Our Family Mission – It’s About to Get Real

Not too long ago, I shared with you my family’s experience traveling overseas on missions trips supporting orphanages in remote locations. As I originally wrote about our upcoming trip to Kenya with Foundation Stone Ministries, it felt like a long time before I really needed to begin thinking about the details. I could still feel excited without the stress of preparation. At that point, the details were being finalized, so I could think about landing in Africa in very abstract terms instead of the we really are going to Africa and I have no idea what to expect space I find myself in now.

A picture from my husband's last trip
A picture from my husband’s last trip

At almost exactly one month prior to getting on a plane in Jacksonville and landing in Kenya (which is the opposite of Jacksonville), it’s about to get real.

There are now official tasks that must be completed to “prepare” for this trip, and I find myself feeling overwhelmed at the To Do List every time I contemplate even starting to check off tasks. Like any rational human being who doesn’t know exactly where to begin, I’ve settled comfortably into procrastination mode. Why does procrastination seem like the best approach at this point?

The Lie – This is no big deal. We’ve traveled to Ecuador before on similar trips and even plan to go back at the end of this year. I’ve got this. I’m a seasoned short term missionary who has no issue getting on a plane with her family to do good in remote parts of the world.

The Truth – I’m freaking out! I don’t care how many times I’ve traveled overseas, this is freaking Africa! Sure, my husband’s been there before and I trust him completely, but did I mention it’s Africa?

To help calm my nerves and remind me of why we decided to begin taking these trips in the first place, I asked the youngest member of our family a couple of questions about his thoughts on our upcoming trip. My son was eager to use the voice memo option on my phone, so in the words of nine (almost ten year old) Ethan, here’s why all the nerves, anxious thoughts, and stress induced procrastination is worth it.

From the Mouth of Babes (Or a Really Honest 9 Year Old

 

There you have it. He likes to help people and although the safari is not the main purpose for our trip, it’s perfectly okay for a young boy to be thrilled at the prospect of getting to do something most people only dream about. It’s all about the perspective. They are still kids after all. It’s my job to worry about the life lessons and all the important details.

So, to prevent me from procrastinating any longer, I’ll end by sharing my current To Do List when preparing to travel overseas with kids.

Shots, Shots, and More Shots – Every country has different requirements related to the shots you need, or should strongly consider, in advance of travel. We’ve used the Jacksonville Travel Clinic each time. They are a wealth of knowledge and ensure we are protected before we step foot on the plane.

FishProtein Bars – My kids aren’t the pickiest eaters in the world, but they certainly won’t be prepared to immediately jump into the local cuisine offerings. I like to buy sample protein bars at the grocery store so the kids can pick the flavors they like most. This ensures on days where the options are limited that they will still have something nutritious to eat.

Packing – This can be the most challenging piece of preparation since it’s a long trip, but the lighter you pack, the better. Vacuum sealed bags are my friend. The more you can fit on your carry-on the better to prevent challenges with luggage once you land. It’s already stressful enough so knowing you have everything you need in your hands will alleviate some of that stress.

Conversation and Prayer – We talk to our kids as often as we can about the trip. Sometimes, it’s to get them excited. Other times, it’s to ensure they understand their role in the trip and the different expectations we have of them in an unfamiliar environment. Our trip to Africa is a part of our daily prayers. There are lots of logistics involved, but at the end of the day, it’s our family’s faith that moves us forward.

In the end, not everything will go as planned. There will be surprises and adventures. Something will go wrong and then something will go unexpectedly right. Checking off everything on my To Do List won’t change that. Either way, I look forward to sharing an update when we return from our trip – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

To learn more about the orphanages we support and the children who have become so dear to our family, check out the links below:

Casa de Fe

Foundation Stone Ministries

 

 

Christie Pettus
Christie Pettus is a full time working wife and mother living her suburban cul de sac dream in Orange Park, Fl. She is Mom to two awesome teenagers, McKenzie and Ethan, who have come to accept that certain parts of their lives will be blogged about, so they should act accordingly. As graduates of the University of Florida, she and her husband Ryan can be found rooting on their alma mater every chance they get including the more obscure sports. LaCrosse anyone? When she’s not judging her kids' questionable teenage choices, she can be found hiding in a room buried in a good book or writing, editing, and dreaming about being a full-time author.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I will be praying for your family while you are away. I know that God will use you in ways you never thought possible. I wish we were able to go on this trip, however, we look forward to spending time with your family in Ecuador. 😉

  2. We will be praying for your family and those travailing with you. You will have an amazing experience. Don’t forget you will have someone that will do your laundry and is very inexpensive.

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