Katelynn's Big Day

I'm feeling a little old tonight but also very happy and proud. Thanks to God's guidance Jeff and I have managed to navigate one child through her teen years and safely out the other side. Katelynn turned 20 today! Not only did she come out in one piece, but quite successfully in my humble opinion.

Katelynn is a senior in college this year working on an accounting degree at the University of Colorado. Her tenacity in taking the most difficult classes throughout her school years has never flagged and she continues to find new avenues in which to stretch her mind. For example, this semester she is taking Chinese so she will be ready for either an internship or a semester of study in China next summer. (And, of course, teach Mara a bit of Chinese along the way, I hope.)

Katelynn has a passion for sharing the Lord in very practical ways. Her favorite is to go on missions trips that focus on service in under-privileged communities, though this summer she joined a team that ministered one-on-one sharing the gospel, but again in a very poor community in Peru. She took on a new challenge this fall as a mentor for a group of teen girls in Boulder. She is my prayer partner for a great little guy I tutor through our church's Kid's Hope program. She has done hours of volunteer service in Boulder for those needing help with handicapped or young children. In short, she quietly allows the Lord to shine through her by serving others in any way God asks.

And Katelynn does all of this while she supports herself and pays for her own college. (Okay, so she has a few student loans, but who doesn't?) It hasn't always been easy and every once in awhile she has to ask for a little help, but by working full-time during the summer months and part-time during the school year she manages to provide rent, board, vehicle maintenance and fuel, tuition and books by herself.

Since Katelynn once again became a big sister, she has proved herself ready to be a mother, though I certainly hope it will be a few years before that happens! She is wonderful with Samara and has earned a special place in that little girl's heart. They are great friends and Mara certainly misses her when she is in "Bowder."

Actually, we all miss you when you are in Boulder, Katy. I'm so proud that you are my daughter and I thank the Lord daily for the blessing that you are to our family. Keep growing in the Lord and living in his will. I love you!