why this trip is worth it

almost a year ago, robert and i began dreaming and planning for this trip.  and it was a huge dream, something that easily could have passed us by for want of funding or nerves or plenty of other reasons.  

as we prepare to leave today, there are a few things i wanted to share about my thoughts around prioritizing this trip:

1.  yes, this trip is expensive.  of course it is.  its certainly more expensive than not going.  but, we were also the recipients of plenty of gifts along the way that have made it possible.  we also found unbelievably cheap round trip air fare, which originally landed the trip within the realm of possibility.  we both worked really hard this year to be mindful about our resources, and that has helped alot too.  travel has costs, and traveling with kids has costs.  and we were fortunate to have so much help in that regard.

2.  not taking this trip would also have a high cost.  my girls live in america, and they have a wonderful life, surrounded by family and friends.  they have so much familiarity with and affection for my family.  they have abiding friendships with other children whose lines of ancestry have recent connection with countries all over the world.  and then have deep and abiding relationships with many people who dont look anything like them.  and we are utterly overwhelmed by the beauty and vibrance of our community.  but they also have over 25 first cousins who live in Rwanda.  they have aunts and uncles who look like their dad, sound like their dad, and grew up like their dad.  they have cousins with skin that is the same shade as theirs, and some cousins with skin much richer and darker.  and it it is more important to me than i can express that they feel at home in rwanda too.  i am anticipating months of them looking around every day and seeing other brown people like themselves,  other types of african hair, vibrant people whose lives are beautiful and who have something important to offer. 

3.  yes my kids are young.  and ivy ann will not remember this trip.  and etta mae will only remember parts of it.  and eden will remember it all and narrate it back to them.  but you know who isnt too young to remember our visit?  their entire family who all live in the same city on the other side of the world.  their grandmother who has never met the younger two girls.  the people who took me in and cared for me when i was a young woman half the world away from her home.  the people who watched robert and my relationship form.  and i will remember it, and so will robert.  its not just about the girls experience.  its about all the people who will find joy in the fact that we have come to fellowship with them.  its about the impact of the trip on our whole family.  and i am confident that it will not be wasted.  

we hit the skies this evening and covet your prayers for every element of our trip!