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!
