As we anticipate the 50th birthday of someone in our family, we recognize that the 50th year is the year of jubilee in the Old Testament.
10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.
Leviticus 25, ESV
Said soon-to-be 50 year old at the beginning of 2024, “It’s a year of celebration: Caleb is getting married, the girls are graduating, and I’m entering my year of jubilee.” Well, she didn’t say that last part, but she may has well have.
The Wedding
The wedding was epic! Leap Day. Star Wars. Legos. Light sabers. Family. Love. All was amazing! Caleb and Katie started off with a bang … er, Leap! (Click on the link for the newspaper article.) Welcome to the family, Katie!
Most photos above by Fits & Stops Photography (the best in the world).
The Return
Of all the blessings received in this jubilee, I think this was the hardest to take. Mostly because this was 6 days after Caleb & Katie’s wedding and 86 days before the girls’ graduation. But who’s counting?
We hear all the time, “Do you want to adopt them?” It’s a mixed bag. In light of the graduation, it is hard to see your nest refill within three months of it emptying. And yet, we knew when we signed up for foster care, this was a possibility. I think it’s fair to say we don’t want “our boys” going home, but I remember that they’re not ours, even if it does lead to permanency with us.
I will say that looking at that verse above was interesting where it says, ” each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.” I’ll let you interpret that as you wish.
Katey, Kenzie & I with producer Rebekah Weigel for Sound of Hope, an upcoming movie about foster care to be released on July 4 (the day after the boys’ trial is scheduled to end).
The Girls: A Dog, Graduation & TN
It wasn’t even two weeks apart when Sherry called me with the question, “Are you ready for some news that is going to change our lives?” This time I said, “No, I’m not. Really. I think I’m good for now.” She shared with me anyway.
Long story short, our Kenzie will be attending Lee University in Tennessee thanks to a very generous friend of Lee & friend of ours.
Enjoy the girls’ Sr. Portraits, Kenzie’s trip to TN, and more.
Wes,
Your reports are terrific, and it is really connecting to see photos of the family and students.!
You’ve had a lot of change in your family: Caleb’s wedding, and Katie and Kenzie off to college, and of course the two foster boys.
Praying for you and your family!
Kevin
Well said, Wes! Blessings amidst the challenges.. Beautiful photos of a photogenic family!