Before we hopped into the car, I grabbed the mail out of the mailbox and found a large envelope that read: Scholarship Details Enclosed. I stopped in my tracks. We had gotten those envelopes before... from Webster University and from Southeast Missouri State. But this one was different. Victoria had been invited to interview for the Meridian Scholarship at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Originally she had wanted to go to school very far away from home. Anywhere but a college in her own backyard. But God had other plans. Many friends of ours began to campaign for SIUE. Sarah Guild and Jordyn Gehret began to talk to Victoria about what God could do through her at SIUE and what God could do IN her as well. Steve and I didn't have to say a word! We were so glad when she began to like the idea of what we think is a GREAT college with GREAT opportunities for Victoria.
So, we began to pray that God would honor our beautiful, super smart daughter with a full ride at SIUE. Our friends joined us in praying for this blessing - the Meridian Scholarship. 600 students wrote essays. 120 students were invited to interview. 20 would be chosen. We spent a day at SIUE with all the families of the 120 students (36 of whom were valedictorians and salutatorians). Victoria was full of enthusiasm and Steve and I were nervous wrecks! But she shined. Then we waited. We all had a rough week waiting. Patience is difficult! Especially when you have over $65,000 on the line. But we all prayed for God to glorify His name! We prayed for patience, and dependence on Him, and joy no matter the outcome. We always strive to remember that God is Good - period. Good in the blessings and good in the hard things. Graciously God met our need! He provided a way for Victoria to go to a great school and KNOW without a doubt that this is where He wants her to be.
What more could a mom want? My daughter was given a blessing - a chance to go through four years of college without debt! But more importantly, she feels the delight of a God who loves her and she knows the joy of underserved gifts - gifts that cause us to praise Him! Victoria has seen God work in her heart - He brought her desire in line with His. When we worried about money and a zillion other things He provided the way. We kept repeating over the last few weeks that God is God and He does what He pleases. Join us this week as we rejoice that this gift to Victoria is what He pleases!!
All in all this was a perfect day. A restful morning, a miraculous blessing from God, a tear filled lunch date with a husband who loves me, excitement of watching Victoria open her letter, watching Esther hug Victoria while she rejoiced in God (and her gift of prophecy!!) and it even ended with a Kentucky basketball win - which I got to see from beginning to end. Nice!
5 comments:
Lauren, I just joined your blog today. My son was a finalist for the Meridian Scholarship at SIUE this year. I googled the scholarship and discovered your post about your daughter receiving the scholarship in 2011. What a blessing! Well, we just got the letter yesterday informing us that Darrius was selected as a Meridian Scholar this year! God has been so good to my family. Just wanted to touch base and hoping to learn about your church so maybe Darrius will have a good place to visit when he starts SIUE this fall and maybe he will meet Victoria at SIUE. Thanks for your blog and for glorifying God! Your sister in Christ, Donna LaFramboise
Donna, Congratulations!! I will never forget the day when we got that letter. I still want to get up and jump around! We have been so very happy with SIUE. We would love to see Darrius around and help him get connected. But being a mom, I realize that we can have lots of plans like that and our kiddos have their own plans! Know that we are around if he wants to visit or needs anything. Again, congrats! Maybe we'll meet you someday.
Lauren, I found your blog because I did a Google search. My daughter has been invited to interview for the Meridian Scholarship this year. I very much appreciate reading about your experience (and how happy you are with SIUE). Do you have any helpful advice to share? We are Christian homeschoolers who just moved from Illinois (Chicagoland) to Oklahoma. My daughter plans to major in English. It looks like you are a pastor's wife? My husband and I are church musicians. Congratulations to your family on this great honor!
Hello Cheryl. I just saw your post today. Sorry for the delay in responding. I wish that I had advice to give you. We gave our daughter advice for the interview and she ignored it! :) So glad that she did. Instead of trying to impress (our advice) she chose to share her passions and her heart. It was a good choice. Then the name of the game is waiting! That's a rough thing to do. No matter how it turns out for your daughter and the scholarship, SIUE has been a terrific place. We are big fans. The English department has both challenged Victoria and given her space to express herself and her thoughts, ideas and beliefs. Keep us posted about your daughter! We'd love to meet her!
Lauren, I just saw your reply. So now will apologize for the delay! We are still waiting to hear about the Meridian. Wondering if those who didn't receive it will have a way of finding out for sure? The exciting news is that while we were at Meridian Day it was announced that everyone who was there would be receiving a new scholarship called the Provost. Full tuition for four years! That was thrilling, but we are still holding out hope for the Meridian (knowing that it is extremely competitive). My daughter had a great day and felt good about her interview. We were so impressed with the Meridian students we met that day. We will see what happens. . . .
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