The blessing of driving to Midland

In 8th grade, my youngest daughter asked to changed to a different school.  Our oldest daughter started Kindergarden in 1989 at a private Christian K-12 school and we had been very happy at this school (both academically and spiritually).  Our oldest and middle daughters spent their entire education there, so when Audrianna came and asked to change schools, it was not in my plans.  I remember thinking that “We are a Christian School Family and this is what we are committed to”,  also that I was on the downhill slide of her education and I did not want something unfamiliar.  But, the Lord revealed to both her Dad and I that Audrianna was indeed being called to the new Performing Arts Charter School which was 30 minutes away from our home (did I mention that the Christian School was only 10 minutes away?).

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

As we arranged for her transfer to this school, I made the statement that she would have to ride the bus no matter how long it took.  A long bus ride was the price she was going to have to pay for this new school and she did ride it (without compliants) for several years.  This year, however the bus company did not want to pick her up at the old bus stop and changed the stop to 15 minutes away from our home.  Although I tried,  I never did come to a agreement with the bus company and so I drove Audrianna to school both ways all year (an hour in the morning and afternoon).  Yes, I know what I had had said about not driving her to her school and yes, I had to swallow my pride and admit (once again) that I should “never say never.”

But I want you to know that God turned those miles and hours of traveling back and forth to Audrianna’s School into wonderful times of talking, laughing, praying and spending time with each other.  This has been a busy senior year for Audrianna with school, work, and church activities and often our travel time was the only time we had together each day.  We learned a lot about each other as we shared the activities of our days.  There were  many days of listening to Focus on the Family on the way home which sparked great discussions.  We had lots of funny jokes about what we saw each day along the way (did I mention that we passed a nuclear power plant each way).  Most of all, I learned to value these moments in the car each day with Audrianna.  Next year, she will be 9 hours away in downtown Chicago (at Moody Bible Institute) – and our daily trips to Midland will not occur.  Now I am so glad that God called me to be her “school bus driver” this year.

Welcome to Midland Sign – Audrianna actually planted this garden to help raise drug awareness (I named it the drug proof garden – I am sure that these plants have stopped many from taking drugs).

As I tried to work with the bus company, I told the coordinator that I was enjoying my travel time with Audrianna each day and his reply was that he wished he could go back and take his kids to school again.  That was a recognizable moment for me and the moment that I fully accepted the job.  I do not regret the time, miles or money I spent to take her to school – I am actually thankful I could do this important job.

Moms, I want to encourage you that your kids are not a frustration when they get in the way of your plans.  They are such a blessing and sometimes your plans (and statements) will be changed because of them.  I write and talk that my greatest life blessing has been to be a Mom, but my selfishness is still to do my own desires.  I had no desire to drive 2 hours in the car every school day this year – but it became a wonderful blessing that I am now thankful for now.

Beaver Valley Nuclear Generating Plant

A month before Audrianna graduated, I started taking photos of the sites we saw each day as we drove to her school in Midland.  (yes, I did look crazy stopping my car and taking photos of bridges, signs, nuclear plants and flower  beds)  On her graduation day, I gave her a little flip book with the photos along with a card encouraging  her to be flexible to allow God to change her plans.   My number one calling this past year has been to drive my daughter to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA each day.  God only called me and I will be forever thankful that He did.

I love you Audrianna and will miss our trips to Midland next year.  I am thankful for each and every ride to and from Midland this year with you!

The Beaver River & Bridge