Wrote this on the plane...

We're off! And on an earlier flight at that:) The rolling hills and the aroma of chicken houses are behind us as we head to the beautiful country of Nepal...But first, a stop in Chicago where we will be greeted with snow. With 22 pieces of luggage, 3 guitars with bags of marshmallows around them (we are bringing stuff for smores), a cooler full of typhoid meds, 10 team members including a Napali fluent speaking Tulsan....we boarded the plane. Excitements...yes. Anxieties....a few. Fears....of course. We reflect on the words from Nehemiah- the joy of the Lord is our strength. The team's spirits are high and we draw near to Him, our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer as we travel across the world. But shouldn't we always do this even when we travel down the street? We should, but don't...I don't at least. Funny how when we experience something that is so unknown and out of our hands, we cling to the One that does know. So, thank you, Lord, for this time of trust and opportunity to serve you. Not only to serve you, but serve you with a group of studly college kids who dedicate their lives to follow You....anywhere. Random thought...a hymn I used to sing in the church I went to in high school goes like this: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives. Amen to that! Because of His life, death, and resurrection...we, too, can have life for eternity. We pray for others to know this Living God. Ok, time to get a little shut-eye. 2 hours of sleep last night is catching up. Until next time, please continue to pray for safe travels, a sick-free team, joyful hearts, and maybe that Karate Kid would be the movie we watch on our long flight. Mr. Miagi reminds me of my dad. Namaste! -C