Thank You

I could never express how grateful I am to everyone who has helped me along my way to France. You have all blessed me more than words could possibly express, and I find myself trying to express it often. Lately, it is not uncommon for me to find myself overwhelmed with how many people I desire to express my gratitude towards, and quite frankly, that's a wonderful problem to have.

I've learned so much through this whole process. So much that if I never actually made it, all the hard work would be worth it because of the lessons I have learned just getting where I am right now.

I've learned how many wonderful people I have in my life who are available to whatever God might ask them. I can only imagine the sacrifices that some have had to go through in order to send money for this ministry. What I love the most is that the financial sacrifices prove to me that people are invested in this ministry and will likely labor in prayer with me. That's priceless.

I've learned how important it is for the body of Christ to work together. Yes, we are to be dependent on God alone. And yet, we are called to support, encourage, and pray for one another as if we were all one big happy family. It's beautiful. I've definitely experienced that to a greater extent these last few months.

And lastly, and most importantly, I've learned how faithful and capable my God is. At times, it was hard to put myself out there and trust that He would provide. What if I had misread things and He didn't really want me to go to France? But He called, and He provided in ways I never expected. It's funny, but the ways that He provided the most were ways that I could never have orchestrated myself. He made it clear that HE was the One doing it all. I am SO happy He did!

It doesn't feel real yet. I've been telling people that all week. And it's true. I feel so bad when people give me tearful goodbyes and I'm still smiling and content as always. Perhaps I've just said too many goodbyes in the last year. I feel like I'm just going to Colorado for a month or something. But I'm not. I'm going to France for at least nine months!

I can't believe it! 

So I'm sorry if I wasn't sad when I said goodbye to you. It just hasn't hit me yet. But be sure that when it does, I'll probably cry a lot because you're not there. 

My flight leaves Albuquerque at 8 am tomorrow! I arrive in Washington DC and have an 8 hour layover there. Soooo long. But I think I might take advantage of it and go see the sights. :) After all, I've always said that DC is my second favorite place in the world after Paris. How cool is it that I'll be in both within the same 24 hours?!

I'll then be leaving DC at around 9:30 pm Eastern time to arrive in France 11:30 am the next day Paris time. It will be approximately 26 hours of traveling total. It could be so much worse, but still.... Pray for strength, patience, and JOY for my trip! Jay and Nancy are picking me up from the airport, and I'm really excited to meet them! 

France, here I come!