Tuesday, April 8, 2014

April 2014 Update

It's been a whirlwind of a year!  I can't believe N is just a short month shy of graduation!  He'll graduate with a 3.5 GPA that is peppered with both good and bad grades.  He ended up getting involved with the Poetry Club, editing an online literary journal, getting several poems published, performing as lead singer with a rock band as well as an a'Capella group, passing several AP tests, and earning an academic scholarship.  He was able to get into the college of his choice.  He has a great group of friends that have gathered him right in.  He is currently applying for additional scholarships, planning his prom date, fighting senioritis, and waiting for his mission call.  He has come so far! 

I am so grateful to many of you readers, as well as all of the parents at Around The Dinner Table for his success and healing.  I'm convinced that N wouldn't be where he is today if it weren't for the loving guidance and support that you have given to us.  He has gone several years now without any problems.  Amazing!

About his mission:  In order to apply as a missionary, he had to have extensive doctor and dental visits as well as extensive documentation of his anorexia.  Most missionaries are able to quickly check off a form indicating that they are healthy and well.  But because of N's history, we also had to fill out pages and pages of information about the anorexia, depression, OCD and anxiety.  His doctor indicated that he didn't think N's past struggles with anorexia would prevent him from being fully able to serve.  So a little more than two weeks ago, those mission papers were turned in. 

That means sometime this summer, N will leave home for two years.  He'll be able to call home only four times during those two years, but he will be able to email weekly.  There will be medical staff and supervision who are aware of N's past issues.  He'll have a companion that will always be with him - even for meals.  So if there are issues, we should know about them quickly.  And if it's too much stress or if the anxiety returns, he'll come home.  You can imagine that we'll be missing him and praying like crazy.  He'll miss us, I'm sure.  But he will be busy serving others and teaching about Jesus Christ.  He could go anywhere in the world.  We're going crazy waiting to find out where.

His call could come tomorrow -- or in a week.  I'll post when I know. 

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