December 7, 2009 Monday night
Dear Friends, Family, Co workers and others
I am eagerly awaiting Friday when I begin my journey to Dakar, Senegal in Africa. Nervousness is beginning to creep in and I feel an urgency as the time grows closer. I am a procrastinator by long history and thus these last few days will be busy ones. Maybe one day that will change but not for now.
I am trying to catch up and get ahead at work so I do not leave anyone else in a bind while I am gone. Especially since they cannot reach me to ask any necessary questions. However, it seems the more i try the further behind i find myself. At some point, I will put the alert on my email that i am out of the office and leave a phone message with the same message. I will turn off the laptop and lock the door behind as I leave. When i leave, I promise to leave it all behind. This trip is something i plan to cherish the whole time that i am gone. An opportunity like this is special for me. I never thought that i would be going to Africa.
Sunday night was a wonderful time and thanks to all who attended the service. The movie that was shown about the mission trip was wonderful. I remember watching something similiar previously and feeling that overwhelming desire to go on the trip. It is hard to actually fathom that I am almost on the way. It is an awesome feeling that I cannot explain.
Last night, as friends and family gathered around me and my mission trip companions, i could feel your loving and caring touch. The prayers you lifted up as you surrounded us were powerful. And of course, I cried. That is me. I cry when sad. I cry when I am happy. And i cry when i am overwhelmed by the loving nature of God's powerful touch. The tears flowed down my face as I heard those around us offering up prayers for our journey. Prayers for our protection. Prayers for strength and courage. And prayers for the people that we are going to serve. Those prayers came from the oldest in the group even down to two of the youngest who stood beside me.
I give thanks for my special friends who were there. Kathy from my previous life. And of course Deborah and Kenneth who have been my friends for over 30 years. They have seen me go through many experiences over the years. And then there was my family consisting of Aunt Rosa and Jarrett. In fact it was Jarrett (Stephens) who first planted the seed of desire to go on this mission trip.
And then there were my other friends from Hyde Park. Those who have surrounded me with acceptance and love since the very first day I walked into Hyde Park. Those who welcomed me to the softball team when my "older legs" could hardly make it to first. And of course those in the choir who welcomed me even though i cannot sing a lick. And my Sunday School group who are bearing with me as I try to share the lessons with them. And to my basketball buddies and concession stand friends. It is awesome to think of all those that i have come to know and love during my short time at Hyde Park. God really knows where to send a person when they are in need of friends, prayers and support. And sometimes he has to drag us there.
There are so many people that I am afraid to name them because i might leave out someone but you know who you are. I know i will feel your love as our group makes this journey. Thank you all for being a part of my life.
My son Brian was also in attendance last night. I treasure having him there and knowing that he too prayed for our group. Both he and my oldest son Billy will also continue to pray while I am on this trip of a life time. They have stood by my side all my life but no more so than in the past 2 1/2 years. I love them dearly and thank God for sending me such wonderful and caring children.
I sometimes am shy and do not initiate conversation. I do much better by writing down my thoughts. One day i plan to write a book. My plans are to write something each day that I am gone. I hope more of you can go and you can't really know what it is like until you go. However, i hope that my writing and journeling will make the trip real for some of you. I know some of you feel you cannot go on this trip. But i hope i can bring the mission trip to you through sharing our activities and my thoughts. I can't promise to do it each day. I hear that the electricity does not always cooperate but I will try. I can never repay you all for your support and prayers but i can say thank you by sharing a piece of what it is like for me.
I leave you tonight with the verse from Romans 8:28 that has been one of my favorites throughout my life.
"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."
God is Good!!!
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