Tomorrow, we leave. And I think stupid, unprofound things like I wonder why they call it “the Philippines” instead of just “Philippines”? And I consider that crossing the International Date Line is about as close to time travel as I’ll ever get. On the way back home I’ll leave Tokyo at the exact same time I get to Atlanta! I am simple and empty.
And I am overcome. I zip up my bag to make sure I can, checking one last time for the small gifts I’m bringing along. It sits there, mouth gaping open and exposed, my things mixed in with their things. It is all packed in tight. I leave it there and walk to the kitchen, scrape the last of the dinner plates, listen to the ice machine hum. Ice. We have ice. In our house.
I’m here but not here, and there is the strangest heavy sad excitement building. It feels like a birth and a death all at once. Cries in the delivery room. Laughter at the graveside.
I will live my small part of this big story and I will write it as I go. It is a gift, an honor, a responsibility. If you would like to follow us to the Philippines, and I sincerely hope that you do, there are several ways to do so.
Of course I hope you’ll visit me here each day. That is one way. You can also step into the story by sharing one of these banners on your blog or Facebook page. There’s lots to choose from. This one is my favorite.
Here is where you can follow us on twitter. We’ll be using the hashtag #cbph.
You can find all the post from the Compassion Bloggers in one place if you wish to follow all of us. I’ve heard how interesting it has been on past trips that everyone can look at the same things but see something entirely different.
And thank you for praying. I know you have and I say that with my head bowed low and my hands trembling, thankful. It is a gift to know you are there.
And as I say it, I smile. Because it occurs to me that I live in the United States. Why not just call it United States? We don’t and neither do they. I’ve never thought of it before.
And so I will get to my local airport in the United States at dark early in the morning. And I might tweet a bit as I wait in airports before we leave the country. We’ll be flying out of LAX (with a dream and my cardigan) around 3:30 EST and get to Manila sometime on Sunday. Ish. Prepare our hearts, O Lord. And come quickly.
I’m praying for you and the whole team. You all will be such a blessing to those you come in contact with. I’m excited for you.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday
adopted my first compassion child recently…Pierre from Haiti and it was following trips like these and reading blogs like yours that finally got me off my butt and now i am so excited to write him, pray for him and follow yet another trip…keep writing it all!!
Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
Love to you from (the) Commonwealth of Virginia
Tracey´s last [type] ..13 years ago today
I am so glad you are going on this trip. In so many ways.
I love you sister.
Nester´s last [type] ..Well Hey!
Praying for you! I love hearing your heart in these preparations. God is at work and will continue to work. Enjoy the ride!
HopefulLeigh´s last [type] ..30- Go to Arrington Vineyards
Will be following daily, knowing all the huge things that are happening for His Kingdom. Give my love to Steph and Tsh. Can’t wait for you to get to know Steph – she is a doll.
Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam)´s last [type] ..Home School- Private School or Public School- Touchy Subject
I will be praying for you all through this journey. A missionary from our Church just returned from the Philippines after working with young mothers to be about caring for themselves and the babies they are carrying and working to train midwives to help these women with more than just labor and birth – it was an amazing story, and amazing people. I’m glad you’ll be able to share your gifts with these people too!
See you tomorrow!
Kat @ Inspired To Action´s last [type] ..Summer of Purpose- A FREE Chart to Help You and Your Kids Set Summer Goals
Yay – praying for everyone! What a fab group of ladies!
Jamie ~ Simple Homeschool´s last [type] ..High School- Take Two 2011 Curriculum Fair
I think it’s the plurals. With the country names, I mean. The PhilippineS. The United StateS. And there’s at least the implication of plural in the United Kingdom. Anyway.
I’ll be praying, so much. You’ll be flying out of LAX, so close to me! Wish I could give you a great big hug.
Sharone´s last [type] ..when seasons change
Praying for you every step of the way.
Michelle DeRusha@Graceful´s last [type] ..Gifts in Pictures
I’ll be praying for you and the team. I’ve added the button to my blog so that others will visit and pray.
Barbie´s last [type] ..Will you join me
I’ll be following you in Canada as you travel there. I’ve been following your blog and feel blessed to see you go and that I get to be a part of it without actually going! Will be praying…
Our prayers follow you and surround you. Safe travels Emily and grace and strength for every moment of the journey.
Linda´s last [type] ..The Wedding Feast
Prayers for you and everyone on your team, Emily. We are all so blessed by this blog of yours and I hope that blessings will follow you on your journey. It will be the experience of a lifetime!
Joyous´s last [type] ..When Everyone You Know And Don’t is on a Diet-Guest Post
i’m praying for you and can’t wait to see how god changes your amazing heart!
melissa stover´s last [type] ..Treasure hunt
Welcome to the Philippines soon! God bless you for taking this trip and making a difference in someone else’s life
Thank you. Thank you for going *through*your worries&fears & being such a blessing–to those you travel with, to those you travel *to*. Thank you for going, knowing how profoundly you will be blessed by simply being, and especially being *there*. Thank you for your very Emily-ness. Thank you for telling me when I can breathe with&for you. I will be praying as I focus on inhaling your fear, and exhaling my love of flight to your heart&mind, praying you will come to love it too-by going through it, not over or around it. Although I still pray you have a prescription, too. Panic attacks on terra firma are awful, I don’t want you to suffer in flight. I, and so many of us, will be there, with you every moment, because you are in our hearts. For all you give, it’s a simple thing to give you. I hope it’s enough to carry you safely&calmly in His tender hands. And I too will be here everyday, and with the group to see how your hearts each see something new. All His blessings to you….-s-
It’s so exciting to follow the bloggers through Compassion and see and hear different world through their eyes.
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Snippity Snip and There Goes Your Hair
It’s so exciting to follow the bloggers through Compassion and see and hear different world through their eyes.
Way to be brave and take a huge step.
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Snippity Snip and There Goes Your Hair
I’m sure the good Lord will be with you and your fellow travellers. I’ll be following you here. I think the most important thing is to keep your heart open, and hear His voice. Good luck.
Looking forward to following along the way with you and praying as you go. Thanks so much for doing this and inviting us along. May God make you a blessing to many.
Nancy´s last [type] ..Rapture Ready
Praying for you from Germany! Martina
Chills. God is there. Thanks for sharing all the ways we can be too. Blessings.
Robyn Q´s last [type] ..Where Do You Go For Community
Wrote about your trip. Praying for you you. http://hikingtowardhome.com/2011/05/following-along-compassion-bloggers-in-the-philippines/
Sharon@Hiking Toward Home´s last [type] ..Guest Post- Kristen Strong
Emily, I will be praying for you.
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..No Regrets
Looking forward to following you and your team. God Bless you all. I’m praying for you.
Laney´s last [type] ..A Closer Look at eHarmony and Matchcom
Hope you have an amazing trip and I can’t wait to follow along…I added the banner to my blog!
Krissa´s last [type] ..Cooking Together…Lemon Cornmeal Breakfast Cake
Praying for your brave heart, your precious family, your tender spirit, your bold willingness to go where He calls you. Praying for safety, peace, strength and an overwhelming anointing over you, the whole team and every detail of your trip!!
Love you girl!!
Renee
Emily, I will totally be praying for you and the team. I love your honesty and will pray for your heart as you engage with hard things, I am sure. You have such a gift with words, and it will be such a gift for the rest of us to hear this story through you.
I’ve put the banner on my blog, as well, and will be following along. . .
Laura@LifeOVerseas´s last [type] ..Yeah- so I’m a Dork and 7 other things you need to know this summer
Wondering if you are there yet, and praying. Love you…
Amy´s last [type] ..The Mothering Daughters Experience
i know it is going to be completely wonderful…in so many ways. love you, friend!
Will be following your exploits. Do you know if you will you be seeing kids from 899?
Bev´s last [type] ..before we leave
Soooooo excited about this trip, Emily!! Can’t wait to see what God lays on your heart! Praying for you!
With you, Emily…
With you.
He gives you wings — to let a thousand more fly free.
All, all my love,
Ann
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last [type] ..Links for 2011-05-28 delicious
Be blessed, protected, full of wisdom and joy, dear one! Will miss your blog posts while you’re away but will be praying for you on Sundays when I usually check in here instead. And in case it matters, I don’t think it’s simple about the “the”
. It’s your curious, delightful self.
Laurie Wallin´s last [type] ..Anyone Else Need Perspective 4 Ways to Get It Today
oh, Laurie! We’ll be blogging daily while we’re in the Philippines. Please check in!