Never Say She Can't

Emily getting ready to start kindergarten

She did it!  This is the child who couldn’t make heads or tails out of phonics.  She was almost nine years old and going into 3^rd grade.  Reading had just not happened even though we worked daily at it one on one for the past three years and more.  She was a hard determined worker so I couldn’t claim laziness in any of it either.  I asked my professional teacher friends, “What do I do?  I think she might be dyslexic.”  They responded, “Work with her one on one”.  She was headed into third grade and still could barely read a beginning reader with help. 

Just before starting college

I had ordered the full 3^rd grade literature based curriculum hoping for some miracle that summer and she was supposed to be reading chapter books.  Well school was starting and there was still no miracle.  So I committed myself to continue the basic phonics with basic readers and then I would read aloud the books.  We began school and during that first week something clicked.  Phonics went out the window and sight reading and context clues became the way to read.  I had received my miracle.  Emily was reading. This wasn't the beginning, this was part of the journey, part of the adventure, and part of what has built an amazing character. 

Her first summer of college was spent being a nanny.

My Emily, with her determination and hard work graduated with honors from High School 3 ½ years ago and has now finished her Bachelor of Arts in Family Consumer Science, Fashion Track this week.  She will not be there to receive her degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University because she already is headed to Thailand.  First she will spend two months raising support since she is going as a missionary under a small mission called Remember Nhu.  Then she and her friend Janel will be committed for one year to work with young girls who have been at risk of child trafficking.  This will include living in a dorm with them at least for a while. 

Her Birthday gift of a fashion manican.

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9