Susan Parr Travel

When we traveled to Ethiopia for the completion of our adoption of Ezra a few years ago, we used Susan Parr Travel to arrange our flights and travel. One of their specialties is coordinating travel arrangements for adoptive families.

In a day in age when travel agencies have nearly gone out of existence because of the ease of coordination of flights, hotels, etc. due to the internet...Susan Parr Travel is a shining example of a great business that has bucked the economic curve and has found a way to stay in business and thrive as a travel agency.

The first call I made after we confirmed our adoption court date with our adoption agency, was to Susan Parr Travel. I was quickly connected to a Adoption Travel Consultant who within a few hours had sent me several options for travel via the different airlines.

She kept in great communication and I was notified about a special that was going to be ending soon. Due to their promptness, they intuitiveness and alertness to all the scheduling of flights and available deals and specials, she not only arranged our flights but saved us about $250 per ticket for acting quickly and not delaying important decisions (which I have a bad habit of doing).

Three days later I received our tickets in the mail, other helpful information about preparation for travel, FAQ's, and a nice folder to keep our tickets and passports in.

So, if you are taking a trip and want someone to assist you in a professional manner, consider Susan Parr Travel.

If you are traveling is related to issues with adoption, court dates, embassy dates, etc... SUSAN PARR TRAVEL is such an asset, such a service, such a blessing to many families, especially ours.

Also, Kathy Carver was our representative. She put up with my countless phone calls and emails and was always eager to be of help to us and the important decisions we needed to make.

She even answered one of my emails at 11:30 pm. Crazy!

From the first person we talked to on the phone, through our final flight reservations, everyone at this company has been extremely helpful, professional and wonderful!!!

Here is the link to the Susan Parr Facebook page.

A place of 'BIG NEEDS'

I was having a conversation with a gal at the office today and she mentioned that she had just attended a World Vision sponsorship luncheon and she and her husband and daughter are going to help a child with a goat, some milk, clothes, etc.
 She asked which country we had adopted Ezra from. I was able to tell her Ethiopia. She explained she really wanted to pick a country with 'some big needs'.

I am grateful for this conversation and it was a good reminder that every story, every photo, every video, every trip helps people understand the way life outside our American 'dreamland' is really like.

So, to you bloggers out there...blog, help others understand what life is like outside middle class america and that there are 'BIG NEEDS' everywhere.

P.S. I am getting really excited to go to Ethiopia (Though we don't know yet when we will be traveling). Getting outside the U.S. (and my neighborhood) is important to do...it is life-changing...especially if you go to a 3rd-world country.

Ethiopia, 'Safety' and Jesus Christ

"Get over there (Ethiopia), get him, get outta there, and get back"

This has been mentioned to us a few times in the past week or two.

There is a growing uncertainty and unrest with life in Ethiopia and 'danger' that looms because of Islamic terrorists throughout Africa. Our adoption agency has communicated with adopting families to exercise caution and be discerning when walking about in Addis Ababa (which I completely agree with). I guarantee I will not be wearing some American Flag t-shirt with a bullseye on it.


BUT...

My King, My Savior, Redeemer love me so much that He left perfection in heaven to come to this sin drenched world to rescue me. To rescue me! Me - a churchy-bred Pharisee who thought I didn't really need a Savior that much. He opened my eyes and heart that I was a rebel, a treasonous hater of God, who masked around like a Christian. He changed me, caused me to be born again, saved me to eternal life of knowing Christ Jesus. He gave life to me, reconciled me, adopted me into His family, as His son, his heir.


SO...

When we go to Ethiopia, our priority isn't going to be to get there and 'get our ASAP' because of fear for safety. We rest, firmly rest, in the confidence that the Lord knows and directs our steps and our days are numbered according to His plans.

If we were truly gripped by fear of the unknown, rest assured we never would have started the adoption process in the first place.

Aren't you thankful Jesus wasn't concerned about 'his safety' when he came to this earth, lived among us, was crucified and forsaken by His Father, so that you, a treasonous terrorist might be saved and adopted into His family?