Going Back to Africa!

Wow. Merry Christmas, everyone! And, Happy New Year! And, Happy Africa Trip!

Yes, I am behind on Christmas blogging. Yet, I'm sitting on the airplane---with more turbulence than I care for---at the very beginning of another journey to Africa. So, of course, the orderly blogging is once again out of order. :)

But, right now, all that matters is that in just a few hours, I will be landing in Ethiopia! Then, after spending five days there, we will travel on to Rwanda for a week!! My college roomie, Sara, her sister, Amy, and her dad, Larry, along with Jason and David Root, are my travel mates, and we will be meeting up with the rest of our group tonight. For the next two weeks, our team's job is to literally love on orphaned little ones all day every day. And, once again, I’ve overstuffed my bags with all kinds of donations from so many of you!! We received many generous financial donations for this trip, as well as orphan care supplies to pack up. And, I had some GREAT helpers to get me ready to go!

These kids are all very involved in the trips we've taken to Africa and love getting to be a part of the fun. They organized everything from toys to diapers to shoes to candy...and they did a great job!

And, we got to see the Voss kids again this morning, when their mommy dropped off surprises for my trip!! Coloring books to pack....and a NEW camera strap and passport holder made with fabric we bought in Ghana!! I'm now all set for my trip this time...and looking so much cuter with my new accessories!

I’m so excited to be doing this, and I’m so thankful to be given this opportunity. I'm also very happy about our team. It's going to be a GOOD group. And, I can't believe I am a part of it, after deciding in the last few weeks to do this trip!

I told a group of girlfriends the other day that I don't know what has happened to the old Chelsea. Now, she's picking up at the last minute, and flying to Africa for a two week adventure! Whatever has changed, I like it. I'm just so grateful that Africa has been such a huge part of this year for us.

And, while I’m on the subject of being thankful, I’m also SO incredibly blessed by a husband who not only supports me going, but was the one who encouraged me to say “yes” in the first place! He is also the amazing daddy who is taking care of the girls while I am gone, and who leaves me nothing to worry about as I leave town for this long. :) I’ve already told him I’m perfectly okay with returning to a messy house and messy kids, because by the time I see all those precious faces, I’ll kiss every one of their sticky faces again and again. But, I think he's gonna prove me wrong on this. Already tonight, he texted me a picture of the girls tying fleece blankets for the homeless while he did one of our family read-alouds. WHAT?! I'm quite impressed with Mr. Teacher Mommy!

Mark, I love you and miss you already. Thank you for loving these little ones, both in our home, and across the world. Thank you for loving me and letting me experience the world. And, thank you for continuing to pray and seek God’s direction in all we are doing in this new life we find ourselves in.

So, at the same time as I make this little jaunt across the globe, I—along with all of you---also just finished a two week tour of Christmas activity with my sweet, sweet family (who I happen to be missing A LOT right in this moment).

So, I'm not totally sure how to blog about both. It feels weird to go back and talk about the ICE exhibit or what Santa brought, when I’m on my way to a land where there is no gifts or Christmas trees?

But, I’m going to include a little Christmas very soon (maybe tomorrow on the plane!). I'm also hoping that there will be multiple blog entries in the next few days about my experiences in Ethiopia and Rwanda. After all, THIS is where the real hope of Christmas can be seen…in the faces and smiles of the little ones He loves SO much. Thanks for joining me on the journey!