Like many other first time mothers, I am afraid I have forgotten to purchase something vital in my preparations for motherhood. That is not to say I have not gotten enough. I am a shopping maniac, so I am fairly sure I have gotten all that I can to this point, but the fear is there just the same. There is inevitably, always something that gets forgotten.
It has been hard putting this house together and preparing for the girls without family here to help out. Don't get me wrong, Garrett is a huge help and we work well as a team, but there is something about having extra hands on deck that lifts the burden and brings out even more joy in the situation.
There is so much wisdom and guidance found in the minds and hearts of experienced mothers too. I am becoming hugely aware of my own ignorance in so many areas of this new role I am taking on. I am more and more grateful that I will have two experienced mothers with me as I travel and pick up the girls.
Looking ahead, I am also thankful for the time that I will have with my mother prior to leaving for Ethiopia. She will be with me on the trip itself and out the week before to pack. I imagine there will be many last minute preparations and she will be a much wanted and needed help.
Both my mother and my sister-in-law, Marcy, will be traveling with me to Africa. We aren't yet sure if Garrett will be able to go, as school will be in session, but if he gains approval (which we won't know until the week prior to the trip), there will be a total of four of us traveling.
While that may seem like 2 too many to some of you, picture the luggage, the girls themselves, and the processes throughout the trip (Ethiopian Embassy, customs, airports, etc). When you look at all that, a 2-1 ratio actually seems like pretty good odds of successful travel.
As the trip gets closer and the packing list begins to build, so does the anticipation of holding those girls! Regardless of the little things forgotten or the number of people that get to travel, I have no doubt that once those girls are with me, all of those things won't matter one bit next to the little lives that are in my arms.
I love this whole getting excited part! It's starting to feel real!
I think you're smart to bring your mom and Marcy on the trip. Not just for the ratio, but also emotionally. I don't think anyone ever thinks about how things will affect your emotions, and that can make you exhausted.
ReplyDeleteShopping is oh so fun for kids, but you're right... no matter how much you plan, there will ALWAYS be something you forgot.
Praying for you!!