Well less than a month to go before I start training. I am looking forward to the start of a new direction in life. This last week has been amazing. Nothing great or extra ordinary happened. But I realized to enjoy my full last month of American culture, watching TV, reading magazines and books, listening to as many radio stations in 15 minutes as I could, walking through a crowded Wal-Mart, remembering the frustrations of lines and too many people. I took Saturday morning and slept in (well at least till 9). I thought this last month would go by too slow for me. I wanted to be in training, head overseas as quickly as possible.
God’s timing is perfect. Why should I rush it? This month I have made the resolve to enjoy and cherish the little things I am leaving behind. I can worry and plan later. Aaron’s leave from Iraq taught me a few things. One, life goes on. I know my ideas on culture and American ideals will change, but I’ll still be me. Two, I can still do things I enjoy overseas (just probably in another language!). Third, my family will pick-up like I never left when I get back. Fourth, I have great friends who will pray for me. Fifth, God is in control. The last couple of weeks have been a time of reflection. I have seen God’s hand in my life over the last 22 years. I’d say He has done a great job of leading my life (even when I needed a map).
These are the things that last. Everything else is material and God provides.

Does life ever seem to stand still? Today was one of those days were nothing happens. I watched the clock. It was more active than I was. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was at work and did manage to get work done. It was just one of those days.
I think it is because I am in this in between stage. I know in two months I will be in training and then off to live overseas. Yet, I still have two months and I know I have stuff to do. If only November would come quickly.
Aaron will be home this weekend! So this is something to look forward to. He leaves Kuwaiti tomorrow. It has been more than 7 months since I last saw him and it will be two and a half years till I see him again. Wow...I hadn't really thought about it that way yet. 2 and a half years. Such a long time.
Well I will continue my long day watching the clock and pray tomorrow picks up.

I got my ACCEPTENCE letter today! (To be a communications Journeyman in West Africa) Well, it was waiting for me when I got back to Richmond tonight. YEAH! I am going to West Africa!

My life finally seems to have direction. I have a plan. I have a place to live. I have a job to do. And I like all of them. There is still a lot of things I do not know about the next two years. But, I think I am Okay with the unknown. I have to constently remember God is incontrol of everything, every emotion, every thought and my future.

It is amazing how God uses all things to His Glory. Who would have thought even the words I write glorify Him? It is so humbling to remember. I often wonder what the writers of the Bible felt like knowing God was using them to give us His Word. Did they know their words would remain for thousands of years? Did they know it would be the most sold and read book in history? I know God did, but did He tell them?

Looking to the future, I find strength in Paul. Even to the end of his life he praised God. Though prison, starving, no home and many enemies, he still believed God controled His life. Over the next two years I pray to have faith like Paul, to write even if there is "a thorn in my flesh."

August does seem to have gone by quickly. Now I only have two more months until training. Life does seem to be a little more final now with the letter telling me I can go. There is still a ton to be done. Two months will fly by.

<---this is a picture of my brother, Aaron, and I at Christmas this last year!
This is a blog to tell about my adventures in West Africa! I am moving there in January 2006 and will be traveling all over the world (mostly West Africa) for the next two years. I am terribly excited. My job is to write about what I do and the people I see.
I will have a "partner," Emily. She will be doing the same thing only better! I also get to take pictures and shoot video!
I went home this weekend. I am trying to go home as much as possible over the next two months to see my parents, because I know I need to see them as much as I can before I leave for TWO years.
So as I was saying I went home this weekend. The main reason was because it was my dad's birthday today. He turned old! I gave him an old mans card and then took him to lunch after church.
(HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!)
I also got to talk to my younger brother today (he is serving in Iraq). It was great to hear his voice! AARON I miss you!
"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ."
--Phil. 4:18-19
This goes out to all of you who face sacrifice.