ONE WEEK....what did I forget?

ONE WEEK from this very moment I'll be meeting the rest of my team in Cincinnati (which we all know is really NKY).  We'll sort our luggage, make sure we're all at our 50 lbs limit.  Man, we're taking loads.  In addition to 2 weeks worth of clothes, hand sanitizer (which I'm reminded to take nearly everyday), and other various & sundry items, we're also toting building supplies, medications, literature, Bibles, and fun things for the kids at the orphanage.


Anyone who knows me can imagine that packing of clothes for two weeks can be daunting....much less packing for a continent and country that is essentially another world.  Right now, all of those things are set aside in my bedroom.  Yes, LOTS of hand sanitizer, handiwipes, travel sizes of a variety of items.  Oh, and batteries.  LOTS of batteries as electricity is still iffy once we're there.


I'm finding myself in this final week of preparation working a lot on the family calendar.  Amelia suggested yesterday that I should just make a giant calendar and put it on the wall so everyone would know what to do everyday that I'm gone.  She's visual...like me.  Yeah, I probably should make a giant calendar because sometimes I'm not sure people read my texts, emails, or BLOGS!!  Anywho....


It is quite humbling for a mother to step out of her role and let others take over.  One of my teammates said to think of it as it's their way to show service just as I'm serving those in Uganda.  That helped, but it's still going to take a bit for me to let go and relax knowing that my kid is getting to her practices, swim meets, etc.  Moms out there, you feel me?


Meanwhile, I have 7 days to completely set my eyes toward Africa.  In that time I'm asking for some specific prayers from those of you who read this:

• Peace of mind for me and the rest of my team
• Safe travel from Cincinnati to Busia
• Understanding between our team and those we're there to serve
• God's ultimate purpose will shine through
• Children at the orphanage and in the village will feel love of Christ through us
• Safety of the team while we're in Africa and on travel home
• Peace of mind of our families here in the US while we're away

Thanks for reading!

Alyssa