Sittin' and Ponderin'

Jambo Rafiki!

This means “Hello Friend” in Swahili (….and here I was thinkin’ “Rafiki” was just the crazy old monkey from The Lion King…)

I discovered this random bit of information in one of the four books I read in the last week. Vacation is a wonderful thing, people.

Not only did I read those four books, but I also went hiking, ate WAY too much breakfast, shared a king-sized bed with Gracie (she has pokey toes- EEK), got to ride in a crazy-amazing car, and sat basking in God’s creation on my favorite porch in all of America.

I never feel anything but peace when I sit with a view like this, so I am beyond grateful that we were able to spend those six days in Tennessee. Turns out, leaving home was a wee bit harder than I had anticipated. Although I still have my family with me, there’s something about “home” that I miss more now than I did last time I traveled with Life Action – and it has only been a week! I’m hesitant to say this as though I know all (I don’t) but I have a very strong sense that, this time, I have officially left home. I don’t know if I’ll be staying with Life Action indefinitely or if marriage is in my near future or what, yet I feel that - other than visits and breaks - I won’t be living full-time with my parents again. It took me at least ten tries to finally get that sentence out. It’s a big thought and an even bigger step, but at the same time I know God has been preparing me for this because I’m not afraid. My heart is prepared to trust in God to guide my steps, and I will endeavor to follow willingly and joyfully. However, I have all ideas that it’s not going to be easy.

Right now, we are in Michigan at my brother-in-law’s father’s lake house. As expected, it’s shaping up to be five more wonderful days of rest and relaxation with some very cute babies due to arrive on Thursday and then a 5k on Saturday. Then, THEN!, I will be dropped off at Life Action Camp on Sunday. Keep the prayers coming, folks, I definitely need and appreciate them. Pray that I will make it through the 5k safely. Pray that I won’t be nervous. Pray that I will enjoy these days with my family; I’m going to be feeling awfully lonely on Sunday as I watch my Mama and Daddy drive away.

And pray that I will keep my focus on Christ, my Shelter and Comfort in all things.

Until next week…