Virginia Grace's 1st Day of School

Virginia Grace had her first day of "school" yesterday. It's just a mothers'-morning-out at a local methodist church. She is excited, though. We ask her if she wants to go to school, and she nods her head over and over. So cute. Every day that she and I dropped ford and milly off at their preschool last year, she'd cry wanting to stay. She's goin on Thursdays from 9:30-12:30 (for $10/day - great deal:) ) Thought I'd share a Phelan milestone:) Ford starts Kindergarten (Mill, Pre-K) at Trinity Christian School on Wed:) Pray for them on Wed at 8:30 our time, and for me. I am sure I'll shed some tears when I drop my baby off at "big school". God so faithfully led us to Trinity. We are in awe of the school and the godly teachers that God has given us! We went to an outdoor movie ("Soul Catchers" - GREAT movie!) tonight at their school. Ford got to talk to both of his teachers at the movie tonight, and he met a little girl who is going to be in his class. We are all excited (and a little nervous, both Ford and Mill say) to start a new phase of our phamily life with the real school routine. Thought I'd share a few pics of Jo Jo's 1st day of school, and more will follow of Ford and Milly's 1st day at Trinity.

Here's a copy of an email from our dear friend, Mary (from Huntsville, AL but lives out here now. "Mamie" is a part of our family and a special influence in Jo Jo's life:)). She so eloquently wrote out what we'd love to pray for Virginia Grace and her time in school, beginning now and for years to come:

Praying for her first day of school to be the start of a lifelong journey of the love of learning, growing, being invested in by others/teachers/leaders, and a thirst for knowledge (including a knowledge of Truth and Wisdom). Praying that she would quickly pick up on social cues and appropriateness with other kids, as well as how to respond to leadership and guidance. That the Lord would give her a vulnerable and humble mind, open to all things new, yet to have wisdom to discern which things are sacred to carry with her, and which things are not of the Father. Praying that the Lord would begin to develop in her a sensitive heart and eyes to see those students on the fringes of her class that may not be as loveable/likeable by others, and that she would have the courage and security to love those "less popular". Praying that she would begin, even at such an early age, to have a burden to carry the Gospel into her classroom. Not sure if that makes sense. Just praying for the Lord to keep developing in her the compassionate heart that we've all seen since day 1.

Oh this is such a big day! As you can see, I"m praying HUGE things for tomorrow! :) (I know it's just mother's morning out....but it's a milestone for her life ahead of learning corporately and in community).