Last Sunday we sent William off to Africa with his older brother Douglas for two weeks. I’m telling you that the minute he walked out the door I could actually feel that he was gone. You see when you have as many kids as I do, the absence of one makes a HUGE difference! It suddenly feels oddly quiet and I find myself looking around and asking, “where is everyone?” For a couple days after William was gone I was still making him a plate of food ! My brain is programmed to have five kids. To do a five kid head count, to serve five plates of food and to kiss five kids goodnight.
I’ve texted him an annoying amount of times asking if he’s eaten and slept well because it’s not like we sent him off to stay at a Hilton hotel; he’s staying with a host in a small house. He went to Africa to experience the real side of Nairobi where Douglas has been living for 2 years completing his Master’s degree (you can read more about Douglas and his experience in Africa here) I’m so happy his older brother gave him the opportunity to experience this but I got to be honest I can’t wait for him to get back.
What an awesome opportunity for your son! My girls have at different times been on one trip or another and I never get used to them being gone. It is amazing how each child leaves their unique imprint on every single day…