In May, Julia graduated from Christendom College in Virginia.
Mom, dad, Sebastian, and I drove. Brian, Riley, and Mary Alice flew so that they did not miss too much school.
Four years absolutely flew by. Knowing that college was an amazing experience for her is one of the biggest joys of my life.
Having Nate at the same school is an incredible blessing!
Julia’s last few days were filled with different meetings and obligations, and we were happy to spend time in Front Royal, Virginia doing a little sightseeing. I was able to show mom and dad Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia – one of my favorite places of all time.
I wanted them to see the deer and the fireflies. I wanted them feel delight as they rounded the corner into Shenandoah National Park.
I hoped they felt transported to one of Tolkien’s lands as we watched the sunset over the Shenandoah River.
Front Royal is one of those places I want to never leave once I arrive.
Julia’s friends hosted us for dinners in their family homes, making it feel so incredibly cozy and warm, instead of just finding another fast food place to eat at.
Virginia is such a beautiful place. The green rolling mountains and huge trees were such a shock to my eyes after seeing cacti for 12 years.
*The pictures below were taken by Christendom staff*
I watched as the shy young lady I dropped off four years earlier was surrounded by friends who had become family. I smiled as people called out to her and she excitedly introduced her younger brothers and sisters to her friends. Her grandparents and I stood by proudly while everyone raved about the amazingly kind, smart, talented Julia.
Most of all, my heart felt rest, knowing that she loves Jesus with her entire soul and is more determined than ever (yes, even the 3rd grade Julia) to become a saint – not just any saint, but a great saint.
