Project 365, Week 34

That week we drove a kid to another state many hours away and then left her there.

August 19

I woke up with the feeling that I'd been hit by a truck, the effects from driving for many hours the day before in extreme weather with a carload of passengers.

Originally the DiSalvaCours were going to spend a couple days in Maine. When it got cancelled at the last minute, I was mostly relieved. We would have enjoyed being there together, but it felt like a lot to squeeze in, given that we'd just gotten back from a weekend away, we had a vacant apartment that needed to get rented and we were packing up Amanda to go away to school.

But we'd all set aside the time already, so we quickly put together an evening of pizza, games and hanging out. This bunch can have a whole lot of fun doing a whole lot of nothing.

Amy took the time to pray over Amanda and Trevor as they get ready to head off to school. All three of the '06 Club are going away...Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York.

August 20

Its often painful to get the kids motivated to go work but Shaun does not give up. He knows the value of time together, in learning some useful skills, in earning money.

As Avery and I watched them go from our office window, I started giggling and told her that back in the day, her Pop would ride in a pickup truck, three guys across on their way to the fields. When there was an on-coming car, the guy in the passenger seat would duck, making it look like two guys sitting next to each other. Remembering the telling of it makes me laugh. 

The boys went to golf and the girls did Taco Tuesday.

August 21

"The group" put out a Six Flags invite, since it was a perfect weather day and the end of summer. Not long after getting to the park they realized half of New England was there since it was the end of summer and perfect weather, so they left. But not before sending a check-in pic :)

These photos came up from this day, back-to-back years. My heart! Those summers spent at the softball field with good friends and lots of dirt to play in were so special.

August 22

In the foster care world, #itscomplicated always applies. I am the least likely candidate for the job, but God chose me, in spite of me. It feels clunky, often painful and gives me deep joy. I'm grateful to be a part of the story He is writing.

The girls and I got to visit with Dakota and his mom this day, on their turf, our own miracle. Even when we don't see it, God is working.

How many men does it take to load a commercial-sized generator onto a trailer? They made it look easy and my dad hauled it away to hopefully use at his house since it wasn't being used at the office.

August 23

Jason took the day off to spend it with Amanda. They finished packing up her room and then came to help at the apartment for a bit.

First TBQ practice of the new season! 

August 24

My last time looking down the hall to the kids' bedrooms and having them all occupied.

Shaun found someone to rent the apartment and we spent the morning doing the final cleaning and paint touch-ups. 

I made a run to Home Depot to pick up a few supplies. As I was walking out, a dad was lifting his two year-old daughter, who was wearing pink and purple and pig tails, up into the carriage, hanging out together late on a Saturday morning. 

Alone in the car, I cried as I remembered those sweet days and considered the upcoming shift in our family. 

Trevor showed up for the final 45 minutes to help carry her belongings down and get them loaded in the cars. He and Amanda have been the sweetest of friends from the very beginning. They are each others' trusted advisor, secret keeper, cheerleader. In some regards, better than a sibling.

Just before saying the final goodbye, he stopped to pray for her, there in the driveway. It was a holy and sacred moment.

When I sent Amy a picture of the two of them, we acknowledged the gift that is their friendship and gave ourselves a little pat on the back for keeping our families so close. You don't know it when its happening but time doing the playdates and the birthday parties and showing up...it adds up.

August 25

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 😜

With a few minutes to spare before we left for church, we sat and chatted, all carrying a variety of emotions as we headed into this day. I wondered aloud if this was the last time the five of us would share a room.

This is Times Square Church-Summit Campus, which is on the campus of Summit School and is also a community church. As we sat in service, my heart was just so full of thanks. I remember being in that very same place for Sarah's graduation back in April. It didn't take long being on campus to recognize it as a very unique and special place. I spent the graduation service silently praying that the Holy Spirit would nudge Amanda about attending. God did a miracle. In His timing, like only He can do. It is the perfect school for Amanda. He's just that good and kind.

After church we changed and stopped for a quick bite. It was a Sheetz gas station with robust food options. My family wouldn't have been happier at a 5-star restaurant.

Back on campus to get registered and move in. The grounds are stunning and everyone was so helpful and friendly.

She is in the Esther Dorm...for such a time as this. Amanda has two roommates who, upon first meeting, seemed like they would be a good fit. We explored and found the laundry, kitchen, fitness area, etc. She got mostly settled in and we took out some empty bins and extra items that were not going to fit in her cozy new space.

We huddled up and Shaun prayed and then we said goodbye. We've spent many years being more than the five of us, but never less.

It really wasn't too hard to say goodbye. Amanda was ready and excited and we feel so good about where she's at. That made it easier. And also, she has her car and is just a 5-6 hour drive away. But for sure it felt strange to drive back home without her.