Remember the Traveler

Tomorrow we board the airplane that will begin our two day journey to Ethiopia. Today marked the end of training in Akron, PA. It has been a good week filled with information and the building of relationships. Last night we headed to the MCC material resource center to put our hands to work helping prepare kits that will be sent overseas perhaps to some of our locations. As I checked the school kits ans walked past the brightly colored comforters my steps quickened with anticipation for soon I would be on my way, soon I would be in Ethiopia.
Today that soon feels within grasp. I received my box of encouragement from friends and as I hold that box tears spring to my eyes. Tears that fall when I truely know I am loved beyond imagination, tears that express the excitement for tomorrow, tears the spill with nervous anticipation, tears that say I love you and miss you my friends. I am happy.
I leave tomorrow, I know that tomorrow many of you will be celebrating as two wonderful people begin their new life together. My prayers are with you. May it be a time of great joy and celebration.
As you celebrate remember the travelers. Remember our friends as they go on their honeymoon, as friends and family travel from all over to the wedding. Remember those of us who will board planes to fly to many different countries. Remember those who are physically stationary but whose lives are changing faster than they can process. Remember those who seem to be going nowhere fast. Remember, we are all travelers on a journey. All travelers who need to be reminded of who we are now, where we have been, and where we are going. Perhaps there was part of that this week as we were challenged to write our goals and preapre for our assignments. In the coming year we will be challenged to learn who we truly are as the familiarity we know will dissipate.
Remember the travelers may they find their ways safely home.

peace

We will go together

A few more hours and I leave Marion, Ohio and begin the drive to orientation. I am excited, nervous, and humbled. It is hard to believe this summer is over. It has passed swiftly despite my efforts to cherish each day. I am thankful for the amount of time I was able to spend with friends, family, and with God. I am learning to live life with no regrets and though I did not enjoy every moment of the summer I regret none - life is beautiful.
My mind scrolls like a new movie real, it knows what scenes must be played next but as the operator I am always wary of a skipped scene. But if I skip a scene will I really notice it has been skipped or will life go on despite the error. I think it is safe to say I have all the major themes in place the rest is extra added to enliven the plot.
I am packed and cautious that my bags are right at the fifty pound mark - I'm not sure how the light packer that I am managed to pack that much but I've never packed for a year before.
I am ready. Ready to hit the road finalize the goodbyes and fly into the distance.
I pray that I may continue to see God at work in each moment of my day that I may look back and say life is a beautiful gift from God and I have nothing to regret.
Goodbye my family. Goodbye my friends. Though miles may part may we travel together and may God go before.
Blessings on the journey.