That's why, prior to coming to the ILC, I did as much research and planning as possible to help our family with the adjustment and transition involved with leaving our home and moving to someplace far, far away.
We researched our future home environment. We sold things. (A lot of things.) We moved out of our house. We said goodbye to beloved careers. We spent time with family, friends and were very intentional about making the most of our fleeting time in South Mississippi.
That's why when we arrived in Virginia, I felt confident and assured of our surroundings. I felt like we had things we needed for our utility and comfort. In other words, I felt ready for the next step.
Boy was I blown away...
Our training has been intense, but that's been ok. I know it's worthwhile and beneficial for successful strategies overseas. We've been stretched and challenged - still ok with all that - I expected that would be the case. We've tried new foods, we've been immunized, and we've learned a lot. None of that rocked my boat, even though some of those situations have been a little, uh, challenging.
What I wasn't prepared for and didn't expect was just how close I would get with some of the other people living here. I never thought relationships would develop so fast that complete strangers would become family in just a matter of weeks.
But that is what happened.
I've developed a new name here, and it's one I wouldn't change for anything in the world. That name is "Mom."
Now I know what you're thinking. I've got two daughters who have been calling me Mom for years. But now I've got an additional 7 daughters and 1 son that call me Mom.
The funny thing is, these kids are only 10-15 years younger than me.
This morning, one of these daughters said to me, "Mom. I love that you love us like one of your own children."
To which I responded, "Well, actually, I love you more like a big sister cause I'm NOT AS OLD AS YOU THINK I AM!!"
We had a good laugh. And it was funny. But her words meant a lot to me.
Not just because I knew they were sweet words from her heart, but because it meant she felt the same way as I do. We're close. We're family. And that's the way I feel about all these SEAP kids of mine.
But then there are the other relationships we've built with other people outside of our Southeast Asian affinity.
There are some families here who we have bonded with, our children have bonded with their children, and now that we're facing more goodbyes, well, it just breaks my heart.
This last week of training kinda snuck up on me (when did anything start sneaking up on Mrs. Prepared?) and now we're stressing, trying to spend as much time with these people as possible.
We're frantically trying to get everyone's email address and Skype address so that we can stay in touch in the coming months and years. The likelihood of being back together with all these same people at the same time is pretty much an impossible concept. (Although, all things are possible in the Master's plan.)
Can I just tell you how thankful I am for this surprise, this blessing really, that is new friends and family? I've been told by predecessors and mentors along the way that The Big Guy is in control and He will provide family for us when our blood-kin is far away. I never doubted that He would, but to really experience it - well, I'm just not sure I can describe how humbling and yet overflowing it makes me feel.
Yes, these last few days are going to be a little sad, but I know it's because I've loved and received love that I never expected or hoped for.
The cool thing is... I know there's even more to come! Ooh eee that makes me excited. :) Who needs prepared when Father is in control?
Be imitators of the Master, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as He loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice. - 10th book of the second half of the good book, the first couple lines of the 5th section :)
