Emotion, Death, Blessing

I am not really sure where to start.  It has been an emotional couple of weeks around here and yet despite the emotion and stress and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy,I have been reminded over and over again of the specific blessings in my life. 

I want to be in Africa getting my boy.  I could not go because of a test at work. Yep.  I am serious.  One three hour test stood between me and Africa.  So instead of boarding a plane, we booked the tickets for our agency director, Lesley, to go get Chernet in my place, and I headed to work.  Instead of sitting in the DC airport, I tended to the needs of sick children in our local intensive care.  I sat with my friends and their sick little girl.  While I hoped to be with son, being forced to take a test (and one that was quite difficult) allowed me time to sit with my friends, watch over their daughter and take their older daughter for a simple red slushie. 

My friend Emily and her family are headed out for their new life and ministry in Phoenix.  It is not easy to watch your son be sad that his friends are moving while your heart is sad for your exiting friend.  The good news: another city, another group of people will be blessed by the wonderful Fox family.  And, just like other moves in our past, we will not cease to be friends but only grow the decade long friendship.

There is so so much more....I could sit and complain and whimper about the little things that stress me out.  (don't worry, I do to a couple of friends)  But I am reminded over and over again how blessed I am....

I get pictures from people visiting Chernet.  I get encouragement from random people at work.  I have a precious boy who calls me "momma" and kisses my cheek and closely follows with a "raspberry" on my cheek. I have great friends who listen to me complain and let me know it is okay to feel the way I do and remind me I am not wholy inadequate.  Those friends I mentioned above lost their sweet baby girl today....little Jordan is gone and their strength and faith is evidence of my weakness and shines even more light on my blessings.  (Please keep them in your prayers)

So today, in my frustration and weakness, I am also reminded of so many blesssings...so many little gifts and reasons not to complain.