Annnd.......They're off!

I kissed my daughter good-bye for the last time for a while.

It was definitely bitter-sweet.

This morning was the craziness I expected. Last minute unpacking/repacking. Last minute changes. Lolly-gagging youngster. Yet, amazingly, through it all, we arrived where we needed when we needed. Without losing any hair. The breakfast was eaten half-heartedly, although the food was good and the company excellent. I think we all had the same thought: let's-hurry-so-we-don't-have-to-cry-anymore-/-I-want-to-hold-on-tight-and-not-say-good-by. Parking at the airport is a nightmare: I can't tell you how much I kept saying over and over: Please God, Please God, just show me where to park! Graciously, He found me a spot under a tree very close so my mother-in-law didn't have to walk far. As we got the bags checked in, everything was smooth. We waited in McDonalds for a half-hour of stilted conversation. We cried in the ladies' room. The security line was mercifully short. They all passed, shoes off and bags ready. As we waived good-bye, they looked so...committed. So peaceful. So adult. And that is part of the purpose here...to raise up godly young women. I think God has a great plan here. I am so glad He is letting me be a part.

So the tears at the gate were copious. Continuous. A great relief. Faith was such a big-girl. She cried but she didn't whine. She didn't hold back her love, or her release. She let go.

Ah, to let go.