Big adventures!

Very early on Wednesday morning, Dave and I dragged ourselves out of bed and headed to the airport to see Karissa off on her big adventure.  She is going to Ecuador, as an exchange student, with the goal to learn Spanish.  She will be there for about 10 months so we are all going to really miss her sweet self.

One thing that really warmed my heart was to see everyone that showed up to see her off.  When we arrived at the airport, Richard's entire family (kids included) were there and about 10 minutes later, Kent and Liz showed up with their family.

It was a great big party at 5AM but things got a little moister when it came time for Karissa to head through security.  I tried to keep a 'stiff upper lip' but started to tear up when she headed toward me to give me a hug.  I thought back to when she was just born and I held her in my arms and to see her heading across the continent all by herself was bittersweet.  Time does fly by so quickly and it is important to try and get every moment you can with the people you love.  This is one of many steps toward adulthood and creating her own life to live.

So, until then, we will love and support her in whatever she chooses to do.  We are praying that she will be safe and have a wonderful (almost) year in a completely different culture.  What an adventure!!