It's been a busy few days for the Thicket Dweller household, and it's only going to get busier.We're preparing for Houdin to leave for training for his eight-month trip to western Africa. This past week has been spent gathering last-minute stuff and organizing fundraisers. This Saturday, we'll be running a lunch stand at a local real estate auction and all of the proceeds will go to Houdin's trip, which is a good thing because it's costing more than I had thought it would. While many people have been very generous, there are so many expenses that I hadn't anticipated; his oral vaccinations aren't covered by our insurance; the health department charges $35 for a "travel consultation" before they can give him his Yellow Fever vaccine; he needs a winter coat before his training begins; we didn't have a camera suitable for him to travel with; he desperately needed a haircut; and, and, and....
It's hard to believe that he'll be leaving in just two days, and that we won't see him until Thanksgiving. A short visit, then he'll be off to Africa for eight. whole. months.
Am I ready for this?
Sometimes the best thing to do when you're feeling anxious is to focus on someone else, so here's a prayer for all of you who have children who are starting their first year of school, or their last, or their first year of college, or their last, or they're going away on service projects, or missions trips, or into the military. May you be filled with total peace. May all of the fear and anxiety and pressure and stress just melt away, and may you be left with a sense of wonder, gratitude, joy and strength.
And you can do the same for me.
