Forward Motion

They say the kids do only as well as the parents are doing. The Littles are doing great, processing the future in a simple, factual way.

As I have been packing up bins (Yay for travelers to Ethiopia willing to haul totes for us!), The Littles are onboard, helpfully bringing items, “Mama, can we take this to Ethiopia?” Sometimes I can answer yes and other times I explain the spacing issues.

(They were playing so nice outside so I paparazzied them with the long lens and discovered they were eating dirt!)

Little A brought me a picture of themselves. She told me who she was going to give it to and then said, “So they don’t forget what I look like when I move to Ethiopia”. I took a deep breath and around the lump in my throat said, “That is so cool you’re thinking this through. Maybe they could give you a picture of them to take with you.” She smiled and skipped off.

Praise the Lord, The Littles must feel all of our travel and transition is the new normal, that everyone is packing up their lives, one Rubbermaid at a time.

Packing our possessions, I am again, a heart divided. Sometimes I pack with joyful anticipation at life ahead, the people we will meet, watching God work in big ways. Other times, I am surprised by my own tears, silently sliding down and I wonder how my eyes knew I was sad before my brain did.

We are chipping away at The Littles’ books that will help them say healthy goodbyes.

       

 

Remember how I said that grief is emotionally painful work?  This is proving to be true but as we walk this path, one foot in front of the other, we gain momentum and joy to press forward.