7 Weeks is a Long Time

As you all know my siblings and I are awfully close. Well tomorrow (at 6:30 AM- to be exact) one of my "little" sibs is off to do something I'm not even sure I could do. She's leaving everything and everyone she knows, in order to serve Jesus. I am beyond amazed at her bravery, her willingness, and her attitude towards what she is about to do. She is going on a seven week missions trip across the United States and has a 67% chance of going to Mexico, as well. They will be serving those in need (in various ways) and sacrificing many of their own needs to do so. She will be riding in a bus, with no air, in some of the hottest parts of the United States (as well as some of the parts that have been hit so severely with tornadoes and flooding).

As she prepares to unselfishly go, I sit here selfishly mourning her leave. I've done nothing but cry at the thought of not seeing her for nearly two months. She has become, over they years, many things to me beyond being my sister. She is my concert buddy, my singing in the car buddy, my CSI partner (sorry we never made it to COSI, Ash), my candy eating cohort, black nail polish instigator, mystery book reader, Starbucks buddy (white chocolate mocha- I'll go drink one for you!), and truly a BEST friend. I never would have imagined almost 18 years ago, when she was the first baby I had ever held, and when I changed her little diapers, that she would become so important in my life or that she would become the woman she has.

She is a gem in this world. God's shining vessel. She listened to God's call, and she is following it.

And as James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

May you receive many crowns for all that you do, Ashley.

Ticka, ticka, ticka, Baby... I love you (forever!!) ! :)

I'll miss you! Hurry home. Don't forget to use one of those 7 minute phone calls for your favorite older, but shorter sister!!! :)