Amanda Graduates!

Two years ago Amanda was wrapping up her senior year of high school, still completely unsure what her next steps would be. We went to see our friend Sarah graduate from Summit and after the two-hour graduation ceremony we were deeply changed. Just weeks later, by an absolute miracle and answer to prayer, Amanda decided to attend Summit. 

Within a few weeks, she knew she had found her place. Yes, it was hard to be five hours from home. Yes, it was hard learning to deal with roommates and personalities. But over the days and weeks, Jesus did a work in her heart and a transformation happened, is happening.

Though it was never in her plan, Amanda signed up for the second year of the gap program. She dug in, wanting all that God had for her. She made deep, rich friendships, she did the work and flourished.

What a wonder that we were sitting in this same place, two years later, watching Amanda walk down the aisle to receive her diploma. My heart could not contain it all, I just kept giving thanks, thinking what a God! He starts with impossible. 

We met up with her in the gym and so much was passed between us in this hug. Love and gratitude. The prayers, the clawing our way here.

Later I hugged Amy and she whispered, "you're here". Here for another milestone. Its more than I deserve, more than I could've hoped for and I'm so, so grateful.

Since the school is five hours from home we weren't expecting anyone, so it was it was extra special that she had people there to cheer for and support her. 

She was running around every where, trying to catch all her friends. I only got just a few of her people, like her roommate from Australia and her RA.

These two. I've talked about them before and I hold them up as what I want to be. He is the overseer of Times Square Church and she is the president of Summit International School of Ministry. They are big, important people around the world, but I've watched them at little Summit in nowhere PA, pouring themselves out for the staff and kids at the school. When many of their peers are looking for rest under a palm tree, they are doubling down on investing in light in a time of darkness. The school has a motto that's posted everywhere: Living for the benefit of others. That's what they do in practice, that's who I want to be.

This is the pastor of the Times Square Church Summit campus. 

This is his wife, the vice-president of Summit School. She picked Amanda out of the crowd and asked her if she'd consider coming back to be an intern to assistant both her and her husband. Amanda said yes! 

For the third year in a row, Amanda had no intention of going to Summit. She didn't even apply for any of the competitive intern positions, but Hayley saw something in her and sought her out. Yet again Amanda is not happy about being in Pennsylvania, but she's really excited this opportunity...the new things she'll learn and the experiences she'll gain.

When I think of all You've done, I could sing my whole life long this simple song

Thank you, thank you Jesus for the wonders You've done and the ones that You're still gonna do

 

Project 365, Week 17

Life feels like its moving very fast and its tough to keep up. Full and fun is fair to say.

April 20

The backstory is tedious, but I ended up needing to do scans in the city. From Alabama, we dropped Amanda off at school and then drove into the city, having secured a hotel within walking distance of the MSK building. We were absolutely delighted with our delicious free breakfast! This picture reflects my lack of scanxiety. Had I even given it a thought, I would have remembered that I wasn't supposed to eat before a PET scan. Oops! 

When you're in and around the cancer center, its easy to spot who's who. The loved one is lugging all the gear, prepared to sit for long hours in a waiting room, and the patient is the one sleeping. 🤣

We stopped to smell the tulips on the way. NYC does seasons well.

It was a very long day to do all the scans, but finally after a 9-5 day, we reclaimed our car and headed out. We were pleasantly surprised at how smooth the drive went. It went so well we even had time for a stop at Wegmans.

This girl has seen so much, had to do so much. I appreciate her willingness and her love. She's also especially gifted with figuring out logistics, a nice compliment to my lack.

April 21

My first day home after tax season and it felt so good to be home with nothing pressing. I breathed in spring.

The boys made some progress on clearing the fallen trees and branches at the office. What an improvement in just a few hours!

April 22

End of tax season, four-office wrap up/celebration. As owner, boss and preparer, Nathan carries a heavy weight but you wouldn't know it. He is an exception businessman...savvy, ethical, caring and he's built a great team.

April 23

I'm watching you, little bird and you better not be making a nest in my front door wreaths!

April 24

A year ago, Amanda had just finished her first year at Summit and just like last year, she called me while she was in the bathroom doing her part of the final campus cleanup. We gave thanks for the unthinkable miracles we have experienced, that she would be completing her first year of Bible college and that I was alive. 

And later that day we were on her campus! The school had a special meeting for the parents and then after, invited everyone to a picnic, with volleyball and cornhole and kite-flying, etc. I had a couple deep conversations with two people I'd never met while Amanda and Shaun played cornhole. It was nice spending time in her space.

On our way out, someone was alone, playing the grand piano. We sat to listen and enjoy. It wasn't long at all before a few started to wander in and before we knew it, about a dozen people were gathered around, worshipping. It was beautiful. 

We joined up with the kids who were settling in for a night of games at the hotel.

April 25

Later than I was awake for, Amy arrived with her girls, Renna, Kelly, Juliet and Baby Bo. We had a leisurely morning at the hotel before heading over to the campus....

...to see this happen!!! (Which I'll post separately)

April 26

Jack was still on a missions trip in Peru with his dad, so Avery was camped at our house. I stopped the kids for a second, reveling in the fact that they were all in my kitchen, messing around with each other like thousands of other mornings we've had. When you look back, its the little things that you end up caring about.

Moving back. :)

After we watched our favorite keeper play, we enjoyed a thrown-together DiSalvaCour time.