overwhelming joy

I met my team! And they're great! I'm not just saying that because some of them mentioned liking my 'blog'. It's true, I love the different strengths they bring to the table and look forward to great friendships with them. We had dinner together as a team, guessed each others middle names (Mikayla is a 'Jo' too!) and talked about past travels. We laughed, shared our hearts and I think simultaneously realized that we've been going the same process together, seperately.
We sang together and it was beautiful to hear the voices of a bunch of 20-somethings crying out in absolute abandonment. I'm pretty tired, but I plan on resting well tonight. I pretty much met my family for next year. We laughed saying that we'll know every freckle on each other's face...it's the 8 of us together everyday for a year. Wow- Psalm 67.

goodbye

It's 10:44 on Thursday and I'm getting ready to meet the team for the first time this afternoon. I'm pretty nervous. I woke up early and went to coffee with Misty, came home. took a shower and then got back in pajamas and sat on the couch with Vince and Cori.. putting off getting ready. I have "Come Thou Fount" (David Crowder Band) playing on Vince's iPod. Last night a group of 7 of us went to Fleming's steak house for our goodbye dinner. We then drove to Mission Beach for one last look at the Pacific Ocean. We came back to Cori's, chatted and said goodbyes. I couldn't fall asleep last night.. it was anxiety about today, sadness at saying goodbye, and excitement for the unknown.
I'm tempted to show up to orientation this afternoon in unmatching clothes, with a big gangster chain around my neck.. I won't of course.. I'll probably check the mirror in Cori's Jetta wondering what my team will think of me. Oh.. first impressions!
It's my hope that I can update this blog overseas, but I'm not sure if that's possible. I'm not sure how many people read this- supporters or otherwise.. I might just switch to a good 'ole paper journal. Cor's making banana bread...Switchfoot's "Let That Be Enough" is playing now- I'm an emotional mess.

recent randoms

august 10th

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
~ Anaïs Nin