Kara’s  Home

Kara arrived home safely after a summer of ministry with the Academy of Arts (http://www.theacademyofarts.org/) traveling drama team with Sanctify of Life (the same drama she traveled with last summer, but this summer she was near us—on the midwest team!). We are so happy to have her back home!!

On the last night of the summer ministry, the academy holds a big closing ceremony in which all three traveling teams perform parts of their respective dramas, their home drama team performs, leaders give awards, etc. It is an awesome evening for everyone—seeing all of the young people’s hard work come to an end and sharing the fruits of their summer ministries. Unfortunately, Ray and I were not able to go down to South Carolina this year for the ceremony, but immediately following it, we received “the call”—the phone call from Kara telling us (through tears and cheers) that she had received her team’s “Academy Award”—the character award given to one young person on each team.

She asked us if we were surprised that she received it. We told her that we were not the least bit surprised! It was fine if she didn’t receive it—if there was someone else on her team who won the award, great. However, we knew in our hearts, award or no award, that Kara displays the character of Christ in her life on a daily basis. And that made her and us all three happy!

Of course, we had talked to Kara every “phone day” that she had throughout the summer, so we knew the challenges she faced—as well as the many, many times that she put herself behind others, gave others the best, preferred her teammates over herself, served asking nothing in return, etc. etc. As a matter of fact, when our kids (16 and up) are away serving in some capacity, or even when our younger kids are out helping with the disability ministry, riding with a friend to drama camp, etc. etc., we always challenge them when they return: Who did you serve? Who did you prefer before yourself? Who did you lift up?

Anyway, Kara is now back home serving those closest to her—and serving in whatever context she finds herself. Her latest “project” includes writing, directing, and starring in a disability drama (The King, the Mountain, and the Love That Moved Them Both based on Luke 14) for our church’s disability awareness Sunday and at One Heart’s (the disability ministry directed by Cami, our third child) Luke 14 banquet. (Read more about these at www.homeschoolblogger.com/relationalhomeschool/593858/.)

Additionally, she is now three months out from receiving her driver’s license, so she is carting the three little boys to play practices, One Heart, ultimate Frisbee days, the movies, McDonald’s, and Wal-mart. The four of them are having a great time—and we are all so happy to have Kara home—being the wonderful, sweet, diligent, responsible, resourceful, serving, loving, kind, wise, deferential, fun, personable, caring, understanding, empathetic eighteen year old that she is—and not just because she won an award!

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