Well, I must say, its been a memorable month.

Out of the gates it was exciting, when, on the first day of the month, Logan and I recieved first place at the debate tournement and qualified for nationals, in so doing both entering the ranks of the Iron Men/Women (hehe).  Something else funny happened at that tournment: I got first place speaker (and I never get speaker awards).  My mom had been nervous about the tournament.  Afterall, it presented a strict situation.  It would either be my last debate tournament ever, or, after several years of working hard, multiple disappointments and even embarassments, I would qualify.  However, she believed that God, through prayer and through His Word, was giving her the message to "just trust" Him (those specific words, "just trust Me").  Then, the last California tournament was a blessing, above what I ever expected when I imagined qualifying at the beginning of the year, getting first place, qualifying, and getting first place speaker.  It was like God was sort of laughing and saying "I told you to just trust me! See, I will bless you beyond what you hope for!"        

A few weeks after that tournament, I joined another elite group of people: those who hold a driver's license.  I feel so grown up calling out as I slip out the door, "Bye mom...I'll be back in a bit.  Give me a call if you need anything."  Then, I shuffle through my purse to find my key (note: singular "key", because I don't have a house key ).  I turn on the car and turn to my favorite radio station.  I adjust the seat, because I'm short and if my parents have been driving before me the seat is way too far back.  I check my mirrors, like a good girl, and then I can fly! Running errands has never given me such a thrill. 

If driving didn't make me feel like I was growing up fast, yesterday certainly did.  I graduated from high school.  The graduation was perfect.  Perfect, perfect, perfect.  The Schuberts did a WONDERFUL job with all the planning and preparation, and their good friend Suzy volunteered to host the party (at the Schuberts house), cooking for a hundred and fifty people, decorating, etc...My family was grateful for all the work put in by them, which made it easy for us family to relax, enjoy the experience, and see the lovely hordes of people who came.  It was delightful how many people showed up, even from far away, to see Jessica and I graduate; NCFCA people like the Morenos, the Bowmans, the Herches, the Beaches, the Heflins, and old friends and family members (my Uncle came from L.A.!).  I tried to profusely thank everyone who came, but I don't know if the guests could really grasp how their presence made the day perfect.  The ceremony too was terrific.  I said I wouldn't cry.  In fact, I made fun of the people who said they would.  But when my baby picture popped up on the screen and "Heather's song" (a song my pretend "big sis" recorded when she was 17) started to play, I did.  And, for some odd reason, I cried during my speech...grrr.  So much for being a heartless stoic.  I wanted a lot of details to go right in the ceremony.  I wanted people to laugh in my speech (I got two audience-wide chuckles. Yay!).  I wanted Mr. Schubert and my dad to not forget to present us as the class of 2007 and not forget to tell us to turn our tassels.  I wanted the music to sound great (and, thanks, to Matt and Drea, it did).  Most of all though I wanted to ceremony to be Christ exalting, because that's what He deserves and that's going to impact people the most.  I hope it was.

So...busy month.  And the next one promises to be exciting as well, as I head to Texas for nationals (I'll see you soon Halye...)