Have you ever started something you didn't finish? Have you ever set up a goal and just felt it was too hard to achieve it? I have felt this way many times - that it's just too hard - to either finish what I have started or the goal just seems so far off that there would be no way to reach it.
I have talked a few times about Emily and being in Awana at church. How much she loves it, loves going there, loves accomplishing her goals for that week. It so awesome to see her learning, at a young age, the word of God. It amazes me that I can give her a scripture and the first word or two and she is just rattling the verse off. Me, not so much so. I have a harder time remembering things in general and to try and memorize these verses with her...she out runs me for sure in this category!
Bryan announcing names & awards
Last night was the last night for Awana for the year. This was her first year being involved in it (along with Bryan's first year being a leader) and it was all of our first time for the awards night. It was honestly amazing to see all these kids getting on stage. It was amazing to see all of these kids receiving awards for all their hard work.
Emily has the glasses on.
It was interesting to hear about the awards the kids receive but what was really impressive was to hear about the "biggest" award you can get ~ the Timothy award. This is given to 6th graders who has learned over 400 verses and has done all the required work throughout the years. Seriously amazes me. It was something that as I sat there, as proud as I was of Emily's accomplishment for this year, what I hope her goal will be for the future...the Timothy award!
Emily waiting to get her awards
As I said, this was Emily's first year. She really amazed me when she finished her first book and then went on to her second book. I thought wow, she may really be able to finish two books this year! Never in my wildest dreams did I think she would finish her second book with about 10 weeks left of Awana and start her third book. She did it though ~ she finished all three of her books this year! The Hangglider, Wingrunner and Skystormer! I nearly cried when she came home the last week to say verses and said she did it! I am just so proud of her for accomplishing a goal that seemed nearly impossible at the beginning of the year! I think one thing that made this maybe a little more special is that Bryan was able to be involved. This was something they were able to do together ~ go to Awana together, come home together. Emily was on the same team as Bryan when it came to the game time. For the awards, Bryan was able to announce Emily and the awards she was getting! It just made it all that much more special!
Emily showing me her awards
During the entire program, Benjamin watched and kept asking when he can go up there to get a ribbon. During the times that I would sit with Emily and help her learn her verses, he would be saying "I want to say my verses too"! It just brings a smile to my heart to see how excited he is to join this and to be involved. To know that we are raising our kids to learn about Jesus, His word and to be brought up to love and trust Him as well. Next year, Ben will be able to start Cubbies and it already brings a smile to my face!
I think why this is so special and also makes me so proud of Emily is seeing her so proud of herself. She reached a goal that took alot of hard work. It also just shows me just how far she has come. She will always be on medicine for the rest of her life, but she has also overcome so much. She has also achieved so much, accomplished and experienced so much in her life already. She is learning to love our Lord and trust Him. She has taught me so much and I couldnt be more proud of her.
