Well, what can I say? I mean, I'm going to Africa. . . . and even though the trip is still more than 6 months away, it seems like it is always on my mind. For example: "Wow, it's 30 degrees below zero today! --- at least next year at this time, I will be warm in Africa." ;) Sometimes it feels like my heart is divided in 2. I can hardly wait to be there, while at the same time I can hardly stand to leave here. I'm grateful for God's timing of things - and not my own.

I'm pretty excited about getting to know all of my teammates... I know that they are going to become some of my very best friends, but it's hard to imagine it, because I haven't even met them yet! Even with all the thoughts of warm weather, raising support, new friends, a million vaccines, (and finishing college in the meantime!), I know that the real preparation for this trip is spiritual. Please join with me in praying for God's work to begin

even now. I've included a copy of the lyrics of a song that I really like. You might recognize the first half of it as part of Psalm 119. I've been using these words as a prayer, and I encourage you to join me in asking God to sanctify us as he prepares us for Himself...

---

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees

Then I will keep them to the end

Give me understanding and I will keep your law

And obey it with all my heart

Direct me in the path of your command

For there,

I
find delight

Turn my heart toward your statutes,

and not toward selfish gain

Turn my eyes away from worthless things

Preserve my life according to Your Word

Fulfill your promises to me, that you may be feared

Release
the longing for your precepts

Preserve the lives of Your righteous

May
your unfailing love come to me, O Lord

Your salvation according to Your promise

Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth

For I have put my hope in your law

That I may walk about in freedom

That I may walk about in freedom

Release the boldness to seek your precepts

To speak your statutes before kings

To delight in Your commands

and love them

And meditate on your decrees

Release the declaration of Your heart in Your people Lord

That we may declare Your word

That we may declare Your word

Release
understanding Lord

Give us hearts that are willing

That we may turn to

You,

away from foolish
things

Turn the hearts of Your people

Turn the hearts of Your bride

That we may know You, that we may

know Your Word

For You are Lord

It is

You who shall be declared in the
earth

Cause
the turn, Lord

Cause
the stirring

Release the fullness to seek You earnestly

I call forth the seekers of Your heart

I call forth the seekers of your heart

Those who know You as you are

I declare they come forth,

even now

Now it begins

The imperishable seed has taken root

Now
it grows

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