Blessed beyond measure

We are so blessed that Turner is able to stay with "Miss Rhonda" every day while Mark and I are at work. I have long said that the money we pay each month is so inadequate to express our gratitude for the environment that Turner is in daily. There are 5 total children, ages 5, 4, 3, 2.5, and Turner being the youngest by three weeks at 2.5. She loves the other kids like they are her brothers and sisters, and in my opinion Rhonda cares for all 5 as if they were her own children.  There are so many aspects of our childcare situation that I know are unique to a home daycare situation, but aspects that make it a perfect situation for my Turner.

For example, Turner does several crafts per week (as evidenced by a fridge and kitchen table full of Easter projects), but what matters more to me is that my sweet little girl knew that the cross she had drawn on her eggs actually meant something.  In her words, "the cross hurt Jesus".  I am grateful that Turner is being exposed daily to Godly instruction and talk through Rhonda and the interactions with the other kids.

Obviously we've felt this way about Rhonda since Turner started staying there at 3 months old.  However, today when I arrived to pick Turner up I was overwhelmed with thankfulness when I found her.  This is what she looked like. 

I found Turner in a swimsuit, in a baby pool in the yard, with sand covering the areas that the water was not.  She was squealing and laughing when I arrived to get her, but it was clear she'd have rather stayed there than gone home at that moment.

It is important for you to realize that that is not our swimsuit.  I didn't know she was going swimming.  We also came home with a towel that wasn't ours.

It is important for you to know that this was the second round of outdoor play today. This morning they all got hot so Rhonda found the pool, watered it down and let them play all afternoon.

It is important to note that Turner was the last child picked up - but Rhonda was outside playing with her.  I am sure Rhonda could have been inside preparing her own family's dinner or it would have been easy for Turner to have been entertaining herself.  Not so - she had Rhonda's full attention.

It is important to note that my child would sleep outside in the sand and water if we would allow it.  It is her happiest place. 

And when I found her this afternoon, dirty and smiling, I was just overcome with gratitude.  Gratitude that someone at church just "happened" to mention Rhonda's name to me at precisely the time we were exploring childcare options.  Gratitude that as I exited the sanctuary that minute to seek out this opportunity I literally ran into her around the first corner of the hallway.  Gratitude that she didn't hesitate for a moment - right there in the church hallway - saying she'd absolutely keep her.   

Gratitude that I never, EVER, worry about Turner while I am at work. 


God's provision is perfect.