First of all, I would like to give a shout out to my sister Sarah and brother-in-law Paul who have raised two wonderful little boys so well. After a week of babysitting, we have been tickled by the fact that it requires three people to hold down wiggly Sterling in order to dress him for the day while the fourth family member sprints around the house to chase down Wyatt. The challenge of juggling diaper changing, nap times, and medicines has been one worth rising to. Of course, our frequent hunt for puppies in the neighborhood has dried up plenty of tears during tired moments. But overall, I'm thankful for these two nephews, and equally thankful for the parents I can send them home to. :)

     Well, the countdown is far more a reality today as there are only six days left on the calendar between my life in High Point and my new adventure in La Paz. I have been so blessed by moments of saying goodbye to friends as well as hearing the encouraging prayers from my church as they send me out. I'm thankful for the past six months of life here...months full of growth, clarity, and building stronger relationships.

     I realize I must leave a lot of this behind for a while. I know there will be new blessings ahead, (and ones to look forward to when I am able to visit the states.) Yet, in stepping back to look at the big picture, as I transition to what is "new", I am reminded that there is One who does go with me. He goes before me and behind me...as well as beside me. I will share with you the prayer I read this morning....

     "Therefore, I pray, whatever of Thyself Thou has been pleased to disclose, help me to search out as treasure more precious than rubies or the merchandise of fine gold; for with Thee shall I live when the stars of the twilight are no more and the heavens have vanished away and only Thou remains. Amen."

   It's hard to leave the presence of people who know what life is like here...those who I have been on college campus with, those who I have spent time in prayer meetings with, those who have walked with me through so many seasons of growth and change. Likewise, I know there will be new seasons in a new place which will be hard to relay back home. Yet, this is where my hope lies. The God of the universe, who understands me, knows me, and calls me by name, goes with me. So, it is Him who I must learn to know. He and I are in this together.

    "Papa, give me a heart to love you and to discover you. Teach me the rhythm of this song. But may I learn more of its Composer."