Football send off

Playing through Thanksgiving meant we were not very focused on food but rather, preparing our hearts, fields, and family for the weekend trip to the championship game. The town again did a nice loud send- off for the travel bus. The new firetruck and ambulance along with a police escort and a few cars of family and cheerleaders escorted the players out of town. 

I love this sign by the Schaffer family. Their son is an up-and-coming dynamo. On the back of the football stadium is a list of the years that won a state championship, hence the reference. 

Our signs were a little less creative but made nonetheless. Andrea was not so sure of the noise level. I was very worried this morning and it was all I could do to scrape out of the house because of nerves. Mark was moved to the center and I was split worried about him doing that well enough and my whole family's health and well-being for the day. After much praying and pleading with God, and a small nap I settled into peace and got through the hours before the game. First stop, cheering on the team before they rolled out of town. We got to the high school right before the bus pulled out. I hugged Mark and told him to be smart and we loved him. Then we headed to the street to hold our signs and cheer. 

Other families joined us as well. 

This sign says get er done son. 

Cold and yet hopeful we headed home our prayers in place and our plans shaping up for how we would approach the championship game. Addie and Reed spent another day building fence as fast as they could. I watered cows and did laundry. The other kids played with cousins at grandmas. Anna cooked some lunches for Greg and a neighbor. Mark practiced and had a good dinner at olive garden. They went to bed early and prepared for the next day. 
 

I was actually thankful for the nervous experience as I told Mark I prayed he too would settle into the peace of God and be able to play his best. Those prayers were answered. And his advice to his teammates was turn it over to God. That they can wrestle with Him about why it turned out as it did. I'm thankful for Mark's faith and the lessons I learn to share with my children.