Oh you all. Bless you.
Yesterday we were commissioned by our church and sent out in a big and beautiful way. The day was humbling and uplifting.
Here is a link to the service if you are interested and you it was an AMAZING, blessed service of glorifying our missionary God. We shared a bit at the end. Click on the Sunday pm sermon by Jeff Waibel.
Jon is loading the van, each piece of luggage has been weighed and puzzled together. He is ready to disconnect our wireless after this post.
How am I really doing?
I am heartbroken and so thankful.
I am sad and filled with joy.
I am excited and scared out of my mind
Doubtful and full of faith.
This weekend was full of goodbyes. Sunday as we said goodbye to several hundred people at church and then an open house, we felt carried and wrapped in love, encouragement and prayer. My tears were few (for me at least). I had a few weird moments of almost feeling like I was observing myself from an outside perspective and thinking, “Woohoo! I am not a blubbering disaster!”
Today we said more goodbyes and again, I felt amazed at how peacefully it went. The Littles get it. They leaned extra hard into some hugs, listened with big eyes as people expressed their love, but after our last visitor pulled out, Little A squeezed tight into Jon and started asking questions about all these goodbyes. She snuggled on his shoulder and said, “I just feel so sad. I want to be with my friends.”
Just now while I tried to write a blog post, Jon worked and The Littles are being pushed by Uncle Chad and Aunt Leigh on the swing, a dam broke and I fell on the bed and gulped in breath through sobs.
It is our privilege to go but this hurts so much. God uses His children because He loves us.
We have two more suitcases and our carseats, backpacks and carryons left to pile in.
It’s go time.
For those who want to know lots of details:
Tuesday midday, Chicago bound.
Overnight in Chicago.
Arrive at the airport at 4:40 am on Wednesday.
2.5 hour layover in Dallas
14.75 hour flight into Dubai
22 hour layover
4 hour flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
We arrive at 1:30 pm on Friday. (Feels like 6:30 am Friday morning on Central time)
Hope to update you as soon as we can. Love you all and love our God.
29 comments:
i will be praying over this travel schedule. i think i would hyperventilate just anticipating it with two kids.
Our prayers are with you. Your party was great last night...lots of support and prayer warriors! Loved seeing the littles with their braids. So cute!
love and prayers your way!
Praying and oh the memories of Dubai to Addis ;)!!
Praying sweet friend! Lots of love to you.
Praying for you all!
love you guys Ames! Thanks for taking the time to say goodbye well.
Safe travels! We have been, are, and will be praying for you! You have been sent and we will serve as your senders :) love you and your heart for Jesus.
Nichole
We are praying and will continue to pray! We love you all so much!
Oh my. So glad our God is not bound by time or distance. And so glad His love and care will surround you no matter what, no matter where. We love you guys! Praying always.
Praying for you all! It's so so exciting its actually happening and I can honestly say I get the sadness. Tears poured yesterday as reality hits. These next few days will be an adventure for you guys, lots of love to you all!
Aw man, I was doing good reading your post......then when I got to where little A commented about feeling sad, I had a few tears. But then when you mentioned you had a dam break open, same thing happened for me at that moment. I guess our Great God wants us to share in the burdens/feelings of others so that we know how to pray for you better.
Go in peace....we love you guys so dearly...
...just keep on swimming and let God take away the heartaches that come with saying goodbyes, just remember to share how those 'good hellos' multiply because of God's faithfulness and your obedience in going where God calls you to go for a time such as this.
Much love and good luck traveling, thankful for your mom to be there for you!! God is Good!!
Heidi C.
The tears are flowing...my heart is full for you guys. Prayers are being lifted! May King Jesus be glorified by the work of your hands.
Thank you for your honesty : )
I will be praying for you as you travel. I keep thinking of the image of the 2 trapezes; swinging on one and letting go in order to grab the next. I do believe you are mid-air at this point... Bless you in the transition.
Will be praying for you!! Safe travels!! God Bless. Steve and Jan
Sending prayers!!
We are praying for your family!
we love you! praying for you & your family!
Praying and love you guys so much!!
I'm sure this is a tough time if goodbye, but what an amazing adventure God has for you. I hope to lead a team back to Ethiopia next summer. Maybe we can stop by for a visit. Safe travels and God bless you!
Praying, Praying, Praying!! Love you four dearly!!
Thinking of you and praising God that HE GOES BEFORE YOU!
Keith and Emily
Praying for your beautiful family and for the work that God has led you to. I know that His name will be glorified through you! Lifting you up...
Love and prayers to you!!
Love you! Safe travels.....can't wait to see how the girls react to their rapunzel dolls. :)
Our prayers have been and will continue to be with you!
*if you want to know the latest on your other 4 totes...
http://blumefam.blogspot.com/
It was a great reminder of prayer that was sitting in our living room! May you be covered in His love!
Wow. I have been thinking of you guys so much...praying too. Love you and will continue to lift you up before God's throne.
praying for you & yours...I laughed Sunday afternoon after I got home at the irony of you offering me a kleenex in the goodbye line : ) I was so emotional but there's just something about my kids' friends & the questions that brings up that gets me in a different way...we will miss you! love, m
Welcome to Ethopia and all the things God has for you to do. I just keep reading your posts and pray. You are doing a great thing. Shari, only a mothers heart would do what you are doing in these next 2 weeks. God bless the all of you.
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