THEY LOVE ME! THEY WANT TO KEEP ME!

I have been highly blessed with some serious confidence boosters the past couple of weeks.

I have to admit... it feels nice.

I'm not that girl that get's consistently praised and complimented. I'm that person that dishes out the affirmations and encouragement. I'm not complaining. I love being that person. It brings me so much joy to be that person! But it really is nice to be on the receiving end of kind words and expressive excitement.

I have been complimented on my photography, the yummy-ness of the food I am cooking each night, my taste in music and books, my vocabulary, my varying interactions and responses to situations with the kids, and that's to name a few...

If you know me at all, or if you are my mother, then you know what a HUGE deal it is that I am cooking each night; healthy, tasty food. There was a time when I couldn't boil water properly, let alone make an entire meal. Out of necessity comes ability... Or something like that. Either way, I am cooking, which isn't really me; and they are loving it. I was told my green beans are the "best I've ever had". Thank you... thank you very much. *bows and curtsies*

While I am WELL aware that I have superb taste in music and literature, what a glorious thing it is to have someone to share that with! Alie and I have been able to bond so easily because of our mutual love for music, reading, and writing. I am astonished at her interest in thing's that I so dearly love but her peers aren't even aware exist. She is so smart and advanced for her age. She keeps me on my toes.

It was not until recently that I have been able to take ownership and proudly profess that I AM a photographer and I am good at it. It is something I am so passionate about and it is wonderful to hear someone say that they like your work. It is nice to hear someone say, "...you are talented". I don't think it is necessary for me to hear that to believe it... not anymore, anyway. But goodness it IS wonderful to hear.

There have been some crazy days with situations that, by the grace and blessings of God, have really shown to my bosses what an asset I can be to their family. Stan breaking his wrists and the way I handled that situation; which to me doesn't seem like something that needed thanking for, Alie having anxiety issues and whatnot... I don't think I am doing anything extraordinary, but Anne-Marie and Vianney seem to think so. Whatever it is I am doing right... I can't really take credit; God is to blame for any ability I have had to handle these different predicaments.

Tonight it was professed that they want me to stay forever. It is a wonderful feeling to be wanted. To know that I am doing something I love and that those that I work for WANT me to stick around. Not just for a few months, not for a year, but indefinitely. Three years at least if possible. I know that situations can change, but for now... They want me. And that feel's good. The excitement that each of the kids expressed when it was said that it was my intent to stay until I am no longer needed gave me joy inexplicable. What a blessing!

I don't HAVE to have compliments from the people around me to feel good about myself and what I am doing; but it feels nice to have them.