Living in Answered Prayer ~ A Reflection from a First Year Away at College

On our drive home from moving her out and bringing her home (that post is back here), Abigail said something profound from the back seat. She said, 

"I'm living in answered prayer." 

Living in answered prayer, 

Living in answered prayer, 

We reflected on all of the ways God answered prayers this year: 

~ from having friends, wonderful new friends who all love Jesus with their whole heart

Living in answered prayer, 

~ friends who gave her pre birthday gifts with Bible vereses written in them {Abigail went to a public high school and longed for friends with the same values, ideals, and connection through faith} 

Living in answered prayer, 

~ friends to share her heart with, to grow closer to God with, to worship with

Living in answered prayer, 

~ a college dedicated to beleiveing in teaching their students to go out into the world and make it a better place for the Lord

Living in answered prayer, 

~ classes like 'The Life of Jesus' 

Living in answered prayer, 

~ a safe place to have fun, study, learn, grow, push herself

Living in answered prayer, 

Oh I know it wasn't all butterflies and perfect. There were some really tough days. 

It was tough to be away from home and her family especially when she was in pain. {Abigail has a digestive disease that can cause her severe pain}, to rely on the emotional support of friends when she didn't want to burden them and just wanted us.

It was tough to work through EoE, ADHD, OCD in a new enviornment, under new circumstances. 

It was tough to eat a a college cafeteria when she was allergic to most of it and had to stick with the no options allergy area only. 

Oh how we prayed and prayed for her, with her, tried our best to carry the burdens and challenges she faced sometimes away at college. It wasn't always pretty. There were times when we pulled out all that we could, our best prayer books, brought her homemade soup, called and talked to her any time of day or night. 

But she learned, she grew, and she came out of all of it proclaming, 

"I'm living in answered prayer." 

Oh yes you are sweet girl. 

Living in answered prayer, 

Living in answered prayer, 

And you've got our prayers, support, emotional support, listening hearts for the rest of your life.  

May you always look back at this freshman year with gratitude knowing that Jesus was right there with you. May you remember how much fun you had. May you continue to be blessed by good, sweet friends. May you know always know your faith is everything. May you continue to follow in the plan God has for your life. Dream big, God's dreams for you.

We are so very proud of your first year. We are thrilled that you are home. And we look forward to what will be in the next three years of college. 

Living in answered prayer, 

Living in answered prayer. 

Move in Day: 

Fall

Winter

Spring 

Almost Summer 

Other Posts: 

Her college decision 

Move in Day

Coming Home