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| Andiamo! |
Gina left for her 3-week adventure in Italy on Monday. I knew that the sermon at church on Sunday would hold something special for me. It seems that always happens - before a big event it feels like our pastor is speaking directly to me. So when he announced a few weeks ago that the new sermon series would cover the Fruit of the Spirit, I quickly counted on my fingers to the last Sunday in May: love, joy, peace. Awesome - a sermon on peace right before my baby girl leaves on her first big trip across the pond.
Pastor Coffey did not disappoint me. He never does. It takes ALOT to hold my attention for half an hour. So when he started off by saying that the opposite of peace is worry, I was hooked. I am a B.I.G. worrier, especially when it comes to my family. I won't try to paraphrase the sermon but if you are a worrier, click on the link to our church and you can listen to it at your leisure. The basic points for me were 1). I am not driving the car (which translates into I am not in control) and 2). This story ends well (which translates into God cares for me and worrying serves no purpose and never changes an outcome).
So off Gina went covered in love, joy and peace! I made a promise to myself not to worry over her. The first text message early Tuesday morning indicated a safe arrival. It was punctuated with exclamation points and smiley faces. Half a day later, the next text said the words every mother fears: my tummy is not 100%. No exclamation point, no smiley face. I started to worry - but only for a minute. There was nothing I could do to help her. She would have to deal with this on her own. I have mentioned previously the exorcist-like sounds she makes when she throws up. I prayed for the family she is with and hoped for the best. Maybe it was just nerves and her stomach would settle down. This morning she texted this: What a night! I threw up 6 times but L was really helpful and I feel better now. Kept the food simple just finished pasta biana and cherries for lunch. Now A feels sick so shes sleeping but we talked italian during lunch very fun having a great time! Will call tonight!
So see, I didn't need to worry. She made it through with God "driving the car." The story ended well and it even had lots of exclamation points! I am sure the rest of her trip is going to be incredible.
