Find Your Wings

This Immersion Trip Journey my 18-year-old daughter Candace is on has seemed real to her from the beginning.  Sometime in January SHE heard God say, "Go!" SHE has met her team.  HER thoughts have been consumed with raising money, what to take, and writing blog posts and support letters.  

I've been in denial.

Yes, I helped extensively with raising money, placing Amazon orders, and proof-reading texts.  But the money was for that trip she'd be going on….later.  I've placed hundreds of Amazon orders…what's one or two or three more?  And all those heart-felt letters and blogs?  Well, I've been her homeschool teacher for 18 years; what's one more essay to proof?  Honestly, those myriads of details to work out BEFORE her trip have been a mental buffer between me and saying, "Good-bye".  

However…

Yesterday we held our last fund-raiser: a rummage sale at the 5-way in Magee.  God has miraculously provided all her money PLUS extra for all those supplies and expenses she'll have over the next 9 months.  Yesterday, as we packed up all the left over items and donated them to a charity, it hit me:  It's over.  ALL the hard work - making and auctioning items, two garage sales, selling T-shirts, craft fairs to sell bracelets, the Gala, the support letters - done.  The summit of an unscalable mountain has been reached.  The $11,900 has been raised!  And while there are a few odds and ends to accomplish before her September 7th launch date, the buffer is eroding quickly.  I am face to face with the reality that my baby, my last fledgling, my constant companion for 18 years, is about to fly the nest.  I know she will return…for a while…but once those birds fly it's never the same.  

I am excited for her.  What an amazing, life-changing opportunity!  She and God are going off on their own adventure.  And through my falling tears and choking voice I sing to her Mark Harris' song:

Find Your Wings

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth

And if I never told you, I want you to know

As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way

May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Her "wings" look a lot like a backpack.

(I love you, Candace!)