So close, but yet so far away...

15 days. Wow. I really can't believe it. 

Today we had our last group meeting to divide some of our supplies up, and to just go over a few last things. It just seems so unreal. I have been able to tell people that I'm going to Rwanda, and now it is happening in 15 days! 

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't freaking out. Let's be real... I totally am. But, with this, I know that things will be ok. As it reads in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  He is in control of everything, I have nothing to fear. I am so glad that I can put all of my burdens, my fears, my uneasiness into the hands of the Lord. Everything will be ok! It will! 

I have really worked on preparing mentally the past few days. I will move home in two weekends, pack my bags, say my goodbyes, and then leave. I think that is what I am most uneasy about. Saying goodbye to my family, my boyfriend, and my friends will be so hard. I will be able to email them every so often, and perhaps skype them once or twice, but 6 weeks is a very very very long time. I know that I will not be alone though. In church today, we heard a sermon on Mark 3: 20-21; 31-35. For those of you who might need a refresher, here is a link to the verses. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+3%3A20-21%2CMark+3%3A31-35&version=ESV

 One aspect of the sermon that hit me was the point that God's family is open to all. Whoever does the will of God is someone who is in my family. Those who trust and obey the word of the Lord are my sisters and my brothers. Although I will be 7887.7 miles away from my "blood" family, I will be in the presence of my family in Christ. Wow. It really hit me. At the time where I was worried and stressing, the word that was preach was exactly what I needed. This started to excite me even more for my trip. I am so curious to see how those relationships will be formed, and I can't wait to see what this journey does for my faith and my relationship with God. 

Although these last 15 days in the United States will be a bit stressful, busy, full of packing, tears, and goodbyes, I need to remember to give it all up to God. Matthew 6:31-34 says, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Time to go do some packing! Love you all, and will be in contact soon!

-Leah :) 

(p.s. Does anyone have any awesome book recommendations? At night we will have some down time, and I am a big reader! Let me know!)