Tomorrow we leave for our long awaited Mediterranean cruise. Still reeling from the failure of the Germany trip I (we) have been planning out the whoohaw to do this one "right", just as with any learning experience, when you have a "second chance" you try harder to "do things better"....but with this has come some stress, and anxiety. I had been telling Joe I will feel some anxiety until I physically step foot onto that boat! And then, in the midst of the prepacking-planning-preparing-whirlwind I received something wonderful and precious in the mail:

Our first letter and special colored picture from our sponsored child Christian!

The letter from 10 year old Christian reads:

Dear Sponsor Kristy,

I greet you on behalf of Christ. I write this letter so that you can learn more from me and my family. My name is Christian. I live with my parents and siblings. My dad's name is Javier. My mom's name is Lucia. I like to play the spinning top and soccer. My favorite foods are chinese rice and chicken with rice. How many people are in your family? I am in 5th grade of Elementary School. I go to my Project [Compassion International] three times a week. My church's friends and I took a trip to _____ [edited by me] we had a good time. I say good bye with a strong hug in the name of Jesus.

- Christian.

(I have edited last names for security reasons)

This is the picture he drew, I am assuming of his house.

(once again I edited parts for security reasons)

and the words echo in my head,

...."I say good bye with a strong hug in the name of Jesus."

.....A strong Hug...

*sigh*

Maybe I am just hormonal, hey it happens during pregnancy!...but this just so touched me. A quite still reminder of things important. To reground these flighty feet and mind of mine. To change my perspective from one of me, to one of those around me.

Thank you God. How I needed this. Open my eyes on this trip to not care so much about me and what I get out of it, but to be of service. To minister your love, to see more of you manifested not only in your creations of sea and sky, but most importantly of hands and feet,

hearts and souls.