To Be Sent Out

Greetings, loved ones. My father just came up to me as he was about to retire for the night and said this: "it occurred to me as I was praying on the deck that, after you've been down there a while, you may start to feel lonely since you'll realize that everyone who knows and loves you is very far away. But, you need to remember, God loves you more than any of us, and He will be right there with you the entire time." If any of you have ever heard him preach, teach, speak, counsel, etc., you know that he puts on a certain tone of voice when he says something he views as exceedingly important; his voice lowers and he articulates clearly and slowly and he looks at you with squinty eyes and occasionally will point his finger at you. That's how it was when he said "He will be with you always." It had an impact. I view myself as independent. I am not and have never been a home-body, and while I know I will miss my family I have not expected to miss "home". That said, I know my father to be wise, and I believe him when he says I will feel lonely. It's true! In only two weeks I will leave everyone I have ever known and live on the other side of planet earth for almost half a year.

I want to thank all of you for supporting me in my journey thus far! I have good news for those who have been praying: I received an email-confirmation today letting me know I have been granted my Australian Student Visa. Thank you Jesus! As to my funds, my last update showed a status of about $500 below my goal. I will be sure to share with you when I hit my mark. But even before that point - I wanted to thank you all for your support, financially and through your prayers. Know that the Lord has begun working even now in unusual ways, before I have even left the states! I look excitedly forward to what He has planned for me in the upcoming seasons. Thank you again, and God bless you all!

Random Fact of the Post:

I am being recognized and prayed over and sent out publicly as an official missionary of West Shore Evangelical Free Church on the 18th of January at the end of both main services. If you are local, I would absolutely love to see you there; I will leave that Tuesday, so it will be the last chance to connect face-to-face before I leave. Like I've said before, I will be keeping this blog running and hopefully updating it weekly once I get there to keep you all up to date, but if you'd like to actually see me, in the flesh, the wonderful person I am, (HA!) Sunday the 18th will probably be the last opportunity. : ) Have a wonderful week, and be blessed.