All in A Week

My oldest left for the Air Force one week ago. It was the hardest goodbye I've ever said. I know the Lord is with him, and I completely trust God to do His job with Andrew, but the finality of his leave just hit this mama hard. I haven't heard from him or seen him, and am not sure when I will. That's tough. I miss my boy!

Ashtyn is wrapping up her senior year at the community college. Her classes started two weeks ago, but this past week, she's been knee deep in writing papers, working a part time job, and studying for her driver's permit. She's not been interested at all in driving, but we're greatly encouraging her. Sounds weird, as most parents dread this, but she's ready, and we're ready to not be driving her all over the place every day! She's yet another step closer to independence and adulthood. This time next year, she will be leaving the nest to go away to college!

My baby girl, Baylee turned 14 on Sunday, and started high school today. She's been so excited to go to public school this year. Of course, I HAD to get her picture in the same spot where her brother and sister have stood every "first day of school" they had, too.

We received new pictures of Levi, our son who is still in Ethiopia. He lost his front two teeth, and looks absolutely precious. While the courts are shut down in Ethiopia for the "rainy season" right now, we wait for God's perfect timing to bring him to us. I wish I could share those pictures here, but until our first court date, I cannot. Just trust me....he's stinkin' cute!!!

This is definitely a new and uncertain season for me as a mama, but one thing is for sure. My kids are growing and spreading their wings, while one is still waiting to join us. We're entering children leaving and children coming. They're spread all over the place and not under my wing at this time. Initially, that can be a scary thought.....until I remember the truth of God's promises.

"'Who can hide in secret places
so that I cannot see them?'
declares the LORD.
'Do not I fill heaven and earth?'
declares the LORD." Jer. 23:24

"Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!" Psalm 139:7-11

"So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing,'for she said,'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'" Genesis 16:13

I'm grateful for the guidance of the Lord in training our children, and I'm even more grateful for the assurance from Him that when they leave the nest...or while they wait to come, they never leave His care, because He never leaves their side. He never leaves mine either.