Homeward Bound

     Blog posts from the airport... Some of my favorites! A symbol of what has been and what is to come. 

     Today I write from the airport in Venice, Italy. Just 8 short days ago I left Ethiopia full of every emotion imaginable. Sadness over leaving the children I love so much. Joy over the people waiting on the other side of my journey. Fear over the unknowns that adjusting to life back "home" hold. Feeling overwhelmed by how quickly time passed and what all God allowed me to be a part of. And that is just to name a few. 

     When I left a year ago, this moment seemed like an eternity away. Walking through security, looking back and not seeing my family was the moment it all began. I was doing this and there was no turning back. Now, a year later, I look back in awe of how far God has brought me. I was excited from day 1, but nothing compares to the deep love I carry with me now. A love for the people I met, children I loved, and experiences I have had. Topping the list of course is the children. 

     But now, it's time to return home. Time to figure out what life looks like for me now as I transition from a 3rd world country into living life back in the states. There are still plenty of unknowns, plenty of hurdles to overcome, and plenty of stories to share... But I am excited. I don't know what to expect in the coming days, weeks, and months. It could be an incredibly smooth transition or could be far more difficult than I am anticipating. However, as I sit here waiting for my flight to board, knowing that THIS IS IT, I cannot help but be overjoyed. When I get off the plane, my Mom and Dad will be waiting for me, and whatever ups and downs await me beyond the airport doors will not matter, because in that moment all will be right. 

     This is it friends. My time in Ethiopia has drawn to a close... Though the journey continues. 

Goodbyes

     Today was the day... The long awaited and dreaded day of saying goodbye to the children that have lit up my world and warmed my heart for the last year. This week did not fully go as planned, but when I went in to say goodbye to them I could not have been more blessed.

      On Thursday I woke up with a sore throat that quickly worsened. Turned out it was strep throat. I was NOT anticipating my last two days at the orphanage (Friday and Saturday) to be thrown off because I was sick, but we don't get to pick when we get these things. Thankfully I started antibiotics on Friday and by today am feeling MUCH more like myself. 

       This morning I took a bit of time to go to the orphanage. I needed to say goodbye. Needed to hold each of these children one last time. Give them hugs, kisses, and remind them that I love them so very much, and yet Jesus loves them even more. It was a sweet time. I anticipated an emotional farewell, but instead their smiles were contagious and warmed my heart as they always do. Such young lives, but such a great impact. 

       To be fully in the moment this morning was a blessing. To hold these gifts from God, to thank Him for who they are and who they will become, and to look into the hearts of the children who have taught me the true meaning of love brought such a deep blessing into my day. 

        I cannot lie. As I sit here with my thoughts, it is slowly hitting me that that was indeed goodbye. That my time with these children is over, and I will likely never see them again on this side of heaven. But it was worth it! A thousand times worth it. Because the hurt that I am feeling now is nothing compared to the joy that their little lives filled my heart with. I'm not afraid to grieve... I'm more afraid of what would happen to these precious children if nobody took the time to love them. I saw God actively at work in them--providing homes, restoring life, granting joy... I leave them sad, but thankful that they are, always have been, and always will be in the loving arms of the Most High! 

       Tomorrow morning (Monday) I head up to Addis Ababa. From there, I will fly out VERY late on Wednesday night. Please be in prayer for safe travels during all phases of my return home! And as always, I will do my best to keep you updated.