First Week of School!

Today (Friday, 8/29/08) marks the end of the first week of school at Covenant Christian Academy for the 08-09 year. This is the first time in 12 years that Cheri has not been there and the first time that the K4-8th graders have not had her there as either their teacher or principal. Tough week for almost all of the teachers including me.

Susie Booth, Laura Cohrs, Trica Salinas, Karen Heck Stephanie Back, Laural Griffin, Milton Gonzalez (our new principal) and most of other teachers and adults present were all in tears at the opening assembly in the new "Ms. Cheri's Gym" on Wednesday, the 27th. Especailly hard was the worship time led by Brandon Vale, CCA's Science teacher and an accomplished singer/musician. The Lord gave him a new song inspired by Cheri's slogan of "we are blessed to be a blessing". A great song but tough for us to sing since it reminded us of our loss. Cheri would have been excited (and she is) about the song. Good beat and meaningful words.

During the week so many of the little kids would run up and hug me and say "we are praying for your and your family", "I'm sorry that Ms Cheri's is gone", "Don't worry Mr. B, she is in Heaven with Jesus". Do you know how hard it is to hold back the tears when a little first or second grader tells you something like that? God gave me grace and strength because I did not want them to feel bad by bawling like a baby in front of them. Wonderful, sensative, Godly little kids. I'm so blessed to be able to be a part of the faculty at CCA.

That is the legacy the Cheri has left us and we will continue on to honor the Lord and her memory. CCA has grown and will continue on doing so as we trust the Lord and follow His leading in the management and growth of Covenant Christian Academy.

How are you spending your time?

Below is a link to an article written by Tony Snow in Christianity Today last summer. Jason found this article recently and shared it with me. Tony had a powerful perch from which to survey his life, knowing that his death was on the horizon. He did indeed die earlier this year, which makes this article even more poignant. It has some powerful messages for thinking about life, death and what happens in between. Even if you don't read the whole article, ponder this one comment:

"We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face."

I know that my Mom spent every moment of her life serving and loving others. At her death, she was ready to meet her Creator confident that she had spent her time wisely.

How are you spending your time?

Cancer's Unexpected Blessings
When you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change.
Tony Snow posted 7/20/2007 02:30PM

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=47315

Just to hear her voice...

One of the hardest things about dealing with Mom's death has been the loss of her sweet voice…her joyous, lovely, comforting voice. She’d call and leave voicemails (one, two or three times a day, sometimes!), and she’d say, “Hey hunnnn…it’s your favorite Mom. Love you!” or “Hey doll…just checking in. I love you.” We were never a family to record family outings or events, so sadly we don’t have much in the way of video archives to play back and hear her. But, thanks to modern technology, I have a quick clip (courtesy of Melodie Fleming), of her in May of this year, a few short weeks before her death. She’s reading scripture and encouraging the kids at school at the CCA Awards Ceremony. I’ve been playing it over and over at my desk. It comforts me and brings a smile to my face to be able to hear that sweet voice again. Enjoy.

Back to School

Today is Back to School day for teachers at Covenant Christian Academy, the school where Mom spent countless hours each week over the last decade. Right about now, she would have been running around like crazy helping teachers get their classrooms ready, interviewing last minute parents, testing students, making sure there were enough supplies, making sure the best teachers were hired, and ready to teach and love on the CCA kids. All of the teachers, students and parents called her “Miss Cheri.” She loved to stand out in the driveway during carpool doling out hugs and kisses to the kiddos as they made their way to and from campus. She also loved to dress up and entertain the kids. This is a picture of her as her Swedish Grandma. Complete with a mock Swedish accent she’d visit classrooms, cook up special dishes and treat the kids to stories of her adventures. She was a total goofball because she knew if they were enjoying themselves that learning would come even easier. She always had a kind word of encouragement to share with the parents, the kids and the staff. She prayed daily for each of them, desiring so deeply for them to know the Lord and to pursue excellence in every aspect of their lives. I miss hearing about it all. I miss the daily phone calls to catch up, to vent, to gossip and to learn all that was happening on campus. I pray that the teachers and staff at CCA are keeping her memory alive by being the best teachers, administrators, counselors, mentors and friends that they can possibly be. Mom would want nothing less then the absolute best.

"Held" - Natalie Grant

A Day to Remember

About this time (8:25 am) exactly 2 months ago Justin (#2 son) called me on my cell phone while I was playing golf with Jason (#1 son) in Maryland. I was in D.C. to spend the Father's Day weekend with Jeni and Jason golfing, sightseeing, restaurant hopping and just enjoying spending time with both of them. Justin's call was short and hard hitting, "Mom's been in an accident and I'm heading to the hospital"! Jason and I immediately left the course and headed back to D.C. A few short minutes later, my best friend James called and said the most hard hitting, unbelievable words I have ever heard, "Cheri's gone Barney. She didn't make it."! I cannot explain how helpless and shocked I felt at that moment, to be so far away from the situation and not being able to be with Cheri or to comfort Justin and Jonathan at their moment of greatest need.

I knew instantly that God was in control. In fact the thought never entered my mind that He wasn't. No anger, no questioning, no confusion. God has a plan and His plan is ALWAYS best and produces exactly what He intends. Almost in the same instant I felt a peace and strength come over me that I had never before experienced. I knew that the Lord was covering and protecting my kids and I for the days and weeks ahead that we needed to face. And to this day we still feel that special grace and protection He has blessed us with.

I am so grateful for my church (Baptist Temple), my FCA brothers and sisters, and the parents and staff of Covenant Christian Academy (where Cheri was the principal) for all the prayers, cards, letters, e-mails, text messaging, food and support during the past two months. The various communities of the Rio Grande Valley have shown their concern and love by letters, cards and e-mails as well. Almost every coaching staff in S. Texas has sent their condolances to our family as well. We have been supported and encouraged by folks literally from all over the world. I don't know how people can go through something like this without the strength of the Lord and the love and support from fellow Believers. There is such a comfort and strength given and received from those that Love the Lord.

It has been an incredible experience! We have always been a real close family but this situation has brought us even closer. We have seen and felt first hand the strength and grace of the Body of Christ in action. There is a much bigger picture here than just the Sarver family. God has and is using this seemingly tragic accident as a catalyst to reach hundreds and even thousands of people with the "Good News" of Jesus Christ. Lives are being changed for eternity because of the single life of Cheri Sarver. This day, two months ago began like a rock being dropped into a pond of water. The ripples of that drop are reaching out to people in every widening circles, touching their lives by the life of Cheri.

So, today reminds us that Cheri has "graduated" to her heavenly reward. But, it also reminds us that God began a great, new work in a multitude of lives on this day as well. That work will continue until God's perfect plan has been accomplished. God is Good!

5,270,400 Seconds

Two months. Sixty one days. 1,464 hours. 87,840 minutes. 5,270,400 seconds. That's how long it's been since Mom departed this earth and went home to be with her heavenly father. I will never forget the phone call on June 12, that changed my life forever. "Your mother was in a car accident and died. Your mother is dead." The words replay in my head often, haunting me, shocking me, surprising me...hitting me in the gut like an iron fist. The pain does get duller every day, but her memory is as vivid as ever. Her laughter, her smile and her kind words all combined to make make the world a better, more loving place. To make my life brighter and full of joy and purpose. I am at peace with the loss. I believe that God has a plan. I trust that it will be revealed in His time. But I miss my beautiful Mom.

My thoughtful sister

I was fortunate to find a few birthday cards from Cheri while cleaning my desk. She would always add a few thoughtful, kind words such as........
"Oct. 2, 1958
You were born
We have loved you ever since. Cheri xoxoxoxo"

Happy Birthday "You are such a beautiful, lovely sister. I have enjoyed you so much as a friend. Love your sis, Cheri"

"You are loved! Hugs and Kisses xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
From your favorite sister and brother-in-law Cheri & Barney"

"Love and prayers, Cheri
My baby sister who is aging gracefully"

Cheri always remembered to send cards...........I hope I find more as I go through my stuff.
She called me on a regular basis to check in on me. Usually she was driving home from the school or was sitting in the jacuzzi relaxing. I know she called me more often than I called her and I do miss those calls. Our last phone call consisted of her looking on the internet for a place in the Hill Country to celebrate my upcoming birthday. She seemed more excited than I. Our conversation ended with me telling her that I needed to go to bed and get some sleep. After our goodbyes, I found out she promptly called Jeni and continued the internet search. She seemed to have endless energy. I miss her dearly and think of her daily. Kathy

The Olympics!

This week the Olympics kicks-off in Beijing. In March, when Mom and I visited Beijing, Olympics fever was everywhere! At every turn, on every street corner and in every shop we'd see the Olympics logo and the crazy little "friendlies" that serve as the Olympics official mascots. We got to drive by the "birds nest" ... the Olympics stadium, which was quite a site to behold. You can see it (surrounded in smog) behind us in the picture below.