Our oldest...

Shakira is our oldest child at a "ripe old age" of 5 :o) Her middle name is Joy & if you have ever met her, you know why. She is an amazing girl! She has an assortment of photo faces ranging from totally estatic to her "serious, deep thinking look." It was so encouraging to hear other parents tell me on my last trip how much of good difference they can see in her when she is with me. She has so much potential & I can not wait for her to get home so that her full potential can be tapped & unleashed. During my recent week with her she went on the potty chair 3 times, used eating utensils properly through entire meals, hugged me tightly & called me "Mama" & told me that she loved me. She signed words that I had signed to her as well as saying a lot more words verbally. She seems to speak more English than Creole which is interesting. We went on an outing together just the two of us without the other 2 children & she really thrived with the one on one attention. She also discovered a love for hot dogs & french fries! She did have one time out during the week...but so did Samara so I don't think that was too bad. The amazing part is that she actually "got" why she was in time out & sat there until time was up & then she apologized for her behavior. She also did a shape puzzle & stacking rings by herself. She loved the swimming pool at the guest house but felt better if I was holding her hands even though she could touch the bottom & had a life jacket on. I can't wait for this child to blossom into a beautiful, mighty servant of the Lord.