Getting Ready

As most of you know, I am set to leave on Thursday morning. I am trying to get everything together to leave but it is pretty overwhelming trying to pack for two years. There has been a lot of time to rest over these two weeks, but the last few days have seemed so full of things to do that I haven't rested at all. As I am reaching the point of exhaustion I am also reaching the time to leave. Tears seem to be at the surface lately as I think of leaving all of my friends and family. I know that God has a plan for me and that he will take care of me, but I also know that there will be times when I am very lonely. It is difficult to experience so many emotions all at once - excitement, joy, and sadness - and also the knowledge of hard times to come.

I am so encouraged by the support I have been receiving from all of my family and friends. I have been so surprised by how many people have gone out of their way to see me and spend time with me before I leave. It has blessed me so much and has truly touched my heart. I love all of you and I am so thankful that God has put you in my life.

As I finish packing and I spend the last few days here with my family, I hope that I can recharge and be refreshed for Thursday. I am smiling even now as I write this thinking about what is ahead of me. I will soon be sleeping in the home of a Guatemalan family in a town surrounded by three volcanoes - incredible.

I am so grateful for all of your prayers and I truly am lifted up by them and I know that they will be felt when I am in Guatemala. I want to tell you again that I desire to pray for you as well. If you have any needs or requests that I can pray for please do not hesitate to email me and let me know. While I love and value your prayers so much, I want to be able to extend that same prayer back to the Father for you. I love hearing your words of encouragement and receiving your replies to my updates so please please let me hear your hearts as well.

I am getting excited and I hope that all of you are too! :))))