Andrea's Big Move

First...I would like to thank everyone that is praying for us during this time of change. Andrea is moved in at University of Alabama and doing great. Her classes start today...
Moving is not easy for anyone ...when you add that you are moving your one and only child to a huge University ...makes it seem so much worse.
Moving day was filled with all kinds of emotions. For Andrea, it was exciting..can't wait to get everything in place...independant, feeling all adult like.
When we arrived at the University it was mass of people everywhere trying to move their babies into a new place. I saw parents that had the "deer in the headlights look", parents that had their chest all puffed up with pride for their child, parents who where scared to death, parents who just wanted it over with, parents emotions on this day was WILD!
The dorm that Andrea moved into has 12 floors and 3 elevators. We had to sit in line just to pull up to the sidewalk. We unloaded my car first and then I moved to another parking lot. Joey stayed with Andrea's things while she checks in. When she returns she asks me to grab a load and stand in line for the elevator. The line for the elevator was through the parking lot!! I was so surprised!! We quickly realized this was not good. Andrea is on the 3rd floor so, we decided to take the stairs. 2 flights of stairs per floor.....which means 6 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS ...CARRYING ALL HER THINGS! Did I mention we had 2 cars loaded down? Let's just say after the 3rd or 4th trip...this overweight, out of shape, mom was huffing and puffing like you wouldn't believe! My arms were like jelly and my legs felt the same. I was so hot and needed to cool down so I skipped trip #5 and chatted with Andrea's roommate Rachel.
Everything was finally in the room and Joey was nice enough to help Andrea's other roommates carry their things in. Rachel was kind enough to give Andrea the bigger closet and we are so thankful...because Andrea needed the space. I think she carried about 50 pairs of shoes at the least! Andrea and I start working on putting her things away and decorating, Joey is in the living room talking to another Dad.
We go to a nice Mexican place to eat lunch and Joey talks to Andrea about how proud of her that we are and for her not to forget her raising. That she will see things she has never seen or been around and she will need to stand strong in her faith and walk away from these things. The whole time I am fighting the tears. I know once they start they want stop. Andrea then drives us around campus showing the places she will have class and etc. Joey and I both feel so proud and confident that Andrea is at the right place. She already knows her way around and feels good about it. Which helps us even more. We go back to the dorm and Andrea leans over and hugs her dad bye and I get out of the backseat and I give her a big hug and remind her to call. I kept my shades on because I didn't want her to see my huge tears. I get in the car to drive home and the emotions start to well up and I think I was going to loose it. Joey looks at me and tells me that she is going to be okay and not to cry...because he needs me to drive home. (Joey drove all night Thursday arrived home at 6:30 am on Friday and we left for Bama at 7:30). He was exhausted! So, I put my big girl panties on and only allowed a few tears. He slept all the way home! Andrea called twice that night and I was so excited to hear her voice. Thankfully, she has called everyday to let us know how she is doing. She is even calling Joey while he is on the road. We miss her like CRAZY!!!!
These next months will be an emotional roller coaster...I know that God will see us through each turn and curve and ups and downs. Continue to pray for us. Especially, Andrea ...she is already facing some of the things her Dad has talked to her about. Pray for her to stay strong in her faith and stayed focused.