I am not sure what to say as my departure date becomes nearer and nearer.  Words cannot express how excited I am.  As I was packing these past few days, I came upon a journal from a couple of years ago.  In it, I had written down verses that brought me encouragement at that time.  At the time that I wrote them down, I could not have imagined going to Africa for nine months, but today they were encouraging to me.  It is so amazing how verses that you hear your entire life, can make such an impact on your life even after hearing them dozens of times.

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to GOD must believe that He is, and the He is a reward for those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, 'I have overcome the world'" John 16:33

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ" Philippians 3:20

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30