Again when it comes time to part ways the only thing I am able to say is “ok see ya!” It’s not really so profound, and it’s definitely not what I’m thinking. Leaving you this morning (I wrote this on the plane) was heartbreaking- from waving out the window as the taxi pulled off to the abrupt way Michelle and I had to leave each other. This is it- we are done- 11 MONTHS AND 3 DAYS!!! We WON’T be ripped off!! Ha ha. I love you all so very very much.
Gretchen: I love you so much. I admire the way you have worked through so much and how you now walk enlightened in truth and victory. I have looked up to you, learning from the way you are able to tell things like they are but all with grace and love. You are one of the most tender people I know. Your genuine love and care for others is incredible. Don’t ever question what happened this year. Don’t question your leadership abilities and certainly NEVER question the fact that there are at LEAST 28 people who love and accept you just as you are right now- whenever “now” is. I’m so glad we had these extra two weeks together. Thank you for your generosity with your computer and for sharing your practical intelligence. I love you tons sister! I pray that only good will come from any difficult situation you face. Grace and kingdom, what more do you need? I love you!
Michelle: I’m so sorry about the qay we had to leave. It makes me cry to just think about it. I did get to tell you the most important thing though- I LOVE YOU! You are such a sweet beautiful woman of God (and if I were Rusty I would insert about 12 more “sweets” here). You are kind and considerate and truly hilarious. I have loved spending time with you this year. Your patience with me never seemed to run out. I had fun practicing tongues interpretation with you and I am so greatful for your help with DHL. Your faith is a solid rock and I’m so excited for you to continue learning and growing in Spain. God has some huge calling on your life and He is certainly preparing you for it. I love love love you lots! I’ll miss your constant companionship. You are awesome my sister. I love you! (You were the first person I saw in Florida and the last in Egypt by the way).
Robby: You are an amazingly strong man of God. Your strength and endurance is phenomenal. You have taken some hard hits this year but they have shaped you into an unstoppable fire breathing force who knows who wins this thing. Your love and devotion and loyalty are special qualities about you. Always remember and hold on to God’s promises for you. Take each day as it comes. Bring Kingdom and light to those around you where ever God calls you. You are a wonderfully wise and thoughtful man. I love you brother. I know I can count on you for anything.
Kelton: Continue to work towards becoming the wild man that has been prophesied over you so often. Continue to learn lessons from this year and grow and become the man God has intended you to be. I appreciate your honesty and I’m encouraged by the unwavering faith you have in God. He has some great plans for you whether in Malawi or elsewhere. Always go on the last word you heard until you get a new word. You have kingdom in you so speak it where ever you are. I love you brother!
Peters: You really have grown and changed this year. You have evidently grown in your prayer life, you have gained boldness and you have learned to stop and listen. I have really appreciated the leadership you have demonstrated thses past couple of weeks, you made this trip so much easier on the rest of us. The way you have grown in your role as protector was displayed clearly in Egypt. You have such an adventurous spirit and it’s a very unique and special gift. I know you will never be able to settle and so I know that the Kingdom will be brought to many wild and crazy places. Make sure you always have a covering over you and you are walking in submission because that is where your authority comes from. Thanks for sharing these past couple of weeks with me you wild and crazy awesome man of God. I love you my Canadian brother (even if you do make everyone think that all Canadians eat is canoe stew!) Love ya!
