My Amigo!

 

Our sweet Ella Bella left for Cocle, Panama today.
It is almost too unbelievable to even say outloud.

I am so proud of her that I can barely stand it.
I am so scared for her that I can barely stand it.


 

 

She'll be gone 7½ weeks.
She will be living with a host family and be completely immersed in the culture.
She will be treated like a local - not a tourist.
It is possible that she won't have electricity or running water.

It is likely that she will take bucket baths and have to hand wash all of her clothes.
It surreal to watch my baby take malaria pills and preplan for her life off the grid.



 

 



sad sister selfies for snapchat



Since she was a young girl, she's had a desire to travel and to serve.
She found out about this program on her own and made it a priority for herself.

She did not have to be persuaded to make it to the meetings.
In fact, it was the other way around.

She worked many many hours earning a good amount of her trip money on her own.
Our amazing family and friends were so kind and showed her so much love with their kind words and support with their very generous donations to her travel expenses.




incase she forgets

As a mother, I can honestly say that all of the fear and trepediation that I have felt leading up to the adventure is eased a bit by knowing that she is following her dreams and has so many people sending good vibes into the universe for her safety and comfort.

Godspeed my sweet Ella Bella, Godspeed.


i'm counting on you, st. Christopher





Graduate

the family

It is hard to believe that Sam has officially graduated high school.
How can that even be?
It is so strange to think back to that time in my own life.
God willing, we have given him what he needs to navigate through this crazy life.

We are so proud of him!

the friends