The Waiting Walk

Big sigh – summer is over.

Friday was my first official day back to work, and students arrive on the 13th. So much to do between now and then…

It was my first summer here in Colorado, and I have to say I enjoyed it very much. It was a mix of getting myself and the kids caught up on dentist and doctor doctor appointments, and also some lovely travel time seeing loved ones and also enjoying this beautiful country.

We started out attending the most impressive, spectacular, and beautiful event of the entire summer – my oldest daughter graduating from college!

This girl has been through so much. Life has not been easy for her, but she has a drive and determination that is stronger than any I’ve ever seen before. It took everything she had, but she now has her Bachelor of Social Work degree!!!

She has also been hired and has started her first job in her chosen profession. Eventually she’ll go ahead and get her Masters which will open up even more possibilities moving forward. I’m so proud of her.

I especially loved that she chose to note that she is a First Generation graduate. This is a shout out to her biological roots, and that she is the first of her original family to graduate from college. I love that she is so proud of this – it is absolutely something to celebrate. Her biological family that we are in touch with is also beyond proud of her amazing accomplishments.

After graduation, we spent three days together as a family at a resort near Santa Rosa. The kids enjoyed the pool, basketball court, and some volleyball. We ate good food, watched movies, and had some fun and deep conversations as a family. Who knows when the next time will be that I get to have all five of my kiddos together in the same place…

My next trip was to visit some childhood friends who also now live out here in Colorado. I hadn’t been to that area of Colorado yet, and I absolutely loved it. The mountains are just beyond beautiful, and getting to visit with friends I hadn’t seen for years was a sweet experience.

I returned home just for one night and got to enjoy the July 3 firework display here in Berthoud. It was impressive!

The next morning I headed down to Colorado Springs to enjoy a women’s retreat at the Glenn Eyire Castle. It was beautiful, the retreat was restful, and I made some lovely new friends. I spent a couple more days exploring the area with a friend before heading back home for one more night.

The kids and I packed up and left the next morning to go visit my parents. It’s always fun to visit the farm. We were able to take a quick trip up to St. Louis and attend a bit of the General Conference – I always enjoy these meetings just to meet up with friends from times and places of my past. And in this case, to meet a dear friend for the first time. Jasmin was someone who supported me so well from afar through my divorce, and to get to meet her and give her a hug made the entire trip worth it.

We enjoyed the river the rest of the time, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and even paddle boarding. Canoeing the stretch of river that I grew up on every summer weekend through my teen years is always a welcome experience.

It was also lovely to just spend time with my parents, brother and family, and my grandparents.

All the days before, after, and in between the travels were filled with dentist and doctors appointments between myself and the three kids. Michael got his wisdom teeth pulled, braces are close to coming off for two of them, and I think just maybe we are now all caught up on all the medical stuff. I felt like I was working a full time job just keeping up with all those appointments!

My last little trip was a day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park on the 30th. There were 12 of us from the church, and we ended up actually hiking 10 miles. Yes, I was sore. I need to figure out how to strengthen my knees. I did fine going up but coming back down was pretty torturous for the last mile. It was definitely worth it, though. I really just can’t get enough of this beautiful country I live in.

I spent the last two weeks of July refining a sermon. August 2 I preached at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church on the topic of domestic violence, abuse of power, and I shared pieces of my own story. I am just so thankful to be in the space and a place where I am. God is good, and He wants good things for His children. I must share. If you would like to watch, click over to the Resources page linked either on the side bar or at the bottom (depending on the device you’re on).

This next week is full of teacher meetings and the 13th I’ll have those amazing little 3rd and 4th graders in my room for another year. I appreciate all your support and all your prayers.

Happy End of Summer!