The time has come that Gracie has decided on a home for the next 4 years....It is Union University and we could not be happier with her choice.

She and I visited Union in September and we both knew then that this was a very special place. Of all the colleges we were able to visit or learn about, Union impressed us a lot from the beginning. It is truly a Christ centered university...not in name only, but in reality. That means something. Some schools we learned about said they were Christ centered, but there was little evidence to support that statement. The exception to that was the Master's College, which we would have loved for Gracie, but she decided against that one because of the distance. Plus, her daddy decided it was too far away for his little girl. I agreed. The distance was something we considered because Mike plans on being very involved in any future relationship with a young man that may happen in the years to come. Union is close enough for us to get there for a weekend and she can come home anytime as well. The academics look outstanding at Union as well and we look forward to see how this school equips Gracie to make a difference in the world around her.

One of the main aspects of this university that we like is that the philosophy of everything that is learned must be integrated with Christianity...the only way to see the world clearly is to see it through the lens of Christianity. Everything without Christ is futile. We could not agree more. This will only enhance her worldview and confirm what she has learned in our home and our church. A perfect fit in every way.

Gracie was recently invited to the scholar's weekend at Union and our whole family went. Mike and I attended a nice dinner that first night where we heard President David Dockery speak so well about the mission of the school. Since Mike had not visited Union yet, he was very impressed with what he heard. We also ran into a couple of families that Gracie and I had met that weekend in September, which was so nice. It is always good to see some familiar faces...and make some new friendships along the way!

On Saturday, Gracie was interviewed 3 times...once in a group on current events, once in a group on a book they were assigned to read, and one private interview with three professors. I really appreciate all the time and preparation that goes into this weekend--it is truly a big event and it all went very smoothly and was such a blessing for us in a lot of ways. For example, the University provided child care and pizza for our other children during the Friday night banquet--that was so helpful. They thought of everything.

We visited a wonderful church while there...a smaller church than what she is used to, but it felt warm and family-like and we really appreciated the teaching and focus of the church's ministry. I'm sure Gracie will visit a few others before making a decision, but it was comforting to know that this church was very like minded with our church.

Gracie received a phone call about a week and a half later to let her know that she had received the Provost scholarship...FULL TUITION! We are blessed beyond measure and we know that God is the giver of all good gifts. Although our family knows how hard she has worked for this, ultimately, we all acknowledge that it is the Lord who we boast in...and who we place our trust in. He has provided a way for her to go to this school and we are so undeserving of His kindness. This is one of those days when I can say "the sun is shining down on me...when the world is all that it should be", but we want to always remember that we will bless His name if He chooses to give or to take away. Blessed be His name in all things.

Gracie, congratulations! We love you so much!