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.  :)

we all need help up sometimes

Witnessing new life come into this world is something that I never get over and love every.single.time.  This time was extra special because my heart was already rejoicing that my niece had delivered beautiful Maubry Ann at 1 AM.  Congrats Chaney and Lashae.  This Great Aunt is in love.

Several years ago Sam and Jeremy were asked by their fellowship to come shepherd a small flock here in our small town.  They knew it would be challenge but through their faithfulness and God's strength they now have a thriving church they pastor.  Jeremy is known for sticking to the truth and what better reputation can a pastor have? 

When I met Sam we realized we had much in common, and she was an instant sister.

What an honor to be asked to document Addison's arrival.

Daddy spoke Galatians 1:15 over her.

Galatians 1:15 "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,"

Sam is very close to her mom but distance kept her from being there.  With the beauty of technology, she was present [via Skype] through the entire labor and delivery!

First cry.

She was glowing.

Addison 7lb. 14 oz.
[exactly what I guessed ;)]

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa.

What a treasure, what a gift.  Praise the Lord!

She is enough.

In 40 days my first born babe and I get to go to a land I fell in love with years ago.  We are a little on the excited side…. OK - we are A LOT excited!!!

A year ago Ashton started baking her way there.  She earned every dollar [with the exception of a few mysterious givers (that had divine timing I might add) and a friend or two that just wanted to bless her with funds - thank you].  I am so proud of her.  She was diligent to keep the goal in sight.  The goal?

A plane ticket to serve, love and to embrace all that is Ug@nda, East Africa!

As we talked and dreamed together I kept asking the Lord how this should shape up.  A mother daughter team?  A women's team?  A youth team?  What is it Lord?

I prayed, fasted and still did not have clarity.  I asked a friend or two if they wanted to go with their daughters but God had other plans in the works.  Hu.  OK, Lord what do you have for this trip?

About a month ago Justin and I had a late-into-the-night-talk about it and we came to complete unity with clarity.  

She is enough.

Taking a team would fill my measure of enough.  God's plans are much greater. 

God has placed only a few precious souls [and by a few, I mean 6 (+), Lord willing ;) ] into our care.  He has given us these children to pour our everything into, to disciple, to nurture.  What a great privilege we take very seriously.

A big part of discipling our children is teaching them about what is precious and close to God's heart.  James 1:27 says "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Not just that verse, although that pretty much sums up a pure motivation, there is so much more.

I wish I could type all that is in my heart about Ug@nda …. about what I learn, about how it changes me.

It's like my view gets fogged by the comforts of this home.  I can still see, but it's blurry.  Spending time in that place strips away the build up.  That place breaks me.  What matters most comes clear.  

I really don't feel like words really can do justice so I will quit trying. 

Many have asked what the plan is.  Here is the grand plan:  We are off to serve where we can, love where God shows and enjoy our time there and eachother.  

There is our "plan."  

Somewhere along the way we hope to soak in the richness of three generations being together in that place.  Ashton's G-ma lives there with some of our favorite little peeps in all the land.  Most of our time will be with them.  Pretty sure a couple days I will focus on some paperwork torture fun that needs done.  Much of our daily lives here are intertwined with daily life there… how great to be in the same place for a bit.

40 days to pray.  40 days until we go!

Quiet Blog, Loud Days!

I have been a bit quiet with recording our lil life on here.  Probably because it has been so loud in this house. :)

What a wonderful overwhelming season we are in!

In the past month we have:  started school, had 2 birthdays, started homeschool, participated in 3 [!] soccer teams, gone camping [twice], family pictures, had lots of company and hiked up part of Mt. Shasta.  I do believe I am leaving a few things out.

My house is a mess and the laundry is piled high.  I even had a dream last night that I kept trying to pile forks and knives on the counter and they kept falling…. even in my dream my house is messy!  Now, don't get me wrong, I love a clean house [and apparently I would sleep sounder] but you know what a messy house means in this season?  That we are FULL of life!

Whenever I start to grumble about the calendar being too full, I stop and praise God because of what it is full of…. soccer, hiking, school, dinner dates, fun….. LIFE!

Things could have looked a lot different for us this Fall.  I am so thankful.

Life can change in a moment and it will, none of us are immune.  With that in mind, we are VERY busy with PRAISE these days.

Praise the Lord!

i love them.

Psalm 96:11-13

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
¹²     let the field exult, and everything in it!

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
¹³     before the Lord, for he comes,
    for he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness,

    and the peoples in his faithfulness. 

God, You are so faithful.  The work of Your hand screams Your Might and Power!  May I trust in you all the more this day.  Amen