The Launch

We did it!  We drove hours away from home and left our firstborn on a college campus.  So far, everyone is still breathing.

A new brotherhood begins.  The football team had much to do yesterday.  The head coach met with the parents and pointed out that about 1% of high school football players get to play college football. His team has an opportunity to play in Africa next year, and this will be only the second organized football game ever on that continent.  I would like to see Zach have that opportunity, but he has to raise $3500 to do it.

 Because Zach was busy, we did much of the leg work of moving him in.  He and his roommate turned their beds into loft beds under the direction of his roommate's dad.  After that, the siblings of both these guys took over.  John's sisters unpacked and organized his stuff.  Savannah set up Zach's desk. Julia made his bed and is now very concerned that he will turn over and fall off or that he will hit his head on the ceiling that is only about 2.5 feet above him. Wyatt folded his clothes and put them up in his dresser.

Did I mention that Zach started packing for college at 4:00 on Monday afternoon?  That was supposed to be departure time.  We discovered that both his brake lights were out at 4:30ish, so they had to be fixed.  Somehow he made it, and everything we had to purchase after we got there was not left behind, we just didn't realize he would need it.

We stuck around on campus far longer than we should have with school starting at home today, but we were determined to pray over him before leaving, and he had lots of football stuff to do.  We had to miss the team dinner to which the parents were invited. Savannah prayed for his adjustment and noted how much he means to her.  Wyatt prayed for his ability to handle good and tough times.  There were tears, and we left him.  He was nervous and uncertain. It is hard to leave everyone you know and go where you know nobody especially when you are more than a day trip away from home.  However, hints at a tough midnight practice were being spread, and an apparent slip 'n' slide that appeared to involve girls had him a little more at ease about the night ahead.

I don't think I have ever set foot on a friendlier campus.  Everyone introduced themselves and welcomed Zach with open arms.  He is definitely in good hands.

They are so very close, and this is hard for both of them.

Football camp started at midnight last night.  We aren't allowed to call him for two weeks, but we can text.  I hope he is having fun being on the field again for the sport he loves.

Savannah challenged Zach to get a 4.0.  Julia told him not to get involved with many hot chicks.  Wyatt told him to be careful of hot chicks (they are trouble).

We arrived at home at 11:00 last night and left Zach in another time zone.  We were so tired last night and starting today which happened to be the first day of  school.

Go Panthers!  Go #67!!

We have multiple levels of education covered this year - college, high school, middle school and elementary.

Zach - freshman

Savannah - junior

Wyatt- 6th grade

Julia- 5th grade

So far, everyone is off to a great start.