What a cool dude!
The backpacks are packed, the buses are rolling, and somehow—we have officially entered a new season of life. Back to school has never felt so big for our family. For the first time, all four of our kids are in four different schools: primary school, elementary, middle school, and… wait for it… HIGH SCHOOL.
All Smiles in the Classroom
The good news? Every single one of our kids has started the year loving their teachers and already connecting with friends. That alone feels like a miracle worth celebrating. It’s not lost on us that the gift of a healthy school start is something we once prayed desperately for in hospital rooms. Seeing each of them walk confidently into their classrooms brings tears of gratitude.
(over) Committed Calista!
How on earth do we already have a high schooler?! I blinked, and suddenly the toddler who once wore bathers to kindy in winter due to a tantrum is now in her ‘freshman’ year of High School (along with 1700 others!). Calista is already loving her theatre class (are you surprised…daughter of a drama teacher hehe)! Between her new demanding class schedule, Calista has moved up a grade at the Charlotte Ballet, as well as be accepted into the student leadership program at Elevation Church. Nat and I may be playing timekeeper and taxi drivers…
Hugo the Footballer
Hugo hasagain taken on something foreign this year for this Aussie family—American football! This season he’s chosen to play as a defensive lineman, which feels very fitting for our big-hearted, strong-willed young man - however he’s about 90 pound under the weight of his counterparts haha! One game in, and he’s already learning the art of grit, teamwork, and the intensity that comes with those football Wednesdays.
Ted’s Yellow Bus Adventure
Then there’s Ted. Oh Ted. On the very first day at his new school, he managed to board the wrong yellow school bus home. The kind of thing you laugh about later—but in the moment, I’ll admit our hearts skipped a beat. Thankfully, the school sheriff and team were incredible, tracking him down quickly and making sure he got safely back where he needed to be. Let’s just say, we’re now triple-checking bus numbers in the afternoons. Nat even wrote his bus number in permanent marker on his hand for the next few days!
Murphy the Champion
And of course, there’s Murphy. Our boy continues to prove he’s every bit the champion we’ve all grown to love. His new class teacher already adores him, especially his thirst for learning. She commented that he leans into every lesson with curiosity and joy. That’s just who Murphy is—resilient, hungry for life, and shining bright even in the everyday moments.
How You Can Pray
As always, we invite you to stand with us in prayer:
- This Tuesday: PET scan for Murphy. Naturally, nerves come with it on a human level, but our spirits are anchored in faith.
- September 2: Kidney ultrasound and review.
- Late September: ECG, Cardiology, and Pulmonologist review.
We feel the weight of these appointments, yet we know the God who has carried us this far is the same God who will not let go.
A Birthday to Celebrate
And in the middle of it all, a milestone worth shouting from the rooftops: Murphy turns 7 years old on September 1st! Every candle on that cake will be a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Please join us in praising Him for another year of life, joy, and miracle after miracle.
From high school hallways to first-day bus adventures, from football fields to PET scans, this season is packed with change. Yet through it all, one truth remains: God is good, and His hand is steady on our family. Thank you for walking this road with us. Your prayers, love, and encouragement mean more than words can say.
