I can’t even seem to find words to write this post.  Two of our young men kids are ready to head out of our house.  When you are in the thick of parenting a big handful of kids you aren’t always wrapping your mind around the fact that they will leave your home one day! After all we are raising them up and striving to train them in the way they should go so we can SHOOT them off into the world to serve the Lord, right?!

Then, it hits.  The time has come. Adam (turns 20 in November this year)  has been going to Avon, South Dakota every year since he was about 12 years old.  Who would have thought that was paving the way for his future as a young adult!? He has a great relationship with his Aunt Faith and Uncle Wayne.  Soon now, he will be working for Walters Construction with his Uncle Wayne.  He will start off renting a room in the Walters basement while he saves up his money to buy a house in South Dakota.  He’s looking forward to the change and slower pace of life, no traffic, experiencing all four seasons,  Missouri River boating, and fishing.  Life just won’t be the same without this dancing, singing, humorous guy around here and I’m sure going to miss his hugs!   I am thankful for technology at times….. FACETIME calls!  Adam’s official departure date will be August 4th.  

Gregory met a beautiful, sweet godly young lady and they are a couple now, dating and getting to know each other more and more.  We are so excited for them!  We love Kathryn and her family.   Watching this relationship blossom has been a beautiful thing!  God is definitely in the center of their relationship. It is so sweet to see them grow fonder of one another each day. Kathryn’s Dad is a chaplain in the army. He recently received his orders for his final 2-3 years of service which will be in Maryland.  The family heads out most likely the end of August.  This is very bittersweet for everyone.  We have grown fond of this wonderful family and will be sad to see them go so far away.  Gregory has decided he does not want a long distance relationship. He wants to continue to date Kathryn and build up his business GMK BOOKKEEPING SERVICES.  He would love to see his business grow with more clients! He has a passion to work with wood as well and hopes to continue with that on the side as time permits.  He will head out to the Maryland area after the Elliot family leaves and figures out what town they will settle in.  He doesn’t want to settle in Maryland forever but will be there for a time while he is dating Kathryn.  Gregory is a favorite big brother around and everyone will really miss having him around to help out with things, be the calm in the storms at times, and being the constant in keeping it all together.  He loves his family and it is bittersweet for him as well.

God gives us such a peace.  A peace undeniably from HIM.  God is good and we know He holds the future and is holding our kids too.  I’m thankful that Gregory and Adam both know and love the Lord and strive not to lean on their own understanding.

Parenting adult kids is harder in some ways than those brand newborns that are placed in your arms! Walking along side them as they make life long decisions and making sure you step back enough for them to stumble and fall if need be is really hard!

God is good though and He’s guiding us as we let them go.