We had the day completely planned out as to how we were going to get back to our home.
- Joel and the boys headed to the mission while I walked to the store to get the supplies we wanted to bring back with us.
- Joel was going to take us to the train at 5 and make sure we got on safely
- As we trained back, Joel was going to ride the motorcycle home
- Joel was going to meet us at the train station to help get all our luggage into a taxi and back home
- Then it was a bucket shower and to bed for all of us
We had a plan, but all of our plans failed.
- The store had none of the supplies I was wanting to bring back with us
- Joel’s motorcycle broke down leaving us arriving home on our own with no house key and Joel stuck in Dakar
When I first got the call from Joel telling me that he was still in Dakar I sat in shock at the situation in front of us. I was arriving home with both exhausted boys, all of our luggage and no house key. I felt at this moment that God had given me more than I could handle. All of our plans for the day had been destroyed and all we could do was walk forward and hope that God had taken care of the plans for us. The boys and I got off the train and only got a little lost, before we found a taxi. I was able to get the taxi to our house (which is HUGE, remember we have only lived here a week and I have only been to the train station once!). Our host family was home and ended up having the spare key to our house at home with them. Right now the boys are in bed and Joel is on his way home in a taxi. Somehow, by the grace of God we made it through. God did give us more than we could handle, but not more than he could handle. Right now I feel like I could use a break from adventures – they are too exhausting. Yet each adventure forces me to practice trusting God and maybe someday I will actually get better at it.
I had a vivid mental picture of you when you received the phone call from Joel -heart sinks, mouth hangs open for a moment, eyes close, heavy breath, shoulders slump. But then you breathe back in, sit up a little straighter and start re-strategizing and going through the possibilities. Might not have been like that at all but that’s what I imagined. I’m sure you’ve already noted how valuable gaming – and not the video flavor -has been for you.
I also hadn’t thought of the direction skills needed. I AM impressed (although I might be easily impressed -I got lost in an underground parking structure today).
I love how you gave us a visual of your experience through Tyler’s pictures. 🙂 Thank you for sharing. It’s always good to hear from you!
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I love you Andi and are praying for you and your beautiful family.
I can only imagine the anxiety you and Joel were feeling but still had to proceed for the needs and safety of the family. It is difficult to ‘jump’ and the landings aren’t always smooth but God is there. Faith and trust in God are what carry us through those rough spots. Praying for you all. Enjoyed lunch with your Mom today. I treasure the times we have had over the years and hope to have in the future. The support has gone both ways through joy and sorrow–you all hold a special place in my heart.
Andi, I love the comment in your blog ” God did gave us more than we could handle, but not more than he could handle.” Once more I find myself saying thank you to you for your reminders to us all to trust God with whatever situation we find ourselves in. Be Blessed my friend, Carolyn
Praise the Lord he goes before us to prepare the way. God knows our needs and supplies them before we know we need them. God waits for us to call out to him for help knowing we can’t do it on our own. Lord bless this dear family in the adventures you are taking them through. Bless them with courage, faith, strength, peace and rest.
For having such a rough day you sure write well. The photos were perfect! Made me laugh right out loud. After talking with you I thanked God for getting you home safely in spite of all the failed plans. I thanked Him for all the things that DIDN”T happen. 🙂 And trusting God is what it’s all about – your faith is what pleases Him. Thanks for posting. I love you.