Chautauqua, The Home Stretch

This journey began with an audition in Chicago - one she attended really with only the expectation of gaining audition experience.  The competition was steep.  We never really entertained the thought that she might get accepted into the 5-week, intensive training program with some of the best ballet teachers in the country. 

But she did.

Then the doubts: can I really do this?  Can I be away from home for such a long time?  Can I handle the training?

But we prayed, her dear grandparents offered assistance, and she made the leap.  

So, here we are, at the end, with only a few days plus 2 big performances left. And she has done it.

We've learned that God sometimes places us in situations where we never dreamed we'd be.  She has learned that she can go to a strange place where she knows no one, and she can survive...  Indeed, she can thrive.  

She has learned that sometimes God works in very mysterious ways, allows experiences sometimes unpleasant, to help us grow.  Two years ago, in the throes of yet undiagnosed food allergies and the anxiety that exacerbated and was exacerbated by that illness, I started seeking out alternatives to her ballet training situation.  We didn't really understand why she was feeling so bad at the time, but we knew something needed to change.  And change is hard, hard, hard, but we ended up in the loveliest of ballet schools where she and 2 of her siblings are exceedingly happy.  

Last week, this child who struggled so to find peace in all that sickness and upheaval was able to express gratitude for all of it, that it led to her new school, new friends, and kind teachers who encourage their students to pursue opportunities such as the one she's had this summer.  

Dear child of mine, we are so proud of you for overcoming your fears and stretching yourself to go into the unknown.  While you've certainly grown as a dancer, you've also learned some important life lessons about challenge, perseverance, and staying close to our Heavenly Father wherever you are.

You've muscled through some homesickness, self doubt, and sore legs 😊.  You've marched into class every day for the last 4 1/2 weeks with your head held high even when you really needed 2 more hours of sleep.  You have done it. 

We can't wait to see you on the stage.