New Year

My friend Emily and then today's sermon at church inspired me to write this.  2015 was a rough year.  I've struggled with facing 2016 because I don't think there is a ton of hope for it to get better.  Today at service our pastor pointed out how hard it is to remember the good things.  Isn't that the truth?!  I can name so many hard, hard things in 2015 but sometimes it's a lot harder for me to remember that a lot of blessings came this year too.  As I look forward to 2016 I want to take time to remember those blessings.  Here they are in no particular order:

- The professionals that God has brought into our lives to support and fight for us.  Regional Center, Crider, FACT, NAMI, Oksana's therapist, Anya's behavior therapist, Anya and Oksana's IEP teams, etc.  I don't know how but over and over again we are blessed by some of the best people from these organizations.

- Our doctors.  We have a team of doctors for all of our kids that we love!  These doctors support our family and encourage us.  They listen and they do everything they can to help us.

- Respite.  It took me so long to get respite because I didn't trust that anyone could really handle my girls.  We found 2 amazing women who love our girls and have been such a blessing to us.  We also have an out of home respite center for Oksana that she LOVES.  When things were at their worst they did everything they could to take her as many weekends as possible so we could get a break.  They handle her so well and we love them!

- Our church has to be on this list.  They have prayed for our family and loved us through this whole year.  At one point they organized 2 months worth of meals because I had such a hard time getting food on our table when Oksana was constantly in crisis mode.  They are amazing.

- Our small group....ok it's sort of like church but different.  This is a group of 4 other couples who Larry and I meet with weekly for a Bible study.  It is so much more than that though.  These people have become dear, dear friends.  Back in March Larry pushed me to start a small group.  I had no desire to do it but he was terribly lacking in support that I was getting from other friends so I agreed.  I'm so thankful I listened to Larry and to the Holy Spirit.  I love them.

- Oksana's new teacher.  She's fantastic.  A huge blessing during a very bad experience with her other teacher.  I'm so thankful that now we can rest knowing that she is safe and well cared for at school.

- Residential.  Quite frankly I have a hard time calling this a blessing but the truth is that they gave us a much needed and very long break.  We were sinking and our next option was to give her over to the state.  This has allowed us to give our family the rest and care it needed.  I desperately needed her to beat someone else up and to be the one that came in, had fun, and left.  They have given me that.

- Work - I'm so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to work.  It was absolutely necessary for us financially but I have been blessed in far more ways than financially.  I have built some wonderful relationships now that I am more involved in the boys' school.  I got the privilege of teaching 6 amazing high school kids.  I never thought I would enjoy high school but boy was I wrong.  The whole thing has been a great experience.  My class ends January 22.  After that I have chosen not to teach my own class.  I need to focus on Oksana's arrival home.  I will still work front desk and still sub.

- The growth in the boys - Clayton is 16 now.  He has joined musical theatre and is taking voice lessons.  I never thought  I would say that!  In the spring he will be the constable in Fiddler on the Roof.  He has built a good solid group of friends which is something he was lacking for a long time.  He has a job and is an employee that his boss respects.  Evan was diagnosed with anxiety this year and is working hard on that with his therapist.  He is in the working student program at the barn and he works a minimum of 10 hours a month in exchange for ride time and discounts on competitions.  He also joined their equestrian team and is working toward lettering in the sport in May.  Both of the boys have grown in many ways this year.

- My marriage - In a situation that could have left us torn apart, Larry and I came out of this year stronger than ever.  He is my favorite person on earth :).

- Speaking and writing opportunities - I have never ever desired to write or speak!  This year, however, God has started to use our story to minister to others.  It has been incredibly healing for me and has given me purpose in our suffering as well as allowing me to meet some incredible people.  I'm excited to see what this year holds in this area. 

See?!  That was great for me.  I needed to focus on the blessings of 2015 for awhile.  It's important to remember and to thank God for what He has done!