Home Sweet Home

I love traveling - absolutely LOVE it!! I like to see new things, try new things and take LOTS of pictures BUT there is nothing like coming home. I promise you that the air smells different, trees look greener and life just seems better when you come back to "the loveliest village on the plains." I miss my parents of course and all the sweet people I work with in San Antonio, but I am glad to be back even for only a few days. By 930 this morning I had already been to Lakeview, been around Campus, and eaten at the Barbecue House. :-) (just a random comment on that note: Yesterday at the airport the security guard wished me a happy early birthday - its not for another 23 days and then I got an AWESOME birthday present this morning - can't go into details but know that it made my day!!!)
I am leaving for AFRICA in less than 2 days and I am SOOOOO excited - a little nervous but oh so overjoyed at going to a country that stole my heart before I ever even stepped foot on the soil. I talked to a friend this morning and I realized that part of my excitement is because I am going somewhere new, but also because I am seeing a new area for ministry. Last year in Burundi we worked on University campuses sharing the gospel and sharing about America and in South Africa we will be working with youth sharing the gospel, things about America and sharing testimonies about why abstinence is so important. I am a little overwhelmed about sharing that part of my testimony. We are going to an area that has one of the highest HIV/AIDS populations. Here comes the Southern belle who hasn't even kissed anyone. I was thinking the other day - what do I have to offer? But then the Lord in His ever faithful way reminded me - that I have the story of His amazing and sustaining grace. If one Zulu girl hears the story of the Lord in my testimony and changes her way or makes the decision not to go down that path - PRAISE THE FATHER! It is only by His GRACE. Colossians 2:2-3 has been a theme verse for my life the last couple of years:

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so
that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they
may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

That is my prayer for the people, mainly youth that we come in contact with. That they would understand Christ, because in Him are found all things. The things that the world teaches you you can find in relationships and sex, can be found in Him and that is a COMPLETE heart. The world takes that away from you, the Lord restores. I'll update with prayer request for the trip tomorrow. On to other errands in AUBURN!!!

AFRICA BOUND ...