The Gift of Wings {Zachary in California}

Sehome High School swim team trains at Belmont Plaza, Long Beach, California.

If you know me, you understand that sending Zachary off for a week of training and fun in California with the local public high school swim team is somewhat of a stretch.  Had this trip been offered in any of his previous three years on the swim team, our decision as to whether or not he could attend would be a foregone conclusion: no way.  And yet, by the grace of God, this special opportunity comes at a time when we are prepared to say "yes" and allow our oldest son this extraordinary experience.  

We parted with Zac at 2AM on the 27th, and so far the only communication arrived in the form of a one word text message "landed."  His coach sent a short email stating the same, with these two photos as evidence.

Zachary (behind blue capped swimmer) and the high school swim team (hopefully wearing sunscreen) at outdoor training in California.

Without a doubt, this trip carries inherent risks.  Leave aside the actual dangers of travel~ Zac's safer on an airplane or in the ocean or on an amusement ride than he is behind the wheel, statistically speaking.  Having traveled extensively with my soccer teams both in high school and in university, I know first-hand the types of temptations and dangers present with improperly supervised youth in out-of-town environments.  Yet I am at perfect peace knowing that Zachary is protected; his guardian angel is right there with him, his patron saints are pulling for him, and his family and Godparents are praying for his safe journey.   Most of all, we see in our oldest son, Zachary, a wise, responsible, trustworthy, faithful, courageous young man who has truly earned our trust and whom we gladly gifted with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stretch his wings.  

Holy Innocents, pray for us!