Soon

I am oh so grateful for these past few days of relative calm and clarity in which to do that all encompassing task called packing.  

This is not a simple thing.  It's not like you can just chuck a bunch of stuff in a suitcase without many layers of consideration.  Four 50lb ministry suitcases contain Sponsors' packets, teaching materials, reading prizes and various and Sundry gifts.  Weight must be precise, so there's always the last minute transfer of items between suitcases, and then weighing it out again to make sure.

My own personal 50lbs has to be tediously thought through as well.  It's crazy how quickly the weight adds up, and you're deciding what can actually be left behind and what absolutely must go.  Then carry on, and liquids and batteries have to be taken into consideration.  And all in the correct accessibly pockets so security checks can happen with the least amount of fuss (as if).

It's not like I haven't done this before.  And the truth is, I fret about it much, much less than I used to.  I have clothes and toiletries I leave there, plus a lot of office supplies, and a wonderful sun hat!  But still.  It's a thing.  And it needs to be thought through carefully.

Which is why it's been so good to just have some space to do all of it in an unhurried way this week.

Besides....those faces!  It's all worth it.

"Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 

so we cared for you. 

Because we loved you so much, 

we were delighted to share with you 

not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8