T-Minus 18 hours...

Tomorrow's the day...

I always enjoy the day before I leave to go on a trip. I wake up early, make last minute adjustments...

-Hair cut: check

-Cell phone: check

-Wal-Mart run: soon to be check

-Post-it note packing: check

-Sanity: well, almost...

Plans are finalized, tickets have been purchased, passport is in hand...

It's a time to stop, and reflect. The journey I am about to begin is possibly larger than I could ever imagine. Yes, I am only going to do a bunch of paper work, but somehow it seems a lot more than that. This is what God has called Leanna and I to do, this is where God has called Leanna and I to be. This is HUGE!

It's also a time to sit and watch. I love to watch my family; my mom, my dad and my niece. I get such a purpose out of observing them living out their dream, and it gives me hope that one day I will be doing the same. They have been my biggest supporters throughout my entire calling to be a missionary. They were the ones who said "yes" to all the trips, when in their hearts they were screaming "no." I understand that being a missionary is possibly one of the hardest jobs one could have in the ministry; however, I am convinced being parents to those missionaries is even harder.

As I sit on my bed here in Spruce Pine I am currently waiting on Leanna to return from her job in Boiling Springs. And I'm reminded of this day two years ago, leaving for Uganda. I remember the worry I saw in her eyes and the pain I felt from leaving her. It's never easy to leave the one you love so dearly behind, even if it is for two weeks. She is such a strong woman and her faith in God is insurmountable. That alone keeps me going. I have so much to learn from her, I am just happy that I have the rest of my life to figure it out!

Prayer Requests:

Travel/Safety: Pray for my travel from Charlotte to Germany, and especially my flights within India. I fly from Delhi, to Mumbai and finally to Nagpur. Also, pray that I would stay alert and conscious of my surroundings.

Witness: One of the largest mission fields are airports. Pray that God would place people in my path; terminal, transit, seat next to me, restaurants, etc. Pray that I would be a witness of Jesus Christ.

Luggage: I have yet to loose my luggage (yes, I just knocked on wood). Pray that my suitcase would make it all the way to Nagpur!

Family/Youth: Last night I got to spend time with my youth group! I am so blessed to have a group of young people who are so loving and caring towards me and my safety. Pray that God would bless them as they return to school next week. Also, pray for my family + Leanna as I once again leave them.

I love you all dearly!

Blessings,

CTG