Up, Up, Upward

This winter the girls were able to get a lot of good exercise and make some friends by participating in Upward.  As I was reflecting back on this season yesterday at the last game I was overcome with gratitude.  Kate did the program two years ago and I just didn't really enjoy it at all.  However, this year has been so incredible and I am ever so thankful.  All three of us made new friends and I feel grew from the experience.  Kate tried playing basketball for the first time ever.  I admit, after the first practice I was really worried.  She cried the whole way home.  One of her questions was, "Mom, can you ask to be taken out of the game?"  It was so painful to sit and watch her have no idea what was going on in front of so many other parents and kids.  Anna decided to cheer.  Anna is more reserved and has always been a little hestitant to try anything new.  I have been so impressed with her willingness to jump right in and give everything a try.  These girls amaze me!  Kate quickly began to learn the basics and exhibited such a teachable spirit with her coaches.  It was so neat to see someone else teaching her and her response to their instruction.  Anna's coaches were amazing!  They LOVED kids and made it so much more than just rah, rah, rah! 

The little girl above whom Kate is guarding (#11) was the other coach's daughter.  These two seemed to be paired up most of the season.  At the beginning of the season neither one of the girls liked each other.  Kate would be upset saying, "She is so mean.  She doesn't like me."  I would try to encourage her and say it wasn't personal but because Kate was doing a good job of guarding her.  Then much to Kate's surprise and excitement Kate got an invitation to attend the little girl's birthday party.  What a special treat and blessing! 

By the end of the season Kate was right in there with the rest of the girls, aggressively grabbing the ball for a jumpball possession and guarding her opponent.  She made two baskets this year and we enjoyed watching her grow and learn.

Anna has a similar story in the fact that by the end of the season she was invited to a birthday party for a little girl we had only met 8 weeks earlier.  God continues to grow in my heart a love for the people around me, opening up my eyes for their need for a Savior.  If you feel led, pray for me as I continue to seek the Lord about starting a Bible study for moms in this area.