Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Maternity Leave and teenagers

Wow, for the first time ever in the life of me I am officially on maternity leave. My boss and I worked out a plan I would have until about mid-September off. Although he is a little freaked out about it, I am thrilled! OK, so 1/4 of it is travelling for kids, but the other 3/4 will be at home with them. I just can't wait.

We leave in 2 1/2 days! That is crazy! I never thought it would be here and now it is. Life is amazing when you really look at it. God has known all along what the ultimate plan is. So many times I tried to make His plan mine. Umm, yeah, that didn't work. Everytime I let it go and gave it to the Lord, He blessed us. For all of those following our journey, thank you. Your prayers have been helpful and I know we have such a great support from you all.

We are bringing our 3 teenage/young adult boys with us. We know this experience will be awesome for them. We hope they will take a lot away from it and really realize the meaning of why we are here and truly understand that these countries are NOT just movies, or pictures, or things. They will get to see the really issues in 3rd world countries. They seem to think that 1. the airline will have a cigarette lighter so they can charge the playstation portable and 2. the Playstation 2 will hook up to the tv in the Hilton. So, yeah they will have eyes opened soon.

We have about 10 bags we will bring. 1 for the teenagers, 1 for hubby and I, 2 for adopted kids, 1 for meds, liquids, etc, 1 misc items, 4 for donations. Craziness I tell ya (Malcom's favorite line right now)

Thanks for all the prayers and support. Soon I will be posting pictures of our kids at home!

3 comments:

The Barr Family said...

You guys are amazing! your kids are beautiful! I am praying for all of you- faithfulness in all of this is what carries us through. God has been so good to you...keep that tucked away when you are so tired you can't see straight- go to that place in your head where you remember that God is good to the Raskells and He will not forget you and He knows your every need.

As Maren would say "playstation no." which reads, "while in Ethiopia you will not play playstation...other things will occupy your time." But do have them pack a good book- then they can trade books when they finish them! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for all of us, and I can't wait to meet you! God Bless!!!

Thankfulmom said...

Sandra, I am back in town and will be watching for your return. Blessings upon your time with all of your wonderful children in Ethiopia. I can't wait to hear about it.
Lisa