I have almost said all my good-bye's. I have just about hugged everyone that I have needed to hug. Tuesday begins what is going to be a life changing time for me and eleven other students as we set out for Africa. The anticipation is killing me, I want to leave now. The saddness of missing everyone and a summer at home also will take me a while to truly get, but what lies ahead is something that I have been preparing for and wanting for so long. This is me getting out of the boat and trusting God more than I have or can remember. I know it will be great and life changing. I want it to be life changing for the people I come in contact with. I feel I have already changed through this process of preparing. For the next two months, my blog will go unused and probably untouched by me. I have one thing to ask of those who read this. Please pray for Africa and the this trip. Pray for the twelve students and the leaders. Pray that God shows me things and breaks from a harden heart that I have had for over a year. I thank those who have been able to keep in contact throughout the process of preparing for the trip. God has humbled me in ways of seeing how many people believe in me and have supported me financially and through prayer. Thank you to all of you. I appreciate you more than you know. I finish this with the verse that I wrote right after I sent out my first letters for support:

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4.

Peace out y'all. Have a great summer and see you in August.

Congrats Shelly on getting married!!!! Sorry I can't be there. I will be praying for you and Tony