on my heart: africa.

I feel like I always have something on my heart, and sometimes it's best if I just sit down for a little blog therapy session.

I'm not going to lie, I'm in the middle of an interesting season.  I'm wrapping up my photography business in order to be ready for "the call" to go to court, I'm planning things like I'll be here this summer but praying that I'm in Ethiopia meeting my babies instead, and all the while watching some very good friends travel to the place I want to be most: Africa.

Now hear me on this, when I say that Africa feels like home I mean no disrespect to my actual home in Texas.  Or the home I grew up in.  It's something I can't explain but my heart  hurts because it wants to be in 2 places at once: here home & there home.  I am so thankful for my bff Jenna who tells me how it is & sent me a very encouraging email last week reminding me that she too was right where I am just last summer.  Aching for her court date, watching friends GO, just wallowing sometimes (like I've been).  She told me that I need to embrace this season, where the Lord has me, and not wish it away.  To spend time with Stephen, as much of it as I can, and to cherish this sweet time waiting on our babies.  I'm so thankful for that.  for someone who's gone before me and can share her wisdom & experiences with me.

But today was one of those days.
I miss Africa.
I want to go there now.
I get sad every time everyone asks me when I'm going back.
{I even went to Target to get some "africa skirts" today to make it feel a little closer}

I keep telling Stephen I NEED to go back.
to get a different perspective.
he first responded with, "Wynne, we don't need to be in Africa to do missions - we can do it right here"
and God has taught us that lately.  that if we are going to do missions overseas, we have to do it here.  that if we aren't effective & living it right here in Midland than who are we to think we could do it in Ethiopia?
I know that. but what I mean is my heart needs a new perspective.

I need to go back there so I'm not so obsessed with getting a new rug in my kitchen and new curtains in our bedroom.  
Because when I'm THERE, I know what need looks like.
and honestly, my friends over there NEED an education more than I "need" new curtains.

I need a fresh perspective.

When I left Ethiopia the last time I was there with Visiting Orphans/Project 61 I literally bawled when we were dropped off at the airport.  The poor guys on our team didn't know what to do with me.  I was a hot mess for about 2 hours.  the constant facebook messages with my son Eyob & I while in line to board the plane didn't help much either.  Those people became family to me.  They weren't just people I met once, but people I've kept up with for a year almost.  People I've prayed with, sweated with, worked with, sang with, had fun with, worked for the Kingdom with, loved precious kids with.  I love them.  They feel as much of a part of my life as people at home do.  I frequent facebook late night just so I can chat with them, I buy them shirts every time I'm at Target and there is a sale, I pray for them, I send them letters and pictures, and I long to be there with them.

I'm so excited for my friends who are about to experience this.
they are about to get wrecked.
world rocked.
changed.

that's what I desire.  to have people SEE, I mean really see.
to TASTE & SEE that the Lord is good.
to know there is MORE.
to know real need.
and to long to meet that need.
to live simply so others can simply live.

I just wish they could pack me in their suitcase.
but since that isn't happening, I'll send them.
that's where God has me now & he's showed me more than ever how important it is to send, and send well.

lots of pictures & stories going on on my facebook page this week.
for those of you going to Ethiopia/Korah soon - keep checking, it'll be fun for you to get a glimpse of what you are about to experience first hand.

thanks for listening.
that was a good session :)