SCATTERING

Melissa and I are physically and emotionally drained tonight. It was one of those weekends that you wish would never end and then when it does - you're so glad it's over.

Yesterday was the "last hurrah" of summer for our family. Samuel and Caleb were finally home after their summers away, but the two of them and Hannah were all scheduled to leave for college today. So in the midst of packing and shopping, we got a few hours to relax and enjoy each other's presence at an extended family event at a barn out in the country: my brother-in-law and his wife renewed their wedding vows after 25 years of marriage.

It was a joyful event and a beautiful August day - a perfect calm before today's storm of loading cars and saying goodbyes. 

Melissa and I spent today helping Hannah get moved into a new apartment just off campus at Olivet Nazarene University. It's over 3 hours drive each direction. 

Hannah is ready to start her junior year, Samuel starts his sophomore year at Ball State, and Caleb is a SENIOR at Wabash. 

Tonight the house feels half empty.

And I am harboring a bit of guilt about leaving for Ghana in a week - just as we should be settling into a new routine around here. 

Routine will have to wait.