From Graduation to Malawi

This weekend gave us one of those memories I know I’ll look back on for years.

We celebrated Summer’s homeschool graduation with our family, and it was honestly perfect. 

Intimate, personal, and full of people who love her. That has been one of my favorite parts of homeschooling over the years...

We’ve been able to do things a little differently and make them fit our family instead of trying to fit our family into a mold.

And now, somehow, we’re already at the next goodbye.

We’re getting ready to drop her off at college, and almost immediately after that, we will be heading to Malawi!

Apparently God decided one emotional life transition at a time would be too easy. 😂

My heart feels pulled in about ten different directions right now.

I’m excited for Summer.

I’m proud of her. 

I’m trying not to think too hard about what it will feel like to actually drive away from campus without her in the car.

And at the same time, I’m packing bags, checking lists, preparing for Africa, thinking about the students we’ll meet, the stories we’ll hear, and the work God has already been doing long before our plane ever leaves the ground.

It feels like a season of sending.

Sending a daughter into something new.

Being sent into something new myself.

And trusting God with both.

I keep coming back to the reminder that none of this is really mine to control anyway.

Summer belongs to Him. 

The work in Malawi belongs to Him. 

The people we’re going to serve belong to Him. 

Even the plans I’ve worked so hard to organize are still His plans to redirect if He chooses.

So this week, more than anything, I’m praying for open hands.

Open hands to release my daughter into the next chapter God has for her.

Open hands to serve instead of trying to fix.

Open eyes to notice the people God puts in front of me.

And an open heart for whatever He wants to teach me along the way.

If you think of us this week, I’d love your prayers:

For Summer as she begins college

For our family as we adjust

For safe travel to Malawi, 

and especially that Christ would be seen clearly in the way we love and serve while we’re there.

One chapter is closing.

Another is beginning.

And God is already in both.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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