Noa and family

Our Dearest Noa,

We have thought about this day ever since the day you were born.  We just never thought it would come so quick. As we get ready to move you into your new “home” away from home for the next four years we cannot help but look over the wonderful memories of you growing up.  We’ve been blessed with sharing many moments together, from your first day of kindergarten through your acceptance into college—and everything in between. We could not be prouder of the man God has molded you into and can’t wait to see Him guide your path on this new chapter in your life.

Our prayer for you is to always put God first in everything you do. To be thankful for the opportunities He has given you, to appreciate all the relationships you will build, and for the gifts, He has given you.  

We will miss the everyday moments we have grown accustomed to over the past 19 years.  Now it’s time to make the college memories that you will carry with you throughout your life.  We couldn’t be more thankful that you are going to Biola. We truly feel that’s where God intended you to be. We are blessed that you are close enough to drive to but far enough to start your life—and we are so proud of you.  This is one of the toughest milestones a young adult will ever have to go through but we are at peace knowing that you will be where God is present every day.

We will be praying for you every day as a family.  May God bless you and walk with you daily as you seek Him.

Love you forever,

Mom and Dad

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Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for getting me to where I am right now. I have been waiting for this moment my entire life knowing college was going to be for me. Now here I am: settled and getting acclimated to Biola life rather nicely. All I can say is that I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Biola has really made me feel welcome in the community and I don’t think I would have it any other way. My first time on campus, I didn’t feel that this was the place for me to grow in my college journey. Yet, through prayer and listening to my head and heart, by the second visit, my viewpoint completely changed. The day you guys dropped me off at the kickoff BBQ to Summer Bridge for the First Generation Scholars Program; I got a little emotional letting go.

At that moment I was moving into Blackstone, adapting to campus, learning that trays are a no-go in the Caf, and trying my best to understand what a flex point was. Now in the Spring semester of my freshman year, I am getting ready for a missions trip to Greece for five weeks, I will have successfully registered for my classes come Fall of 2019 for my sophomore year, and somehow I’m able to balance everything that I am committed to right now. And again all I can say is that I couldn’t have done this without you.

Seeing you guys on the weekends for church time is such a blessing and, with the campus being pretty close to home, homesickness doesn’t really exist. Thank you for smothering me in your love and for preparing me for college. As I walk into my sophomore year with a bit more experience, I am excited to learn more and continue to grow in my faith. I pray for you guys as much as I can and I thank you for praying for me as well. Once again, I love you very much, thank you for giving me the push I needed.

Love you lots,

Your Son Noa