We spent the morning serving at RVC Faribault -- we are crazy about that campus. So fun to see all of the amazing friends that we aren't able to connect with all of the time... and to meet some new ones. We grabbed lunch out and made a Menards run on the way home. Bought some new annuals to replace the ones that didn't make it through the cold snap over the last few weeks, and grabbed the kiddies some gardening gloves so that they could partake in the adventure, too.
The rest of the day was spent around home outside. Steph stained the deck and fertilized the yard. I planted the annuals and played in my perennials. The kiddies helped with the flowers, ran free for hours, consumed many freezies, and played with dear friends. The weather was incredible -- it was a beautiful day, and the dirt in the kiddies' baths right before bed was evidence enough that the day was beautiful for them, too.
I've decided to have another round of a garage sale later this week -- Steph calls it the "Everything But the Kiddies Sale: Round 2." We'll sell more of the stuff that we held back from selling last month -- probably even bigger things like Steph's bike, the bike trailer, strollers, and all of that outdoor gear of the kiddies that we can begin to live without. And, of course, there are always clothes to sell -- yes, even short kiddies grow. I didn't think I'd have a lot to sell since we just had a sale weeks ago, considering I have a husband that is anti-hoard. He would rather throw it away and repurchase it later if needed. I'm quickly beginning to realize that this family of five has a lot of stuff to get rid of between here and Swaziland. And so it goes.
We're excited about this Swaziland thing, but we're human like everyone else. I don't want to leave the perennials and the espresso maker. Leaving Bambino on this side of the pond absolutely breaks my heart. In fact, I'm sure the kiddies still think that he was my first c-section (by assumption -- we're not THAT weird). We love this buddy sooo much -- he's a part of the Prince Fam!
Speaking of Bambino... insert adorable picture here to lighten the blog and to tug at your canine heartstrings. This is his birthday pic from last year:
We know, beyond a doubt, that this isn't going to be easy. We have sooo much to do. We have tons of support to raise, support that at times seems insurmountable. We are selling a house at a time that seems like the least opportune to have it on the market. What are we doing?!?
And then, I hear a small voice... 'this isn't your battle'. "Do not fear or be dismayed of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15). What an awesome thing... there is no way we could ever do this on our own.
I am reminded of an amazing Corrie TenBoom quote: "If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes." And, with that, I'm going to be on my way. Lots to be done on this Monday -- I think I'll spend the morning searching for stronger shoes, because my shoes aren't going to get me very far.
