It begins...

It is hard to believe but in a week---I will be a Senior Mom. I decided to create a blog because it seems that this will be my title for almost the next 5 years...with one year off in the middle. So, I will use this forum to write about my experiences as I begin the journey to this next stage of life. I recognize that some don't understand the significance of this journey and bemoan the fact that Senior activities can "take over your life." I beg to differ. Senior Mom activities provide a venue for grieving and launching which is needed in this expat community--esp. for those who have considered mothering their highest calling for a season. It is not just moving from one stage to the next but it is closing one chapter (children in your home) and moving on to the next--which for us, often involves sending your offspring to the other side of the world--to a culture that is not their own. As long as I remember I wanted to be a mom. The privilege did not come naturally for me. After many years with Endometriosis and going through an early menopausal experience, God granted us a pregnancy that we miscarried. After about 8 long months, God blessed us with the news that we were expecting first-born. I loved being pregnant. Did I really say that? Yes, every stinking sickness filled moment--even WITH the stretch marks! There is nothing like having a life growing inside of you. What a privilege God designed in allowing us to take part in this.