April (with Lucy's arrival) and May had been so crazy around here that we all sort of lived in denial about her leaving. Me especially...I'm pretty good at denial.
It has been a whirlwind of a year here in the parsonage. As we walked into the airport to send her back to her own country, I couldn't help but feel like we'd just been there to get her.
And at the same time, it was sort of surreal thinking of all that had gone on while she was here. The last time I walked into that airport as the mother of boys, and this time I walked into the airport with a teenage daughter and baby girl...a baby girl that wasn't on my "plan" list for the year. I can't help but look at myself in this picture and laugh a little...because that Sarah didn't have a clue what she was in for. :)
I still don't.
Before Julie arrived, you probably noticed *cough* that every other post involved her. And then August came, and Julie arrived and then she pretty much dropped off the radar from my blog. Before she came, I remember thinking how much fun it would be to blog about life with a teenager. And then she came, and I realized, I can't blog about that, not now at least. Because at the time, no matter how funny, or frustrating, it was just too soon.
It's amazing how some time can give us a different perspective on any given situation. Over the next year, I hope to look back on the time Julie was here and reflect and learn from those experiences.
Julie became a part of us. And saying good bye at the airport that day was much harder than I had anticipated. Or maybe it was just the fact that I had to come to terms with it...there's no denying she's leaving when you watch her board the plane and lift off.
I learned a lot about myself, having Julie here. I learned I have waaaay more to learn about having teenagers. ;)
It was for a time. I keep reminding myself of that. So much of life is just for a time. So much of me wants to hold on to everything just the way it is. I look at the boys and I think STOP GROWING SO FAST. And Lucy...already filling out and growing by the minute, and I find myself sad that it's going so quickly. Yet...it's supposed to. They're supposed to grow. Julie was supposed to go home to her family. And if I'm sad for too long, I'll miss out on the joys ahead.
So here's to learning to let go, embracing change...even enjoying it.
Love you, Julie!
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Yeah, I am not looking forward to the teenage years with my boys. I pray for wisdom every day.
ReplyDeleteJulie was such a blessing to your family! You are so very fortunate to have had her.
ReplyDeleteMy sister had an exchange student as well this past year . . . however, sadly she wasn't such a blessing.
Have a great summer watching your little ones grow.
When our student went home I cried and cried... now I have a pen pal for life. I love her.
ReplyDeleteOur exchange student leaves on Monday. Unfortunately, we have been counting down the months since Christmas.....is that bad?
ReplyDeleteCan't stop the kids from growing up no matter how hard we try!!
We have been blessed with 2 wonderful host sons and 1 host daughter. I think it gets worse each year for me to let them go. It's been a joy, a pleasure, and heart-ache all in one.....
ReplyDeleteSo sad for you guys, but so happy for her family to be reunited with her! I remember the day my friend from Norway went home. I was about 6 years old and she was the exchange student of our neighbors. I adored her. I haven't seen her in like 26 years, but I'll always remember her just like Julie will always remember her time with you!
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time dealing with how fast time is passing since I had Josh. He is going to be six this summer... but it seems like yesterday he was in my arms as a tiny baby. I fear that I will blink & he'll be off to college ... or even worse -MARRIED-YUCK;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this sweet reminder- & that I too should be enjoying this time now ..instead of fearing when it will be over.
Awww...this post made me kinda sad and I don't even live in your house. I hate goodbyes. What a year of changes for you. It must be a lot for you to take in all at once when you stop and think things over. I know I often get caught up in the whirlwind, but when I stop and reflect, I kinda get blown away.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, glad you enjoyed your time with Julie. You'll have a reason to take an international trip now. ;-)
-FringeGirl
Wow. Those goodbyes are so hard. When someone has LIVED WITH YOU. That's a lot. I know you made an impact on her that she'll carry always and vice versa.
ReplyDeleteWow, that went fast.
Must be hard to have a little piece of your heart on the other side of an ocean.
ReplyDeleteWhat a crazy and wonderful experience. So glad for you, and Julie and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have had a whirlwind of a year! Lots of fun changes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a year! I can't imagine. No doubt Julie will remember you and your family for the rest of her life.
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