We're off!

Nick and I are sitting on the plane from DC ready to depart for Addis. Although we have been so excited for our trip for quite some time, we are leaving with heavy hearts as just about 24 hours ago my grandfather passed away. We are leaving as planned at our family's encouragement. We appreciate prayers as this will be a difficult time to be away. We know God will carry us through, however, and we are so excited to be seeing our Ethiopian friends soon.

We already have a good story about our trip and we haven't even left US soil. No time now, though. Will update soon we hope!

Thankful November : Day 26

Today I'm thankful for your grace. Grace that I missed a thankful post yesterday, and that I'm likely to miss the rest of them. Because well, I'm leaving for Ethiopia on Thursday. And I'm working up until the minute I leave. Hopefully I'll have a chance to post before we leave. If not, we'll be doing some blogging from Ethiopia. See you then! 

Thankful November : Day 24

I am thankful today for having a strong husband! We went to cut our Christmas tree down in our typical family tradition fashion. We drive about two hours up into the woods and buy a permit to cut a tree down. This is the third time in 36 years there has not been snow at this time up there. We had a really mild winter last year so everyone had been anticipating a snowier winter this year, but so far, no dice. Anyways, back to my strong husband...

There were a lot more people around than in year's past and it was a bit of a bummer. No worries, Nick and I trekked farther into the woods, up a huge hill, down a huge hill, along a dirt road, and there was nobody in sight. For good reason. Except this is where we found our perfect Christmas tree! It was on the side of a really steep mountain, all by itself. Nick was a trooper and didn't give it a second thought. Well, he might have, but he didn't say anything to me about it. He drug the tree up the entire mountain and then loaded it on his shoulders to carry it the rest of the way.

It's now up in our living room. Tomorrow is decorating day, but it's probably the most full tree from the forest we've ever had. It's a good one. Strong work, Nick.

 

Thankful November : Day 23

Can you believe I've made it 23 days? Me neither. It is beginning to feel a little like the time I did a Fantasy Football league. It all sounded so exciting in the beginning, and then it just kept going. And going. But hey, I'm almost there considering we leave for Ethiopia in six. days. Yes, less than one week.

Today, I've had the blessing of shop and wrap gifts for our very precious Ethiopian friends. Christmas is coming to Ethiopia early this year!

Thankful November : Day 22

I am so grateful for the ability to cook and enjoy lots of great food in a warm house. I know too many who don't have this blessing and I hope I never take it for granted.

Thankful November : Day 21

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving! I really love celebrating holidays at home and Nick and I are excited for a day devoted to relaxing, being thankful for all our blessings and enjoying some of our favorite yummy foods.

Thankful November : Day 20

Today is a day for being thankful for modern medicine.