the amazing race and my amazing tests…

Hi Friends and Family,

It is now the night before I leave, and what do you know, I couldn’t sleep!  So I thought that I would share some of my summer plans with you.

What I know so far:

I leave tomorrow at 12:30 from the Columbia airport, heading to Chicago Intl Airport, then to Frankfurt Airport in Germany, then off to Prague.  As far as I know, I will be flying alone.. navigating my way through airports alone.. and unable to pout with anyone about the long lines at security.  BOO! Can you tell I am really nervous about the airport situation?  I haven’t flown alone.. EVER!  Tomorrow will be the first of many tests of my incredible ability to follow directions.  Not only will I be traveling A LOT, but I’ll be put to the test in several ways.

The second test of my following directions will be the minute I get through customs in Prague.  My team will be stealing me away to do the “Amazing Race”.  (Or their version of it that promotes team building and encourages leadership.)  Someone told me that during the Intern Race, someone always gets hurt and someone always cries.  I will probably be “That Girl” in both situations.  Or I might be so jet-lagged, I may make someone else cry.  Tune in next time to see what happens to me during the Intern Race!  This race will last for 3 days and 2 nights, and we won’t be reunited with our luggage until then.  Perhaps this race is like intern initiation, thank goodness it’s a Christian organization!

The last and most constant way that I will be tested in my following directions is in the way that I following Jesus.  As I am going over there, I am leaving behind my amazing family, some incredible friends, and my comfy comfort zone for 2.5 months.  In all of this I am still encouraged with this undeniable peace.  You know, that peace that passes all understanding?  I totally have that right now, and it’s so cool!

I am going to take you back to Feb 25, 2008, the day that I received a phone call congratulating me into the program with Josiah Venture Interns.  I called Mom and Dad shortly after, and they weren’t nearly as pumped as I was.  I am almost positive it was the money, the distance, and probably the length of my trip that made them both decently hesitant.  Searching for something that would patch the pin prick in my bubble, I read my devotional for that day (My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers).  This day was called, “The Destitution of Service”, could God have spoken any clearer?  I won’t put the whole devotional on here, but it basically says, don’t have reservations about serving God. It even talks about worrying over distance and… wait for it… FINANCIAL CONCERNS. Needless to say, I felt extremely encouraged.  And of course my parents came around because they’re awesomely great, and they both support and encourage me in ways that have brought me to tears (the good kind).

So what I am saying is, God has done his part to get me this far.  You know..  the application, the support raising, getting my luggage below the 50lbs max for the airport… all of these things would have been impossible with out him!  Thank God for the help and Thank God for all of you reading this so I have witnesses to my blessings!!!  And since He’s done His part, I have to follow through with the rest.  I don’t know the ways He plans to change me, but boy am I excited.  Please keep me in your prayers this summer, and please comment with any questions, comments, or concerns!!!!

love you!

Leila