When I really start to think about it, I begin to quake in my shoes a bit. I am going to Africa....in 34 days!! ohmyword. I am so excited to see Anna (our daughter who is there as a nanny for a year) and to travel to a new country and all by myself! This is huge for me.
Here are some highlights of what is to come (for your prayers, please!)
traveling by myself to Paris first (this saved us over $600 from flying round trip to Africa...we are taking a smaller European airline from Paris to Africa for just over $100) and meeting Anna there for four days....ahhhhh....this sounds so luxurious and lavish. We are seeing Paris the "budget way" and are looking forward to the challenge this will be!
traveling on said European airline to Africa.....gulp. We are hoping it is safe, clean and reliable.
spending 11 days in Africa with Anna and her host family there, assisting her with her nannying job, meeting her "people" there and seeing her country. We will also take a short weekend train trip to one of the ancient cities in her country and spend a night in a hotel there.
soaking up time with Anna.....I have missed her so very much. It has been one of the most difficult things I've ever done as a mom -- to let a child go so very far away for so long. She has been there nearly 5 months and we are so thankful for Skype, where we routinely "see" her and chat, sometimes every day! What a blessing technology is!!! She has been doing so well there, growing spiritually and leaning hard into her Savior. The changes I've seen in her are humbling.
I leave January 13 and return January 28. I have never traveled by myself nor do I know any French or the African language. Please pray for grace for me!!
I also feel badly I have neglected my blog and my dear bloggy friends. Can you forgive an overly busy mom? Tee hee. I was convicted in my Bible reading the other night about sowing seeds. I've been a bit too focused on my Etsy shop (which is booming) and a bit scattered with the girls' schooling, Christmas planning, etc. So....I am asking the Lord to help me balance it all. I am looking forward to time in the evenings to "visit" my bloggy friends and re-invest in those important friendships! Thanks for being faithful friends!
Praying for you to have a safe trip and a delightful visit with Anna. I know you'll have a great time! Paris will be nice, and you'll probably find plenty of people willing to speak English with you at that time of year - it's in the summer when they're tired of tourists that they get a bit more unpleasant with Americans. You'll love Paris - don't miss the Louvre - it's amazing!
Karen
I'm so excited for you. I would personally be quite overwhelmed. Actually, I don't know that I would have the courage to do it. So, I admire you stepping out of your comfort zone in order to spend precious time with your daughter. I pray it is a safe, peaceful blessing to you both.
Letitia
Random thoughts on our life in beautiful Michigan (the mitten!), serving the Father, homeschooling with our four amazing daughters, and cuddling Maggie, our adorable pug.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Karen