Sighings

The eldest bird has flown from the nest. We just returned from taking Zach to Joshua Wilderness Institute. It is only a one-year bible institute, but it feels like forever! It really feels like a part of me is missing. During the orentation, the director told the parents and students that his description of the program was a rock tumbler. He said that for one year, these 54 students would be living together, working together, ministering together, and learning together. He said that it would be the hardest thing they had ever done. He described them as rough stones, with jagged edges and rough surfaces. For one year their lives would rub against the eachother's in such a way as to cause great pain, but the end result would be a beautifully smooth and polished stone!
I had to move Zoei into Zach's room today, and it was really hard. I didn't want to do it. I wanted it to stay Zach's room forever. It was so hard to leave him at Joshua. Dave and I said good-bye and then drove down the hill to spend the night at Hume. It was so hard NOT to go back up the hill and tuck him in. It was even harder in the morning, to get up and NOT go up and give him one last hug. I know it will be a wonderful experience for him. I know he will grow trememdously. I know that his relationship with God will deepen and intensify. All of these things are good things. But I am so sad! Part of my heart was wrenched from my chest, and I realized, I never laughed with him enough, tickeled him enough, cuddled him enough, prayed with him enough...