Jennifer

Jennifer, this was supposed to be posted a couple of weeks ago, but we've been busy...

Jen,

You graduated high school about 2 weeks ago. You marched down that proverbial last mile as a High School student before you walked across the stage as a High School Graduate! I was so proud of you! You looked so cute in your black sundress and gown and (too small) cap with the honor cords and ITS medallion. You looked so pleased and happy and content as you walked past the crowd. I cried just a little in that moment with so many thoughts running across my mind and heart.

You are no longer Baby JenJen. You don't stand behind me and pull my hair anymore. We haven't shared a bed in ages. Gone are the days of wrapping our selves up in blankets and pretending we were living in the Applacian hills when we played Chirsti. We don't argue nearly as much anymore. Most of them are over which shirt belongs to whom instead whose toys are whose. You have grown so much over the years, not only in physical heighth (you stagger over me), but also academically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are a pop-culture master, but you still have a deep appreciation and an occassional love for the Classics that you have performed over the years.

You are preparing to leave in a few days on a trip that will change your life in ways that we cannot even begin to fathom right now. I am immensly proud of you for taking this step of faith into the unknown; for giving up other trips that may have come your way and for the sacrifices and hard work that you have made to be able to go. You will do wonderfully as you teach the children about God's love for them not only in the lessons that you will teach, but also in the love that you will show them. It is because of these acts of love and your passion to make sure all children are show this that makes me proud to be your sister.

As you begin the journey to becoming the woman you are about to become remember this: God is with you always, to deliver you out of your trials, not through them. And that I love you, no matter what.

Your Big Sister,
Beth