Monday

To My Family


To my precious children and best friend:

Well. Here we are. We have anxiously and excitedly counted down the days until I travel to Kenya, Africa.

There has been an palpable energy in our home for weeks, an expectant feeling and more love, touching, hugging and being than I've ever experienced. My heart is so full. As I've readied for this journey, each of you has come beside me and enabled me to go. You've given me the greatest gifts-encouragement, courage, love and abiding joy.

To my children: You've given me wings to fly across the globe and tell another child's story. You've selflessly released me to shed the light on the forgotten, to give the poor a face, so that children might be rescued from poverty.

Thank you, sweet babies. I am honored to be your Momma and I am so proud of each of you. You have taught me so much.
(the note my oldest made for me, tucked away in my unstamped passport)

I love you.

To my husband: You are the perfect match to my soul. I'm taking you with me because I am not whole without you. You will walk the dirty streets and see the dust covered children with me. I carry you in my heart. Thank you for being my greatest friend and champion. You have encouraged this in me, you have been my hero and shown me Jesus.

I love you.

The day I said yes to this trip with Compassion International, I knew I would return a different person, never seeing life the same thru my naive eyes.

But I didn't know I would be a different person before I even left. My sweet family, you have prepared your hearts and we will never be the same.

I am ready.


Love,


28 comments:

Anonymous said...

May God bless your willingness as you go to Africa. Prayers for a safe trip.
R

Alli Worthington said...

Big snotty happy tears.

Prayers & love to you.

xoxo

Robyn | Add a Pinch said...

Praying for a blessed trip for you and love to your family!

Tammy said...

Tonight at the supper table I talked to my children about you and your trip. We prayed for you and your family....we will continue to do so. I look forward to showing my kids your journey.

Blessings and prayers for you, Kristen!

Mark 16:15 "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation"

bridget {bake at 350} said...

We are praying for your journey, too. Not only will you never forget this, but your kids never will, either.

We'll keep and eye out for rowdy parties next door. ;)

The Halbert Home said...

I am so excited to read all about your trip to Africa. I always look forward to the compassion bloggers trips because I know many children will get sponsors because of your experience!

Lauren @ Team Giles said...

Cried happy tears. God is so good.

So excited for you. Happy for you and your family in this journey. Your family inspires the world.

Praying for you all.

Big love.

Oonie said...

With all good thoughts and earnest prayers for a safe and blessed trip. Can't wait to hear all about it. (And can't wait to hear about the loved ones at home either!)

Melissa said...

Yes, indeed. You are indeed ready. Safe travels ...

Jill said...

Kristin,

I went to El Salvador with Compassion. I am not the same. That is my prayer for you....that you will be forever changed.

Can't wait to hear what God does with your heart.

Kristen Howerton said...

What a love letter to your family, and what a gift they are giving you! Have a great trip. You will be changed!

mom & Dad said...

God speed for a wonderful, safe journey. We love you so much. What a honor to share you with Africa. Mom & Dad

Robin said...

We're praying for you!

Julie Bagamary said...

Thanks for the insightes of your adventures for the LORD and giving us the opportunity to pray with you, your family, the team and those you will meet. I pray you won't leave without seeing what God has for you as you see what you have for those in Africa.

Sarah @ Mum In Bloom said...

What a beautiful post, my eyes are full reading it. It's so true that our families really give us the courage to open our wings and soar and with faith in the Lord, he'll help lead the way.

TidyMom said...

I'm crying while I read your post Kristen.......praying for all of you! What a wonderful thing you are doing! ♥

Lindsay said...

This makes me so happy that you're going. :) What an amazing attitude to begin with! :) I'll be praying for you and your family this week!

Anonymous said...

Hold on to that lil' note forever mom!

Southern Gal said...

So sweet. As a mom who stayed home and let our teenager go to Panama and Botswana, I can testify to the fact that the whole family will be impacted by your trip. Before, during and after.

Darcy @ m3b said...

I am watching and waiting with great anticipation.

Thinking of you.

The Passionate Housewife said...

What an Amazing opportunity!

The note your eldest gave you is just precious!

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

LOVE that note. Praying for each of you on the trip, and also the families left behind!

Tina said...

I'm so excited for you and just know this trip will be an amazing experience for you.

Love and prayers to you....

Holly said...

So excited and inspired by your words and life. Safe travels and know we will be following your journey!

Alicia said...

What a sweet message to your family. Have a wonderful, safe trip. I will be praying for you and the other moms/dads traveling with you.

Multi-tasking Mommy said...

What sweet and powerful words!

And that note from your oldest, oh that note!

Good luck on your journey.

Tiffany said...

Take care on your journey.

Bri said...

God bless you. I will follow your journey as He works through your eyes and the words you'll be writing.