Today she turns one

I'm not really sure the pictures can capture the way her eyes twinkled and mind sparked with curious delight as we sang at the tops of our lung happy birthday to Bailey as she walked into Aunt Pam's house for her birthday dinner.  Her little mind was surely processing this was different and entertaining and I would like to say she was figuring out it was for her.  She learned quickly how to tear open presents and we learned equally as well to not give her the books if we didn't want the process to stop for a reading session.

She did get clothes from Clayton and Amy in which you can see her delight and hugging.

The cupcake singing was the best as she again watched with intent eyes and looked at each person while the song was being sung.  And then as she leaned to blow out her candle and take a first bite of sweets.  How children who have never had sweets know to say yumm, yummm will always surprise me with delight.

The day of her party Bailey celebrated in Minnie Mouse style and this is the jumper I gave her.

Also wanted to start her a charm bracelet, so she got her 1st birthday charm at her party. Happy Birthday sweet girl....Aunt Lisa loves you!

Celebrating 32 What would you do?

Those going with me....

Blessed beyond measure is the thought that comes to mind right away. I have put off writing this post, since I am not sure I can fully express what I even want to say.

The list just goes on and on of those who have responded to go with me. Last Thursday my prediction came true as I cried in front of a room full of students and their moms, knowing that I would not ever be able to call that group of students my own again. These students have been a large part of my preparation in going. They have listened with ears of curiosity as I described what Kenya is like, questioned how students are alike and different from Americans, and given me such a vibe of energy for what I am doing this summer as they watched me share pictures of Trena and her mission. These are the students I will take with me, and as I look into the eyes of the Kenyan children, I will say HI FROM AMERICA! for these are the students who have taken the most steps with me on the journey, yet will not be able to board the plane to go with me physically.

For my birthday I was gifted with a large donation from the parents in support of my trip, so little did I expect anything for an end of the year gift from them. With emotions already on the edge of escape, one of the room moms handed me a book with a beautiful purple bow tied around it. As I removed the bow I realized it was a journal, but the undoing of my emotions was an even larger donation towards my trip and the signatures of all 21 students from my homeroom class. Pictured are the quotes the mom included in the journal, a very appropriate tie to my theme of going, and even more treasured as I will be able to take their sweet names with me into the heart of Kenya.