Trenton with Grandma before leaving for CBC
In a long 4+ hour line during CBC's registration
Meeting a new friend in the line
Photo ID the last stage of the registration journey!
Parking the car behind his dorm...new home for 4 years!
New student activities
In his dorm room...
Mom in Jordon and Brent's room @ Evangel University
Sunday lunch with the family!
Our family with my sister Marlene and her daughter, GenelleI've been trying to process the events from this past weekend. Last Thursday I drove down to Springfield, Missouri with my son Trenton. He is enrolled as a freshman @ Central Bible College, the same school that I arrived at back in 1979 (some 31 years ago!!). We drove down together...Trenton in his car and me in the family van.
Then on Friday we pulled into the CBC parking lot. This would soon become more realistic in a few days when Trenton was not coming home with us...he would be staying! First, there was a general meeting in the chapel...then off to a long registration line...and finally moving all of his stuff into the dorm room at Horton Hall (the same hall I spent 3 years of my life in!). As we spent time together I quickly realized my boy was growing up...right before my eyes. He was eager to arrange his new room...meet his new roomie...connect his new laptop up to the school network...and get settled in.
Throughout the whole experience Trenton amazed me. He was ready for this next transition in his life. He was excited about what God was doing to prepare him for full-time ministry. He was thrilled at God's provision to enroll at CBC. He was happy to meet and make new friends. He was even ready...to live on his own...without any help from his parents. Wow...that one kinda stung a bit!
Our son is maturing into a fine young Christian man. We have raised him to love God. We have trained him according to the holy scriptures. Now he has responded to the call of God on his life...we are so proud of Trenton...and every one of our kids. God has blessed me beyond comprehension as I sit here and consider all that God has accomplished for us in our family.
Trenton will have his older brother just about 8 minutes away as well. Jordon is gearing up for his final year at Evangel University. He just completed his summer internship with Cummins Inc. on Friday and drove down to Springfield with his mother on Saturday. One more year to go...before you know it, we'll be driving back down for his college graduation!
Yes, my mind is racing with memories of our two sons growing up. There are pictures in my mind of Jordon on the drums or Trenton in the mud...that's right, the mud! Each one has grown into a responsible and respectful young man. They are great students. They work hard. They love to have fun!
Now, our home is a little bit quieter. Two cars are missing from the driveway. Two kids are absent around the kitchen table. Two gone...and two to go. Please, let's not even discuss the empty nest syndrome just yet...I still have about 6 more years before that dreadful day!
Final thought...love your kids every moment of every day. Cherish your family. Love your spouse. Build special family memories. Enjoy what God has given to you...I know I have.
Thank you Lord for all that you have done for us. You are an awesome and amazing God!
Love to all!
