I just can’t believe how amazing this trip has been and continues to be. This morning, we dropped Caleb and Miah off at College Church, while Phil and I attended the graduate brunch. To our great surprise, Phil’s first youth pastor, Pete, was there! We knew that he would be there for graduation, but we did not expect to see him until tomorrow. It was a wonderful twist in our morning. I have been hearing stories about Pete since I met Phil, almost 17 years ago, but this was the first time I actually met him. I was not disappointed, and his heart for God and love for the “kids” he ministered to, even 20 years ago, was abundantly apparent. I know this all meant more to Phil than I will ever really be able to grasp, but it meant an awful lot to me, too, and my life is richer for having had the opportunity to meet Pete, face to face, this morning. I am now the humble owner of a prayer marble, which sort of blew me away. God is good.
Here’s a picture of Phil and Pete. Unfortunately, Pete was attacked by an Eagle shortly before we took this… long story…
The brunch, itself, was great. It has been amazing, throughout this week, to see how much the staff at NNU really cares about each of the students/graduates. I am tempted to find a way to become a student there, myself, just because I was so impressed… but not until I finish my degree through Indy Wes, because I am way too close to finally having it to make a transfer now!
We picked the kids up after the brunch. Miah met us, screaming, at the door. Caleb says she screamed except when he was holding her. I believe it. The child care staff said that Caleb had been very helpful. I believe that, too…
After a quick change, we headed out to take some birthday pics. Of Caleb. I do not have time to edit them all, tonight, but here are a couple of my favorites:
It is unbelievable to me that Caleb has come so far in 7 years. If any of you recall, he was a tornado of a toddler/preschooler (for everyone but me), and I do not think anyone would have guessed he would be so easy, compliant, and fun to be around at age seven. But he is, and I am extremely grateful for my special little guy.
We celebrated at Chuck-E-Cheese in Boise and racked up 588 tickets, which they rounded to 600, since it was Caleb’s birthday and all. Caleb choose a rubber snake, a little (small stuffed animal sized) inflatable chair, a couple of tops, a multi-colored crayon, and a boatload of candy. He is sort of hopping around the room as I type…
To end our evening (almost), we went to a dessert reception, at Dr. Maddix’s house, where there was actually cake, so this worked well for Caleb’s birthday. Miah fed Dr. Maddix’s dog, Wesley, her cookie. This was really kind of funny, since she has been sporting the grumpy face most of the day but loved and smiled at the dog… We really enjoyed our conversations there, as we have everywhere this week, but it was obvious the kids were getting tired, so after about an hour we decided to call it a night. We drove for awhile, until Miah fell asleep, and now Phil is out looking for some dinner for us… yes, after dessert!
Looking forward to tomorrow and the actual graduation!
I just want to add that although this may not make a ton of sense to anyone but me, I have an old song running through my head tonight. I think it is appropriate for this occasion:
Remember You Chains
By: Steven Curtiss Chapman
I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking
As he stared out the window through the sky
It seemed he was taking his last look at freedom
From the hopeless, longing look in his eyes
There were chains on his hands and chains on his feet
And as I passed him by the thought came to me
Remember your chains
Remember the prison that once held you
Before the love of God broke through
Remember the place you were without grace
When you see where you are now
Remember your chains
And remember your chains are gone
There's no one more thankful to sit at the table
Than the one who best remembers hunger's pain
And no heart loves greater than the one that is able
To recall the time when all it knew was shame
The wings of forgiveness can take us to heights never seen
But the wisest ones, they will never lose sight of where they were set free
Love set them free
So remember your chains
Remember the prison that once held you
Before the love of God broke through
Remember the place you were without grace
When you see where you are now
Remember your chains
And remember your chains are gone
And in the light of all that we've been forgiven of
We will find our hearts fuller and freer
To give and receive God's love
So remember your chains
Remember the prison that once held you
Before the love of God broke through
Remember the place you were without grace
When you see where you are now
Remember your chains
Oh, remember your chains
When you remember your chains
Remember your chains are gone
Imagine what your life would be
If Jesus had not set you free
Remember your chains are gone
Remember the prison that once held you
Before the love of God broke through
Remember your chains
And remember your chains are gone
Lisa
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