Leaving soon for Ethiopia

It is difficult to put my mind around the fact that in 12 days we will be boarding a plane to take us to Ethiopia.  Preparing for this trip is difficult.  How do you emotionally prepare 4 kids for seeing their birth parents that they assumed were dead only a few short months ago?  How do you emotionally prepare 4 kids for what they will see and experience in the country of their birth?  We talk about what is to come, but the reality is no one really knows what we will see and experience during this trip.  And with the unknown comes fear.  Josiah told Greg the other day that he was worried his birth family will try and kidnap him.  Grace and Daniel have expressed a similar fear, worrying that somehow we will not be allowed to return back to the US with them.  Grace has asked to always be between Greg and I so that no one can "get her."  It seems that there are no words to totally calm fears in my children.  Micah is the only one that has not verbally expressed concern over returning, but behind his calm facade, I wonder what he is thinking.

I am thankful that God knows the beginning from the end of this story, and has in fact gone before us.  At this point, His goodness and grace is what is keeping me from fear.  I know that He holds me, my kids, and this trip in His hands.  Right now, that is enough.

     Psalm 9:10  "Those who know Your Name will trust You, for You, Lord, have
                           never forsaken those who seek You."

     Psalm 62:5-8   "Find rest, O my should, in Tod alone; my hope comes from Him.
                               He alone is my Rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not
                               be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on my God; He is
                               my Mighty Rock, my Refuge.  Trust in Him at all times, O people;
                               pour out your heart to Him, for God is our Refuge."

I am looking for people willing to join with me during this time, praying as we prepare and as we journey to Ethiopia.  We will leave June 14th and return to the US June 26th.  We will spend 4 days in the part of the country the kids' family resides in, and will see them 2 mornings during that time.  Would you please pray that the kids will feel as peace, and that all fear will be banished?  Would you also pray that we would remain HEALTHY during our trip?  Last time we were there, 5 of us returned with a gift that "kept on giving."



I am hoping to be able to update on this site while we are gone.  Stay tuned for more!