In Two Hours

In two hours, I'll be saying goodbye to my Daddy at the church as we prepare to leave going into another country.

I've flown six times in my life, and 6 out of 6 times Daddy has been right by my side.

I've traveled on a bus so many times that it makes me dizzy to try and recount them all, but I've only traveled WITH three of the same people that I will leave with tonight before.

In two hours, I'll be kissing my small, redneck talkin', everybody knows everybody, one horse town with a recently added McDonalds goodbye, and I will soon be welcomed into a Spanish speaking society.

In two hours, I will probably begin another countdown to the time that I lose track of the "outside" world. No phone, no internet, no twitter, no facebook.. and I don't feel like it will be a HORRIBLE thing, but then again I know how reliant I am on those things to keep in touch with all of you. And let's be honest, if you're reading this - you're probably addicted to one (if not multiple) of those listed. Caught cha! ;-)

 But mainly.. in two hours I will be embarking on a trip of a lifetime; one I will never forget. I will be surrounded by people who have a love for the Lord, and even though a mixture of those people are around me each and every day, I somehow know that this will be different. They love the Lord despite not having tivo, texting, Walmart, Twitter, McDonalds, as well as many practical items that we "can't live without".

 I cannot lie about the fact that I have, indeed, struggled with leaving all of my family and friends - but I also know that this has worked out for a REASON, and I am setting out at 5 am on a plane to Houston then to Honduras to uncover what exactly that reason is. I am anxious to be around our Honduran church family, as well as get to know them better. I cannot wait to be shocked by the culture that surrounds me, and I am quite excited about sharing it all with you as I recollect it when I get back.

 I will not lie to you (or myself) by saying that I'm "not nervous". Sure, I am nervous. I don't have the slightest clue of what to expect, but I know that all the tears shed here over leaving ya'll will be some of the same tears shed this time next week as we prepare to come back because of the relationships that I know will grow as we are there.

I am blessed beyond measure to have family - by blood.. and my church family -, friends, and acquaintances that have let me know that I am in their prayers. It means more to me than anything at this point because my heart is heavy. I don't do well with goodbyes, and today has been full of them.

With that being said, I am taking comfort in the fact that I have been given this opportunity, and there is a reason for my being there. Thank you to all who have supported the mission trip that ended last week, as well as the one that we will be setting out on early in the morning. I can't wait to get back and share my journal with you, and I am looking forward to a life-changing experience.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

- Joshua 1:9