Week #3

Allen & Grace Halliday ~ June 23-27

Our week with Alvin and Jarquavious was a BLAST.  Both of our girls were at overnight camp for the week, so when Allen and I talked about signing up for this week I had reservations about what “family time” would look like. 

I am so thankful for the week we had.  My only regret was that the girls were not here to be a part of it all!

We found out early on in the week that “Allen” and “Alvin” sound quite a bit alike.  One day when little Allen disobeyed, I said in a reproachful tone, “Allen,” and Alvin’s eyes widened and looked at me like, “What did I do?”  We laughed and decided that the boys would go by their nick names, so to us they were “AJ” and “Jock.”

Little Allen & "AJ" 

We/they accomplished a LOT this week!  We seeded our yard, planted flowers, sprayed for bugs, and cleaned out the attic!  I cannot believe they did so much.  Although I really appreciated all of the tasks they accomplished, their influence and presence in little Allen’s life was even more impactful.  They were respectful of each other, him and of me. 

Little Allen & "Jock" playing with blocks.

My favorite parts of the week were when the boys would open up and share about some of their history and personal struggles.  Over a couple of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, I asked them who their favorite character in the Bible was.  Independent of each other they both said “David,” and their reason for picking him was the same.  They both said in so many words, “I like David because he was a man after God’s heart, but made mistakes—big mistakes.”  What a great answer!!

We spent many of our conversations talking about how God uses our mistakes and delights in using broken people.  We talked about how God uses ALL things, unthinkable things, to work together for good for those who love Him who are called according to his purpose.  One day we were talking of God turning ashes into beauty, and we even talked about how God can take the most horrible things, like your house burning down, and bring beauty from it.  It doesn’t make the pain or loss disappear, but he meets us in the pain through the loss.  We hurt with the Hope of what He will do.