Deb Buchner - One of my best friends wrote this :)

Pondering The Development of Roots
Deb Buchner --- Spring 2007

Spring has sprung in my yard and it’s so lovely after the lack of sun all winter. As transplants to The Lower Mainland it’s the darkness of winter that I find hard.

Yesterday I was pulling sunflower sprouts from the rocky path of my garden area, and noted that they were very well rooted. These sunflowers were originally grown from seeds from my first homeschooling friend here in Chilliwack – Alanna. They have been growing in my yard for a few years now, and are a nice mix of mine and Alanna’s friendship.

When Alanna and I first formed our friendship I was still focused on leaving The Lower Mainland, and Alanna would look sad when I talked about leaving. She would kindly talk to me about developing roots where God planted me.

Yesterday I realized I have rooted right where God planted me. My roots are intertwined with the bonds and connections I have made here. Alanna shared a part of herself with me in assisting me in rooting to my community.

This summer when I look at the tall sunflowers growing in my garden I will be reminded of how deeply rooted I am to where God Planted me AND the role that my friends in my new community had in this quiet process I didn’t realize was happening. THANKS!!!!

If God brought us to it, He can bring us through it!

A letter from my heart written to explain Nicole's condition:
Hi there,
Ihave some very, very sad news.. i don't even feel like talkign or writing but i know that if you know it will make me feel better . Nicole has muscular dystrophy a rare form that is only usually found in boys. There are only 2 girls in the province that have it. It is called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She will eventually not be able to walk and need a wheelchair and the prognosis of her ever living to adulthood are slim. I know that God is our strength for this little soul that he lent us here on earth but our hearts are breaking into little tiny pieces. I cannot bear the pain of it myself as a mother. I want to take the pain away - away from this sweet little girl that I have. That we have!! The trip to Children's hospital seemed forever. Now we have the diagnosis and I wish we didn't :( please keep us in your prayers and thoughts. Love, Alanna

It is not always easy to make the right decisions when it comes to our children! We want to do the right thing all the time! I know that I need to turn to my Saviour and Lord every time I have a question or doubt or even a worry! Nicole is going through tests and more tests as her legs and feet do not move as easily as they should. She is needing to see a Neurologist this week. I know I am to trust in the Lord with all my heart! I just ache for my children when they are hurt. I react so strongly when I feel they might be hurt or sad! I want to take that ache or pain away! Trust in the Lord! Trust in the Lord.. I hear that whisper from God!! Thank you God!!

What a sweetie in my life you are Nicole,
you are so amazingly beautiful and so, so easy to hug and hold!! God gave me a special gift when he gave you to me!!

A Poem and thoughts about it by Samantha - giving a parents point of view

God sent me three packages
That needed special care
"Take care of these tiny gifts
For they are very rare."

"Watch over them with all your love
And let them feel your touch
Take care of their every need
For your are needed very much."

"These gifts will grow up very fast
As you soon will see
Love them with all your heart
And let them be what they will be."

"When these gifts have fully grown
Look at Heaven up above
Know they exist because of God
And all his precious love."

Sam's point of view: Parents see us grow up so fast. Spending time is always good!

No other one thing has ever been such a power for the moral transformation of life as the experience of falling in love with Jesus.

James Pratt