Rachel Writes

Earthen Vessels, I'm taking the cue from you and writing my lists of transition anticipation and anxieties. July 11 to January 10, Micah, Rachel and kids are Stateside. Ahhhhh!s: (1) The word missionary. Ahhh! World domination and oppression anyone? Okay, listen, I still get freaked out explaining that we're missionaries to new people. That's such a loaded word. So, I do actually try to give a synopsis of what we do. But lots of people say, "So you're missionaries?" Right. We are. For better or worse. Hopefully for better! (2) Lots of presenting (Like/dislike relationship) (3) Jet lag (4) I will miss everyone here. :-( Too sad to really even write about that. Ya'all know about that. About moving away from good friends. This is only for 6 months. Tear my heart out! HURRAYs: (in no particular order) (1) CVS-- I miss you instant photos, coupons, store of a thousand things. (2) Mom and sister time (in-laws too, of course). YES. (3) Seasons! Wh...

Whit, we love your endearingly sweet spirit, your zany side (No, YOU'RE zany!), and your reflective moments. Happy birthday, buddy. Never to be out-done, princess Sojo shows us her circus moves (Yes, we did see Madagascar 3.) Tad says, "Are ya kiddin' me?" Believe it or not, she chose this pose The Man Yes, eating paper Peace out!

REFLECTION Our day starts with a barrage of requests. Help with clothes, the potty, food. It needs to be that way. It should be that way. And my kids feel secure when their requests are answered. And that's what Jesus told us to be like. Childlike. That's right asking. God, I need this. Please, You are the Giver, please, give this to me. TO DO LIST I need to make a timeline for a short video that we can use at camps and churches. We have a bit of packing. And I need to scan our airline tickets so we can get our Exit Clearance papers. Not too many essentials left! We'll be seeing some of you soon.

...if I'm being honest, and I am, post. I'm tired. Bone tired. Can hardly keep my eyes open tired. Three little kids. Lots of work to be done. Not enough sleep. It's a life I chose. It's not one I'd wish away. But I am tired. So, a friend is coming today. I think there's a nap in the fabric of the morning (after I write a check to school to cover the costs of our VISAs since our bank card has not arrived yet after our card being copied and funds being stolen from our account--- shew). They are 5, 3, and 1. Everyone needs lots of help and attention. Good thing my friend is coming. :-) Thank God for friends. Thank God for my sweet kids. Thank God that my existence is validated by faith in Jesus (Tim Keller's wording of Romans 3) and not by what I do. Hurray!