Taking the first to college

Our oldest graduated High school in June.  

One wise friend told me to just enjoy it.  Don't think about August.  

Just enjoy this time.  

We have.  

We have celebrated with family and with friends. 

We have made memories this summer and we have counted our blessings.

Now it's August and we leave Tuesday night with her car packed and move her into her dorm Wednesday morning, August 16th.
August 16th....exactly 5 years from our Gotcha Day.  August 16, 2012 -- The day we picked her up from the orphanage and welcomed her into our family.

And now August 16, 2017 we are launching her to college.
Last Wednesday night I heard her share boldly with her peers at church what her prayer is for them as she leaves.  And I reflected on how God has answered our prayers.  As she was shamelessly sharing Scriptures I sat there soaking it in.  Grateful her relationship with Jesus is real and vibrant and contagious.

I have prayed for her trust to grow and replace fear.  And I have seen in my own heart how trust has grown and replaced fear.  I have prayed for her heart to heal from past hurts for her own good and for the good of others.  And I have seen my own heart heal from hurts for my own good and the good of others.
I am full of hope and full of thanks.

The verse she chose for her Graduation Recognition is Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

As her mom, I could not be more grateful to have been given these last 5 years with her.  And I could not be more thrilled to see what God has for her next.