! We're lucky too that the boys aren't shy about trying something new.
I'm not sure what other reasons may be out there... family time around the table, substituting low-fat options, etc. But CME's right, I have been cooking more. Does that seem totally odd to you? I think it should seem odd to me, but it really doesn't. It seems more like, "I should have been doing this all along." Either way, I take it as a good thing. I'm able to cook for the family, have some say in what's going into their bodies and not be "fretting" over how much (or little) I will be eating. It's becoming so much more than a measuring cup...it's becoming a way of life.
Once again, I find myself thanking God for the perseverance and strength he's giving me every day to make wise choices for me and the family.
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
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| Martin's Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake |
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| Apple Pie Baking in the Oven |
Secondly, I think I'm cooking more because it saves money. We added a lunch option to our eMeals Plan so I'm now fixing the boys' lunches too. Great thing about it is that it provides a variety of healthy choices for the boys. They're not stuck eating the overly-preserved/processed food that the schools serve and they get more time to eat which is a bonus! We're lucky too that the boys aren't shy about trying something new.
I'm not sure what other reasons may be out there... family time around the table, substituting low-fat options, etc. But CME's right, I have been cooking more. Does that seem totally odd to you? I think it should seem odd to me, but it really doesn't. It seems more like, "I should have been doing this all along." Either way, I take it as a good thing. I'm able to cook for the family, have some say in what's going into their bodies and not be "fretting" over how much (or little) I will be eating. It's becoming so much more than a measuring cup...it's becoming a way of life.
Once again, I find myself thanking God for the perseverance and strength he's giving me every day to make wise choices for me and the family.
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Onederland
Onederland. That's a term used in a lot of the weight loss surgery forums that I can't believe I can use. But today...today I can! I'm officially in Onederland - I am in the 100s for the first time in over 26 years! I can hardly believe it!!!! I stepped on the Wii this morning and my weight was 198.6! AND...and today is my 4 month surgiversary! What a present!
61.7# gone since surgery.
87.3# gone since January.
It also reminds me of this Scripture:
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
61.7# gone since surgery.
87.3# gone since January.
It also reminds me of this Scripture:
Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all. - James 1:17 (CEB)
:::happy dancin' and thanking God!:::
Disclaimer: The use of a lot of exclamation points is the direct result of being excited. I like that I can use a lot of exclamation points and will do so in the future as well. :)
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Matter of Perspective
I've found a good online forum for weight loss surgery patients. It's always nice to hear the perspective and experiences of those who have gone through the same procedure I've gone through. I like to read about their success stories, their NSVs and often I'm able to truly relate to their joys and their frustrations.
Tonight I was chatting with someone who had surgery about 2 weeks after mine. This person has lost more weight than I have and I almost let those, "Gosh darn it! Why can't I lose weight fast?!" emotions creep in. When I was asked how I was doing, I shared my sleepiness and hair loss concerns and made mention that I'm losing weight slowly, but am happy that I'm losing. I noted that I'm averaging about 3.5 lbs per week and really had thought it'd be more significant than that. And then came the words that put it all into perspective for me. "Keep up the good work. 3.5 lbs per week is over 180 lbs per year!" Wow! I needed to hear that!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Tonight I was chatting with someone who had surgery about 2 weeks after mine. This person has lost more weight than I have and I almost let those, "Gosh darn it! Why can't I lose weight fast?!" emotions creep in. When I was asked how I was doing, I shared my sleepiness and hair loss concerns and made mention that I'm losing weight slowly, but am happy that I'm losing. I noted that I'm averaging about 3.5 lbs per week and really had thought it'd be more significant than that. And then came the words that put it all into perspective for me. "Keep up the good work. 3.5 lbs per week is over 180 lbs per year!" Wow! I needed to hear that!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Little Dose of Encouragement
Sometimes a little dose of encouragement helps us finish the race.
This past Saturday, my boys ran their first cross country meet ever. CME and I encouraged both the boys to try cross country this year. Though they are "active" in activities, they are not active in any kind of physical activity (sports). Our rule is that if you start something you can't quit - you must finish the season. Neither of them really complained to try it, but as time went on, we were asked if they could quit. Answer was still no.
So Saturday morning, they ran for the first time competitively. Our oldest did better than what he thought he would and not bad for not giving much effort at practices (summary of what his coach said). He actually came in 3rd for his school and 47 out of 67. Our youngest son's goal was to not be last. And he wasn't. That being said, he really struggled during the race. When he got to a spot where we could see him, CME and I met him at the corner... cheering him on and encouraging him to keep jogging. We moved along the course as we could shouting out words of encouragement to our tired red-faced son. My heart was full of mixed emotions: sadness for his struggle, pride for his effort, love for CME as I watched him jog along side our son the last stretch of the race.
On our drive home, I couldn't tell my youngest enough how proud I was of him. I asked him what he thought of the race. He quickly said, "It was hard and it was not fun." I get that! I really do! I told him, "Neither is Body Pump, but Mommy still needs to do it." He looked at me and said, "Touche." LoL And that got me thinking about what I recently heard that we (parents) are examples for our children whether we want to be or not. It really did strengthen my desire to get healthy. Had I not been working on my health, I wouldn't have been able to share an example with my son that I knew how he felt...it would have been an empty talk. So even though I felt like we were the ones encouraging him...in the end, he has encouraged me.
Exercise and I are still not "dating". It's not who I want to be hanging out with. But I know that to have a healthy life and to be a healthy example, exercise and I are going to have to become close friends. My children's health depends on it.
________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
This past Saturday, my boys ran their first cross country meet ever. CME and I encouraged both the boys to try cross country this year. Though they are "active" in activities, they are not active in any kind of physical activity (sports). Our rule is that if you start something you can't quit - you must finish the season. Neither of them really complained to try it, but as time went on, we were asked if they could quit. Answer was still no.
So Saturday morning, they ran for the first time competitively. Our oldest did better than what he thought he would and not bad for not giving much effort at practices (summary of what his coach said). He actually came in 3rd for his school and 47 out of 67. Our youngest son's goal was to not be last. And he wasn't. That being said, he really struggled during the race. When he got to a spot where we could see him, CME and I met him at the corner... cheering him on and encouraging him to keep jogging. We moved along the course as we could shouting out words of encouragement to our tired red-faced son. My heart was full of mixed emotions: sadness for his struggle, pride for his effort, love for CME as I watched him jog along side our son the last stretch of the race.
On our drive home, I couldn't tell my youngest enough how proud I was of him. I asked him what he thought of the race. He quickly said, "It was hard and it was not fun." I get that! I really do! I told him, "Neither is Body Pump, but Mommy still needs to do it." He looked at me and said, "Touche." LoL And that got me thinking about what I recently heard that we (parents) are examples for our children whether we want to be or not. It really did strengthen my desire to get healthy. Had I not been working on my health, I wouldn't have been able to share an example with my son that I knew how he felt...it would have been an empty talk. So even though I felt like we were the ones encouraging him...in the end, he has encouraged me.
Exercise and I are still not "dating". It's not who I want to be hanging out with. But I know that to have a healthy life and to be a healthy example, exercise and I are going to have to become close friends. My children's health depends on it.
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| Before the Race |
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| Cooling down after the Race |
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| Victory hugs from Mom |
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
International NSV
But on to the reason for this post...another NSV this week - which is good because the scale didn't change at all this week. (Really trying not to focus on that because I hear it's normal and can happen, but it's frustrating, nonetheless!) I mentioned in my Behind the Blog post that I get to spend time with International Students from a local college. We had our first gathering on Friday night and it was really quite cute when some of the students from last year kept staring at me. Of those students, only three knew I was having surgery - one of them being my Korean "son" whom I've seen already this summer. The other one was a Turkish student who really tried to talk me out of surgery earlier this spring. He was so cute back then - concerned about the surgery and such. When he walked in on Friday night he looked at me and said, "Oh my gosh! You must have lost 100 pounds! You look amazing...now stop." LoL Of course I thanked him and told him it wasn't 100 and I still had quite a bit to go. He just kept shaking his head saying, "I can't believe it." Another student entered and I greeted him by name and told him it was good to see him again. He looked at me with a puzzled look and said thank you and kept doing what he needed to do. Later in the night, he came over to me and with a hesitant voice said, "Have you lost weight?" I laughed and said, "Yes, I have. Did you not know who was talking to you?" He grinned and said, "It took me a bit to figure it out!" Granted, these are students who don't see me often, so not connecting the dots wouldn't have been unusual anyway. It was just funny when they realized why it took them a while. The one Korean girl who knew I was having surgery has seen pictures since then, but hadn't seen me. She was so excited when we hugged! One Chinese student asked me what was different and then said, "Your hair is darker and longer, right?" I smiled and left it at that. Oh...and another NSV that night...I was on my feet the entire time and they didn't hurt. GREAT NSV there!
These students are a blessing in my life in so many ways. God continues to pour love into me that I can, in turn, pour back into the lives of these students. He is so good!!
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| My Korean son |
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14
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