Today the time came for our oldest son to spread his wings. He left this morning for a seven day trip to Europe with a small group from our church. The program he is attending is called SLU, Student Leadership University. It's a progressive program that began in Orlando, DC last year and this year it concludes in Paris, Normandy, Oxford and London. Student Leadership University's mission is to develop and equip student leaders to Think, Dream, and Lead. The goal is "to instill future tense thinking; character-driven decision making; ownership of biblical values; and a commitment to influence through service."
He attended SLU 101 when he was 14 and entering his freshman year and has been saving for SLU 301 since he returned from 101 two years ago. I say this to explain that this program "anchored" him. The program spoke to him and he made it a goal to continue the journey knowing he would be 90% financially responsible for it. He worked odd jobs for friends and family and saved birthday and Christmas money. Family members also contributed to the SLU fund.
SLU 101 came at a time when he needed direction and guidance, and my husband and I are grateful for his experiences.T oday when we took him to the airport, he suddenly seemed so much older and more mature. I have the deep sense that this journey will change him even more. My mom intuition is telling me this will be life changing for my oldest son. My husband and I have not traveled "across the pond" and we are excited Bryce has this opportunity to be the first in our immediate family to have this experience. We have no idea what he will see and learn and can not wait to watch the transformation upon his return.
If you asked me a few years ago if I would let any of my children travel out of the country without me I would have said no. God has been working on me too during the time my son has been saving for this journey. He has been preparing me for this day. I know that because I was not nervous or sad this morning. I was excited, proud and hopeful.
The parenthood journey is harder than I ever expected. It has its shares of extreme highs and extreme lows and we have made mistakes along the way. But, it is also so very rewarding. Seeing your children grow and mature and take big life steps is so much fun. I know we are far from over in this parenting journey. Today was a special one and I plan to store it in my memory bank and draw on it when I am discouraged as I know he has many hard lessons ahead to learn.
So, for now while he flies through the night to reach London in the morning, I will rest easy knowing that he is ready for this journey for ,"when the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind."
Grace and Peace,
Misty
