Pack it Up

Well, here I go again. I think all I do is pack these days...or think about packing...or travel with a pack. You know, I think I'd like to be able to fit everything I own in a suitcase. Packing would be so easy! Why am I so materialistic? Things are just...things. They don't really matter. I may say that now, but if you asked me to pick 10 shirts and give the rest away I'd run around my room like a chicken with its head cut off.

After spending almost one full month back in America, I miss traveling. I miss feeling like I can simply go out and offer a helping hand without having to worry about lawsuits and technicalities. Europe was a nice escape from the "real" world and yet, I experienced more of the "real" world than I ever had before. I'm swarmed with decisions here and it's overwhelming. I KNOW that God provides and He delivers. I've experienced both, but it just seems so much more real when He's the only one I have to communicate with. I miss being alone. I miss being able to simply walk wherever I needed to go. I miss those days when I sat next to the Vltava River and watched the sun set just beyond the castle. I miss feeling God. I knew that He was with me. I knew that regardless of what happened, my travel plans would be just as He wanted them. Yes, I know the same concept applies here, but it was far more tangible when foreign languages surrounded me.

I suppose as I prepare to venture off the Puerto Rico, I find comfort in the fact that there will be a language barrier, a place willing to let me help, people who may be lost and in need of something I can give them. Maybe I just need to accept being that weird person. Maybe I really need to simply take a stand and not grow comfortable at work or at school. I should ALWAYS be a witness. After living in the "world" for a while, I think I am better able to see how to live amongst people, but not of them. So why do I not do that in my own country?
Well, as I ponder, I pack. I pray God will bless this trip and this experience.

Prayer Requests:

1. Travel Safety-I think I'm more afraid to travel in America than I was in Europe...
2. Smooth training camp-all the plans and what not will go smoothly
3. Team Unity-most of the people on the trip already know each other or have met, so hopefully I can just come in and we'll all be a happy family
4. Effectiveness-our construction, friendly discussions, and camp activities will truly spread the gospel
5. This will be the beginning-That each member will continue to serve in the years to come, that this will be the start of a new passion in each member to share and serve in whatever way God calls