I used to pride myself on being organized, in a chaotic sort
of way. I knew where everything was and even if it wasn’t marked or labeled, I
had semi-neat piles & baskets full of items I used often. I felt like I was
pretty on top of stuff. And then --- I had kids.
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| Lina, Marieta, Ali & Fatima on Mozambique Island |
After I had Jadon over 8 YEARS ago, yes, EIGHT, I felt like
part of my brain disappeared while giving birth. I was so foggy and tired
ALLLLLL the time. I became somewhat “normal” when he was almost 2, but really,
I never was quite the same.
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| Our guard, Jose, teaching songs & a Bible story to the kids |
And now, 4 more big kids and one new baby later, I’m not
even sure what year it is. I feel brainless. As if there’s nothing going on up
there. Like the light just won’t turn on and no one is ever home.
I guess in some kind of dramatic way, I’m telling you I’m
sorry for being such a spaced out mom lately and I’m also warning you. I’m
tired. I’m doing my best. I was pleasantly overwhelmed before baby Josephine
arrived but most days I now feel UN-pleasantly overwhelmed.
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| Baby Josephine - our newest team member! |
Hear me out for a sec – I have a great husband who does WAY
more than his share, especially now that I feel like I have no brain. He goes
above and beyond to make sure that if I just need a few minutes by myself or a
shower, he’s gonna make it happen. But living in Mozambique can just feel
overwhelming at times because even small things take FOREVER.
A prime example is a normal errand, like going to the bank.
In the States, you can drive up to the window in your cozy little car and get
cash in a few minutes or make that deposit from the comfort of your front seat.
But going to the bank can be an all day affair here. Once I waited in line for
several hours just to be told the system was down. Nothing is electronic
either, so you have to make sure you save every piece of paper you ever touched
in this town. It’s these kinds of things that can make one feel exhausted!
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| 120+ kiddos joined us for our community Christmas Eve party! |
I’m sure the unpleasant overwhelmed feelings will pass, as
they usually do. More than anything I think I just need to establish more
structure in my day to help me stay organized and give myself a little grace. I
hope you all will give me a little grace, too.
I’ll get you caught up on all the fun we’ve had over the
last 2 months, I promise. From Christmas to our girls’ first ever trip to the
ocean – ever! At least for now, enjoy a sneak peak of what's to come with some fun photos!
We’ll also let you know about our needs, praises & plans for
the rest of the year. We’re excited to see what’s coming and we hope you’ll
join us on this journey because we can’t do it without you.
With lots of love and appreciation,
Phil & Laura, and Jadon, Josephine, Lina, Marieta, Fatima & Ali, too!
