ONE MONTH!!

In exactly 4 weeks I will be on a plane to Johannesburg, with my belongings encapsulated in 2 bags. After about 30 hours of hopping oceans, continents and hemispheres I will arrive in Ikageng, South Africa: the place I will call home for at least the next year.

Should I be freaking out? Maybe.

But when I consider how incredibly faithful my God is, fear about moving to the opposite side of the globe and uncertainties about what the next year holds subside.

I'm excited to hug the teachers and staff that I grew so fond of last fall. I can't wait to become acquainted with the newly hired additions. And of course the sweet faces of the 74 kiddos will need to be smothered with kisses, as they walk through the gate every morning to receive an Christian education and lots of love.

It will be fun to transform a little brick house into my home, and experiment with the new recipes that ladies from my church have thoughtfully compiled for me. Challenges will surely surface. Take learning the names of 50 new students, for example--exceedingly difficult names, I'm told. And finding a daily routine that will allow me to accomplish my duties effectively. I won't be able to see my family and friends every day, but I'm sure they won't be able to resist the chance to visit after seeing pictures and hearing stories. Living an ocean away from my nephew (and his "bun-in-the-oven" sibling) might prove to be the most difficult thing. Ever.

All things considered, I trust that the blessings will outweigh the obstacles, because my God is good, and I cannot wait to experience that goodness in abundance, first-hand, on a daily basis. I'm excited to share in this journey with you. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

If you're wondering about things to pray for:

1. The students and staff I'll be working with, and the preparation of my heart to serve them how God intends me to.

2. My visa application: it's going in the mail in the next few days, and it's pretty important that I have it back in a timely manner.

3. Wisdom in preparing materials for use in Bible studies and discipleship.

4. Discernment in packing what I need/don't need.

5. The smooth wrapping up of my jobs and other responsibilities here.

6. Quality time with my family, friends and church here in the midst of all this.