I'm not gonna pretend yesterday ... move-in day ... was difficult. But, what I've come to realize, difficult is just part of life. A life lived apart from difficult is impossible ... unavoidable ... unimaginable. Yet, in the midst of difficult ... whispers of peace are found. That was yesterday.
I have too many raw emotions flowing in and out of my heart and head to put into words. I am most struck by the thoughtful planning of the staff of OBU in how to help us parents release our children into their new adult world. After a tearful speech by President David Whitlock followed by an authentic address by Dean Brandon Skaggs, I felt more than ready to release my bird into her own nest.
The day ended by a "Blessing" by Student Ministry director Odus Compton. Parent surrounded their children and were given a moment to speak a word of blessing, pray, cry, hug, or just look at them as a way to close this moment. It was powerful.
Words will follow. Right now I can only find the energy to post pictures of our day:
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| Road signs marked the way |
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| Upperclassmen surrounded our car with chants and welcomes, carried all her stuff to her dorm room, and whooped and hollar "Welcome Home"! |
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| OBU Security let us know exactly where and when to go ... very Austrian! |
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The girl in her new room with all her stuff.
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Parker, Addie and Libby ... all caught up in the frenzy that is "Welcome Week"!
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| Addie and her new roomie ... and just for the record ... a real sweetie! |
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| The closing "Blessing". Parents stood somber at the foot of the chapel ... silently loving on their baby birds until it was time to launch them. |
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| Our beanie-clad OBU Freshman ... ready to fly! |
2 comments
Ahhhh. I am crying with you!
ReplyDelete...schluchz...Sorry, theres no word I found for that emotion, like the german one. Thanks for updating Christina, and all the pics. I'm "schluchzing" with you, cause I know, our little one will leave that way too. BUT. Hopefully it will be such a blessed start like your amazing Addison had. She is such a great Lady. And I'm moved how precious our father in heaven prepared her way. Big big hug, mommy - you're the best: look at your daughters:) Miss you and send you tones fo Viennese Bussis;)
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