Beyond Blessed

We had a very good life in Los Angeles.  Before God called us here to Hamburg, I never imagined our family living anywhere else. We were surrounded by family and friends and wanted for nothing.  But then God placed Hamburg on our hearts and we knew this would become home. 

Leaving everything behind, we trusted that God would provide for us here in Germany. He surely would grant us everything we would need.  But He has done so much more than that--He has given us MORE than we could have ever hoped for our imagined.  We have been beyond blessed.  And we are so grateful.

There are so many areas of our life here in Hamburg where I could share with you how He has blessed us beyond measure (examples being the friendships we've made, the ministries He's opened up for us, our church, where we live, etc). But today I want to focus on how He's provided so richly for our boy.

California is a pretty great place, in my opinion, to raise a child with special needs.  The state provided everything Jose needed in order to succeed--free of charge. He was given physical, occupational and speech therapy.  He also was part of a wonderful preschool.  And he loved it--and they loved him.  We didn't think it could get much better. 

We left California assuming that our days of 'free services and help' were over and assumed that once in Germany we'd most likely have to foot the bill for all of his therapies.  We were prepared for that, and to do it happily--however, I must tell you that this kind of therapy is very expensive.

We have been pleasantly surprised at how Germany has taken care of our boy.  Even though we are foreigners here on a visa, Jose is entitled to everything all other German children are entitled to.  And special needs children here get lots of extra love, like they do in Califorina.  All for free.

As I think most of you know, Jose is now in Kindergarten.  He loves it.  I would say that all of the teachers love Jose (come on, how could you not?) So he is very well loved, which is important to us.  His school is what's called an integration school, which means of 20 students, 17 are typical children and 3 have special needs.  The teachers are specially trained in working with little ones like Jose--so he gets the benefit of being around typical children--and they get the benefit of being around Jose--and he also gets to receive teachers trained to help him in the ways he needs help. 

Check out his school schedule:

Monday: Physical therapy
Tuesday: Speech therapy
Wednesday: Gymnastics/Sport/Turnhalle
Thursday: Music
Friday: Swimming

It is hard to say what his favorite special activity would be, as he loves going to the sports hall, and he loves to sing and dance...but our boy LOVES LOVES LOVES to swim.  We are so happy for him that his school happens to provide this--as most schools here do not.

So Jose has been blessed by his school--but he's been a blessing in return.  I would say it's safe to say that Jose has added a whole lot of LOVE to his new school.  I think he's taught them how to hug (as a stereotype, i would say the northern germans are non-huggy types).  When I come to pick him up, he often goes around to of all of the teachers and gives them hugs...you can tell they love it.  He also tries to hug the kids and some are into it, and some are not.  But the other day when Buddy picked him up he had a fun story to share. One of the boys came up to Jose on his own and gave him a hug goodbye.  So cute.

God has provided for ALL of our needs here in Hamburg--but to see Jose doing so well obviously melts our hearts. 

When God calls us to do something, we can always know that He is going to take care of us.  He will provide for us.  When we obey Him, we are blessed.  God's Word says:

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  Phil 3:19

He will supply ALL of our needs.

And I knew that. I trusted that. But it's so encouraging to see that become reality.  Surely He wouldn't call us to Hamburg with the intent of not taking care of Jose's every need.  But He has, and He will continue to do so. 

Before I conclude, I must add that there IS something in California that cannot be replaced here in Hamburg--and that is our family.  Our family loves Jose fiercely.  And his connection with them is strong.  He thrives off of their love and attention--especially that of his cousins.  Nothing can replace the ties of family--but even in this, we trust.  God is good. He has sent us here to Hamburg for a reason.  And He will continue to provide for all of us in the very best of ways. 

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory...for ever and ever! Amen.