Leaving on a jet plane...

Today we take daughter #2 to Seattle, where early tomorrow morning she'll leave with a group of 6 other women to travel to Ethiopia. Unlike her younger sister, this one doesn't tend to be an adventurer. She's a bit more like her mother - "Comfort" and "Safety" are the places we like to live. But she's bravely stepping out of every comfort zone she's ever known and making herself available to God to reach out to a group of orphaned teenaged girls, as well as working with the children in several orphanages there. I know it will be a life-changer for her, as it was for me. But I'd sure appreciate your prayers for her.

Here is the group of women that are traveling together:

Here are some of the young women they will be with:

These precious girls, with life stories that would make your hair stand on end, are going to be treated to a 'retreat' at a hotel, with lots of laughter, sharing, hair and nail make-overs, food and prayer. It will be an unforgettable weekend for them - and for the women who get to provide it for them!

The team will also be traveling to several small villages, one of which is a 12 hour drive across the African countryside, to bring four babies back to our orphanage in the city, where they will become available for adoption. These children have either been orphaned or abandoned and have no hope or future apart from the love of a waiting family.

The verse they'll be memorizing is out of the Amplified Bible:

Habakkuk 3:19
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army.
He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk - not to stand still in terror, but to walk - and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility!
I can't wait to hear all the stories and see all the video and pictures from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They'll be back on July 20th - stay tuned!

Be sure to check on the Ethiopia blog - That We Might Be Adopted - for updates on this trip!