You never know what your children will grow up to be. Oh sure–sometimes they give you little inklings of clues.
We knew that Austin would choose a career that involved being “hands-on”, and an adrenaline junkie. We figured that it would require him to be active instead of sitting behind a desk. While schooling with skills test and written test has been necessary for his new career, it is when he describes the physical tasks of working with his crew to accomplish a goal that you see the joy in his eyes and smile. He has found his path in life–his calling–he is now a Camden County Firefighter.
We are so excited and proud for Austin, Taylor and the girls to be embarking on the path of being a first-responder. It is not an easy choice, but one of sacrifice, hard work and physical trials. We also know that he needs our prayers all the more because he is literally walking into harm’s way every time he goes to work.
On Wednesday, July 24th, Austin and 4 other candidates were sworn in as members of the Camden County Fire Rescue team. I was honored to get to “pin” him–even though we had a small snafu and I couldn’t get the badge pin to open. Ha! But eventually we got the job done, and he took his oath.
Enjoy a few pics from the graduation ceremony.
Please do me a favor and remember him in prayer over the next few weeks as he is back in class for his EMT Certification. That is his next task to complete for his continued training.
I was reminded of Joshua 1:9 as I thought of our adventurous little boy becoming a firefighter–“Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!”
Austin–Go and serve the ones that the Lord puts in your path and do it without fear!
(Just a quick little piece of motherly advice for all of the other moms and dads who are raising the adventurous kids. Help them find a balance between learning to control themselves and exploring their world, but don’t break their adventurous spirit. The world needs all kinds of kids who are willing to do the things others aren’t.)
❤️