The one where my heart is so full it almost bursts open

The social studies classes in 6th grade are doing a unit on Africa, so Tate's teacher asked him to do a presentation about Ethiopia and his trip there. Tate agreed. What he didn't realize is that all 6 teachers in his team wanted their classes to be there for it. So, at 12, my son had his first public speaking engagement. In front of about 150 of his peers.

He worked hard this week on putting together a power point presentation. It was fun to see the things that were significant to him about the people and the culture of Ethiopia. He brought in souvenirs that we purchased while we were there. And he had the best visual aid ever, Luci...

(The coordinating outfits were completely accidental, though I am not above such things.)

This sweet boy was so NERVOUS. But he met the challenge and did such a great job...
At the end of the 20 minute presentation, he took questions from the other kids. And he answered almost all of them himself. The questions went on for half an hour. My favorite question and answer combo was "Does she speak their language or ours?" Tate's answer, "Well, she doesn't really say anything yet...but when she does, she'll speak English, like us."

I know I'm bragging a bit. I'm just slightly proud of the boy. Maybe I'll go out and buy those "My kid is on the honor roll" bumper stickers. Only mine can say "My kid is a motivational speaker".

Sadly, I don't have many pictures or any video because I was too busy clicking the power point slides and trying to hold it together emotionally. I tried so hard not to cry, even though my heart was bursting with pride within me, because I knew it would embarrass him. I was moved because my son was able to rise above his fear. And I was moved because it was confirmation (again) that taking Tate with us to Ethiopia was the right thing to do. And I was moved because this is my family we are talking about and I'm a crier. But, maybe more than anything I was moved at the thought of these 11 and 12 year old kids being exposed to the needs of the world beyond their lives of Nintendo DS and cell phones. And who was the one exposing them to this need? A 12 year old boy. My boy.

Excuse me, I think I need a kleenex. There's a little bit of ugly crying going on at my house right now.

The teachers were so sweet to get him a free kids meal at a local restaurant to thank him for his time and work. They got one for each of his siblings, including the visual aid herself. Beyond that, they gave us a gift of a beautiful frame that says "Family" and a framed copy of the poem "The legacy of the adopted child". How sweet is that?

More ugly crying. But not in front of Tate (or worse yet, his friends) of course.

You know what is so funny? For years, I have been dreading my son going to middle school. And it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience beyond what I could have imagined.

To celebrate, we went out that night and used their kid's meals...
So much about this adoption has been life-changing for all of us. Luci, you've given us Africa. And Africa, you gave us Luci.