One year ago today,

I boarded a plane with 12 others to the trip of my lifetime- Kitale, Kenya, Africa. I really don't think that a day has not gone by that I do not reminisce about that mission. The kids at Challenge Farm are on my heart every day and I pray to return to them someday.

I cannot believe that a year has passed- it still seems like yesterday! I imagine myself boarding that plane again and looking forward to the travel to get there in order to see the smiles on the faces of the children that would greet me. I love them all so much.

I never thought that I would be able to leave Ethan like that, but God gave me peace about the trip. I never thought that I would leave my child with Down syndrome, who had also just been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (autism spectrum) to leave the country, but I also had to release the control and remind myself that he has a perfectly capable and loving father that can take care of him when Mommy is away, and we have wonderful friends who stepped up to help care for Ethan while Scott was at work. Everything just fell into place- it still boggles my mind sometimes how when God has a plan, He has a plan, and no matter what doubts I may have, He will make a way if it is His will! My life-altering mission trip to Kenya is a testimony to that.

I also happen to think that I was surrounded by the absolute BEST group of people, and I may be bias, but I am allowed. :) Mama Cheri, Stephanie, Mama Donna, Mama Nancy, Amy (biffka), Amy (LD), Joe, John, Mark, Jamey, Stan, Fred, and Whitney- you are all so amazing and awesome! I love you all.

As Bon Jovi would sing...Keep the Faith. ;)