i don't even know her name

Each time we travel to Ethiopia, the people traveling with us have the option to visit the home of the child they sponsor - these are the home visits you have heard me talk about.

Although this is one of the most treasured things to do, it can get clunky and awkward as we don't always have the right words. We want to know everything about the families, but sometimes - the questions we want to ask seem so personal and we don't want to offend. We don't want to pry into their lives. And sometimes it seems like they have such different lives than we do, we wonder what we could possibly have in common. But these wonderful people are kind and compassionate, patient and loving to our struggles as we learn and grow each time we are there.

Lately home visits have been in my thoughts... how we do them, the questions we ask. I think back to the family that we sponsor. As a mother, I often pray for this mother who is working to support her three sons (two of them are the twins that we sponsor) and her mother. And recently it dawned on me... I don't even know her name. Why is it that I have met her twice, written letters and sent pictures, pray for her and her family often, and I haven't even thought to ask her name...

It is easy to become paralyzed at realizations such as these and all the things I miss on this journey. This exactly what Satan counts on - our giving up.

But I won't give up or dwell in my not asking her name. I won't be paralyzed by all the mistakes (big and small) I make - whether there or here.

I will, however, keep walking forward. I will keep focused on God's plan - asking for forgiveness and wisdom along the way - knowing God will provide.

And I guarantee, I will ask this mother her name as soon as I see her again.