Mission Accomplished
Chapter 1 Conclusion
We did it. They did it. It happened. Chapter One has officially begun.
Our oldest boy—yes, our little barefoot, bug-collecting, sword-wielding backyard warrior—stood with confidence, eyes locked on his bride, and promised to love, honor, and cherish her all the days of his life. And just like that, the baton has been passed. Another family launched into the great wide somewhere.
Let us be the first to say it loud and proud: Mission Accomplished!
We now return to our previously scheduled programming of RV life, vagabonding, and trying to remember what day it is. But for a weekend (okay, let’s be honest, for several months), all roads pointed to this celebration, and we couldn’t be more honored to have witnessed it.
“YES!”
The moment that will forever be seared into our memory came just seconds after the "I do's" echoed across the church. Our youngest, AJ, watching his big brother with eyes wide and heart bursting, shouted in celebration, "YES!"
A child’s spontaneous joy captured what all our adult composure was trying (and failing) to contain. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was an affirmation of everything we’ve hoped and prayed for: a foundation laid on faith, a relationship rooted in respect, and a future being built hand-in-hand with Jesus.
In that moment, we shouted "YES!" too - if not out loud, definitely in spirit. YES to covenant. YES to sacrificial love. YES to legacy. YES to watching our kids build something beautiful and eternal in a world that's often too quick to settle for temporary.
Family, Friends & Forever
This weekend wasn’t just about rings and cake (though, side note: the cake was incredible). It was about family - the kind you’re born into, and the kind you gather along the way. It was about friendship - the soul-level kind that shows up early, stays late, and sweats through setup & tear down because they love you that much.
The bride and groom surrounded themselves with people who love Jesus and love them. The intentionality in their wedding party alone was something to marvel at. There’s a kind of power in young people choosing friends who sharpen them, encourage them, and speak truth over them. Watching this group rally together to honor God and celebrate their friends? That’s the kind of holy chaos we hope continues into every chapter of their lives.
We saw young men praying over each other. We saw laughter that only comes from years of deep friendship. We saw women wiping tears as they spoke blessing over the bride. And we saw parents (hello, that’s us!) standing back in awe of what God is doing in and through our children.
When Two Become One
The ceremony wasn’t long, but it was full of power. The gospel was shared. The Lord was glorified. And two hearts, long knit together by prayer, purpose, and commitment (as all great romances begin), became one.
Their vows weren’t just recited - they were lived even in the days leading up to the altar. Service. Sacrifice. Kindness. Respect. These weren’t just wedding-day promises; they were already daily practices.
Sure, we know life won’t be all sunshine and roses (though, let's be real, there was plenty of sunshine that day—thank you, August Tennessee heat—and a fair amount of roses too). But as we reminded them, even roses come with thorns, and even thorns can be beautiful reminders of the cost and the protection found in love. Especially when that love is covered by the One who wore the crown of thorns first.
The Sacred Ordinary
There's something sacred about watching your child start a new journey. It's a blend of grief and glory, of memory and momentum.
Grief because it feels like just yesterday we were helping him into car seats and wiping peanut butter off his face. (And sometimes the wall. And the dog.)
Glory because this—this becoming, this launching—is the goal. We raise them to release them. And watching him walk into his calling as a husband, watching her walk beside him as his helpmate and best friend? That’s the win. That’s the whole point.
So while the ceremony was one moment, the significance is lifelong. They’ve stepped into the sacred ordinary: grocery runs, budgeting, figuring out how many socks one person can lose in a week. And they’ll do it all while learning what it means to wash each other’s feet—figuratively and, let’s be honest, occasionally literally—because real love is found in the trenches of service and the rhythms of everyday life.
The Aftermath
We’re not crying, you’re crying. Actually, we weren’t sure what was sweat, tears, or both. And laughing. We stood there surrounded by family and friends, hearts full and knees slightly buckled. What a gift. What a season. What a ride. And now we celebrate with a nap & a map.
So What Now?
Well, we hit the road again. The mothership is rumbling, and the adventure continues.
We leave with full hearts and one less kid in the caravan (so to speak), but one more family added to our fold. We’ve officially entered a new season-parents of a married child-and all the laughter, love, and prayer that comes with it.
To the new couple, we say: We love you. We are proud of you. We are with you. Always.
To our readers and fellow wanderers: Thanks for following this journey with us. Keep your eyes open for new blog entries as we keep traveling, exploring, and learning what it means to live freely, love fiercely, and glorify God in the ordinary and the wild.
And to anyone wondering what comes after "Mission Accomplished"?
A new mission, of course. Let’s go.
Go Adventures!