Being a Mama ...

For me, being a mama ... Some days, I have found myself so exhausted that I wasn't sure I could do it.  I wasn't sure I had the energy to finish what all needed to be finished for that day.  I've learned that clothes and lots of other things around the house can wait, if we/ I need or want them to; but I'm talking about days when I wasn't sure I had the energy it took to finish dinner, to bathe the kids and do our normal bedtime routine and all with a happy heart.  You know, thoooose types of days. But on the days when I've turned my focus away from myself and back onto the Lord, with a lot of prayer and sometimes with a tear or two, He has always gotten me through.  Some days or moments, I've let frustration get the best of me and I've yelled (sometimes lots, before the day is done) and the weight of mommy guilt has been so heavy that I've been brought to tears behind closed doors.  (Thankful for grace in our family and for our children's forgiving hearts!)  But some days, like today, my heart is full of light-hearted moments and flooded with the endless reasons why I'm so grateful to be the mama of three amazing little souls, to a point where I'm brought to tears.  I love slowing down and remembering how it felt to hold each one of our children right after they were born.  The moment when everything changed.  I was their mama and couldn't imagine being able to love them any more than I did in that very moment, but years later, I do.  Seven years later, I love Briley more.  Four years later, I love Avery more.  Almost two years(!) later, I love Davis more.  So, so much more, and I'm so, so grateful God chose to share them with Brett and me.  They truly are gifts.

(My friend, Sara, introduced me to J.J. Heller a few years ago.  The girls and I love listening to her music, and today we enjoyed our ride home from school listening to one of our favorites, "Boat Song."  Just thought I'd share ...)

Amber is heading to Guatemala in 7(!) weeks. Eeeeek!

Hey Family and Friends,
Let me begin with saying that sometimes you just have to pause, listen, say "yes" to God and accept the blessings that follow.  And sometimes all of the "why I should nots" are quickly drowned out by all of the "why I should's."

Last week, I was approached by a dear friend about an art trip to Guatemala that was in need of a few more artists to join their team.  I learned that the main focus of this mission trip will be to paint a 32x10 ft mural in the city alongside students from local schools.  I was immediately excited about the idea and how this aligned so perfectly with how God created me, not to mention how this opportunity couldn't have come at a more crazier or perfect time; and then the wife and mommy in me quickly thought of reasons why I shouldn't (maybe it wasn't good timing).  Over the next couple of hours, I found myself praying and listening, and while standing in front of our pantry I was brought to tears as my heart was filled with the number of reasons why I should say "Yes" to this opportunity.  After all, my ways are not His ways, and my thoughts are not His thoughts.  After tearfully sharing my heart on the matter with Brett, we discussed every aspect of the trip and he quickly expressed his complete support and excitement.  (Mush alert: There are no words to express how much I love that man.)  We started praying about it along with a couple of prayer partners over the next couple of days and I started receiving confirmation after confirmation that it was a go.  I can honestly say that I haven't been this completely sure about anything in a very long time, and the fact that it came out of the blue and is happening so fast makes it even sweeter.  Talking about letting go and trusting God's perfect timing; this is a perfect example of doing just that! Ahhhhh! :)

So, it is with a grateful, humble and extremely excited heart that I share with you that I will be heading to Guatemala this spring on a mission trip to use my art skills to impact students.  We will be leaving on March 28 and returning on April 6.  Specifically, I will be working with a team of creative friends and the students of a low-income community in Guatemala City to accomplish a community mural project. I’ve done murals in a variety of places, so I am thrilled to be able to do this in another country with an intentional purpose.

I am raising funds this month to cover the cost of travel and materials; and I would be honored if you would partner with me through prayer and/ or felt led to support this project through your tax-deductible donation.  The total cost of the trip is $1750, but my goal is to raise beyond that amount.  Any additional funds raised will go towards scholarships for the students to attend the fall art camp.  Our team is only weeks away from setting sail, but I have faith that the Lord will certainly provide.  I'm setting a goal to raise at least half of the needed amount by Saturday, February 15!

To learn more about the trip, the organization I’m going with, more about my "why I am going" and to make a donation, click here:

https://connect.athentikos.com/projects/art-camp-amber-greenway/

Or you can mail a check to:
Athentikos
PO 1902
Spring Hill, TN 37174

memo: Amber Greenway Art Trip

Thank you for your consideration in supporting me on this mission.  I'm so grateful for you.

Love,

Amber