What to say?

OK. I've been putting this off and putting this off....I figure I might as well FINALLY just sit down and post something on here!! I've had this blog for like 3 weeks and have yet to post anything...this doesn't bode well for the future of my blog...

Oh well. So I've been trying and trying to figure out what I can post on here but nothing was really coming to mind. I know this is suppose to be about life on board the Africa Mercy but I'm not quite there yet...still got a few months to go! So I guess it will just have to be about my not quite as exciting life here in Texas!! :)

Life isn't really very exciting to be honest. I've been working, doing part-time school, and preparing for Africa for the past month since I've been home. I've been trying to keep my focusing on my Lord and Savior. I am SO excited to get over to Africa but I'm also infinitely grateful to the Lord for these next 4 months at home. I have complete confidence that the Lord will use them to bring peace to my friends and family, as well as closure to me as I say goodbye to the only life I've ever known and step into an unknown and unfamiliar world. I realized the other day that God is closing a door in my life. Finishing a chapter. Moving me on to new, different, and exciting things. No more will I get to go to school with all of my best friend. No more will I be only a few steps away from the people closest to me. Yet my God is my strength and my comfort. He will provide for me in ways far beyond my wildest dreams!

One of the hardest things for me to comprehend and accept is leaving behind my precious and beautiful baby niece, Sophie. She was born while I was in Togo during this past summer so I was not there for her birth. And I will not be there for these first years of her life. Its a thought that breaks my heart.

I remember the first time I saw her...she was tiny!!! So small and yet such a bundle of energy and joy!!! I can not believe that the Lord has blessed me with this precious baby girl! She brings infinite joy to my heart! Just thinking about her beautiful smiles, huge head of hair, and wonderful meaningless gurgles make me smile!

But now He is sending me away from her. It is the hardest part for me to accept...and to leave... It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Yet I know the Lord has a wonderful and beautiful plan. Even in the midst of this pain and heartache, my heart overflows with joy! Because my God is faithful. He is strong. He is love. He is my Savior and my Lover. He is all I will ever need. I trust in His choice and His will.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5