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You are here: Home / Compassion / Ready or not, Ecuador. Here we come.

Ready or not, Ecuador. Here we come.

November 7, 2011 ·

All I know is it’s a good thing I got an extra hour this weekend because I needed it. Because even with the addition of the extra hour, I still feel like I am just barely getting everything done I need to do before I leave San Antonio at 10:30 Monday morning on a flight to Dallas. And then a flight to Miami. And then a flight to Quito, Ecuador.

It didn’t help that I spent a lot of Sunday afternoon taking Caroline and her friend Gabi to watch the Aggie women’s soccer team win the Big XII Championship, but it was so worth it. And then I rushed back home to discover thankfully that P had ordered pizza for dinner. But then I still cooked a chicken and wild rice casserole and a lasagna because I don’t want my people to starve while I’m away. I also made homemade blueberry muffins.

I never make homemade blueberry muffins.

Which is why P walked in the kitchen a little while ago and asked, “Why are you making muffins?” And I said, “So y’all will have something to eat for breakfast while I’m gone. Apparently I care more about that when I’m in Ecuador than I do when I’m actually here and could, you know, cook breakfast.”

And he just left the room, shaking his head. I can’t explain why leaving the country makes me feel the need to provide baked goods for my family. Maybe so if something happens to me they’ll have short term memory and say, “MAN, remember how she used to make those delicious homemade muffins all the time?”

In truth, it’s probably a little nervous energy that I’m trying to burn. My suitcases (Yes, TWO. This is very strategic because I found out that you’re charged $100 for a bag over 50 pounds, but only $30 for an extra bag.) are mostly packed with the exception of my rainforest clothes that are still drying after P doused them in what I hope was plenty of mosquito spray. I have a backpack full of granola bars and a book to read and a change of clothes in case my suitcases don’t make it. I even have a travel toothbrush in a special case. I’m very fancy.

But I don’t like leaving my people. Not even for cool trips to Ecuador with people I love. Not even when I know without a doubt that God has called me to go. I am a homebody. Not to be confused with a homeboy. Even though maybe somewhere, somehow I might be someone’s homeboy.

I like my house, I like my bed, I like my Mexican food, I like to take Caroline to school every morning and pick her up every afternoon. I like to be able to call Gulley every five minutes if I want to and I like to see P walk through the back door at the end of the day.

So why am I going? Because when I went to the Dominican Republic with Compassion three years ago, it changed me forever. It made me look outside my comfortable little world to a world where kids don’t have beds or enough to eat or clean water to drink and the amazing way Compassion is stepping in to change lives. And going to Ecuador gives me a way to help with that. It’s not much. A few words on a computer screen and a week of my time, but it’s something.

And, truthfully, I’m excited about getting to spend time with some of my favorite people even though we will be in canoes and among snakes and possibly a marauding band of free-range monkeys. I don’t have the-meeting-new-people-anxiety I had before I went on the trip to the Dominican. These are people who (mostly) know me and I know that I am going to laugh and cry with them a lot over the next five days. And I can’t wait to read Ann Voskamp’s first post that will probably say something incredibly eloquent and poetic about how “dappled sunlight moves through the trees, stirring soul and lighting the way to gratitude to our God for all his gifts”.

Meanwhile, I’ll be here writing, “Y’ALL. A SNAKE FELL IN OUR CANOE AND I YELLED A BAD WORD IN FRONT OF ANN VOSKAMP.”

But I’m also not naive like I was the last time I left to go on a trip with Compassion. I know at least some of what I’m going to see and I know it’s going to break my heart. I know there will be children I wish I could pack up and bring home with me. I know there will be living conditions I can’t imagine and I know I will be wrecked by both what I see and fresh realization at my own poverty of spirit. I’ll be challenged by the contentment they have while living next to the city dump and why I often struggle with contentment while I live a comfortable middle class existence filled with luxuries they can’t imagine, like water straight from the tap. I know I’ll come home changed and with a piece of my heart gone forever to Ecuador.

And that makes a part of me start to ache even as I sit here on my couch and have yet to set foot in another country.

So I hope y’all will join me for my trip this week. I’ll be posting here every single day and doing my best to tell y’all what we’re doing and what we’re seeing. The good, the bad, the incredibly humbling, the free range monkeys. I can’t thank you enough for all your prayers. I know for all of us going this week that our biggest prayer is that God would use our words to inspire others to sponsor a child (or children!) through Compassion.

And if you could also pray for safety while we travel, health for us and those we love at home, and that no snakes fall in our canoe? Well that would be great, too.

You can follow along with all of us by clicking on the Compassion Bloggers Ecuador page.

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  1. Susan

    November 7, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Good Morning from over here – well, I’m really looking forward to reading all about your trip. I think it would be hilarious if your first day you spoke of the dappled sunlight and that we find out that Ann V. uttered a bad word when she saw a big spider – or something along those lines!

    I’m feeling very warm and mushy about this trip because it was through Ann’s blog on her earlier Compassion trip that I first learned about bloggers supporting this great cause through their words. Heck, I didn’t even know Shawn Groves was a blogger! I know that the Lord will use you all in a beautiful way.

    I add my prayers to all the others being offered up for safe journeys and wonderful experiences. And health. God bless.

  2. Jodi

    November 7, 2011 at 12:57 am

    I’ll be following along just waiting to hear about the snakes or lack thereof! Honestly, so excited for you and the other bloggers – travel safe. I’ll say a special prayer that no swear words come out in front of Ann too πŸ™‚

  3. Leigh

    November 7, 2011 at 1:27 am

    Praying for you, Melanie. Thank you for being obedient to God’s call. We will all be challenged to examine our lives, too, as we read your reports.

    I also expect to laugh a good bit too as you and Sophie relate your experiences as only y’all can!

    God bless you as you travel and may He keep you and yours safe and well.

  4. MarytheKay

    November 7, 2011 at 1:42 am

    I will be praying!!! And I can’t wait for the daily updates. Please don’t take this the wrong way…but I am really hoping for some free-range monkeys to be part of at least one update… But, I WILL pray that the free-range monkeys will be of the friendliest sort.

  5. CauphyP

    November 7, 2011 at 3:03 am

    May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and the others as you make this trip, in faith, to Ecuador. May He give you peace and watch over your family while you’re away. Fair winds and following seas!

    • andrea

      November 7, 2011 at 7:44 am

      LOVE THIS AND ILL SAY AMEN TO IT!

      PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU!

  6. sl

    November 7, 2011 at 4:05 am

    Praying for you while on your trip. Praying for the ones you leave behind. What stories you will to tell Carolina when you get home.

  7. Jayne Cash

    November 7, 2011 at 5:20 am

    I can relate to your thoughts and emotions. I remember a similar experience when I journeyed halfway around the world to Central Asia to take the gospel and gifts to orphans with a group of ladies I mostly did not know. I almost gave in to the meeting-new-people-and-stepping-outside-my-comfort-zone-anxiety. So glad that I didn’t. It was a life-changing experience. I will be praying!

  8. Deidre

    November 7, 2011 at 5:41 am

    I woke this morning thinking of all of you. I will absolutey be praying for you and everyone involved. Remember, C & P would think snakes were the coolest part of the trip, so maybe God will give you those as a reminder of home πŸ™‚ (Totally kidding – I pray that is not the case at all!)

    Can’t wait to read your updates! So proud of all of you.

  9. Trinna

    November 7, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I’ll be praying for you and all those you meet. Can’t wait to read about it!

  10. Sue

    November 7, 2011 at 6:29 am

    Love you girl, you are in my prayers. I’ll be stalking your twitter.

    Sue

  11. fuzzytop

    November 7, 2011 at 6:51 am

    We will be praying for you!
    Adrienne

  12. [email protected]

    November 7, 2011 at 6:53 am

    I am so excited for you, Melanie, and I can’t wait to hear all about the trip. Someday I would LOVE to meet my Compassion child, Rafael, in El Salvador.

  13. nlynch

    November 7, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Praying for you and your group.
    I would LOVE to meet my Compassion child, Esther, who lives in Ecuador.
    For safety’s sake, I don’t think you and Boo should share the same canoe! I am picturing much laughter and possible tip overs!!

  14. Amanda @ Serenity Now

    November 7, 2011 at 7:41 am

    I thought about you yesterday as my girls and I picked out things for our Operation Christmas Child shoebox. We found a video online too for them to see the kinds of places those shoeboxes will go. I can’t imagine seeing that firsthand. It broke my heart to hear the little boy saying how much he hoped his box would have school supplies. And my girls and their friends are asking for Barbies, DVDs, etc. Makes me more grateful for what we have and more aware of what’s going on in the world around us.

    I am looking forward to reading your words this week, even if you say a bad one in front of Ann Voskamp.

  15. Pam

    November 7, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Peace be with you

  16. Katie

    November 7, 2011 at 8:04 am

    I will be praying for you all this week and for the lives Compassion is touching! And trust me, we are all looking forward to your posts about this adventure! But here’s hoping, no snakes in the boat.

  17. Fran

    November 7, 2011 at 8:13 am

    So so proud of what y’all are doing through this trip!! Absolutely praying for you!

  18. Jenn

    November 7, 2011 at 8:22 am

    I’ll be covering you in prayer this week. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to His precious children that you’ll meet.

  19. Julianne

    November 7, 2011 at 8:23 am

    β€œY’ALL. A SNAKE FELL IN OUR CANOE AND I YELLED A BAD WORD IN FRONT OF ANN VOSKAMP.”

    You got me again with the coffee on the keyboard. Too, too funny.

    In all seriousness, I consider it an honor to pray for all y’all and your families as you seek to serve and bring attention to this amazing cause. Blessings.

  20. tiabennett

    November 7, 2011 at 8:26 am

    I have to laugh! I feel like 4 of my good friends are going on a trip together. Odd thing is, I haven’t met a one of you, but read about your lives every day!
    So thankful for trips like this, I hope it encourages more people to go and see and love on kiddos all over the world.
    I just returned from Haiti a few weeks ago, and it was my most heart wrenching trip ( I have been to El Salvador, Costa Rica etc.). My heart is still there and completely broken. I think God likes it like that!
    Thanks for being willing and listening to God’s call for your travels. May He bless you richly in Ecuador! Can’t wait to hear about you, Sophie, Ann and Kelly’s trip.

  21. AmyB

    November 7, 2011 at 8:27 am

    I just got back two weeks ago from my first foreign mission trip, working with children in Guatemala. I know the anxiety of leaving your comfort zone and family behind and spent most of my week battling homesickness – and the comforts-of-homesickness. I decided I’m pretty much the most terrible missionary every! I will be praying for a great, snake-free week for you.

  22. Marcela

    November 7, 2011 at 8:36 am

    Safe travels and snake-free canoes! Can’t wait to keep up with your trip on the blog.

    πŸ™‚ marcela

  23. Terry

    November 7, 2011 at 8:36 am

    Praying the Lord’s protection (Psalm 121) and provision over you and your travel team! May the peace of the Lord be with you as you prepare for departure. Godspeed!!!

  24. Debbie

    November 7, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I, too, have already prayed for you and will continue to pray. You are a vessel of the Living God and will be poured out to a part of the world that is set apart. I believe that God has prepared that part of the world to receive Himself through you. Carry on Faithful One! And we all will be waiting for that first awesome post from the rainforest! Go God!

  25. Marla Taviano

    November 7, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I think you and Ann should trade blogs for a day and see if anyone notices. I love you, friend, and I’m praying your heart will be able to handle all you see and experience. Do your best not to feel guilty–just so thankful that God has given you a way to make a difference for his precious children in Ecuador.

    • Joy @ Joy In This Journey

      November 8, 2011 at 5:31 pm

      That is a hilarious and ingenious idea! Everyone trade blogs and have readers guess who wrote which post!

  26. Lauren

    November 7, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Praying for you and your peeps back home while you are gone. I think God is already working through you, just in your courage and willingness to say yes to Him. πŸ™‚

  27. Angie

    November 7, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Praying for you all! God is going to do great things through you!!

    And I will laugh and laugh if you say a potty word in front of Ann πŸ™‚

  28. Morgan

    November 7, 2011 at 9:22 am

    You are doing a world of good with Compassion. My husband has sponsored a Compassion child longer than he and I have been married, or even dating. So I am so happy for you to go and see what the rest of us can only imagine when we send our monthly donations.

    And on a completely different and far less important topic, my Tigers will be seeing your Aggies in the SEC!. Mixed emotions on that issue, but at least their will be one familiar foe!

  29. wanda

    November 7, 2011 at 9:34 am

    I’m so excited (jealous too) that you’re [once again] getting to go with Compassion. I would love to experience such a trip myself.
    Speaking for ME here–I’ll be waiting for all the updates along the way.
    May God keep you safe and touch your heart forever through this trip!
    Praying for you & the family you’re leaving behind. Have fun too!

    Be the hands & feet, friend.

  30. Erin Seaman

    November 7, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Totally praying grace for y’all and your families as you go to touch the lives of others and their families. May God richly bless you as you bless others, may He be glorified in and through you, may His light shine brightly on you, may others see the love of Jesus in your face.

  31. Colorado

    November 7, 2011 at 9:40 am

    All the above! Thank you for being Christ’s hands extended.

  32. Jennifer

    November 7, 2011 at 9:58 am

    How wonderful that you are able to be used by God on another trip with Compassion! I will be praying that you are able to minister God’s love to the people of Ecuador, and also that God will work in YOUR heart, that this trip will change you in unforeseen ways, and that you will know God’s all-surpassing grace in a very real and personal way!

    And I think it is wonderful that you are providing for your family while you will be away. Nothing says “mom loves you” like a warm blueberry muffin πŸ™‚

  33. Lisa

    November 7, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Have a fabulous time. You are heeding God’s call. I know you love your people but they will be fine and will be thrilled to see you and hear about your adventure.
    Love the example you are setting for Caroline too.
    Praying for a safe trip and a safe return that includes Mexican food and no free range monkeys.

  34. Melanie

    November 7, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Travel safely! May your tip fill your heart to the rim!!!

  35. Jess

    November 7, 2011 at 10:08 am

    I couldn’t sleep last night and prayed for safety and God’s provision for you ladies. Shawn has seriously taken all of my favorite bloggers and hoisted them into canoes. I can’t wait to follow on your journey and pray for you along the way.

  36. Melanie

    November 7, 2011 at 10:08 am

    May your TRIP- your TRIP fill your heart to the rim!!

  37. Jackie

    November 7, 2011 at 10:10 am

    How is it you have already have me cracking up then have tears knowing the post that will come and the compassion you and the others will have for all of these people.

    Prayers are the least I can do. I will be praying in agreement with all of your requests. Even the snake staying out of the canoe. haha

    Looking forward to your take on this new adventure. Just think, one day you will be able to take your baby girl to these places and teach her something very speacial.

    Prying you will be blessed beyond measure.
    Jackie

  38. Crogers

    November 7, 2011 at 11:20 am

    I will be praying for y’all and praying no serpents shall fall upon or near you. I want you to know that u have taught me a valuable lesson today: do not read Big Mama in the waiting room of the car dealership from your iPhone. I look like a crazy person laughing to myself.

  39. Karen

    November 7, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Praying a snake doesn’t drop into your canoe so you don’t say a bad word in front of Ann Voskamp!!!

  40. Alyson

    November 7, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Girl, I love you and I love the way you “speak” to us on your blog. For me, it’s understandable and not floating over my head! I pray for you and your team in Ecuador and for your family while you are away. I know God will be with ALL of you and keep you healthy and safe.

  41. Emily

    November 7, 2011 at 11:50 am

    I wish a movie crew was going with you guys! This would be the reality show I would watch! Much love and prayers with you all during this amazing and exciting trip!

  42. JulieInMI

    November 7, 2011 at 11:51 am

    I’ll be thinking about ya’ll and wishing the very best. Cna’t wait for the daily posts from Big and Boo!! Have a rewarding time in Ecuador!!

  43. Darla Baerg

    November 7, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    The Ann Voskamp post vs. yours made me laugh out loud. SO funny.

    Praying y’all have a great trip.

  44. mk

    November 7, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    Safe travels!

    And thank you for not mentioning that football game…you know the one…

  45. deborah

    November 7, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Compassion is an awesome program. I’m glad you are able to go and bless others.

  46. kristen

    November 7, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    praying for you and yours, miss melanie!

  47. Stacy

    November 7, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    That would also be my biggest fear-not the snake falling into the boat, but cussing in front of Ann! I love it!

    I will be following everyone’s blog this week and praying for all of you! I am looking forward to blog updates and seeing everyone’s unique perspectives!

  48. gb

    November 7, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    Prayers up. Safety, health, and that God grants you all the ability to do the most good you possibly can…and then gets you safely home to your families.

    Wishing you love and peace on your mission.

  49. Pamtastic

    November 7, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    You’re doing good work! Feel proud…wishing you love & light πŸ™‚

  50. Melissa H.

    November 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Can’t wait for the updates!

  51. Katie of Cabbage Ranch

    November 7, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    Some of us like both Ann’s posts and yours equally. It makes for balance, and there’s room for both in the metaphorical blogging canoe… there is not, however, room for snakes. Good luck (with the wildlife)!

  52. Dionna

    November 7, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Melanie – We love you just the way you are. No need to write any other way than the way you see fit!

    I can relate to so much of what you said. I hate leaving my family. That’s why we started bringing our kids on the mission field with us! Hey – there’s an idea – Compassion! Bring bloggers & their families! Experiencing it all together – well, I just can’t explain it. It’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done as a parent.

    And I hate snakes too. Especially tropical/jungley ones. πŸ™‚

    Can’t wait to hear about your trip.

  53. Susan

    November 7, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Safe travels, Melanie, safe travels.

  54. Jessie G

    November 7, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Have an amazing trip. Will be praying for your whole group. May you be covered by God’s grace and not by His creatures. And the Ann Voskamp thing? Still giggling about it. I think you should plan in an advance the bad word you’re gonna use. You know, just to be sure it isn’t too naughty.

  55. Michele

    November 7, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Blessings to you and the team. You are in my prayers.

  56. Brooke

    November 7, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Will be praying for you and for your family all week…and look forward to reading about your journey…

  57. Benae

    November 7, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I’m praying for safe travel today. And also, I cannot WAIT for this week’s posts, with so many of favorite bloggers in the same jungle together!

  58. Alyssa

    November 7, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    So jealous of your trip! I have been wanting to go on a missions trip for years! You will be so blessed by it, as you already know!

  59. Alyssa

    November 7, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Wow, just noticed I was loving the “!” in my comment haha.

  60. pendy

    November 7, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    So looking forward to reading everyone’s impressions and in prayer that people will be moved to sponsor a child. Safe travels….and you and Sophie stay away from the snakes!

  61. Becca

    November 7, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    I’m praying for your trip, and cant wait to hear all about it! πŸ™‚ And for the record, I think you’re a beautiful and eloquent writer too (plus you can make me laugh – so bonus!)

  62. Whittney

    November 7, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    “Meanwhile, I’ll be here writing, β€œY’ALL. A SNAKE FELL IN OUR CANOE AND I YELLED A BAD WORD IN FRONT OF ANN VOSKAMP.”

    I’m new here but am following you all this week….THIS.CRACKED.ME.UP! Hope you all have a blessed trip!

  63. Shelly the Chic Crafty Chick

    November 7, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    I’m so excited to hear you will get to blog while you are away on your trip. I’m praying for all of you that you have traveling mercies and that the Lord will bless you and those you meet. And I’m praying that you don’t have an Indiana Jones moment with any snakes. Yikes!

  64. Mary Beth

    November 7, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    Many, many prayers this week. May you be blessed and be a blessing. I know you will bless me! I can’t wait to read all about it!

  65. An Island Mom

    November 7, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Still laughing about the snake in canoe/bad word scenario, and can definitely relate. My prayers are certainly with y’all.

  66. Christina

    November 7, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    I have been thinking about you guys all day. Praying for all of it.
    You can make me laugh out loud and then cry within four sentences. You are an amazing writer!! I am so glad God is using your talents for his Kingdom and ministry! Blessings!

  67. Casey

    November 8, 2011 at 12:57 am

    I know what you mean about baking muffins and such, I had so fully prepared for my family on a trip to Brazil that I totally forgot to pack things for myself. Like towels, socks, phone chargers etc. However, each kid had a good morning, good night note and my husband had a color coded schedule for each day I was gone. I left hearts all over the house for my peeps as a surprise kiss. I am praying you all have a fantastic time and you don’t yell bad words in front of Ann…although she can somehow make even that sound flowery and eloquent. lol

  68. Maria

    November 8, 2011 at 3:01 am

    Just don’t be over worried about things that might or might not happen. Enjoy your adventure and bring back a whole new fantastic experience.

  69. Jennifer

    November 8, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    I’m new here~ I wait to read more!!

  70. Dana

    November 8, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Praying for you and the team. Especially that you won’t cuss in front of Ann!
    LOVE IT!

  71. Joy @ Joy In This Journey

    November 8, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    I’m so looking forward to your trip posts. Love your humor. πŸ™‚

  72. Shellie Paparazzo

    November 8, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    You know, all that stuff you said Ann Voskamp would be writing? It all got jumbled in my brain and I read, “blah, blah, blah, doesn’t it sound beautiful. What was her point?” However, “Y’ALL. A SNAKE FELL IN OUR CANOE…” that part I understood perfectly! You speak my language! I’m sure Ann Voskamp speaks someone’s language, but it obviously ain’t mine! So, I’ll mostly be reading your posts!

  73. Alicia

    November 8, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Wow! What an amazing opportunity to glorify God in a country that abounds with beauty. I spent a semester in Ecuador while in college and it was a life changing trip. The people are hospitable, generous, and amazing. The countryside is breathtaking…waterfalls, lush hillsides, and the highest active volcano in the world (Cotapaxi). Blessings to you…oh, and guinea pig isn’t so bad, although it is a bit startling to see it skewered and roasted on a street vendors cart.

  74. Sarah

    November 9, 2011 at 10:46 am

    it’s ironic to me that you used the example of a snake falling in your canoe and you yelling a bad word since this past weekend i took a visit to your little part of the world (corpus christi, tx) for a wedding and during the reception a seagull dropped a SNAKE TWO FEET FROM MY TABLE.

    so, if that doesn’t happen to you whilst you are canoeing in the Amazon, may I suggest a quick trip to the seashore when you arrive home, just so you can round out your life experiences?

    oh and that was my first trip to texas. i’m not really over it yet.

  75. Denise D.

    November 12, 2011 at 10:52 am

    I may have literally laughed right out loud with your β€œY’ALL. A SNAKE FELL IN OUR CANOE AND I YELLED A BAD WORD IN FRONT OF ANN VOSKAMP.”

    Yup, you and me, we are for sure separated sisters.

    I have been known to make meals if I’m leaving too. You want them to remember your blueberry muffins if you are gone!

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Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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Like life, soccer has been filled with highs and lows. Victory and defeat. ⁣
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Caroline, soccer has developed your strong will, your character and your tenacity. It’s taught you to get back up when you’re knocked down. It’s taught you to be a leader on and off the field. It’s made you better, stronger, and more resilient than you’d have been without it. It’s given us car rides to games and practices that are some of my favorite memories. ⁣
⁣
Your senior season was the one I wasn’t sure would even happen. Between a pandemic and lingering injuries, I went into this year knowing each moment was a gift. ⁣
⁣
You’ve known for a while now that you were ready for a new season of life that doesn’t involve soccer. And the beauty of God bringing one season to an end is that He’s bringing a new one to life. I look at you and know the possibilities of what you’ll do next are endless because you listen for God’s voice and follow where He leads. Dad and I can’t wait to cheer you on in new fields and adventures. ⁣
⁣
In the words of Winnie the Pooh, β€œHow lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?” πŸ’™βš½οΈπŸ’›
⁣
Photos by @doubllel
Last night was Senior Night for soccer. Alamo Heig Last night was Senior Night for soccer. Alamo Heights won 5-1 but the real win was that I managed not to cry. Caroline asked me before it began if I was going to cry and I told her there was a 72% chance I could hold it together. β£πŸ’™
⁣
(In fairness I did get teary earlier that afternoon and about ten minutes before we walked on the field)⁣
⁣
Having a senior is a weird mix of emotions. I know I’m going to miss her like crazy, but there’s also a bigger part of me that sees how ready she is to go. She’s ready for new adventures and new beginnings and I want those things for her. β£πŸ’›
⁣
I know from our brief tenure of owning hermit crabs that they eventually outgrow their shell and go in search of a new, bigger shell. I’m not sure why my mind goes to hermit crabs for parenting analogies, but that’s what this is like. She’s outgrown her shell and is ready for a bigger space with more room to move and grow. β£πŸ’™
⁣
It’s this weird dichotomy of being sad to see the beginning of the end and being so excited for what she has ahead. As C.S. Lewis said β€œThere are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind”. β£πŸ’›
⁣
Photo by Mary Candee
I know I’ve over posted but two snow days in one I know I’ve over posted but two snow days in one week is truly a once  in a lifetime event. ❄️
I have to say it’s been snow fun and a week off school  and getting to share this with Caroline, knowing her time at home is coming to an end, feels like the most gracious of gifts. β„οΈπŸ’™β„οΈ
#onthebrightside #snovid21
I promise I’ll stop with all the snow pictures ( I promise I’ll stop with all the snow pictures (maybe) but Caroline and I started off our day determined to build a snowman. We found out it’s harder than it seems, especially because our snow was so powdery. ❄️⁣
⁣
But we persisted. Or rather we waited until late this afternoon when the snow was a little easier to pack. ⁣
⁣
And we were more proud of this modest little Aggie snowman than I really should admit. What she lacks in structure, she makes up for it in heart and Aggie spirit. 
πŸ‘πŸ»β„οΈπŸ’™

The Latest on Twitter

Melanie Shankle@BigMama·

It’s been a heck of a ride. πŸ’™βš½οΈ

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Alamo Heights Soccer@AHgirlsSoccer·

AH lady Mules Soccer will take the field against Cedar Park in round 1 of the playoffs tonight. Come out to Orem Stadium at 7:00pm to show your support for the Blue and Gold!!! 🐴 πŸ†™

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