Expecting the Unexpected

I'm finding myself more anxious about traveling this time around. Last time I really had no idea what to expect, so I was going forward with blind faith. This time it feels a little more like going into labor after having given birth once. You know that you will be fine, and that the joy before you is immeasurable, but that the transition can be long and painful. I am very excited to go to Ethiopia. I'm not thrilled about the flights, especially given the ramped up airport security, ick. But I know that it will all be fine, and that Ethiopia will be warm and sunny.

I am finding myself very thankful for many things today. I am very thankful for my hot shower. I am thankful for my morning cup of coffee, and the snuggle time with my children. I am not taking for granted tucking my kids in at night, knowing that I will miss it very much for the next two weeks. I am thankful for our chaotic, but mostly predictable routine. I know that this is my last week of this life. Things will change when Jubilee joins our home.

I am excited, but also a little nervous to meet her for the first time. I want to hug her, but I don't know if that will be okay with her. I know that the discomfort I am feeling has to be several time worse for her. This is the end of her life as she knows it as well. She has no way of knowing what the future has in store for her. I am trying to let this sink into my head and my heart, so that when things get tough I will remember how it feels to be out of my comfort zone and living on complete faith. I am trying not to have too many expectations, but to be prepared to roll with whatever God brings us. It is hard to know how to prepare my children, but I know that God has a plan and it involves all of us. He has called us to this, and he has given us Nes a testimony to His goodness. Just writing this down helps to settle the soul. This is just one more opportunity for me to learn the truth of letting love cover a multitude of sins.