Pick Up Trip:Day 5

 I didn't get any pictures of us hanging out on day 5. I am so annoyed.  By day 5 were were so ready to just be home. I missed my boys more then I ever thought I would.  Phillip and I were ready to get home and start our new little life as a family of 5. We made the best of our last day in Addis though. We hung our with some of our favorite missionary friends, DeeDee and Paul Aarseth and their sweet kids. We ate burgers at Sishu and went to the amazing park from the day before. It was nice to watch Emme play with some little friends and catch up with this sweet family.

 Check out their blog here. 

I love reading all of her stories about life in Ethiopia and it is so great to spend some time with people who have the same passion as you. And they are from TEXAS! Also watch their video below to hear their story. I am so glad that God has crossed our paths.

Paul and DeeDee Aarseth~Serving in Ethiopia from SIM USA on Vimeo.


After hanging out with our friends we went to a close by hotel to use the internet and then we walked around the Friendship Supermarket to waste sometime. After strolling around the area for the last time we went back to the guest house to pack up for our 11:25pm flight out.

This is Emme packing up her snacks for the LONG flight HOME. 

Daddy and Emme all ready to go!

We got to the airport around 8:00pm and made it through checkin, security and customs just fine. Emme is a trooper. She gave us a little attitude once but she straightened up really fast and was great the rest of the time. We had grace with her since is was well past her bed time and this whole thing seemed a bit overwhelming to her. 

Here is Emme playing in the Bole Airport before we flew out. 

She is such a diva.

Before we were able to board the plane Emme passed out. Apart of me wanted her awake for this moment. But her tired little body gave out and she crashed. Walking down that corridor to board the plane with my sleeping girl was such a surreal moment. My eyes filled with tears as I reflected on the last 15 months. All the times I vented to my life group girls about how Gods timing in so frustrating and all the times I cried to Phillip because I didn't truly believe it would ever happen came flooding back to my memory. This was it. This was the moment I had been praying for. The final moments before we were on our way home. As I moved my way through the plane to my seat I fought back tears. I have never felt such strong emotions in my life. As I sat in my seat I held my girl close. I closed my eyes and felt my tears roll off my cheek and onto hers. I thought and whispered over and over... This is it. This is it. The day has come. God has answered my prayers and the prayers of so many others. He has shown himself true to his promise even when I was full of doubt and repeatedly questioned him on his goodness. My thoughts scrolled through scriptures that have carried me through and spurred me on. 

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows, this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

Psalm 68:5

He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. 

Isaiah 61:3

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

James 1:27

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Psalm33:4

For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, not the arrow that flies in the day. 

Psalm 91:3-5

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:6

 When the wheels of our plane lifted off of African soil my soul felt free. Not that African soil has it in bondage. My soul connects with Africa. I have a deep love for Africa. But something deep in my soul let out a sigh of relief. No more fear, no more worry, no more disbelief. It was free of all of those things. Emme was finally safe in my arms. God has been, is and will be carrying us the rest of the way. I looked over at Phillip and through a shared tearful smile we held hands with our eyes closed embracing the moment. Our new life has just begun.