Internets, I have to tell you: I will never be able to adequately thank you for all of your wonderful, encouraging, uplifting emails. I cannot even begin to express how deeply your words have touched me.
In fact, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our entire team is being covered in prayer, and I know that because I am actually sitting upright and TYPING WORDS ON THE COMPUTER as opposed to lying in the bed with my fingers in my ears while shouting “LALALA NOT GETTING ON A PLANE FOR A FULL DAY OF TRAVEL LALALA.”
I’m telling you: it is nothing short of a miracle.
Alex is doing great with the whole Mama’s-going-to-Africa thing. He’s actually really excited because my mama is coming to our house tomorrow, and he will have her all to himself for the next six or seven days.
Which means he will also have unlimited access to a wide array of sugar-filled, carbonated beverages, and really, what more could any four and half year-old want?
(Except unlimited access to ice cream, of course. And truth be told, he’ll probably have that, too.)
My husband has been an absolute champ about this entire trip, and we are coping with the prospect of being separated for eight days in a way that practically screams “HELLO, WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR OVER TEN YEARS NOW.”
Which is to say that today we went to eat Mexican food for lunch and didn’t talk about the trip at all. We did, however, talk about his work stuff and the Presidential race and how we really do prefer roasted tomato salsa to regular salsa and hey, you wanna walk over to Lifeway after lunch and look at some CD’s?
We bought this one, by the way. I could tell you that we were not influenced by the fact that Christy Nockels sings on it, but that would be a lie. And I could also tell you that I haven’t cried while listening to a song called “The Only Thing,” but that would be a lie, too.
And, as we all know, lying makes God sad.
So, to sum up: we’re sort of business as usual around here, just with a lot more unfolded laundry on our bed and a whole lot of packing to do tomorrow. But we’re good.
And I guess if there’s anything that gives me pause, it’s when I see something that reminds me of the people we’re going to meet in Uganda. I’ll catch a glimpse of our picture of our Compassion child, Sharon - who is three and has the sweetest face you’ve ever seen - and I wonder if she’ll be able to understand how much we love her.
Or I’ll fold one of the receiving blankets that some of the girls in my Bible study donated for the Child Survival Center, and I’ll imagine the little baby who’ll be swaddled inside those yellow and green polka dots one day.
Or I’ll see the letter that some friends of ours are sending to their Compassion child, Ssekwama, and I think that for less money than I spend on diet Coke every month, those friends of ours are going to be able to change that little boy’s life forever.
And it blows my mind just a little bit that these children, these people I’ve never met in person, are already inextricably tied to my heart. I cannot imagine what it will be like to see them, to hold their hands and hug their necks and look them straight in the eyes.
But I’ll tell you this: I cannot wait. And I’ll update y’all just as soon as I can when I get to Chicago Sunday afternoon.
Oh, and one more thing: Ephesians 3:20-21.
Over and over again.
chickadee says:
i’m glad you and your family are coping well with this big event. also, i’m looking forward to reading about your trip. it will be the next best thing to being there myself. take care!
February 8th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Christine says:
I posted it earlier, but I’ll go again here. Huge prayers to you, the team and your family. I was telling my hub about your trip and how it came about as we sat at dinner having an “adult conversation” as the girls drew on each other with crayons at California Pizza Kitchen. We will both be sending fervent prayer for all of you over the next ten days. And it hit me too at dinner, that I’m going to have to figure out how to keep up with 10 blogs, 9 of them new to me, while y’all are gone!! Can’t wait to hear about it all!
Godspeed and safe travels!
February 8th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Muddy says:
Amen and Amen
February 8th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Janie says:
I can’t believe the time is here!! Praying for you (and the group)!
xoxo,
JS
February 8th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Minnesotamom says:
I am so excited for you. Husband and I have sponsored a Compassion child from Ecuador since the summer before we got married. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to meet her, but that is sooooo neat that you get to go.
May God get the glory!
February 8th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Jai says:
Amen! Praying for you and the whole team. Can’t wait to see what God IS gonna do.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Lindsey says:
I will continue to life y’all in prayer! You will have a blessed trip. Have fun and be bloggy:)
February 8th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
OhLookADuck says:
I am praying all my love and hugs for those children as well.
I’ll be missing your updates, but I’ll be praying for you whenever I think of you, which is going to be often. Have a wonderful trip and I hope God blesses you out of your daylights.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Diane J. says:
My sisters and I are praying for you, Sophie, and I’m putting you and all the team on our Sunday School prayer list as soon as I get to church Sunday morning.
Love,
Diane
February 9th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Ashleigh says:
Ah, you know how much I like that verse… amen and amen. We’re holding you in prayer, dear Sophie.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven says:
so excited for you, Sophie.
God had indeed gone before you.
Blessings,
K
February 9th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Andrea says:
Oh Boo, I’m praying! I’m so touched by what you’re about to do… I’m hoping to live this vicariously through you. I’m also hoping for LOTS of pictures of you with the kids! Go with God, sister-girl.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Amanda says:
Amen! I’m so excited for you and for what God is going to do.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:11 am
mod*mom says:
you’re such an inspiration boomama!
i have a video featuring african child slaves talking about fair trade vs. slave trade on my fair trade chocolate giveaway.
i hope you can watch it + win some chocolates. there are 11 prizes.
http://modmom.blogspot.com/2008/01/modmom-valentine-giveaway-organic-fair_4512.html
February 9th, 2008 at 12:18 am
faithful chick says:
Praying for you.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Erica says:
I think I needed that post at this ungodly hour as much as ever. :- )
Still praying for you.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Annie says:
Our prayers will be flying with you. We wish you a safe journey, and a wonderful time in the Lord. I know your heart will be bursting with Joy! I can’t wait for you to share the blessings with us!
Take Care…
February 9th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Linds says:
Go well, Sophie, and know that we will all be praying for you all while you are in Africa. I just sense that something wonderful is going to happen.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Mommy Cracked says:
Have a great and safe trip, Boo Mama! You are in my prayers.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:04 am
edj says:
You’re going to have a wonderful time. As I just said over at Shannon’s blog, you’ll love it in retrospect if not during the actual time ;) Have a fantastic flight! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Bev Brandon says:
Sophie, may you open your mouth and your sovereign good God — Psalm 81:10—fill it with Himself and pour your beauty into many many lives…I believe He will
February 9th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Charity says:
I love Ronnie Freeman, and I’m praying for you. Can’t wait to hear about your trip! It will change your life girl!
February 9th, 2008 at 3:47 am
JanMary, N Ireland says:
Praying for you, your family, the team, and those you will meet who have NO idea what is in store for them :)
God Bless
February 9th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Diane says:
Bless you and your team, Sophie. We will be interceding for you in Heaven’s throne room. It’s all good.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:50 am
karen says:
You and your family are in my prayers. May God richly bless you and the people you encounter on this trip.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Jenn says:
I’m praying for you too! And I can’t wait to read what you feel when you get there. I have a feeling that it will be some of the most powerful blogging I will ever read and I’m looking forward to it :)
February 9th, 2008 at 7:09 am
That Girl says:
I went to Honduras for 11 days in November and I cried and cried before I went because I was so afraid of doing something new. I made friends there that I just can’t stand to be away from now. You will be so blessed by going. You will bless others, too. I pray for you…some girl in my computer that I don’t know and may never meet this side of Heaven.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Happi says:
What a wonderful opportunity. I will be praying for you…for your safety, health, and peace. But mostly I will pray that God will use you in the lives of those whom you touch and that you will have the creativity and God-given inspiration to write about it. Don’t forget to take your ipod…there’s nothing like Christy Nockels singing in your ears when you need a musical reminder of God’s greatness and sovereignty!
Many blessings for a fantastic trip,
Happi
P.S. We’ve been sponsoring a Compassion child since we were married 8 years ago. It’s so wonderful to see her grow! We’d love to go visit her someday.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Gail says:
It will be an awesome experience and God will do great things!
February 9th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Nicole@OnTheRun says:
Can’t get enough of Ephesians 3:20-21. EVER.
I’m just trying to picture you explaining to the Apostle Paul in heaven what it means to go “blog for the Lord.”
Glory!
February 9th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Kristen M. says:
That verse gives me the tingles. I’m excited for you too and I can’t wait to hear about the trip.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Jenny says:
I can’t wait to see what Africa is like to a regular mom! Have a great time and know that not only are we praying for you on some level we are feeling like we are going with you!
Thank you for be willing to go!
February 9th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Partyoffive says:
This is such a wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to read your posts while you are in Africa. Safe travels.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Llama Momma says:
Amen.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Tammy H says:
WOW Boomama! All I can say is wow.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Lesley says:
My prayers are with you, your family, and the team. I look forward to hearing the stories and the impact it has on you.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Fran says:
Praying for you Sophie…God has got you right in His glorious hand!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Cheri says:
I bet you are so excited you could just pee your pants…that’s how I’d be!!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Betsy says:
boomama ~ have a grand time! HUGE prayers for you and your team!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Linda Sue says:
Ok I did alright with the stuff about your family, and how wonderful your hubby is being and the incredible blessing of being covered with prayer and even going to actually see and hug the necks of those precious children we sponsor(using the general term we despite the fact that our precious Compassion boys are in Bangladesh) - but OH my tears ducts are overflowing at the scripture you chose - Indeed and AMEN - He is able to do so much more than we have the sense to ask. Bless you sweet Sophie - and we will be looking forward to reports from Africa (can we all say WOW!?)
February 9th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Amber says:
i cannot wait to hear what God is doing in that part of Africa. definitely praying for you and your team!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Jennie says:
Praying for you and can’t wait to hear all about the trip.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Mary Lou says:
Blessings on your trip. God’s protection on you and your family while you are gone…May He meet you each and every day and shine His face on you and give you peace……..you and your household….You go girl….God is going with you.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Bella says:
MEN! and Godspeed.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Bella says:
I meant AMEN…AMEN.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am
shelley says:
Thank you BooMama, for being so Real. You’re an inspiration, because you’re a Real mom, living a Real life, and going on a very Real trip. You’re a Real witness. Not just to the people in Uganda, but to the people Right Here, reading your blog. God bless you!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Nicole @ Life In Progress says:
You are awesome. God is awesome. The end.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:24 am
BethC says:
Sooo many prayers for you BooMama!
I can’t wait to hear how this changes your life. What a difference you are going to make there.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:
Oh man, now I’m crying.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Susan says:
Oh, yes, God does do immeasurably more than we can imagine! And, He is doing that in your life right now. An army of prayers go with you.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Jenny says:
God bless you.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Darlene says:
Love you much, Sophie. Hope you have a great day of travel.
I will be praying for you all.
February 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Kelly says:
Did you ever dream when you started your “little” blog that after a year - it would lead to a little Mississippi girl flying to Africa?????
I will be praying for you and thinking of you on your trip! What an AMAZING Experience you are about to have! I can’t wait to hear EVERY LAST DETAIL!!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Bailey's Leaf says:
Got you covered in prayers and love. Give Sharon a hug for all of us!
February 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Melanie says:
Amen and God Bless. Praying for the baby who will get that blanket.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
fabthemayor says:
You know, I thought of a really funny thing as I was typing in all my info…actually two really funny things. the first, God knows you whether we pray for Sophie or Boomama. Second, you will have an entire week of blogging, blogging, blogging. Can’t wait to read your blog when you get to Africa. Almost enough to make me be “sick” for a week and sit waiting anxiously with my computer in my lap. Good luck; Godspeed.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Michele says:
I am praying for you. I can’t wait to read your Africa Blogging Episodes. I know that you’re life will be changed and I can’t wait to “hear” or rather read how that hapens. I’m praying for Alex, your husband and your mom over the next few days. Just remember to breathe…God is with you and you are making his heart burst with pride and joy! God will indeed bless you for compassion and obiedance.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda Been Worse) says:
My prayers are with you as well, Boomama. Blessings to you and your family!!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Susie says:
Praying for you and everyone involved. I’m sure you will never be the same after this trip. Blessings!
February 9th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Judy says:
Boomama, Do you realize that if you were making this trip two years ago you would not have had people from all over the US praying for you? What an awesome thought!! Now you have all of us “internets” going to the Lord on your behalf!
You will never be the same after this trip…trust me! May you be the hands of Jesus while you are there! Blessings!
February 9th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Carol Hatcher says:
Oh, I wish you the best. I prayed for you this morning. I will continue to pray until your safe return home. God bless.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Vicki Courtney says:
oh girl, I’m so new to your blog that I’m just now hearing about this africa trip. I will be lifting you up.
To God be the glory…forever and ever!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Johna says:
I PRAY YOU ARE FOREVER CHANGED! WE ARE PRAYING, GO WITH GOD!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
connorcolesmom says:
Sophie,
I have been praying for this trip nonstop since I heard you were leaving. I know it is going to bless you beyond measure and I can’t wait until we get an update!
May God cover you with His peace, health, courage, and strength.
Blessings,
Kim
February 9th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
pam says:
Sophie~
Praying for you as often as God brings you to mind, which is pretty darn frequently. Hold Shannon’s hand through the rough parts and don’t hesitate to wipe your nose on your sleeve inconspicuously when you have no kleenex handy and you just can’t stop the flowing tears from all you will see and hear.
I am so thrilled for your opportunity and pray God will reach out and grab your heart, never letting you forget the impact of this trip.
February 9th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Jmom@lotsofscotts says:
Yesterday I was led several times to pray for you in your last minute preparations–especially the prep of your heart. Praying for you while you are away!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Elaine says:
You are the bravest person I feel like I know but don’t really know, you know? Godspeed!
February 10th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Laura/DaPFG says:
this post brought me smiles by the gallon.
February 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am