1 day to go - pre-trip thoughts

So its only 1 day to go. It's been amazing to think how quickly the months have flown by. The house is fairly chaotic as half-packed bags are strewn throughout the rooms - although I am sure that all things will come together in time  

I thought it would be a good idea for each of us to share our pre-travelling thoughts with you

Abi

I am really looking forward to going to Ethiopia and working with the children out there. I know that it will be tough as we do not speak the language but its an adventure and I'm up for the challenge. I can't wait to get going so I will keep you informed about what I get up to.

David

Hey,

I can't wait to get to Ethiopia and start teaching the kids about God and his love. I am also really looking forward to just playing with the kids and teaching new songs. I can imagine it will be difficult as we have a very busy schedule but we will do the best we can, and we would love for you to follow us and pray for us on our journey.

Vanessa 

I am so excited about our 3 week trip to Ethiopia as it has been on our heart as a family for a long time. We have a full and varied itinerary, as you will see as you follow our blog, and I know that it will be both emotionally and physically challenging.

Everyday will be different and it will be interesting and fun to experience a new country and culture. I am especially looking forward to spending time with the HIV orphans at AHOPE and also to having time with the children and young people at the church holiday bible clubs.

Please pray for us as during our trip and I know that we will have loads to share with you when we return.

Andy

This is something that I have never really considered before, actually stepping out into the complete unknown and seeing what happens. We have tried to take the usual precautions:- research, vaccinations and planning (you don't think Vanessa would let us do anything like this without a lot of planning do you !), but it is still very much unknown.

I guess its a bit like hang-gliding really - a rush of adrenaline tinged with utter panic at what might happen....but then I guess that this is what a life of faith is really meant to be like.

I am looking forward to seeing another culture, allowing myself to be challenged both physically (Addis Ababa is 2300 Metres above sea level - twice as high as Snowdon) and emotionally. I think its the emotional challenge that I will struggle with the most - but I know that God is faithful and has called us to undertake this adventure - so we commit ourselves to him and trust him that he will be with us in every step

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers