We have officially passed the three month mark … I’m still not sure that I am ready to begin a countdown, but I am beginning to embrace the reality of leaving everything that is familiar to me and exchanging it for an obscure way of life. Don’t get me wrong I am ABSOLUTELY looking forward to this next year. A year of experiencing the Lord in a new way, a year of loving other people, a year of bonding with teammates, a year of sleeping in a sleeping bag … 🙂 It is just a really odd preparing to leave a life that is good … great roommates, great family, great friends, great activities. A few weeks back the Lord gently, yet firmly reminded me of what was spoken in Philippians 3:8, “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” This verse is the rock on which I stand, the source of my assurance and hope. I have been so overwhelmed with the Lord’s faithfulness; He has truly taken me by the hand and walked me through every step of the process.
About three weeks ago the route for our trip was revealed … I literally couldn’t talk, only scream, squeal and giggle. I’m pretty sure that everyone in my office knew within a matter of minutes. One of my co-workers is from Ethiopia … she and I were jumping up and down and laughing and crying all at the same time. It was so sweet for me to see how much people cared for me. Well, here it is the TENTATIVE route …
October: Philippines
November: China
December: Kenya
January: Uganda
February: Ethiopia
March: India
April: Romania
May: Serbia/Bosnia
June: Mexico
July/August: Guatemala/Nicaragua
Yep, that’s 11 countries in 11 months … whew!! Your prayers are desired during this preparation stage!
