I really couldn't ask for a more lovely day.
Between the gorgeous weather, a nice long walk with the dog, the three loads of laundry I've managed to get washed, on the line, and folded, and a delicious pasta salad on the patio for lunch, I'm just about as happy as a girl can get.
We had a lovely weekend as well. We got free passes to the Spokane Interstate Fair, which we used after I got off work Friday night. We had so much fun seeing all the animals, and letting the kids use the included ride passes on those lovely non-safety-regulated rides that always show up at the fair. I indulged in a caramel apple, which really only whetted my apetite for homemade ones. We simply must put that little activity on our fall schedule.
Saturday was sunny and warm - and we managed to fit in a full day of playdates, the farmer's market, a Costco run, and dinner out for Asia and I.
Yesterday we went to church and had our second week of small group. It went so well. I think it's going to be a great group... they're all so real - open and honest about their struggles and victories - and hopefully Asia and I can be an encouragement to them as they wade through their first years of marriage together. I love them all.
Two months from today I will be in Casablanca on my way to Sierra Leone. The trip doesn't seem very real to me yet, but I've begun the mental checklist of things I want to take along, people I need to contact to get letters to take to T., and which skirts and blouses will work well for the African bush...
Asia spent some time last week talking with Chris Clark, the founder and president of Children of the Nations about my trip, and our dream to go as a family... Chris' desire for the family trip is a little more than I was expecting - he would really like to see our family go in the summer and stay in Sierra Leone for at least two months. Which overwhelms and terrifies me all at once. While I see the value in that kind of longer term investment, the logistics of a trip like that just about push me over the edge. And of course, at the top of my list of concerns is the silly dog. Who would take care of Gracie if we were gone for two months?
Oh, it's overwhelming, all right. But exciting too, you know?
So while I sit here and let my heart drink in God's goodness, I also have to sit in the knowledge of His provision and His love and know that through Him, all things are possible.
Because frankly, two months in Africa, while it sounds impossible to me, also sounds over the moon beyond my wildest dreams. I wouldn't have even thought to ask for two months... but now that it's out there, I'm humbled and amazed at where God might be taking us as a family.
So while I hang the laundry and walk the dog and plan the dinner and fold the clothes, I'm also thinking "We can have the hugest yard sale of all time to raise money and I can sell stuff on ebay and we can pray for supporters who are willing to give over an extended period of time and my kids can see how God provides not only the finances, but the also courage and the community support we will need."
So my brain is working overtime and my heart is full and I am excited.
Who knew that I would be at this stage of my life and be on the edge of so many possibilities?
I never would have expected it.
But I'm thankful for it.
It's a good place to be.
I hope you're all having the loveliest of Mondays.
Smooch you all.
Between the gorgeous weather, a nice long walk with the dog, the three loads of laundry I've managed to get washed, on the line, and folded, and a delicious pasta salad on the patio for lunch, I'm just about as happy as a girl can get.
We had a lovely weekend as well. We got free passes to the Spokane Interstate Fair, which we used after I got off work Friday night. We had so much fun seeing all the animals, and letting the kids use the included ride passes on those lovely non-safety-regulated rides that always show up at the fair. I indulged in a caramel apple, which really only whetted my apetite for homemade ones. We simply must put that little activity on our fall schedule.
Saturday was sunny and warm - and we managed to fit in a full day of playdates, the farmer's market, a Costco run, and dinner out for Asia and I.
Yesterday we went to church and had our second week of small group. It went so well. I think it's going to be a great group... they're all so real - open and honest about their struggles and victories - and hopefully Asia and I can be an encouragement to them as they wade through their first years of marriage together. I love them all.
Two months from today I will be in Casablanca on my way to Sierra Leone. The trip doesn't seem very real to me yet, but I've begun the mental checklist of things I want to take along, people I need to contact to get letters to take to T., and which skirts and blouses will work well for the African bush...
Asia spent some time last week talking with Chris Clark, the founder and president of Children of the Nations about my trip, and our dream to go as a family... Chris' desire for the family trip is a little more than I was expecting - he would really like to see our family go in the summer and stay in Sierra Leone for at least two months. Which overwhelms and terrifies me all at once. While I see the value in that kind of longer term investment, the logistics of a trip like that just about push me over the edge. And of course, at the top of my list of concerns is the silly dog. Who would take care of Gracie if we were gone for two months?
Oh, it's overwhelming, all right. But exciting too, you know?
So while I sit here and let my heart drink in God's goodness, I also have to sit in the knowledge of His provision and His love and know that through Him, all things are possible.
Because frankly, two months in Africa, while it sounds impossible to me, also sounds over the moon beyond my wildest dreams. I wouldn't have even thought to ask for two months... but now that it's out there, I'm humbled and amazed at where God might be taking us as a family.
So while I hang the laundry and walk the dog and plan the dinner and fold the clothes, I'm also thinking "We can have the hugest yard sale of all time to raise money and I can sell stuff on ebay and we can pray for supporters who are willing to give over an extended period of time and my kids can see how God provides not only the finances, but the also courage and the community support we will need."
So my brain is working overtime and my heart is full and I am excited.
Who knew that I would be at this stage of my life and be on the edge of so many possibilities?
I never would have expected it.
But I'm thankful for it.
It's a good place to be.
I hope you're all having the loveliest of Mondays.
Smooch you all.
I am soooo excited for you! I told you, your impact on Tejan and Africa was not going to end with sending him home! And like you said, that opportunity for your children is INCREDIBLE! I also very much wish we were closer because we would dog sit Gracie in a heartbeat. She would love our Zoey and vice versa.
ReplyDeletePS - so flabbergasted that you took the time to stop by my blog. :) I had to fan myself and calm down when I realized you read it! Hope it wasn't too boring! I haven't been very deep lately.
And while would never want to stress you about blogging, I missed your posting in the last week!
that's pretty incredible!
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