Israel Update

Hi! I wanted to give you a personal update as we are approaching our fourth fall season here in Brooklyn. 

Let's start with ISRAEL!

The big kids will be starting school on September 5 (different schools). Israel will ride the bus to his special-ed school in Coney Island but he will be in a different classroom style this year that is more focused towards autistic children with less adult support (his class last year had about the same # of kids as adults). I think he needs this push because he can be lazy. He is almost 7 and cannot recite his alphabet or write letters. He is in the special ed program which means that he will automatically move to the next grade regardless of if he masters the skills. He is starting 2nd grade this year, and I am hoping this new class structure will help motivate him. 

This summer we have been trying to tackle several medical things about our guy, some of the appointments have been a big waste of time, which is disappointing. 

I am in the process of applying for extra services through the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and if/when we are finally receiving services this will be so very life-changing for us. Israel has already qualified for services based on his disabilities, but we have to get Medicaid Waiver and then go through the long (6-12 month) wait to actually receive services... which will include respite services, a community habilitation worker to help him with life skills and family outings, and camps for kids like him! All covered under Medicaid waiver!!

I told Will that this could be game-changer for me and the longevity we can have in Brooklyn. 

Other things about Israel- we are working on walking safely in the neighborhood. He doesn't really fit in the stroller that well anymore, and he does not want to ride In it because Edith is mainly walking/scooting on her scooter. The problem is that he is VERY distracted and does not follow directions. He will stop to look at trees/cars or even sit down in the middle of the intersection. When I am going places with all kids (and we are on a timeline to get somewhere) we don't have the time to do that! So - please pray for us (perseverance, patience, grace etc etc) for Israel to master this important skill! 

Finally - as you all know, Israel DOES NOT SLEEP. This is not new, this is his entire life. At this point we are basically co-sleeping with him once he wakes up in the night, and that gives the parent very little sleep. We went to a sleep specialist and hope to have another sleep study done in the fall. I'm willing to accept tranquilizer darts or lots of coffee if you want to send them. :)

And I want to say that I'm very grateful to be this kid's mama. He is so hard at times, and he truly highlights my sin and selfishness and crumbling pride. I have cried in public many times because of Israel, but God is good. He is teaching me so much about character being built through suffering, about boasting in my weaknesses, and how God is glorified through my trials. So--- little guy, If you are the means to His glory, then that's what I need!