The Alphabet is Hilarious and Yes 7 year old I am Single

Apparently the alphabet is hilarious. Last Wednesday I stared at the silly Kindergartener I tutor as she bust into a mysterious giggle fest while we reviewed letters. To be specific, she thought the letters "N", "S" and "J" are pretty much a riot. Just makes me wonder what will happen when we talk numbers.

As I left tutoring that afternoon, a 7 year old with a bouncy backpack took off full speed across the parking lot toward my car. She was screaming my name. Apparently there was a burning something in her soul that just couldn't wait. This was urgent.

Then it came......."Miss Jenny, do you have a boyfriend?" 

Did I mention she is 7? Awkward.

A few months ago the kids told me during an afternoon visit that they had gotten together, discussed it and came to a unanimous conclusion: They are not sure why I am single.

Truth is, I have a hard time explaining my status to myself half the time. I mean, I didn't sign up for this. However, I realize my own wrestling is rooted in the fact that that I don't fully trust the Sovereignty of God. So often, in my emotional audacity,  I tell God he pretty much doesn't know what he is doing, his plan is simply all wrong and his timing is off.

However, he is big enough to not only make the stars and change our circumstances but is All Knowing enough to leave us in our circumstances when it is for our best. Ultimately it boils down to if we really trust God.

"But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"
           Romans 9:20

I will be held accountable for how I use this season. Not only for how I used the time, but for my attitude. Better to embrace it, awkward questions and all, and treasure the opportunity to uniquely extend myself to know God and love on my quirky Kindergarten neighbor who giggles about the letter "N".

                                                       the giggling Kindergartener I tutor

Pizza Boxes and Parties on a Random Tuesday

The kids are starting to take advantage of the hills around here by sliding down them on random items. Last weekend it was pizza boxes. I am sure at least 78% of them get injured as they glide with impressive momentum. It has really become a thing.

Tonight, on a random Tuesday, I went to a birthday party for a 6th grader. He gave me an invitation last week for "Jenny y familia". Because he can't stop talking about mangos from El Salvador, I got him a card and a mango and with the words 'El Salvador' in fresh black sharpie ink across the side. He laughed.

Here they do birthday parties right.  Birthday parties are intergenerational and the whole neighborhood comes out; it is truly a community event.  You could tell tonight was a big party because there was an inflatable. Upon my arrival I was greeted by neighbors - now- turned - friends with screaming, hugs and kisses on the cheek. The pregnant mother of the girl I tutor/mentor grabbed my hand and placed it on her belly so I could feel her baby girl's toe kick her. Of course the festivities were not complete without someone getting bit by a dog, two damaged piñatas, a mash-up birthday song with cha-cha-cha and a kid getting his face shoved in the cake. Not bad for a party on a Tuesday. Check out the 20 second video below for several highlights.

Video of Birthday Party