He hears me.

As all of my dear friends and family know I have been worried about Megan for awhile now. To say she is shy is an understatement. Infact there are dear friends of mine who have never heard her speak. She only speaks to a select few so when I was praying to know if I should put her in kindergarten this year I was nervous when I felt strongly that I should.

How would she communicate? How would they test her? Who would be friends with a little girl who won't talk to them? Would they make fun of her? Would she hate school and be sad and lonely everyday?

As her mother I just want her to be happy and thrive and feel loved so I prayed for faith and for help for Megan.

Soon after, I was vacuuming my house and felt the prompting to stop and call the school to talk to someone about Megan. I did, not knowing what I was going to say. They answered and connected me with the school counselor. I tried to explain my concerns and told the counselor we believe Meg has what they call "selective mutism". She stopped me and said, "My child had that". I was shocked... my pediatrician didn't even know what it was, it is so rare. I felt myself warm inside and tears filled my eyes as she told me she thought I should put Megan in "Jungle" during the summer (which is a program at the school for kids whose parents work) to help her get comfortable with the school and meet some other kids.

After calling the Jungle director and talking to the teacher over Megan's age group it was all set-up and they knew the purpose of Megan being there.

The first day of Jungle was hard. I took her early and tried to get her comfortable with the new surroundings but when it was time to go she clung to me and when I looked in her eyes I could see she was absolutely terrified. I finally had the teacher hold her while I tore myself from her grasp and practically ran to the car where I promptly burst into tears wondering if I was making a huge mistake. I cried and prayed... and I was comforted.

Needless to say we did this for awhile but gradually it was easier for her to say good-bye and we noticed she starting acting differently at home. She seemed to somehow be braver and happier.

Last week was Megan's last day at "Jungle" and she walked in happily and sat in her spot as I waved good-bye. When I came back to pick her up I was greeted by 2 smiling faces as the director exclaimed, "Megan talked today!" "What?" I couldn't believe it but apparently Megan talked to one of the girls (Sydney) in her group. That was the first time she spoke to anyone there... and everyone was so proud of her. I was thrilled and so grateful that the Lord led us there.

My prayers have become more fervent as school started today. Monday we had the opportunity to meet Megan's new teacher and some of the other kids in the class. Her teacher was as sweet as can be and we were shocked to find that of the 4 friends starting kindergarten ALL 4 were in her class!

I dropped Megan off today for her first day of school. I could tell she was anxious as we nervously looked for her seat in a crowded room of strange faces and then there was Sydney sitting right next to Megan's assigned seat. "Hi Megan!" Sydney smiled and Megan smiled (looking relieved) and slid into her seat. Again my heart warmed. The spirit whispered to me that the Lord had heard my prayers and He will take care of my quiet little Megan and I am so humbled by His love.