open letter to our teachers

Merry, Merry Christmas our precious teachers!

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being such awesome and invaluable influences on my family's lives.

I don't know how involved you are in the decision making process of students being accepted to Covenant, so I don't know if you ever saw our letters of application or whether you know anything of the anxiety with which Jimmy and I approached Covenant with the girls' applications. We struggled mightily for a year about whether or not to reveal their unique needs and backgrounds. Upon acceptance, we were both thrilled and amazed, but most of all humbled by God's incredible sovereignty and mercy.

The work began in earnest to ready them for what the school year would bring, primarily socially, and at summer's start, I was genuinely terrified. Camps, social skills classes, and supervised, intentional play-dates...none boded well.

Then on the precipice of school's beginning, we met their teachers. Again, we were amazed and humbled by God's sovereignty and mercy.

Each of you were hand picked by Him for our girls. We have been immeasurably blessed by y'all's steady and dedicated influence over Abby and Emma Jean this first semester. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Our family's prognosis was so grim on 12.8.2003. With help, it became increasingly brighter. And under your guidance, we are beginning to believe that it is truly unlimited.

Over the break, we have been blown away by their absorption of what y'all have imparted to them this first semester: Scripture, history, architecture, art appreciation, patience...I could go on and on. You have exceeded every expectation for excellence that we could have dreamed up. Thank you. We are blessed beyond reason by your gifts.We wish you and yours the very best Christmas and New Year's holidays. God bless you.

In HIM with thanks and love,

Jimmy and Susan

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:19-21