Prayerful Preparation

How do you prepare for a trip that will change your life? I have spent a lot of time in prayer and in God's Word. I have to say that it has been time well spent. God has answered my prayers in ways that seem insignificant on the outside, but that have given me a deep peace about this trip. I am so excited to see how God is going to open my eyes to His work in the world.

My husband met a professor on campus who is Ethiopian. He has two children that have never been to Ethiopia, but are planning to go and visit family this summer. What a wonderful treat for N to have a man from his home that speaks his language, eats his food, knows his history, and lives in his new hometown. I am so grateful that there is someone here who is excited to meet my little boy, and talk to him about Ethiopia. This is just one of many answered prayers.

I get to see Hanna while we are in Addis. We started sponsoring one of her girls. I am praying that we will be able to meet some specific needs for her. I may have some really concrete ideas for ways that people can help Ethiopia when I get home.

This time of preparing and packing is such a blessing. The butterflies that I had in my stomach on Monday have flown away. I know that this is a trip that God is with me on, and I know that there will be great things in it. I'm very much looking forward to flying across Europe and Africa. We get to sit on a runway in Rome, not exactly my dream of going to Italy, but I can't say I've never been there. I hope that God is working in N's little heart as he is working in ours. I still get flooded with emotion at the thought of the changes coming to his world. It will all be good, but this transition is going to be very bumpy for this little guy. I am very hopeful that his best friend will be able to meet us at the airport when we get home. I tear up every time I think of those two getting to see each other again. Keep us in your prayers.