Well folks, May 18th is upon us. I've said most of my goodbyes. I'm mostly packed. But the closer I get to finally boarding the plane, the more unprepared I feel. Part of me wishes I was doing something easy this summer, as selfish as that sounds. I am tired and weary. I can't do this. I feel like I have just wasted my few days at home, I don't really even think I can tell you what I did in them. I would like to think that part of this is humility, but I think it's mostly just my sin nature peeking through. I know I have been called. I know I have been equipped. I know I have the Holy Spirit of the Living God dwelling inside me. And I know that is more than enough. I just want a break. This summer is going to be hard.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, I feel like Paul describes a moment like this. Paul says that even though he has begged and pleaded with God to take this thorn from his side, it remains there. But instead of leaving it at that, Jesus said "My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect it weakness." I feel like God has really pressed this upon my heart recently, which probably means it is going to be a summer of learning what it means to let His power shine through. Which is kind of perfect, because I can think of nothing more that I need. Way more of Him, absolutely none of me.

Brothers and sisters, please pray for me. Please pray for a restful peace to come over me with all of this in my remaining hours in America. Please pray that I would cling to His Word and seek it daily more than food or water. Please pray that I will do what I need to do and be who I need to be to accomplish this task for our Lord. Please pray for my teammates as they are undoubtedly facing some of the same feelings. I am being prepared for an absolute battle this summer. Please pray for strength, humility, harmony, sympathy, and mercy for me and my teammates this summer.

I love y'all very much, and just know that it is by your prayers I am here, I am going, and I will be able to do anything worth anything for God this summer.