Preparing for takeoff.....

I haven't blogged much lately, our life has been busy-as usual.

We are just under 3 weeks until I take off, back to one of my favorite places that has given me so much.  Half way around the world from my little munchkins {And Ryan, of course}-and daily I get asked how I'm feeling, doing, etc....so let's just get it out there.

{1} Anxious.  I really only feel this at night time.  After we have done bedtime routine, tucked them into their beds, prayers are done and books have been read, where I lay and just look at them when they are at their sweetest and most peaceful, who's heart-strings wouldn't be tugged?!   I think about what it will be like after our busy day has ended in Ethiopia, working and playing with our school children, we have gone back to the guest house, debriefed, prayed and we have time to chill, reflect, etc.....I think that is going to be the hardest part of the day for me-here's to praying I don't deal with that for 10 days....

{2} Giddy.  Jolene and I discussed MANY times throughout our adoptions how we would be in Ethiopia together at the same time.  They were adopting 2, we were adopting 1, 2 trips at that point were required, how would we NOT be there together atleast, ONE of those times?! Well, clearly God had other plans, here we are 2 years after-heading back TOGETHER, but for a whole different cause.  Darin and Jolene have become such great friends, and inspirations to Ryan and I, we are so very grateful for what they have taught us, and give us HOPE to continue......{more on Jolene later} : )

{3} Thankful.  How can I not want to shout from the rooftops how thankful I am to have been given this opportunity.  In times that I have been feeling anxious about this, i also am pretty good ar reminding myself that this trip is not something that just anyone is doing.  When I really think about the mission of this trip, the opportunities I am being given-I am in awe.  And it's because MANY of you know my heart.  Ryan had said to me when I was very hesitant on trying to "fundraise" this mission trip "Babe, PEOPLE KNOW YOUR HEART".....and you do! For every single one of you out there that has done ANYTHING to help, and some of you OVER AND OVER AND OVER again, in every aspect, THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart-I cannot wait to take so many pictures to SHOW you what you have done!  And not only for what I will experience, but for everyone here that will be with our kiddos at home, helping Ryan to breathe and get through 12 days as a single dad (which i am fully aware that he's more than capable of this-aside from Ezra's hair) : ).....thank you , thank you thank you!

{4) Excited.  Not only am I traveling with Awake and Alive and some very dear friends, I have a couple other HUGE things going on while i am in country as well.  I will be meeting Ry's birthmom for the first time.  This is something that Ryan and I discussed, and he cannot wait for me to meet her, give her photos of Rylee, TELL her ALL about him, THANK her for sharing such an amazing little boy with us.  I have NO expectations of this day, I just know that through love and prayer I will get through it (and friends by my side, that is for sure!)  And one other day, Jolene an I will be traveling to Hosanna (about 4 hours outside of the city) where our Miss Ez is from.  Not exactly sure what this trip will do for me-answers it will give, if any, or really it might just be good for me to SEE where our sweet girls life began....These days are sure to be difficult for me, but I will be surrounded by love, support and friendship.....prayers appreciated.

At any given time, in the next couple of weeks don't be surprised if you see me having "a moment", if I might have "a moment" at church, or when I'm at home, or in conversation with you about it-I am anticipating that this will be a normal thing for me, before and after the trip......I just ask for prayers for our safety in country, traveling, and for my family at home, for ALL of you as well.....

((Hugs))

Meggan