Thursday, February 21, 2008

Just thinkin about Elise

She's been on my mind since I woke up this morning at 4:30 am. Today is the day, my sweet, 21 year old daughter, Elise, will board a plane for one last time, from the home she has known for 2 years and arrive, 26 hours later at her childhood home. This is a very hard day for her. God will have to be her strength.



Two years ago, Elise began her journey with the missions organization, Youth with a Mission. Her first trip was to China as a student and with her heart full of love for the mission field, she then led two other groups as the leader rather than the student. One to Bangladesh and the other to Thailand. In between trips, her home base was Honolulu, Hawaii in a place similar to a youth camp. Her bed was lofted in a closet, she ate whatever was cooked for her, and she made some of the dearest friends she will probably ever have. She has loved all and all have loved her. That is what makes today so sad. Good-bye's and changes are so darned hard. I've been there too many times which is why I am "just thinkin" so much about her today.



Elise will be "home" with us for about three weeks and then we will drive her to Denver where she plans to move in with a long time friend, find work and wait for God's direction. She will make many new friends, I'm sure, and face new and exciting challenges with each new day. Her courageous spirit and tender heart will bring her through all that awaits her. But today, the challenge of change will seem huge and overwhelming. God is huge though and will overwhelm her with His presence. Hang in there, sweetie. Time and the Lord really does have a way of healing your hurts.


"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Prov. 19:21) Let your purpose prevail in Elise's life, Lord and watch over her today as she ends (for now) one adventure and begins a new one. You already know the plans You have made for her. Thank you for being all we need in time of change.



"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." Eleanor Roosevelt





"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning."

Ivy Baker Priest



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for Elise today. Hunter is too! I guess I get to visit with all of you when you come after all because Dave is doing the Philly trip alone. Can't wait to see you!LOVE ya!
Ps. I'm soooooooooo glad you are blogging now. I have a blog too!
Your niece,
Tara

Anonymous said...

We ARE so excited to get to see you, even if it part of the big change in your life and some sadness.

I don't think I was at all prepared for the empty-nest process. It goes on for years and there are so many levels and emotions to it. It is interspersed with great joys and highs, all with the realization that that comes with the pain of letting go...aaaaaarrrrrgggghhh! LIfe!

Anonymous said...

It was so wonderful to see Elise this morning at church. Her smile lights up a room,her eyes sparkle with youthful vigor, she is truly a beautiful girl. As I read your blog I tryed to think back to that time in my life when it seemed that adventure was around evey corner and life presented so many opportunities. I can remember being frustrated and  confused at times. Yet excited and inspired at other times. Being a grown up is hard but God has His hand on Elise's life and she need only to delight herself in Him and He will give her the desires of her heart. I love you guys! Merla

Elise said...

I don't know how I missed this one before, but it was exactly what I needed to read right now! I love you so much, Mom, and you have taught me than just how to vacuum ;) Thank you for being my mom- the greatest ever!
Hugs,
Elise