Today's word is JOIN.
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Tonight Brian and I witnessed a pretty cool event. The Welcome Ceremony for 450 new students at LeTourneau University. Our son Caleb is among those 450. There was an ivy planting at the conclusion of this ceremony. This ivy is currently many different plants, but as it grows they will join them together. The ivy will grow for the next four years, then when its time for graduation, the students will gather around the ivy and the president will walk around the circle and clip the ivy.
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| The freshman ivy. |
Tonight was the joining of Caleb with these 450 students and the whole LeTourneau family. It was a special night. One of great significance. The faculty dressed in their academic regalia...this signifies something important is happening. Tonight we as parents dedicated ourselves to continuing to love and support and pray for our children. The faculty dedicated themselves to leading, supporting and educating them. The students dedicated themselves to the educational principals and lifestyle standards of the school. We are joined together.
Saturday we drive away from Texas and our son. Tonight we joined a new family, one that will have a huge impact on our son. We feel blessed and excited. Driving away will be hard, but seeing the amazing place that will be investing in our son for four years has given us amazing peace!
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| Caleb at the Memorial Garden where the ivy was planted. |
Oh, goodness. I just did the same thing YESTERDAY, and I feel your pain/excitement/sadness/peace. <3
ReplyDeleteI read your post and knew you were feeling very similar emotions...joy and sadness at the same time.
DeleteWhat a neat "picture" of the ivy. We are going through marrying off three children in 15 months . . . but the rewards for eternity can be glorious! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't imagine. I am not there yet, my oldest is 11 but I know it will come and I love how you described the changing/sharing of roles as he moves into this stage of his life. Joining in all the journeys of life.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you! What a cool thing with the ivy. Sounds like a great place. Prayers for your momma's heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to welcome new students! My momma's heart joins with yours today friend! Welcome to our community! Looking forward to getting to know you! Blessings!
ReplyDeletePraying for your momma.
ReplyDeleteI know this place, I know this pulling at the heart strings of a momma's tender heart. So very beautiful. I love all the different perspectives on JOIN. Your really reasonates. It is a privilege and a pleasure to meet you. Lisa-Jo's community is amazing. See you next Friday??? Peace in this time of transition for you.
ReplyDeleteAt some college campus next fall, I will be taking this same step. Praying for your family through the transition.
ReplyDeleteI love that ivy tradition! How neat and what a great symbol!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very cool tradition with the ivy. I'm going to have to remember that for the future. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from #FiveMinuteFriday
I've never heard of this tradition before. It's wonderful. Ivy loves to crawl and intertwine. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with imagining this... our daughter wants to join the Navy next year.. (tears forming) I know we all face those days when they leave.. trying to embrace her tightly for the next year. How exciting for you and for him.
ReplyDeleteI love this spin! Not so much leaving something behind as embracing a new stage and adventure. Thanks for the perspective!
ReplyDeleteLeTourneau... Our ministry ~ LIFT Ministries ~ has a youth camp there every summer. It's a fantastic place!! Also, one of our Christian Academy students received a basketball scholarship there and starts this Fall.
ReplyDeleteBless you, my friend, as you walk through this transitional time.
The ivy planting in one of the coolest freshman traditions I have ever heard of. I won't be there for several years, but I remember going away as a sophomore, and I know that the nest feels pretty empty on that side, too, even when there are roommates. I hope this is a wonderful experience for all of you.
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