So Close, Yet so Far!

My next Compassion trip is to Colombia in October.  I think I am having trip withdrawals right now.  I was blessed to be able to visit three Compassion countries within a one year span, and by the time I take my next trip, it will be over a year since my last trip!  From today, that's 139 days, or about 4 1/2 months. It feels so close, yet so far away! Patience has never been one of my strongest virtues so those numbers seem like an eternity! Yet, I know the time will go fast as flights will need to be booked soon, gift shopping must continue, itineraries will come, and finally packing will commence. Packing alone will try my patience as there just NEVER seems to be enough room or weight!

I am beyond excited for this trip, I am still amazed at how perfectly God has been working out the details.  Not only will I be able to visit a new part of Colombia, but I will be able spend time with some of the sponsors and translators from my previous Colombia trip! I can't wait to spend time with the beautiful children and families of Colombia!

Meet My Girls:

I will be re-visiting Sara and Daniela whom I met April 2013.  I am anxious for my first return visit to see how we bond the second time around. I feel that having our past meeting under our belt, those "awkward" first moments won't be there. Hopefully we will pick up right where we left off!

Sara-age 12, Me, Daniela-age 9

In addition to Sara and Daniela, I will be meeting two new little girls for the first time.  They are both new correspondents from the last couple of months. Valery and Angie have captured my heart without even receiving their first letters yet.  I am so anxious to get to know them through letters, and I just can't wait to be able to hug them!

  

Valery-age 6                                           Angie-age (almost)8

Meeting four girls at once will be a first for me! I was able to manage three in Honduras, so hopefully four won't be too difficult!  I am praying that they will all get along, even create a special bond. (My gut feeling is that they will!) I am open to gift suggestions! I am trying to avoid repeats for the older girls.  I am also hoping for some "outside the box" suggestions! 

I have been so blessed by the children I sponsor and the correspondents God has chosen for me.  I believe God has brought each child into my life for a special reason.  I just can't help but get excited to spend time with these four beautiful young ladies!  This is probably the ONLY time I will ever wish away summer. Come on October! Get here FAST!!!!!