Monday, March 24, 2008

Greetings from Orlando

Somehow, our luggage multiplied like many many rabbits last night. Never the less, we made it to Orlando safe and sound. We are checked in and trying to get the kids down to bed. "Trying" being the operative word here. Can you say WIRED!!!!! Getting them down before midnight will be more of an accomplishment that getting them to China.

Collin has just climbed onto my lap, and wants to tell everyone this, "Dear classmates, this is Collin. I am having a great trip in China. Everything that we have is made in China. In five days we will meet our baby brother, Caleb. I am excited and happy. Bye...."

The pictures above are Abbie's first pics of the trip. I have promised her that she can be in the next posts - only if she doesn't insist on taking the pictures :). We had a great dinner at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Being from SoCal, I have to admit that I am a snob when it comes to Mexican food. And we all concur that this food was out of this world. By the way, did you notice the Panda Express logo over my right ear? Nice segway into our next post; isn't it? Way to go Abigail!!!

On a more educational note, Mer entered that "sureal" stage of our journey on the way home from dinner. It just seems so out of this world that we are finally ready to go. I can totally relate. It is both totally overwhelming and totally comforting at the same time. In a similar vein, I had a great visit with some neighbors of ours who are preparing for teaching stint at an American school in Afghanistan. They echoed that same strain of both total peace and complete confusion: not an "I don't want to do this" confusion, but a "What is this next step going to be like" confusion. What we came to realize is that we spend our lives seeking to make ourselves comfortable and secure. While things like this don't threaten that security, they present us with an unknown. What we don't know is easy for us to fear - that can cause irrational action and hence confusion. It was helpful for us to recognize this confusion and fear because in naming it we were able to get a handle on it. And it was then reminded that "perfect love casts out all fear." So, it may be a sureal moment right now, but it is a great moment to be enjoyed and embraced.

Abbie

5 comments:

MelendyS said...

Great going, Abbie! Tell your Dad- the Sunday Plus program has room for more pix!!! "Plus" for a reason! Take lots! Love, Melendy

Unknown said...

Hello Harris Family! We are praying for you and are so excited for all of you. I've been thinking lately about the surprising way that God chooses to bless us sometimes - God is so good! I hope that you are able to keep up the blog in China. love, the Balsans

Nancy Hines said...

Have a very SAFE and AWESOME trip to China! May you find Caleb in good health. May GOD help make his transition into your family a smooth one. With GOD's help and the LOVE you will surround him with, all your lives will be overflowing with JOY & PEACE! You begin your travels on Jason's 21st birthday. GOOD LUCK!
LOVE, Nancy & ALL your P.E.O. Sisters

Aunt Carrie said...

It's cool to see your pictures and here about your adventure while you're on it. Nice shots Abbie, and we like to read about your thoughts Collin! We will continue to pray for you.
Love, The Verbeck's

Eastminster Kenya Team said...

Hey Tom, Mer, Abbie and Collin! We're praying for you on your amazing journey. Can't wait to hear the stories. Sending all our love and prayers... Abigail, Tim, Ellie, Jack and Peter