tears of absolute joy

It's 12:47 on Saturday, July 12th. I have just finished getting everything together for the Dominican trip I will leave for tomorrow. I sit waiting for my friend to pick me up and bring me to SPCC where I will meet with my team for dinner, attend the service and then head to New York to spend the night before we fly out.

I have been waiting and preparing for this for months. I have been reading and praying and thinking and just so looking forward to this trip. Now it is right around the corner.

Tears fall down my face.. my emotions can't exactly be explained.

I am nervous about missing those from home, excited to meet new people, experience a new culture and encounter God in Jarabacoa.

Above everything else, I am absolutely filled with joy that I have the opportunity and have been lead to this trip. That I will be spending the next couple of weeks with a group of beautiful Christian women whom I will learn so much from. That I will meet new people, delight in the gorgeous children... and be challenged, comforted and encouraged.

Please be praying for me and the others on my team and for the community of Jarabacoa. I will be sure to post pictures and stories when I am home after the 25th!