All Packed up and ready to go...Or so I thought!

So last night Liz came over and we set our sights on packing. The challenge was to get everything (solar panels, solar battery (22 pounds all by itself), eight solar lights, lots and lots of medicine, 1300 pens, padlocks, printer cartridges, premathrin (a substance used to spray nets to keep mosquitos away), batteries, soccer and volleyballs, clothes, etc. into eight footlockers without any of them exceeding 50 pounds. At first the task seemed insurmountable. And then it began to seem possible. And then it seemed impossible again. One item at a time we would add to the crate and watch the scale inch closer to the 50 pound mark. But alas everything was in and we did a little song and dance. Until this morning...

That is when I got an email from Phil telling me that everything needed to be out of their packaging so the customs representatives wouldn't charge us for anything "new". This was great information to have... it was just about 24 hours too late. So tomorrow everything will come out of the footlockers, all packaging will be removed and everything will be returned in a used, who would want it condition. At least we know it will fit. And maybe that will be enough to get us through customs without a hitch! Since then, I have acquired some wonderful dresses that were originally made for a mission trip to Haiti. I'm not sure why they are still here but I am thrilled that I am the lucky recipient of many beautiful dresses for our girls. We also have quite a few knit hats that a woman in our community has been making. They are absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to give them out. Our girls are going to be stylin'! Really I am so excited to be able to bring these things to our children. I know they will be so appreciative and it will be awesome to be able to give them something that they can wear.

As I look back on this part of my journey I am just in awe of all the things that God has provided. Every time I think there is not another thing that someone can possibly do for our kids someone does just that. People have given beyond my wildest dreams. And the amazing part is that so many of the people who have donated have been people I don't even know - people I have never met and may never meet. God has worked in amazing ways and I am so blessed by all the people who care for our children half a world away. I often get asked why I am so passionate about Uganda. Why not devote my time to the people in my own backyard. And yes, I know there are people here in my community who are struggling. I guess we all have our callings. As short a period of time as two years ago I never thought I would go to Africa. I had never really given it any thought at all. And then circumstances changed and the idea was put in my head. And so I went. I was excited to go last year, but in hindsight I was excited because it was new. I can remember sitting on the end of my driveway the night before we left terrified. I kept asking myself what had I gotten myself into. And then I arrived and saw the smiles on the faces of the children and I knew I was in the right place. I saw what little they had and what joy they had. I saw how much love they had to share and I came away from the two weeks knowing that I had gotten far more from the experience than I was ever able to give.

And so as I prepare to leave on Monday I wonder what this year will bring. I wonder what God has in store for us while we are there. I hope He prepares our hearts and speaks through us. I hope He gives us wisdom. I hope He protects our families while we are gone and provides us with good health, strength and a sense of humor.

In closing tonight I have a special thank you to my friends at the Loft. You don't know this but you all have changed my life these past few months. It has been an honor to get to know you and work beside you. You are all the kindest, gentlest people. Everyone should have the pleasure to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Kelly, keep those pastries coming. The compliments from people should make you proud. Cindy, practice making those coffees. If this old dog can do it so can you. I have faith! Tom, keep those lunches coming and if you have time you can come by my house and empty the dishwasher. You're awesome! Danielle, keep on stocking. And smell the coffee for me every Tuesday... Ben, when the customer comes you really shouldn't make them make their own drink! If I don't see you before you leave for Haiti have a great time. John, your grandchildren are adorable and I can see they love you bunches. Tami keep on cheering for your son, making those wedding plans and staying away from sugar. I will notice if you cheat even from 5,000 miles away. Judy, keep up exercising so the rest of us don't have to. Andrea keep up that radical love. Everyone needs compost now and then! And Jenny, keep the glow. You've never looked better. I love you all very much and will miss you.