Summer Transitions

Joe asked me today if I ever pictured myself having a different life -- if I had other plans that I hoped to accomplish someday.  I told him that I was in the fortunate position of being a person who is doing exactly what she was created to do.  If I could choose to do it all over with, I would choose no differently.  I am truly blessed and so very, very praiseworthy for the life God has given me.

This winter and spring have been filled with a myriad of opportunities for learning and growth.  Skiing and snowboarding lessons, continued violin lessons and recitals, homeschooling, Science Club, working (for Joe and Josiah), driving and driver's license for Isaac, and multiple opportunities for service and social gatherings.  In between, we've worked out all the details for Josiah's impending move to Virginia which included a rather eventful trip to Lynchburg complete with flash flooding, cancelled flights, and lost baggage :-)  While there, God blessed us with a beautiful "home" location for Josiah that is within 12 minutes of the law school (Liberty University School of Law).  I've been busy, along with Grandma and some generous donors of kitchen items and miscellaneous pieces of used furniture, to gather a truckload which Joe and Josiah will be driving to Virginia in just a week's time.  It has helped me to work through this huge transition by providing Josiah with a little bit of "home" away from home.

As we are in our final week prior to Josiah's departure, we are capturing as much time as a family doing all of our favorite things.   Favorite dinners, favorite family movies, favorite family activities, reading aloud, playing, talking, and living side by side.  We are reliving past memories and making new ones.  It is a cherished time of sweet reflection, exciting anticipation, and yes ..... a definite sense of sadness.  A chapter is closing and everyone hates to see it go.  A lump the size of Rhode Island currently resides in my gut.  It is now daily that my puddle overflows to relieve all that my heart is brimming over with. While it can be easy to fall into grief at times, God has been so faithful to immediately reveal to me His infinite mercies and goodness in providing for and leading Josiah so distinctly all of these years.  I have been so privileged to have been a part of it all.

I will not be blogging as frequently now, but do hope to keep you updated monthly.  My new school year will be filled with new challenges as I have the privilege of teaching several subjects to other students including my own.  Isaac has begun his college studies as well as gaining employment doing what he loves -- computer programming.  This will be his senior year.  We will have another graduation this forthcoming spring.  Needless to say, our little homeschool will look differently next year.  Sis and I are already scheming a visit to Josiah in Virginia along with regular care packages, cards, letters, and (hopefully!) phone calls.  He will be busy but I suspect he'll be happy to receive some TLC from home on occasion.

I pray this finds you all enjoying God's gift of summer (I love it!!) and all that it brings to our lives.  If you have the inclination, I would so cherish your prayers for protection, safety, and comfort as we say our goodbyes to our beloved son and send him forth as God's arrow in an unknown land.  Blessings!