An Open Letter To Our Daughter

Our 19-yr-old daughter Bronia leaves for a six-month volunteering opportunity in England, in 11 days. My breath leaves me sometimes when I think about it.  Here are some of my thoughts about her leaving.

Dear Bronia,

It’s here. The time has come.  Even though you’ve said for years you would stay home until you married, inside your dad and I knew that sooner or later, an opportunity would come along for you that would take you away from us.  And here you are, moving to the UK for an exciting adventure.

First, you should know that your dad and I are so happy and excited about this opportunity for you. It suits you to a “T”. When we left home as teens, we didn’t think twice (or even once for that matter) of what was going on back home, or how our parents were handling our departure.  We just left, excited about the future.  And that’s as it should be.  We can see God’s hand in orchestrating this, and we’re thrilled to see you taking this step.

Leaving and “finding yourself” is what becoming an adult is all about.  But make no mistake.  You won’t “find yourself” in England any more than you would if you had stayed home with us.  “Finding yourself” is so much more than a singular experience or trip abroad or a moment in time.  While God can use those big moments, it’s really in the day to day submitting thankfully to His will where we truly find ourselves. We find our true selves only in HIM.

We “find ourselves” when we look for opportunities to use our giftings, talents, and desires to serve the Lord. Sometimes those opportunities pay us, but often real opportunities to serve, lack funding. And that’s OK. We know WHO will be taking care of this endeavor.

We are proud of you. So proud. We are proud that you are choosing to do something that is way beyond your comfort zone. You are choosing to trust God for your future, and that immediate future is taking you to England, away from your family, your church, your culture, and everything that is familiar to you.

Be brave. Be fierce. Be strong. Choose love, not fear.

As much as we would want to shield you from difficulties, we know we can’t.  And that’s a good thing.  Because if we could make all your paths straight and smooth, we would be short-changing all that God does in the midst of struggles. And we don’t want to get in the way of what God wants to do in your life. We want Him to do what HE does best.  Mold you into the image of His glorious Son, Jesus.

So, your brothers say you’ll find a husband in England. Others say you’ll find yourself. We pray that you’ll find God faithful.  Because we have.  And He is glorious.