Friday, January 29, 2010

snow!!

That's right - and LOTs of it - it started snowing around 3 and has not stopped - I just measured 9 1/2 inches on the back porch and it's supposed to snow all night and all day tomorrow!! Sooooo glad today is Friday - I had my doubts about surviving this week - it was a doozy. But, we made it - Russ has been to Ohio and back and all over the 7 western counties as well. I have had class two nights, practicum one day, work at the daycare... annnnnd a nasty case of pink eye. Not to mention the 4 kiddos and their various projects and activities. Today is mine and Russ' anniversary - we had planned dinner and a movie tomorrow but looks as if it will be ..... well, still dinner and a movie but probably ramen noodles and a disney movie with the kids here at home!

So much to be thankful for - so much to look forward to -

Been listening to the music CD Diane made for us - there is one song in particular that I listen to over and over - one of the verses is:
"we must go - we have to feed the hungry, stand before the broken - we must go - ...... keep us from just singing... move us into action.... we must go"

..... I must go

Thursday, January 28, 2010

So, this journey (and I have always hated that word..... but it's the most appropriate for this venture in my life) is a roller coaster. I see that in my last entry I was at peace. It is amazing the things/situations that have been thrown at Russ and I in the past week. I'm not big on talking about the "devil" - however, my life experience has taught me that the more I am in God's word and pursuing God's will... the more the "d" tries to get me. Well guess what?? "Back off sucker"!!!!! Yes, I am exhausted - in every possible way - yes, my plans for how the last two weeks before I leave have been completely thrown off.... but..... God is with me and He is bigger than all these situations and things.... Leah told me yesterday that Chuck shared a quote with her that she is finding helpful in these countdown days.... it was something about "don't let the darkness take away what was clear to you in the light". So, yes, I am in darkness in many ways right now - but I know what I was confident of in the light.

Ephesians chapter 4 and 5 spoke to my heart a couple of weeks ago and just now when I opened my Bible..... there it is "living as children of light" 5:8 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light".

5:15 "Be very careful then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

The Lord's will for me is to go to Nakuru, Kenya in less than two weeks..... keep me and my family in your prayers...

Thursday, January 21, 2010

yawwwwnnnnn!!!

So, those shots have had some interesting side efffects. I was fine until about 7 last night and then I got soooooo sleepy could hardly keep my eyes open or move. Finally had to move from my couch to the bed b/c my head hurt sooooo badly. I went to bed at 9:30 and didn't move until 8:30 this morning when Brittney came running in the room yelling "you didn't get up and I'm late for school"!. I heard her.... but I could not open my eyes or move!! I felt like I was under anesthesia. About 20 minutes later I got out of bed and found my limbs to be very uncooperative!!! They felt like they were made of lead!!! I made it through the day at work .... somehow!! Was sooooo sleepy and now I'm pretty sore.

Had lunch with my friend Allison today and that was great. She's such a solid friend. She and her daughter, Heather, are going to take the girls one night when I am gone and have a "girl's night" at her house and do manicures and pedicures. The girls will love that and I'm sure the boys will too!!!

Finishing up the details of the will with the attorney - we'll sign it next week -

Tomorrow will be my first full day at my practicum for grad school - it's feeling a little strange to be going to work at the daycare and then going to a school and to classes and getting ready for this trip. It all felt really out of control last week but now, it's good. Everything is falling into place and I am feeling completely at peace about all of it. It's great - God is so good and I am more and more aware of that every single day.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

well, it's been over a week since I posted here and I am in a much different (better) place. Things are coming together. Leah and I packed our suitcase Sunday and discussed all the last minute details and went over our lists. I got all my shots today (five of 'um!!) and now have my official yellow immunization card! I am feeling very excited!!!!!!! Can't believe it's three weeks from today that we get on that plane. Praying continually for my children and their emotional health leading up to when I leave and while I am gone. We have discusssed all the details and I will be making a calendar for Jake that he can put stickers on and mark down the days until I return. I am ready and basically waiting...... can't wait to see how God will use us and what I will learn. I am so in awe of the fact that this is happening....

Friday, January 8, 2010

Trying to breathe...

So, today has been a day filled with frustration and irritability. I think as the day approaches to actually get on that plane... leaving my 4 kids and husband behind.... and go to a place that I know is going to rip my heart to pieces.... I am struggling. At times I question the sanity of my decision... but I know that is not from God. God asked me to do this and I am obeying. That's all I know. The minute details of preparing for the trip (shots, packing, communication while away) as well as preparing for my family while I am away (meals, kid care, etc..) are overwhelming me. I am praying continually for God's peace and provision. He has always provided for my every need - I know He won't stop now. I have found myself cleaning out drawers and organizing things. I do believe I will come back.... but what if I don't? I want to be responsible. Russ and I will be doing our will next week because it's the responsible thing to do and it should have been done five years ago!!

I think I just have to get past all the reality stuff and again... it won't be real until my feet are planted firmly on Kenyan ground..... My heart is so restless ..... and also about to burst with anticipation for the things God is going to show and teach me....

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

So, here I go...

I'm not sure about all this blogging stuff but thought I would give it a try. I want to keep track of some thougts as I prepare for Kenya and also want a simple way to keep people updated before, during, and after.

Getting excited and nervous. Going to get all the necessary immunizations in the next week or so. Already started packing a little - have my safari hat, waist pack, water bottle, passport, and a couple skirts. Gonna travel light - Leah and I will share a suitcase so we can use our other suitcase for shoes and toys for the kids.

This won't be real until I am standing on the dirt in Nakuru..... praying constantly for God's peace and wisdom - just to prepare my heart for what I see and feel and for what His will/His work is for me in all of this.... It has been and will continue to be an incredibly humbling experience....

I appreciate and covet your prayers and will keep you posted,