The joys of packing?

When I opened my pajama drawer tonight, I thought about how many sets I'll pack for our 5 months back in the States.  And I thought... you know.... I'm gonna pack light.  Just one set.  Maybe two.

And I thought about everything that is overflowing out of my drawer.  And how I can live on just one or two sets of pjs.  So why do I have so many others?
I've been giving away so much.  Folding it all nice and giving it to our friends who will give it to others or sell it for some change.
There are SO many parts to prepare for to go to the states for those 5 months.  Right now we have about 60 items on our To-Do list.  Besides our everyday normal routine-meeting with our Thai tutors, homeschooling our two boys, eating, getting out, cultivating friendships, meetings, worship, etc.
Life now definitely feels like we're rolling down the snowy hill, unto the anticipated pure joy of seeing you all again.

Crazy how transition sometimes means saying goodbye, even when the thing you're saying goodbye to is good.

In 3 short weeks, you'll see us.  But you won't know how much time it took to pack our bags.  Or how I went to the market to get a few suitcases of Thai souvenirs, that was an all-day trip.  Or that I locked  away my grandmother's canvases and quilts, so that nothing happens to them.  Or that we had to figure out a way for a Thai-speaking doctor to fill out an English medical form for public school in California.  Or that we entrust all our belongings to our teammates as they continue to use our home for a weekly outreach.  Or that your sons and daughters may be the first American-English-Speaking friends Solas and Judah have HAD.   Or that we imagine our first interaction with you,  Cecil, I'm sure, imagines himself running up to you and tackling you all to the ground while screaming his Mexican grito.  Or that I imagine my kids being really energized to see you and know that you're probably not going to pinch Judah's face, and they boys are going to be amazed you probably don't want to take a selfie with them.
You'll see us on stage, but you won't know that we went to training especially for sharing our stories with you, or that maybe... I've spent so much time in survival mode here, these last 3 years, that I'm not even sure what to share.
Its amazing what it feels like to be the missionary on the stage, rather than the congregant.  This is a first for us, in that respect.
I know you all may think we have some of life's answers now.  But it feels like I only have what God has taught me.  And I may need you to listen for awhile, even if I'm silent, before I've reflected enough to share.
~Trace