Thursday, February 26, 2009

Dear Christopher

Dear Christopher,

It's hard to believe this day has finally arrived. Some didn't believe it would happen, but I was pretty confident it would. And here we are.

There's so much I want to say; how proud I am of you and how excited I am for you & Lauren. You are leaving as newlyweds and will return as a strong family unit.

I sit reflecting the man you've become, but remember the little boy. The almost 2 year old who wanted to be the diaper man, driving a big truck, delivering large sacks of soft, comfortable diapers. The six year old boy who proclaimed he was having 10 children when he grew up. When asked by his dad how he would provide for them, what job he would have, he declared, "I'll be a dad, silly."

You aren't a dad just yet. But you are about to become a teacher to many. For those young boys and girls, you will be a father-figure. You can be a living example of our Heavenly Father. In order to be that father to them, you will need to take the time each and every day with God, allowing Him to fill you with His love, His passion, & His desires. He will renew your strength day-by-day. As you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will be driving a large truck, loaded with good things. To each child you encounter, you can clothe them with a soft, comfortable garment of love. You can provide something they lack.

Be strong and of good courage. Stand tall as a tree of righteousness, planted beside still waters. And know that I am here to support you, encourage you, and pray for you. I love you son!


(P.S. Anyone want to keep up with Lauren & Christopher in Seoul, you'll find the link in my sidebar: HawsSeoul)

7 comments:

Heth said...

Beautiful. What an amazing young man you have raised Joanne.

His Girl said...

I am just touched and blessed to be able to share this with you, even in this little way....

Melanie said...

What a beautiful letter! God's blessings to them on their journey!

Lisa said...

Great letter and great kid.

Mother Mayhem said...

Sniffle.

Praying that God will richly bless Christopher and Lauren. HUGS

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Beautiful letter. And holy cow, what beautiful people in the picture. And I am not kidding!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Joanne! I just got done reading Christopher and Lauren's posts, all of them! What an adventure!! I thought it was just precious that their assistant principal took the time to get them that bedspread! That was thoughtful :) Their living quarters are cozy, but they can do it :) And the food...yum! Can't wait to hear more, loved the post about the cute little "earthy" kindergarteners :)