Leaving so soon!

Hey supporters... it's finally here, almost. I can't believe it... we're actually going to Uganda, FINALLY, after much planning and preparation and hoping and worrying and praying and everything else.

I have never felt more supported and encouraged in my life than in the past week. People have given me much-needed financial support, prayers have been said and written down for me to take and read, my church prayed for our team, and words of affirmation are coming from all my friends mouths. It's such a blessing; God is so good.

Being with my team the past two days has been wonderful. We have laughed and enjoyed each other's company so much. Already there have been struggles and minor setbacks, but tonight we all sat in a circle and talked and prayed. I am feeling much better after that, and I know it will only continue, because now these 5 are my brothers and sisters. We really MUST grow closer... it's our only option. I trust that each and every person is on this team for a reason, and I am so excited to see how everyone's talents and skills are used and honed while we're in Africa.

I am not scared of going to Uganda for four months. I'm not scared of language barriers. I'm not scared for my safety, I know to be careful and wary and smart. I'm not scared about fitting in. But I am a little scared... I'm scared to lead this team; I'm scared to step up when I need to; I'm scared to have that responsibility. But I know there's no other way it could happen. I have to lead. It's been so clear to me that that's a big part of what I must learn on this trip, and I am so excited about it. I want to be a humble leader, to lead out of love, and to even lead by following at times. I am scared, but I know I can do it.

I know I will come back on December 19 and be a completely different person than I am right now. I know I will learn things I never knew, do things I never thought possible, be stretched in the most uncomfortable of ways, break down when it's least convenient, step up when it's harder than ever. I know I will change, it's inevitable.

I'm so excited to become more full, more beautiful, more whole. I don't even know what to expect, but I know change will happen, and it will be so good.