It rained here this morning. The lovely kind of rain that seems to wash the air clean and bring a cool breeze with it. Not the heavy downpour that will turn our streets into lakes and our neighborhood into a mud puddle. We opened our windows and enjoyed the sound of raindrops on the rooftop.
We went to church this morning and spent time in fellowship and worship. I cried. I am feeling homesick today. I love being here. I am so thankful for this opportunity we have before us. I count it as great joy to be able to spend time with my kids every afternoon. But today, my heart was yearning for home. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss reliable electricity. I miss peanut butter. I know I have only been gone 2 weeks, but when I think about the 10 or so weeks still left in front of me, sometimes my homesickness gets the better of me.
And I think about my children. They are leaving behind everything they have ever known. Yes, they are gaining a family and stability and a future. But for them, at first, they will be homesick. They will miss their friends. And their language. And injera (which they say is their favorite food). They will miss being surrounded by people who look like them.
Not only will they be homesick, but they will also be mourning. Their old life will be dead to them. My children are coming to me with wounds that need to be healed. And only love, patience and God can do the work of healing them. He promises us “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19. I am clinging to this promise for my children.
As I watched the rain this morning I though of this song….
Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It’s bringing mercy, it won’t be long
Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus’ name
Please join me in praying that the healing in my children’s hearts will be starting even now. That their hearts will be washed forever in Jesus’ name.
Blessings!
Natalie
PRAYER REQUESTS
*My children’s hearts
*My homesickness
*This coming Wednesday @ 2:00
Stay as positive and strong as you are and things will be wonderful for all. God will make sure of that.
My family and I are praying for you and your beautiful family! We love reading all you new posts and seeing the pictures! Can we mail you peanut butter?? lol Or anything special for your kids?? 🙂
Haven….that is so sweet of you to offer. The mail here is very unreliable. Things never get to who they are intended for. Otherwise I would take you up on your offer:) Thank you so much for praying. Keep it up! I am looking forward to being back in Zumba with you soon!
Natalie and family,
As I have read your blogs, I have been encouraged by your steadfastness. You are on a journey like I can only imagine. As you spoke of homesickness, by heart cried for you. But our God has promised that He wouldn’t give more than we can bear, He is with us always. Please know I have been and will be praying for “The Eight”. God is opening doors only He could, He is shaping your lives. My prayer is that you will feel His mighty presence day and night and know He is in control. That when life seems so heavy, you will feel His arms squeeze you, letting you know you are not alone. I am so proud of you. Rolene
How sensitive of you to feel homesick and think of your children feeling that way soon. This will help you when that time comes. I’m sure soon you will have your hands full with all those children wanting your time and attention and homesickness will be the further thing on your mind. Sending you love, prayers and wishes for a joyfull heart.
Friend as I sat in church I missed your warm and knowing smile that always makes me feel less alone…the kids actually went to Sunday school this week so that is progress as they miss going with your children! Then Claire got all excited because she saw your family picture outside the clubhouse door! And we were surounded by worship and encouraged by others, people were asking about how you guys are doing! I pray that 8 or 10 or however many weeks just fly by-look how fast 2 weeks went! Love you always!
I think and pray for you and your family
EVERYDAY! I am always in awe of you
as I read your blogs, your faith and trust
in the Lord is so encouraging to me! I look
forward to seeing you soon my friend! XOXO
I cry tears of joy and sorrow for you and all your babies! I will be praying for God’s loving hand to wrap around your heart and theirs during so much change for all of you! You are an amazing woman of God and I adore your faithfulness! He picked the perfect mama for your new additions! God bless you all! Praying continually!
Hi Natalie,
I’m enjoying your blog so much! I think you and your family are so amazing for doing this. I would like to send a package. Can you send me an address to send it to?
Hugs and kisses, cousin!
Krysti
We are praying,, praying,, praying & praying some more. May your hearts & minds be encouraged…the Lord is with all.
We are in Sun Valley with MaleBeatriana & Home on Weds. I am on a lLove you looootts!!!aptop, does not work.