Last Days

Hanging out, playing Mafia (I am NOT good at this game!)

I can't believe that FPO is almost over. I'm so ready to go to Africa, but leaving FPO means saying goodbye not only to the amazing friends I've made here, but also to my family and friends at home. Let's not think about that just yet...

Things have been busy over the last week. The weekend was a time of hanging out and trying to cram in more time with friends before we travel to the ends of the earth. This week, we've had security training, our last shots, and tomorrow many of us are leaving MLC on a round trip ticket to Narnia!

Thank you to all of my prayer partners - you have really been busy with all the requests I've been sending! I want you all to know how much I appreciate your dedication to pray for me and for the people God has called me to serve. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

A few more requests:

1. Now that Emily and I know where we will be serving in Botswana, the news keeps on coming... We will be serving alongside Brazilian missionaries who speak Portuguese and Spanish (some of them are fluent in English, as well). Since we will be in a village, the need to learn Setswana will be greater since people will speak their heart language as much as (if not more than) they will speak English. Please pray that Emily and I will be able to grasp the language (Setswana) quickly and that our limited knowledge of Spanish will also be increased.

2. Pray for Tim Cearley, Diane Shreder, and Mme Motsamai as they are in Palapye seeking housing for Emily and I. Please also pray for a decision that is in the process of being made: another journeyman (Crystal who I have written about before) may move to Palapye to join Emily and I. Pray for God's leadership in this situation.

3. Pray for the team of missionaries who are already working in Palapye: Otilia, Fabiano, and Patricia; and for Elcear and his family (Brazilian missionaries who will be joining the team in January).

4. Pray especially that language and culture differences would not hinder our ministries. Pray also that we would have patience, understanding, and humor as we all come together to serve the Lord Jesus.

5. Finally, please pray against spiritual warfare. As our time here nears the end, it is obvious that Satan is attacking. I'm comforted during this time by one of the passages I've memorized here: "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against prinicipalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand." (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Look for more updates soon and all you Roxboro/Timberlake folks - I will see you next weekend!!! Love ya!