I can remember it as clear as the sunny California sky. I waited for my students to finish their morning routine and with 15 pairs of eyes on me, I made the announcement. "Class from now on until the rest of the school year, we will be having an additional snack recess in the afternoon." Without much of a hoopla, most of my third graders glanced at each other, then back at me and gave me the polite "you are the teacher, whatever you say goes" smile. Most...except for one. "Mrs.Smith, are you pregnant?" I gave the class a somewhat bashful smile as I nodded yes. Suddenly bodies dropped to the ground (literally), cheers, and hoorays filled the room. Children are the best at displaying excitement (even if often over exaggerated). Now you are probably wondering how in the world does an 8 year-old make such a connection? Let me explain. The year prior Mrs. Tracy, the second grade teacher, had received the miraculous news that after 12 discouraging years of trying to get pregnant with no avail, and two adoptions, she was having a baby. As a result, the class benefited from an extra recess to accommodate for fatigue, bathroom breaks, hunger, etc.
When entering the third grade, the question was raised on whether I would allow for a morning recess only or for both morning and afternoon. Without hesitation I explained to the class that third grade involves a lot more work than second and therefore that valuable time would be used towards one of the academic subjects. Secretly, one of my students approached Mrs. Tracy to tell her that starting that night, she would begin praying for God to gift me with a baby so that she could enjoy the scrumptious snacks dad packed daily for her. I chuckled as Mrs.Tracy shared this with me. This student has a heart for God that is seldom seen at such a young age. But to be honest, I didn't put much weight on her requests to the God of the universe to bless me with a child.
Now most of you know that we were incredibly fortunate to have gotten pregnant within the first month of trying. I was shocked, Justin was shocked. I was thrilled, Justin was thrilled. I have heard on many occasions of amazing stories of answered children's prayers. As to whether my blessing came from a child's innocent request, well I'll just have to wait for the answer on the other side of heaven. And frankly, it makes no difference to me because either way...I'M HAVING A BABY!
1 comment:
Yes, yes, Lordly, oh Lordly, Ava Marie is such a blessed child she has the most wonderful parents she could ever wish she had. Well, I guess we can start reading on the latest "jaulas" (cages) for the thumb sucking effects on her teeth =). We are so very proud of you, Ana & Justin, we know your little baby will be a wonderful & lovable girl. It is good to know,for sure, she's a girl otherwise there would have been a lot of exchanging, scraping, painting & re-painting to do =). Love you so much and may the Lord always bless your family. Mama y Papa
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