The "Bridge the Gap" Plan
We dropped our 2-year olds at school, paused responsibilities, and met at a cafe to celebrate our "South African birthdays". Melanie and I are both American missionaries who came to South Africa solo in January 2010, never expecting to start families and build lives here. We became fast friends when we met a few years ago, both trying to figure out how to care for our newborns a hemisphere away from our home churches and families. Our sons ADORE each other, and it's a precious gift to find a friend that understands both my home culture and the beautiful tension of cross-cultural families.
She kept her hand on my belly, waiting for the littlest Ladd to land a kick, and I recounted my excitement for my family here and disconnection I feel with family and friends around the world. Subconsciously, the time and distance had gotten to me. I long to share baby kicks and cups of coffee with those I said left over 12 years ago.
There was a "bridge the gap" plan in place before we headed to play school pick ups that morning. Melanie said, "Let's have a virtual baby shower!" I confessed I was afraid I'd been gone too long. It was too much to ask. My friends here are epic celebrators, however. They remind me that celebrating and sharing life, whether it's miraculous beginnings, tragic endings or something in between, does more than bridge gaps. It clears new ground, lays deeper foundations and builds hope that is strong and tall.
So... we're having an online baby shower! (I will also have an in-person in Cape Town next month!) I have created a "wishlist" to share with US friends and family for our "bridge the gap baby shower". The heart behind it is to bring this baby boy into the world with God's limitless love. You have been a part of our limitless loves story and want to invite you into his story too.
I'll send out the "baby shower" link this weekend. We would love for you to scroll through our wishlist - whether you feel led to participate by giving or just knowing how to pray for us. (There's a BIG miracle need at the bottom that was almost too scary to put in!) If you do not receive email updates from me, click here to subscribe so you don't miss out!
Bonus: Melanie is an outstandingly creative, whole-hearted artist. She created this for me as a “birthday gift” for my 12th year in South Africa. Click here to see her website, and grab the last minute opportunity to pre-order an insightful and beautiful children’s book she is publishing on how to talk about hard justice issues with children.