good news!

So many good things have been happening in my life (and my kids' lives) lately! I feel like "my cup runneth over" in a serious way!

- my son, Andrew, got into American University! His acceptance at AU is practically a miracle, because Andrew has always found school boring. So it's either a tribute to his maturity and discipline or an act of God. (In all likelihood, it's both! :) AU seems perfect to me---one, because it's a good school, and two, because it's close to home. For me, this means more chances to love (and feed) my boy again! Hooray!

- my daughter, Cristina, has been job-hunting, since she graduates from her university in May. She had a phone interview for a position in Seville, Spain (where she herself spent a semester of her sophomore year). The next day, they asked her to be a part of another phone interview. I don't know if she'll get the job, but to have two interviews back-to-back is an encouraging thing! We absolutely love Espana and are praying she gets this job which seems tailor-made for her.

- my daughter, Emily, got accepted to particpate in a foreign language study program through the State Department this summer. If all of her paperwork gets turned in on time (the deadline is fast-approaching, so I better get on the stick), she'll get to go to China for 7-8 weeks this summer! We are thrilled for her to have this experience. Even as a kid, she loved anything having to do with China. One year, she even requested a Chinese-themed birthday party!

- my daughter, Rebeca, dined at the White House last Wednesday night. It was a "Remarkable women of DC" event, so I guess she qualified somehow! :) (Actually, a teacher at Wilson invited her and a handful of other girls to go.) She sat at a table with Hillary Swank and got to chat with Michelle Kwan. She also was able to hug Michelle Obama, as the evening drew to a close. If you look at the picture, you might just be able to make her out, seated at the nearest table to the right of Michelle. I told her, "This might be your first visit to the White House, but it will not be your last." :)

- tonight, I went to a reception celebrating the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic program and Mayor Vincent Gray came and plopped down right next to me. (He actually, unknowingly, took Mitch's seat.) He proceeded to take off the three Blackberries attached to his belt and settled in until it was his turn to speak. Toward the end of the evening, I won a door prize! (I later told the mayor that he brought me good luck. :)

- finally, our church's new senior pastor started her job at Woods today! I love her spirit and her vision and I can't wait to see what God does through her, as she leads us.

All of these things are fabulous and, trust me, I am enjoying them for the gifts that they are. But NONE of them compare to the good news that we get to celebrate in just a few Sundays----the good news of God's love for us, demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death and powerful resurrection. That news is life-changing, in ways that a dinner or a trip will never be. Don't get me wrong----I am thankful for all of the good news that comes my way, but I'm especially thankful for the everlasting impact of the BEST news of all!