Shaun Groves
“I love you so so so so much, Daddy,” he said with a mouthful of cinnamon roll. “I’m miss you.”
Which means, I think, that he will miss me. So I hug him a little longer and reassure him eyeball to eyeball that I love him and I’m coming back. And there were a few tears on the eve of the end.
I’ve been here before, saying goodbyes, packing my magic green powder and
It always comes. These trips are always the end of something.
Apathy.
Certainty.
Perspective.
Comfort.
A dream house.
A career path.
My trip next week with Angie, Jennifer, Layla and Kevin will be my thirteenth to the developing world. I’m bracing for the end again.
My suitcase sits by the door. I’m waiting for Becky to get home so we can have a last lunch date together before I head to Texas for a few days and then leave from there for Lima. We’ll hold each other a little longer than usual and then say goodbye. To each other for ten days and to life as I know it forever.
Here comes the end of something. What will it be this time?
Kimmy says:
My church partners with Peru. The children there are amazing and beautiful! But the poverty is outstanding. My missions pastor is currently there for 2 weeks in the mountains helping them build churches. I hope you like guinea pig! I hear its a treasured delicacy. I beg to differ. And DON’T shake a strangers hand! You really don’t know where its been. Since there is no toilets and TP, it generally might have just been used to “do their business” I am not kidding.
I think the word your looking for is: sanitation. 🙂
Cheri says:
Praying for you and the rest of the bloggers and your end of something. I will be trying to follow you all as I head out on a sponsor tour with Compassion to Ethiopia and praying for our end of something. Which may be the beginning ot something! Meeting Firehiwot the young girl who started my Compassion journey and started to change my life 10 years ago. I also sponsor Yossy in Peru and was blessed to meet her. Have a drink of Inca Cola somewhere in there for me and I will think about and reflect on your music that had some of it’s beginnings in Ethiopia. May you discover what God has had planned for you since the beginning of time.
Shaun Groves says:
Praying for you and the trip heading to Ethiopia! So great to meet you in the real world recently. Love seeing your face here that much more. Let’s trade stories when you get back. I’d love to hear how it went.
Melissa Jones says:
More and more things are coming back in my head to us just being obedient. It’s not about you (i.e., what _you’re_ going to accomplish), but it’s all about you (i.e., what God’s going to work on _in_ you). Just be obedient.
Also, and I feel like I’m your mom saying this, but the thought just won’t leave me alone. Be wise in where you use your fancy new camera. Absolutely be obedient to God’s leading and don’t live/act (or fail to live/act) out of fear…..but be wise in where you use your fancy new camera.
Looking forward to the stories that will be told on this trip! Looking forward to the souls released from poverty as a result of this trip – economic poverty, spiritual poverty, emotional poverty – all around the world. Safe journeys, good health, and good internet to you all, and peace and extra help to those left at home!
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks, Mom.
Seriously, thanks for being concerned about me. Or my technology. I’ll be careful.
Jill Foley says:
Have a great trip – I am eager to hear all the stories and see all the beautiful kids you meet.
Cheri was my roommate in Peru 2 years ago : )
Kelli says:
Praying fervently for all of you as you head out. And for your families, and for those of us who will read your words.
NancyTyler says:
God’s had this trip and its travelers in my prayers a lot the past couple days as I’ve been gathering up my leaves and putting my yard to sleep for the winter.
Trusting you all in His good care and service.
Jenn says:
Praying for all of you and your families. I can’t wait to see the pictures of those precious babies!
Susie Harris says:
I know that you and your group, which includes two very dear people to my heart (Kevin & layla) will remain in my prayers. I know how hard it is to step out in faith. It’s a struggle I deal with every day. I can so relate to Layla’s fears of flying. My heart just broke for her and her fears. But I also know that God has so much planned for her. I wish I could just see her sweet face as she sees those children. Please know that I cover you all with my prayers and that I think so much of y’all for stepping up even when its scary. May God bless and keep y’all safe. Tell Layla Susie Bloop said Hi!