Disappearing Ink

***Update: Ink has safely arrived in Mexico! Thank you for your prayers. God has been so, so gracious. Good flights. No lost luggage. No security issues. These are all wonderful gifts, and I'm praising God for His kindness!


P.S. My Beloved was even able to get off work early and come home and get some rest before an evening meeting. Yay!


My Ink has taken the first step in becoming a world traveler. I waved good-bye to him early, early today, moon still shining and birds chirping away, as he and my Beloved left for the airport.

It won't be long before he'll see Becky's lovely face and enjoy a hug only Mamas can give. It won't be long before he's knowing the joy of Christian fellowship with this dear family and other godly young men. I'm so happy for him!

God's mercies and gifts are upon us every moment of every day. Already I'm praising Him for my not sleeping through that alarm, even though I had just closed my eyes. I'm praising Him for Ink's one last question about his passport, which triggered the realization that, um, he needed to sign it. I'm praising the LORD for a generous husband who has such a long day ahead of him, early rising, long hours driving (over 3-1/2), meeting tonight, and yet, does it without grumbling and complaining. And I'm thankful for little brothers who wake up to tell older brothers good-bye, tears misting the eyes.

We're a big family. But one of the treasures of God as our Creator is the custom-design He gives each of us. That means in every family, each child brings something different, something special. That means when one is gone you feel the absence strongly. I had great blubber-control this morning. The tears didn't flow until I closed that front door after the last wave good-bye. You'd think he was going away for years, but we Mamas were made to weep at times like this. I just know I'm not the only one!

What will I miss about Ink?

1) His handsome smile and hearty laugh when he finds something clever or funny.

2) His insisting that I sit in the car while he loads everything up during our shopping trips.

3) His reading to me from his current reads and the discussions that follow.

4) His telling me what movie I'll be watching, and his tolerance of my sleeping through it off and on, a side-effect of pregnancy. :) (Second oldest has volunteered to quickly fill Ink's shoes in this regard.)

5) The delight and appreciation he shows for my home-cookin'.

6) His editing skills for my posts. He pushes me to hit "publish."

7) His late night refrigerator and pantry raids.

8) His organizational skills.

9) His perspective on everything.

10) Those good-morning and good-night hugs.

I'd list more, but he is 17, and I must minimize the embarrassment factor.

Please pray for safe travel for Ink and that God would make him a blessing to Becky and her family and all he encounters along the way. Pray for good health and no lost luggage or travel complications. Pray for a heart that is full of thanksgiving to God for every provision and protection.

With love,
Trisha