A look at our return from our mission trip to Kenya in 2012. The crying baby I mention just turned 3!
2012
This one time I was sleeping and...was awakened by the chatter of a young child. The first thought to enter my mind was, "I wonder who brought a baby into the compound?" quickly followed by, "Where am I?"
Initially I thought I was still in the village in Kenya, where we were doing mission work.
But then I realized we'd left the village and spent a night in the city where we'd be attending worship the next day.
After worship in Kisii, though, we made the 6 hour drive back to Nairobi where we stayed at a guest house.
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| Our apartment was on the 4th floor, around the corner. |
After worship in Kisii, though, we made the 6 hour drive back to Nairobi where we stayed at a guest house.
Then there was the night we spent while on safari...now that was a nice bed!
This was followed by 30 hours of travel. I'm sure I must've gotten some sleep on the airplane because I never did see the end of that movie...
With the baby babbling in the background, I forced open my heavy eyelids and saw it was just after midnight. "Hey, wait a minute," I thought, "that looks just like my alarm clock." I jolted awake as I realized I was home in my own bed! (Six "beds" in six different locations on consecutive days does make it a bit difficult to identify your whereabouts.) That meant the baby happily entertaining himself was my grandson. I was the one looking after the baby! (Did I mention I'd crossed several time zones as well?)
To say we came home to a lot going on would be an understatement. My daughter's husband went into the hospital about a week after we left for our mission and had been there two weeks by the time we returned home. Her son, who just turned one last week, had been sick and shared what he had with most of the people who watched him. On top of all this, she's 8 months pregnant.
Hence, my returning home and jumping in with both feet. Needless to say, I feel I'm behind on everything, but then again, I suppose "behind" is a relative statement, a condition which exists primarily in my own mind. Yes, I still have a few things from our trip to put away, and no, my 24-year-old son didn't concern himself with housework while we were gone. (He actually does a great job picking up after himself, its just that it doesn't go any further than that.) I haven't been posting as often as I'd like, but I guess that's what happens when real life intervenes.
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18
Right now, my primary calling is to serve my family. Thankfully, my son-in-law is back home after a three week hospital stay, but he has a long road ahead of him.
My grandson is healthy once again, but only after giving this grandma his cold. This after four weeks of my being sick followed by three weeks in Kenya and a week of jet-lag. I'm praising God I remained healthy during our trip - a first! After four trips with health issues, I really needed an uneventful one.
Two weeks from now, there will be more adjustments as another baby boy is added to the family. Grandma is on call and ready for duty!
Lord, I’m so thankful my children live close to me and that You've given me the flexibility to help out when they need a hand. Help me to remember that serving them is serving You. Thank you for this privilege!
Lisa
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Six beds on six different days..sounds like they could have been on six different continents. Glad you are back in your own bed after such a great adventure.
Wow! Six beds in six days! My sleep gets messed up when I don't sleep in my own bed... What an adventure!
I pray God gives you strength in this season of serving your family. Ma your son in law recover quickly.
And I'm behind in reading your posts :(. Wow you are busy. God has given you the gift of serving thats for sure.So thankful your son-in-law is doing better. You set such a good example of helping your family. Keep us posted !!
Lisa,
Having traveled, I can relate to the "where am I" feeling. I landed here from Faith Filled Fridays, and enjoyed the journey. I love your attitude about family, "Help me to remember that serving them is serving You. Thank you for this privilege!"
Beautiful.
I'll be back to read more.
Peace and good to you.
an amazing adventure....a life that is rich and full
Just laughing at the way you didn't quite realize at first that you were in your own bed. I've soooo been there. It's a joy to cross paths with you here. I'm so glad you've linked up at Getting Down With Jesus, and look forward to getting to know you more through your writing.
Wow... I can see how you'd be disoriented on waking up! That's awesome you have the time to spend with your grandson, though. :) I hope you feel better soon.
Phew! What a whirlwind!
Grandmothers have a special place in my heart -- I was raised by my grandmother.
Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your story with us at Saints and Scripture Sunday! Happy to see you there!
With so much going on I'm amazed you found (or made) time to write this post. I'm glad you did. Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte