The Preparation

It is Saturday morning, and yes I do leave in the morning. I rose before the sun came up to begin the task of packing. What is necessary and what is not? What comforts of home do I leave behind? You truly need to take those things into consideration! How spoiled am I? No comments out there.

Yesterday was amazing. I work with a terrific group of people who all have not only a heart for the Lord, but a heart for Mercy Ships. Anxiety filled the air as I was preparing to leave -- trying to leave everything complete. Oh, I am sure that there is something I haven't done! But at 4:00 yesterday afternoon, my team circled up in prayer for both Jennifer, who will be accompanying me on this trip, and me. We shared a little about how far we had come as a team and how we could see evidence of the Holy Spirit each day. And then the blessings began. One by one the team began to pray for us. Tears filled my eyes and joy filled my heart. And I was thankful to be supported by such great folks!

And then I arrived at a dinner party (in my honor) almost an hour and a half late! Crystal, the hostess with the mostest didn't care! I was surrounded by my friends who have loved me and encouraged me in this journey called life. We laughed until our faces hurt! Of course that is something that happens all the time at Crystal's! And once again I was surrounded by prayer. My sweet friends didn't want me to leave, to travel half-way around this world without me knowing they were lifting me up in prayer. I am incredibly blessed.

And yes, I did just take my first malaria pill. Here's to hoping it doesn't make me sick!