A Really Hard Good Day

 June 4th, 5:39 AM. 

102 pounds of checked luggage, a much lighter carry-on, a trusty backpack, and a nervous but confident smile. 

We all know that the DSM airport doesn't actually require getting there anywhere close to the recommended 3 hours early, but even the 90 minutes early that we gambled was a bit more than necessary. 

Our final family photo for a little while. 

There are few words I want to use to descibe these tender moments. This was a really hard, good day. 

This elevator is not my friend. The one that delivers arrivals is much kinder to my tender heart. Look at this amazing young woman, off to serve and learn and grow in ways that only God knows she can. 

And then we sat and waited for her flight to take off. 

And we sobbed when it actually did. 

And the kids came home to Leah! She will be with us every day for the next 18 months.

And it's not even that she's been gone for that long- only three weeks, how?!- it's that she WILL be gone for 18 months. How can we even comprehend the change and growth and love and strength and trials that she will conquer over the next 18 months, as she grows from teenager to woman? This is an adventure of faith, and there is no way any of us could handle it if the true gospel of Jesus Christ wasn't at the very center of all we say and do every day. He has miracles in store for Hermana Morales!