At first I was afraid, I was petrified

I seem to be going on a mission trip to Ethiopia. I'm not really sure how it happened, but it started when my husband saw a blurb about the 10 day trip in the church bulletin. He said I should go and take our 10 year-old daughter. I laughed at him, and yet here I am, all signed up and about to write the deposit check.

When I first began to take the trip seriously I logged many hours researching Ethiopia and the people to try to determine if it was safe to go. I know, I know, safe is a relative term. And several people told me I'm safer where God wants me to be than I am in my own home. I know this is true because home is where I got a broken toe racing my son around the house. Most of my friends call me a germ-o-phobe, which is a little unfair, I think. I just have a healthy respect for Germ-X. Also, I'm a bit of a control freak. And, I am about 10-20 years older than most of the people going on this trip and I have skin issues being in the sun. And basically, I am a big baby.

And yet, during my research and during the trip meeting we had a few days ago, I felt excitement. And I think it was coming from God. I asked for His guidance about the trip and he took me to web sites that talked about the beauty of Ethiopia, the graciousness of the people, and the general stability of the land. Granted, it borders all kinds of crazy war-torn regions that we won't be going near. I was also afraid that there wouldn't be much a 37 year-old housewife had to offer on such a trip. Until I learned at the meeting that we would be teaching English and a vacation Bible school for street children. Well, I have an English degree and have taught VBS for many years. I was full of excitement. What's more, my daughter can't wait to go either.

And so, as we get closer to the departure date in May, I will be drawing closer to my Father. I know He alone can keep us safe and prevent a nervous break-down. I have a feeling this will be a journey for me and Anna Kate that will span much more than mere miles. Even as I acknowledge my nervosity (I did mention I have an English degree, right? That means I have a license to make up words), I also have to acknowledge my excitement and hope for this trip. For how I can serve my God by loving His children in Africa, for bonding with my daughter and sister-in-law (who is thankfully also going), and how God can teach me that even when I don't have everything under control, He always does.

This is the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. My youngest child starts kindergarten in the Fall and before that I am going to Ethiopia. Wow. Fasten my seatbelt.