To Bogota, With Love

Warning: This post may cause your mascara to run. Just so you know. 

In the last several months I have been witnessing things that before I had only read about in books. Or in the Bible. Or at Church conferences. I saw a my sister and her family whittle down their possessions to everything that will fit in a few small bags and follow that Voice that called her to be His Hands and Feet. The Lord has called Nikki and Nate to minister to very specific people who do not know them yet, but He knows exactly who they are. And he's called the rest of us not only to let them go but to send them. This day has been looming out in the future for months, and it's finally here. The Lord never said it would be painless, but it will be worth it. And now we wait eagerly and excitedly to see what His plan holds. 

Over the last hours, our family held on so tight. We soaked up every last second we could of the geographic closeness. It was so sweet. Here's the story...

The boys played so hard... It's a wonder that the house is still standing. They actually caged themselves temporarily, which was not a bad idea! If you ever wonder what fun looks like, stick these three in a room for a minute.

Nate's mother and stepdad, Kathy and John, were in town for the event. John and Brooke got to know each other.

Nik-Nik spent some extra time during the day with her namesake, Brooke Nicole... 

While the boys played games under Nanny's fancy table.

We came back after nap time to have dinner, and my grandparents and Nikki's best friend, Kelly, joined us. Tutu (my grandmother) had some time chatting with her newest great-grandbaby. They have some big laughs when they see each other.

This is one is special. 

Towards the end of the night, time seemed to fly through the hourglass at warp speed. Before we knew it, it was time. We played a little bit more....

And scooped up babies...

And Brad added some comic relief...

We soaked it up.

Brooke was there to lend a hug for whoever needed her...

And we hugged so hard. Some were prodded.

Others didn't need prodding.

And...

Now we go forward and count the days until we can hop on a flight to visit!  We continue to pray for them here, and watch with open eyes and anticipation of the news of more people coming to know the Lord. We focus on what is really important, and we ask ourselves, "What is my Bogota?"