Inglin Family Update

This has been a real season of God strengthening our faith.  For awhile it has seemed like we were just gasping for air as the storm waves crashed over us. Lots of upheaval! You know, sort of like being at the beach and getting caught in the surf and tossed like a rag doll and just when you could snatch a breath, another wave crashes in.  Our favorite phrase right now is "coming up for air".  However, when we do come up for air, it's not gasps that we are getting, but refreshment of soul.

We wanted to thank all of you for praying for us.  Some of you we don't even know but look forward to meeting in heaven. Peter has only been home 2 months.  His dynamic added into an already passionate family has brought about some interesting moments.  Gratefully, because of all the lessons along the way we have been equipped to wait on God and pray in hope.  So here are some highlights. . .

Peter has slept through the night since the third night in his new home.  His eating is where he has "taken control", "exerted his will" in all the topsy turvy-ness of his new life.  We are grateful that he chose the latter to be in control of.  We are frail and need our sleep.   We have contacted Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and are on a waiting list for a "global evaluation" and in the meantime continuing what was already in place for him at the childcare home. Peter gets along with us all.  His face lights up each day when we all show up.  His favorite things to do are swim, either play or watch Eliot play computer games, ride the little cars on the back porch and listen to or participate in music.  He gets really jazzed when we break out the instruments and start to jam.  He has a real strong will and the temper to go with it when the "will" is thwarted.  Hey, sounds like a custom fit for our family.

Eliot is such a blessing to Peter.  Although he is struggling right now sharing all of us with his brother, Eliot fills the "big brother" role just fine.  However, there is typical brother stuff going on as well!  The overly loving hugs from Eliot, the swats from Peter with the piercing yell, the snatched toy, the temper fits, you know all good stuff that to little sinners bring into the relationship.  Jealousy is a hard concept to teach in word, but God in his wisdom has given us numerous daily examples to choose from to help illustrate it.  That said, one day while playing at the YMCA Peter had put on a construction helmet from the dress up bin.  Another child wanted that helmet and before I could get there I watched Eliot get between the boy and Peter to protect his brother.  I hugged Eliot big time that day as I encouraged him about caring for his brother.

Emily and Megan are enjoying being adults.  By God's grace their vehicle is on the road and they run each other to and from work, school, church meetings etc.  It is wonderful to see them as God's workmanship more than my daughters.  As life comes at them, they watch God move on their behalf and it is such a privilege to be the one they come and tell all that He has done.

We have a new van without having to take on a car payment.  Again, by God's provision and fatherly care a family member had a mini-van not being used and gave it to us for the insurance money we got back from the car accident.  It is worth far more than what we got back.  We are grateful for His continued mercies towards us and our family's care.

Finally, on Friday the boys and I went to the "Y" to play.  The area for the kids to play in is huge with many varied activities to choose from and as I followed each boy from one area to the next I had this thought; "I am following my boys around and I love it!  How much fun is that!"  I climbed through the play structure, and almost got stuck and as the boys and I laughed I remember thinking that I was the most blessed mommy on the planet.  (I also remember thinking, I don't think I am going to climb through this play structure again).  And completely amazed that God had this in store for me.

So the strong waves have subsided, and we have gotten out of the rough current.  God did it.  In these past few months God has made sure that the lessons impressed on us during this past year continue to grow and impact our lives to change us forever.  My sons are asleep, my daughters have finished their jobs, my husband and I are getting ready for church and another day to look forward to is just around the corner.  What a life!  Thank you for sharing it with us.