It finally came for Ellie. She had watched her sister go for years. And this year, she sat and waited through two long days while Madison boarded the big, yellow bus before it was her turn to get on it herself. Oh, she was so excited. She and Madison had talked about what the first day would be like, how to ride the bus, if Madison should walk Ellie into her classroom or just to the door in the morning, what the cafeteria was like, what food was good, and so much more. Madison is such a good big sister. And Ellie is the best little sister!
Grandma Yoh had taken the girls shopping for their first day of school outfits, so Ellie already knew what she was wearing. And even though it was a little cool that morning, she stuck with her sleeveless shirt with leggings. She knew pictures would come. Jeremy obliged.
Then, they waited for the bus. They even used the binoculars to spy it in the gap between the trees behind our house.
Finally, she loaded the bus. Boosted with confidence of being with her big sis, her mentor and best friend. And welcomed by an awesome bus driver!
I was tinged with a bit of sadness that I didn’t expect that morning as I headed to school before my girls. I was jealous of Jeremy being able to see Ellie off on her first day. I wanted to do that. I realized that we have just moved on to a new phase. A school-age phase. A time when our lives fit into the rhythm of the August to June year.. with a few months of unscheduled time before the next year begins. It dawned on me that my littlest one was going out on a brand new adventure, and while I was completely confident that she was ready to take it on, I wondered how it would work for her. Would she raise her hand to answer questions or sit shyly in her seat smiling her little smile? Would she ask questions if she didn’t know about something? Would she be brave enough to go to the big bathroom stalls by herself? Would she make room at a table or on the playground for kids that needed a friend?
She has big dreams, this one. Dreams of being a vet (even though she is terrified of almost all living creatures with fur) or a doctor. She loves to snuggle and cuddle. She wants to hold hands and tell stories. She loves to sing and act. She wants to be brave and try new things… and sometimes she does. I know God is with her, prodding her along a path of greatness that will bring glory to Him. She talks about God in ways I didn’t know five-year-olds did. She asked me the other day if Papa Yoh and Great Grandpa could see her. I assured her they were smiling on her and loved watching her grow up. Often she says that death would be fine because then she could be with Jesus. And I wish that I could say that with the same confidence. I am so rooted here that I lose the vision of what glory awaits us. Through the mouth of babes. I pray that she continues to live fully here on earth, but with her eyes trained on the prize. That she grows in her desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It will be a journey worth watching!
Blessings, Ellie, as you begin your educational journey. May it be one that brings you joy. And when it doesn’t (because sometimes it will be hard), walk with eyes on the prize. We love you!
