(In case you don’t know me or don’t know me well, I have 7 younger sibling. 6 of them are under the age of 12)
I’ve tried writing this blog post at least 3 times. Every time I sit down to write it, I get a knock on my door from a sibling that wants to spend time with me or one that wants a piece of my gum. Sometimes my immediate reaction is a grumble about how I never get alone time or a sigh and a “Give me a few minutes, I’m doing something.” I’ve been trying not to turn the kids away and to spend every moment that I can with them before I leave. I treasure the snuggles and the bedtime stories, the big bear hugs and the “You’re my best friend.” But it’s not always like that, most mornings I’m woken up by screaming children in the hallway right outside my door, Peyton yelling “You’re the rudest sister” at me because she didn’t get her way, or me being frustrated because no one will listen to me while I’m babysitting. Regardless of the moment, good or bad, I know that in a few weeks I’ll miss this so much. I’ll miss the fights, the giggles, snuggles, tickles, painting little finger nails, reading stories or being asked to make friendship bracelets.
These moments are special and I want to treasure each one.
Marissa is 2 and yesterday she followed me around the house as I packed to spend the night at my grandparents house, brushed her teeth with me, brought me my boots, put everything she could find in my suitcase, and just hung out with me. It was great! But in 9 days, I won’t be able to do those small things with her.
A few weeks ago Mckayla(10) came into my room, handed me $20 and said “This is for your trip.” I told her I couldn’t accept that much money from her and asked where she even got that much money from. “It’s my birthday money, I got it for my birthday but I want you to have it for your trip” My 10 year old sister is trying to give me the money she got for her birthday to put towards my trip?!?! I still wasn’t sure if I should take it or not so I brought her downstairs to ask my mom what she thought. My mom asked her why she wanted to give the money to me and McKayla said “Because I know she has to go on this trip and I want her to have all her money so she can go.” Then she started to sob. “That’s really sweet of you McKayla but why are you crying?” my mom asked, I stood there confused as well. McKayla answered through her tears and deep breaths “Because I don’t want her to leave but I know she has to because Jesus asked her to go and tell other people about God.”
Now I was crying.
Pretty sure I have the best siblings in the world and nothing you say will convince me otherwise. It wasn’t about the $20, but about her heart. At 10 years old she has the sweetest, most giving heart. Over the past few months I’ve come into my room to see $1 or $2 laying on my desk with notes attached saying things like “This is for your trip, don’t give it back to me.”
Cade(5) gives me a hug every day and says “I just really don’t want you to leave!”
With Launch just 9 days away I am heartbroken just thinking about saying goodbye to these munchkins. However, saying goodbye to them means saying hello to my squad, India, 10 other countries and thousands of new people all over the world that I will have the privilege of meeting, sharing Jesus with, helping and encouraging.
The part that makes saying goodbye not so hard is how supportive my family is! My sisters and mom went to the library today and took out books about India. My siblings are all homeschooled and my mom is starting a homeschool group with other homeschoolers where they will all get together and study the countries I’m in when I’m in them. How cool is that?!
While I’ll miss these crazy, loud, silly and fun moments with my family so much over the next 11 months I’m also very very excited for all that God has in store for me. This year will be challenging and growing in so many different ways! And I cannot wait to see how the Lord changes my heart, what He teaches me and how he uses me to bring glory to Him!
A few updates:
I will be arriving in India in approximately 15 days!
I am only $2,714 away from being FULLY FUNDED!!! Haven’t had the chance to donate yet? It’s not too late!
Please pray for me in this season of goodbyes and as I get all the minor details worked out before I leave.
If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask!
I love handwritten letters and would love to take some with me to open on hard days, when I’m missing home or when I’m feeling discouraged. If you’d like to send one with me, I leave on January 6th so they’ll have to arrive before then or just give it to me in person.
This Saturday (December 31st) you can stop by my house between 2-6 if you’d like to come say goodbye.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has supported me in any way! With your encouraging words, financial support or prayers!!! They all mean so much to me! I couldn’t do this without you all. We are the body of Christ, thank you for helping me bring Him around the world!
Next Update will be in India!!!
