As Long As I Can Remember

I have wanted to take a trip like this for as long as I can remember. I've been to tons of charity events, made donations to various organizations I support, but never did anything that felt like I was directly making a difference, a connection. Whenever I would see someone on Oprah talk about their experiences on such a mission trip I would think, "I wish I could do that." I suppose now that was God speaking to me, sending me signs, putting the desire in my heart. Whatever the circumstances of my life, however, I felt it wasn't possible for me to go. I had small children. I felt I should wait for them to to be grown, out of the house, on their own, before I could ever attempt something like this.

In January I was going through some challenges in my personal life and was considering all sorts of weekend getaway trips to renew my spirit. I looked at spas and yoga retreats, talked about getaways with girlfriends. I somehow ended up at Spring Branch one weekend and saw a posting about the mission trip to Nicaragua. As my always encouraging girlfriend, Shannon, reminded me, this was my year to say, "Yes!" to all great opportunities that came my way and put my worries and fears aside. At the first meeting I met Eren and Amber, who also have small children, and it was just in meeting them that I was really able to make up my mind and commit to going. If they had children and could go, so could I! Thanks girls!

As it turns out this has already been an amazing learning experience for my children. The girls now know all their countries in Central America (which is more than I knew a few months ago) and are really getting into finding things to send to the children in the orphanage. We have talked on and on about service to others, in our families, our communities, and in the great big world in which we live. They keep reminding me that I have so much love I just have to share it around. Plus they are practically pushing me out the door at the chance to spend a whole week with their dad who is taking off of work to be with them so I can go! Thanks Bill!

I am beyond excited about the trip. I am going without too many expectations. I am trying to break my Type A personality and I really like how Joe keeps reminding us not to rely too much on plans, but to wake up each morning and ask God what he needs of us. I am trying to live my life here, too, with that in mind.

Peace,

Caroline