I have one more full day before I head out to JFK and the J and K squads fly to Dublin! This summer has seemingly flown by; I cannot believe that it is already time to be leaving on this grand adventure God has chosen me for! I am filled with so much excitement, yet, a tiny part of me wants to hold back. It is the part of me who loves being home, surrounded by family. It is the part of me who reaches out and pets my cat, who is currently seated right beside me and who sleeps in my bed at night. It is the part of me who finds comfort in breakfast at Villager’s after church on Sundays. It is the part of me that is selfish and that I haven’t quite quelled completely yet. Scripture calls us to crucify our flesh and take up our cross daily. Yes, I’ll miss my family! Yes, I’ll miss my friends! But I have the chance to go be the hands and feet of Jesus for nations hungry for the good news of Jesus Christ. This outweighs any feelings of sadness I might have!
Here’s one of the people I’ll be missing while I’m gone, though:
This is my niece, who is a little over one year. She is completely adorable, has the most serene demeanor I’ve ever seen in a one-year old, and loves to show you where her boogers are (yes, we are a classy family!). She also gives Eskimo kisses and the best hugs on Earth. I’ve told her not to grow or change any until I come back, but I’m betting she won’t listen to me on that!
I’m sure going to miss her, but at least I’ll be back for her Terrible Twos!
My next post, then, will be from Ireland!
Please pray for safe travel as we fly into JFK and as we fly from JFK to Ireland. Pray for peace and guidance as we begin this mission trip and for bonding between squads and teammates. Pray for those we’re going to come into contact with, that God will soften their hearts, open their eyes to His glory, and that seeds be planted in the hearts of those who don’t choose to believe while we are there. Please also pray for our families, as, though they are supportive, they are also sacrificing a lot this year.
