Limbo

Seriously going to miss these folks

This is how Africans do dinner

Some favored folks back in Athens

Mumsy!

What a whirlwind of events the past month or so has been!

Currently, I'm in an odd time of transition. I'm looking back to all the things I've learned at training, looking forward to life in Africa, and looking around at all the people loving and encouraging me as I go. Really, I'm not sure that I could feel more conflicted about things than I do right now, but it's good. To love is to be vulnerable and to have warring feelings.

Even though I tend to be out-of-sight/contact, out-of-mind with people, God is never out of touch. He is completely involved in every area of the world at once, as well as intimately involved in the tiny details of my life. He's not so small as to only focus on one place and time. I've known this, but it's cool to see how while I was learning and growing in VA, so were people in Athens and Eastman, Georgia. God is always working. I may be going to a place without churches, access to the Bible, or believers, but I'll never go where God is not.

Relaxing = wandering in the woods
I love my family.

The B.F. Team in D.C. 

In spite of my ever-shifting emotions, one feeling has really stuck out in my transitioning: Encouragement.
After word-vomiting the events of the past nine weeks on my mom, I was encouraged by her love and support for what I'm doing. After being overwhelmed by the grandness of my church in Athens, I was encouraged to see how people I know are growing in Truth and not blind tradition. I was encouraged by their prayers for me. After traversing the state of Georgia a few times, I was encouraged at each stop by friends and family who are cheering me on and sincerely showing love for me. Even some who barely know me have made their support known. 

However, this encouragement will soon become muffed from across the ocean. When it comes down to it, I cannot rest in the affirming words of people I love. I need to trust that God is the one who gives endurance, encouragement, and brings people together.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  [Rom 15:5-6]