Pre-Flight Checks

On Wednesday night, I started saying goodbyes. I hate this part of leaving. I spent time with the high school students that mean the world to me, and knew that many of them I wouldn’t see until I returned from the other side of the world. The evening was filled with meeting new people, seeing old people, and great conversations.

We closed the night with a great time of worship. I stood in the midst of dozens of teenagers (most of whom are taller than me) and listened as they praised their Lord for all He has done. It was as a similar gathering, nearly 10 years ago, that I first remember telling God, “anything, anytime, anywhere. I will go.” I had no idea what that would mean to me, how far it would take me, and how much it would change my life. But I wouldn’t change it for a minute!

I’m sure there was some song at the time that said the same thing as the most recent popular song says: Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory.

In just a few days, I get on an airplane for several long hours of travel and then several weeks of serving, visiting, playing, and building in East Africa.

I’ve been dreaming of such a trip for years. Taking time to serve and meet people and make friends and see other parts of the world. I always knew I would someday. Sarah and I started talking about it in February, then more in March, then actually thinking it was possible in April. Then we had a plan and plane tickets and things! Wow! I sort of felt like the trip would always be 3 months away. It became really real when I got the invoice for my plane ticket (a shocker on lots of levels!) Then I thought it would always be “next month.” Once June 1st hit, I realized it was getting close; it sort of caught me off guard, but still it was “at the end of the month.” Soon it became “two weeks from…” and then “a week from” and now all of a sudden it’s just “Monday.” Not a week from anything. Just regular Monday. In the morning, it will be “the day after tomorrow.”

There are so many emotions surging through me. Lots of excitement. I’m a bit overwhelmed at how much there still seems to do. There are sprinkles of nervousness around, but not too much. Mostly just not knowing what to expect. Occasionally I’m a little worried that the money in my account won’t last too long, but then I remember how faithful God is in all financial manners. And a little bit of shock at the amount of luggage that is sitting in my basement!

So here I am. Running out of clean clothes that aren’t packed, and trying to be mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally prepared for this trip that will be taking place on MONDAY. Here goes nothing!

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