Adulthood

Back in 2009 (in my pre-blogging days!) I started a new job as a primary teacher at an international school just outside Paris. It certainly had its challenges, but among the joys was making close, lasting friendships with some of my colleagues. Part way through our time there we were honoured to be asked to become Godparents to the then 8-year-old daughter of one of them. 

We moved on from St Germain en Laye after two years, but the friendships formed there have remained an important part of our life. 

Fast forward to 2017. After plenty of prayer, reflection and conversation led us all to think it was the right thing to do, we welcomed our then 14-year-old Goddaughter to come and live with us. It was always going to be something of an adventure, most of all for her, but for all of us. It was bound to be challenging in parts. But, like many adventures which involve a leap of faith into the unknown, it has proved to be a most beautiful one.

She discovered Birmingham city-centre living. She negotiated starting at a new school and then a new college. She interacted with all sorts of different folks. She made friends. She learned to cope with our somewhat unconventional life. She became part of our family and enriched our lives.

And now, just like that, she's an adult. Legally at least. As much an adult as anyone is at 18.

It is another important milestone on a journey. 

I'm not going to write at length about the journey that has brought her this far, and the journey that lies ahead. That's not really my story to tell. Suffice to say, I am very happy that I get to be a part of it.

Thank you.