Odds and Ends

Today has been a day of reflection and thought and processing life as know it today and wondering what it will hold for tomorrow. 

• We visited a church here in Michigan with a SEND coach and her husband.  She repeatedly introduced as newly appointed missionaries.  The first time she said it I actually looked around to see who she was talking about it.  It still doesn't seem quite real, but it is getting there.
• It's been an emotional week - I did not expect it to be this way.  We had made a decision and that was it.  But between the tests, interviews, constantly being "on," the death of a missionary kid while we were here, a family now moving on in the process and more there have been a lot of tears and emotions. 
• We are tired - physically (not sleeping in our own beds), emotionally, mentally (see the Bible Knowledge post) - but not spiritually.  We have encountered God in more ways than I can count this week.  He has been faithful!
• I remember when Tim and Marsha went to Ukraine sharing that one of the adjustments they were having to make was being together all the time.  It's only been a week, but I understand.  We are in a hotel type room and are together non-stop all day.  I have discovered this is a lot different than a vacation together - this has way too many stresses and we process them differently.  It is going to take some adjustment when we arrive.
• There is a lot to do at home.  I have had to practice discipline already to not let me mind go to the things at home that can be overwhelming and only focus on the task at hand today.  But, when we return home next week there is a lot of work ahead of us.  We will be looking to friends and family for help - another humbling part of this process.

It's been a good day.  We worshiped with fellow believers, enjoyed hospitality at the home of a SEND family, got a great afternoon nap in, shared an international dinner with the other newly appointed missionaries, and Scott got to watch the football game while I got some one on one girl time with the lady who has held our hand through this process.  God has been good today as I know He will continue to be.