Two days till takeoff...

We spent part of today packing for my trip to Africa.  You should know that we're sending some gifts along...

- School supplies (crayons, coloring books, pencils, note pads)

- Food (candy, snacks, gifts, and breakfast bars).

- Toys (tennis balls, stuffed animals, and a couple of small backpacks).

- Clothing (some to give away, some specific gifts for our sponsored orphan, Ursulla).

Thanks also to some of our Delaware Grace volunteers who have helped me get gifts for some of our friends in Africa. 

Once again, I'm feeling mixed emotions.  It will be hard to spend so much time away from Jennie and the kids.  Allie (age 5) has been drawing pictures for me all day, and writing "I love you, Daddy" many times on the pics.  Our baby girl, Julie, seems to learn a new word every hour, and is extremely cute trying to say each one.  I hate the thought of leaving Jennie for a day, let alone a trip like this.  Please pray for our family as this is a challenge, but it is very worthwhile.

Personally, I am eager to get a personal experience with real life in Africa.  I've seen the pictures, I've heard the stories, I've read the websites.  I'm just ready to get there. 

I'm curious to see how God is at work in so many ways in such a tough place to live.  I wonder how the poverty and different way of life will affect me.  I enjoy learning new languages and new words, but I know nothing of substance when it comes to Sangho and French.  This will be a humbling experience, and I'm excited about that, too!

While we're studying Matthew 5 at our church, I'm curious to see the overlap in actual lives...

"Blessed are the poor... Blessed are those who mourn... Blessed are the meek... Blessed are those who hunger and thirst (for righteousness)..."  No doubt this will be an eye-opening experience, but I am eager to see what sort of "soul-opening" takes place. 

Thanks for reading along... I will update as frequently as I can!