May was crazy as it felt like there was a different event every day of the month from the first of the month til the day of graduation! Sports awards, senior breakfasts, events for elementary, events for high schoolers, graduation practice, a visit from my parents, graduation for Chandler, graduation party, graduation for my counsin’s son, and all the day to day activities! No wonder I’ve felt like napping the first week of summer break!
I really think it would be impossible to write all the details for the month since I am so far behind, so I think I am going to use more pictures than anything else. However, I do want to give an update on Chandler as he has been making decision regarding his future. He is actively pursuing joining the United States Military, and there are many, many steps in the process. He has been unsure about what to study in college or what God would have him to do, and he has prayed a lot about his decision as have his parents! This is a big deal, and we would appreciate your prayers for Godly friends for him and good influences as he prepares for boot camp and beyond.
Secondly, Garett missed out on Chandler’s graduation as he was on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. We are so thankful for this opportunity for him as he has been lacking Godly fellowship in his life. He had a wonderful week, and we are excited that he has decided to return for a second missions trip at the end of June. Chandler is planning on going with him this time, and I am thankful that God has provided these missions trip to take with Parakaleo. Chandler may not have another opportunity to take a missions trip for a while, so he is looking forward to taking this trip at the end of June.
Garett’s Missions Trip
My parents flew in for Chandler’s graduation on Thursday night and my cousin’s sons’ graduation on Sunday. It was a busy week! My dad helped the boys build a ramp into the shed for their dirt bikes as well as a platform to jump off into the pond. My dad said that the boys were interested in building a platform to jump off into the pond, and instead of telling them not to do it, he decided to help them make it as safe as possible- good plan! The boys have been so busy with riding the dirt bikes and clearing trails to ride them through the woods. It’s keeping them busy that is for sure! My parents left on Wednesday to fly to Maine to see Hannah and her family for a few days. We enjoyed having them here, and it’s always good to catch up in person.
We also hosted a graduation party for Chandler and another friend in his class at our house last Saturday evening. It was a very wet afternoon, but we’ve needed the rain so badly that I didn’t mind the extra mess and mud. We are thankful for rain!
Update on the boys jobs for the summer: Chandler plans to do odd jobs for various people throughout the summer, and so far he’s had plenty of work. Wyatt is working for a friend of ours, and he seems to be liking the job. Travis is still kinda looking for some more summer work, but jobs for 15 year olds are a little harder to come by. I will probably try to pick up some jobs throughout the summer, but I’ve currently been enjoying soaking up time at home and doing a few extra things at our house. Emma’s current plans include working if the opportunity presents itself and lots of time at the pool! :) I’ve had to get a large calendar that I keep in the kitchen so I can keep track of who is going where and when! Wyatt and Travis are going to Youth camp; Chandler and Garett are going on a missions trip; Emma is going to church camp; Emma is going to Maine with Jen; we are trying to figure out some trips to take as a family- we are busy!
The end of the year was rough for me. There are a lot of emotions and feelings this as Chandler graduates as I know that he won’t be sticking around. I know that God has a perfect and beautiful plan for his life, and I am so excited to see what God does, but parenting is hard. We are raising children to become independent adults, and it’s happening before our eyes. I’ve had a lot of questions about how I feel regarding Chandler’s decision to join the military. I ask often, “Is God any less in charge of God’s life because of where he is?” I think not. We gave our children over to Jesus from before birth, and Chandler is just as safe in the military as he is anywhere else that God calls him to. I am thankful that we live in the greatest country on earth, and I am proud of Chandler for wanting to serve his country as he doesn’t know exactly what God has for him. Yes, there is a little bit of me sad that he won’t experience Liberty University this fall as Chandler worked so hard to apply for scholarships and make it affordable. But I also know that Chandler did not make his decision lightly, and he seems to have such peace about entering the military. Of course, please do keep him in your prayers.
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