29 Days!

Yesterday was the one month mark. I think the butterflies hit in full swing. I am so excited to be leaving, but I am realized even more the little things I know I'm going to miss. I'm trying to focus on the experiences I going to have, though that little missing it before I'm gone feeling still sticks sometimes.

In preparation for my departure, I went shopping yesterday for the things I know I'm going to need. I went without a written list. When I compared my purchases when I came home, I did pretty well. The only big things I forgot were a watch with an alarm, duct tape, and vitamins. Nothing too major seeing I still have a few weeks.

I was reading my Oswald Chambers devotional a few days ago and the quote below really stuck with me. I think I've read it every year and when I get back to it there is a whole new meaning uncovered.

If you debate for a second when God has spoken, it is all up. Never begin to say - "Well, I wonder if He did speak?" Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him. You do not know when His voice will come, but whenever the realization of God comes in the faintest way imaginable, recklessly abandon. It is only by abandon that you recognize Him. You will only realize His voice more clearly by recklessness.

I feel as though this is what this trip is for me. I believe that God said, "Go." I'm throwing it all out there in faith believing that while I am gone more of who I am will be revealed to me through His awesomeness and the expereince and reflection I will have. What will be of me when I return...I have no idea. I do know that I will grow.

...like a warm, comfortable bed...

I've been reading in preparation for my trip and I came across the following quote in the book. It caused me to think a bit...
Good memories are like a warm, comfortable bed after a tiring day. They receive the tired soul like a mother who takes a child that runs to her for safety into her cuddly embrace. Good memories say: here, everything will be okay again. They open windows and so hope gets an extended lease.
Memories are the things that sustain us when it's hard to see the end. I know they have given me life...and a bit of heartache. I've been reflecting on good memories and so many of them have been shared with you all. I'll soon be making more that I can share with you. It won't be first-hand, but I promise to be an engaging story teller upon my return.