Walking and Growing In His Strength

Here we are, walking together hand-in-hand. Each little face beaming with excitement and anticipation for our first parade as a South Sider. There were no questions about who was holding whose hand. No one asked for a trade. Each child easily grasped the hand of the other and began walking. At this point in the year, we've worked together in every possible combination of group settings and partnerships. We've learned so much about each other and discovered the world together, these children have come to trust and know each person in our class. We have grown into a true family of learners. As we unloaded the bus on this Tulip Time Thursday and walked to our parade site, each child found safety, comfort and excitement in the hand of their friend. Each duo walked together, talking with excitement about the adventure they were walking toward. As I walked behind them, I felt the heaviness of these little image bearers of Christ moving forward and away toward new heights and new adventures. They have learned so much in the past nine months, it leaves me astounded. They've grown, explored, matured and discovered. As the temperature warms and the clock keeps ticking, I feel our time together slipping.  They are ready (I am not). By God's grace and providence, each of these special little individuals have given their best effort and the return has been great. As these precious little children continue to walk forward in life, God will be before them, next to them and behind them, continuing to mold, shape and build each of these kingdom workers. It is in His strength and with His strength that we all walk forward. On this mother's day weekend, I want to thank you for gently placing your child in my care. I have loved each child, deeply. It has been my privilege and sheer joy to learn about your child, to discover who each child is, to pray for and with each child and to walk with one hand in God's and the other in your child's. It has been my privilege to love each of them toward God. May you together with your child be blessed on this special weekend. 

Wednesday is our field trip to the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph. We will participate in a special SPARK chapel service on Wednesday morning, munch a quick little snack and then board the buses. Our bus trip is a bit over an hour. If you are comfortable sending a simple handheld game with your child, you may. After a day full of adventure and learning, we'll be back to school in time to catch the buses and cars back home. Please send a cold lunch with your child on Wednesday the 15th. I'll send a reminder note home early next week as well.

The following Wednesday, the 22nd, we will have field day at South Side! We will have fun and games outside in the afternoon. If you are willing/able to help out, please email Mrs. Rosencrans at: crosencrans@hollandchristian.org Chris is hoping for about 10 volunteers.

Friday, May 24th we will have our culminating writing celebration. We will meet in the gym at 2:30. This will be a time when you can meet and greet with a variety of renowned authors (of the first grade variety), congratulate them on their impressive works and ask a few questions. We'll celebrate our successful year and share a snack together. This celebration will take place in the gym at 2:30-3:00 on Friday the 24th.

Happy Mother's Day and thank you for all you do!