After days of traveling, it has never felt more beautiful then to relax at our home sweet home in the mountains. As soon as we returned, we had a briefing with our assistant director who oversaw everything in our absence. All I can say is .... amazing. We set goals, responsibilities and a vision for our time gone and he exceeded every expectation we could of imagined... this bring the deepest joy to our hearts! Living in Africa, you always hope for the best but prepare for the worst as many things usually go wrong and have to be worked out... it feels good to see things prospering; clearly God's hand is upon it all. This morning we had final interviews to sum up all the applicants for cook, security, momma's, water worker etc. We look forward to the relationships we will build with our staff here as they have unbelievable hearts. A great foundation to nourish principles of integrity and compassion. They will start training in a little over a week as we will be taking in precious orphaned children in about 2 weeks! I could go on and on with this overflowing joy and excitement in my heart; although I would love to tell you about our trip home!.
Right before we flew out for Burundi Malaki and I got this flu / cold bug... As we had already flown into Washington DC as a transit to visit one of our partner churches, we felt we were still able to make the trip home. To our advantage, Ethiopian Airlines as of December changed its routes from stopping in Rome... to going straight to Ethiopia! Meaning, minus 5 hours to our trip! (Hey, 5 hours is a lot!)...
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Malaki did great the first 9 hours, to feeling horrible the last 6 hours of the trip! Baby sick, flying = much crying! He didn't want to nurse because he was so congested, didn't want to sleep because he couldn't breathe... It had to of been the most difficult travel we have ever had to date! At one point, I headed up to the first class toilets and just began to cry because I was sick, tired, feeling bad for Malaki in the midst of my frustration with having a crying baby on an airplane. Thankfully, I am a very open person and was talking to all the people seated around us about how he wasn't feeling good so they could be more understanding. To say the least... I am happy that we are past that and back home recovering!
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Do we miss our family and friends... rightfully so. We miss you all greatly and will hold the memories we have made with you deep in our hearts until we see you again. Thank you for the encouragement, blessings, time and love you shared with us. It made the trip unforgettable. It's exciting to know upon returning that some of our buildings for the projects are sponsored! That was our goal... and daily we are witnessing the Lord meeting us at every need. Do we still need the funding for orphans homes and our other projects that will be a tool to glorify Jesus. Absolutely. Surly, the Lord will meet us there also! All our love...
Sammie
ReplyDeleteit was so wonderful seeing you, Isai and Malaki, but I know you're where yu need to be - actually, where GOD needs you to be! You're doing amazing things, and this is just the beginning - I'm sure of it. God is doing wonderful and amazing things through you. be safe, be blessed. I know we will see each other again in God's time. ive my love to Isai and Malaki.
Kathy