How does a mom of many leave for weeks?

That ^ question in various forms has been around a lot these days.  I get that.  I wonder the same when other mama's leave their nest.

First, it takes a husband that is awesome.  One that is involved in every aspect of the kiddos life.  If he was unaware or uninvolved then this would be very difficult.  Thankfully there is nothing that Justin does not do with the kids.  [except laundry ;)]

{see what a good dad he is:}

Second, it takes a village [and it should].  We were made to live in community with one another.  This is unpopular in the grand USA but God made us to work together, share what we have and depend on each other [i know …gasp… not the most popular way for independent Americans].  These ladies are part of my village.  They know my kids well and we have all been in the giving and receiving end of this thing called life together. 

Third, it takes a praying group behind us [maybe this should have been number 1?].  When people ask what we "need," I say prayer.  Would never want to be sent out to do anything without it. :)

Fourth, preparation.  Meals.

8 here.  A couple of Costco Lasagna's and 2 nights planned for pizza at church and my people should be fed.

[for Jessie: 2 Chicken Enchiladas, 2 Chicken Taco Soups, a Stroganoff, a Spaghetti Sauce, and 2 Chili's (a thick and not-so-thick kind).  I am hoping to make one more - kind of like cowboy beans.]

I make time charts, menus and other things like that that get totally ignored but it makes me feel better so I do it. :)

It is never easy leaving my babes and I have developed a few tricks to help me cope as well.  This mama LOVES being home and leaving is always my greatest step of faith.  But to get down right honest with you God showed me years ago that my children were my idol.  I had placed them above Him.  I had placed my need to be their all in all above God.  I wanted to control every.thing when it came to my kids.  So what did the Lord do?  He called me out on it by asking us to adopt from a country with no timeline of being gone.  Praise the Lord and oh what I would have missed had I not obeyed.  I have tasted the goodness of obedience and I want more.  :)