Well, this is my last post for a while from the States!

I'm all packed and ready to go. I'll be spending the next few days at my mom's house...saying goodbye to some family and friends, and then I leave on Wednesday evening.

This past weekend was wonderful and I feel so ready to leave. The Lord blessed me with some incredible gifts... I was able to spend a lot of time with some great friends, including my best friend Jennifer who was out here from Texas. We had an exciting time at the zoo, walked on the beach, sat around eating pizza and watching movies...it was amazing!

Yesterday at church, I was commissioned for my trip along with another friend who is leaving this week for Iraq. I was asked to give a short summary of what I'm going to be doing/why I'm going, and then the church prayed for both of us. Of course, for those of you who know me well, you know that I can tend to get a little emotional at times...I was totally calm and prepared to talk about my trip...until my mom and brother totally surprised me at church! They had driven down from Pasadena that morning to be there for me, and of course I lost it. It was great...I think that talking and crying at the same time has become an art for me!

Have you ever been at that point in your life where you are ready for something? You've talked about it long enough, you've thought about it over and over again...and now you just need to go and do it. That's where I'm at. I just need to go. My prayer for you all is that God would bring something into your life that you think, "I have to go do this." I was sharing at church that Africa has become my purpose, my passion...and I know that the Lord has an incredible purpose for you. No matter what your age, situation in life, or circumstances...he puts desires in our hearts for a reason. So, be encouraged that the Lord has something amazing for your life. Thank you for your comments and prayers...I appreciate them greatly!

much love... alair