Leaving for Liberia

This is a leaving face.  You know the one. It says, ” I am sorry this is hard for you, I really am. I am doing my best to be sorry. However,  I am so excited about going on this trip that I am about to explode, so take the picture quick. I can only hold this pitiful face for so long.”

This is my Annie right before she left with several others from the Water’s Edge Missions Team for Liberia.

I have known about this trip for months, and have had an unsteady feeling in my legs, as if the earth were about to move. Africa, after all, is on the other side of the world. If not technically, it is to a mother’s heart. A little over a week ago, they each invited a person to come  to their regular prayer time to pray for each of them specifically. Annie chose me. I felt honored, because I knew she didn’t do it just because I am her mom. She knows and trusts that I will pray for her and her team. As we prayed, I felt convicted to repent of holding her too closely, and not wanting to share her with the world. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I opened my hands to signify letting her go, and I asked God to forgive me for holding on to my Annie bird, and gave her permission to fly. We have often called her Annie bird, and it seems so fitting now, as she literally is now flying around the world to touch other lands and faces. How I love my Annie bird. I have tried my best as a momma to entrust her to the One who loves her the most. My Father who sees all and knows all. I am so thankful He is also the One who is able to help her in her time of need, even when momma bird is still at home singing prayers to Him.

There is something else. The day she left, I had a strange sensation. I felt that God was opening her world to her like He never has before. This is not so strange in and of itself, but I also felt that He was opening MY world through Annie’s journey. Like she was taking steps that would lessen the chasm from here to distant lands for me as well. My daughter was paving a way for me too somehow. I cannot explain it, but I am grateful for it. She is preparing the way for many, and I am one of them.

Before they left, they tied colorful ribbon around all their luggage. Some of the parents put some on their wrists to help them remember to pray. ( As if we need reminders). Danielle, one of the team leaders, put one on my camera strap. That was a good place.

Here are some more photos of the team before they left. Looking forward to the fruit that will come from their journey!