THREE weeks from today...

...I will be starting this journey to Vietnam. On Monday the 21st, I will fly from Colorado Springs to LA/Ontario for a few days of orientation. Then on the 24th, we will fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (arriving on the 26th) for a month of intense training. Finally, on August 23 our team of 4 girls will head to Da Lat, Vietnam- the city popular for local 'honeymooners.' We'll be teaching at Truong Dai Hoc Da Lat i.e. Dalat University.

TWO FINAL TRIPS BEFORE THE BIG ONE:
I had the wonderful privilege of visiting my brother David and his wife Deb in Longview, TX. They are expecting their first baby- a boy whom they are naming Samuel David- on the day I leave for CA. So even though I won't be able to meet the baby in person until after I return from Vietnam next summer, I was so thankful to have one more visit with them. We enjoyed some time by the pool, painted the baby's room, went mini golfing (and I beat my brother for the first time ever), and went to a berry farm to pick blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries! The last evening of my visit, they made a special Vietnamese meal for me and we celebrated this upcoming adventure together. I am so blessed by their excitement and support!

This past weekend, I was able to go to Pennsylvania and Ohio with my mom to visit family there. I saw my Uncle Gordon, Aunt Barb, cousin Lizz and her husband Ryan (mom's side) and my Grandma Judy, great Aunt Katy, Uncle Rich and Aunt Ruth and cousin Jeremiah (dad's side). It was so great to see everyone and have some time together before I leave. My cousin Lizz and her husband are leaving for Senegal for two years, so it was our last time to see each other for a while!

EXCITING NEWS!!
All of my financial support has come in. Wow, Jehova Jireh! I am so overwhelmed by everyone's sacrificial giving and generousity. Thank you again to all of you have given to make this Vietnam trip possible. I am truly grateful and know that I could not do this without your support. Your gracious gifts were yet another confirmation of our Father's plans for me to go. If you would still like to contribute, your money will either go towards my possible future service (beyond this initial one year commitment). Another option is to give to me directly as I have some personal expenses such as shots, allergy meds, computer repair, etc. that your gift can help cover.

REQUESTS
There is no more significant involvement in another's life than prevailing, consistent pr. It is more helpful than the gift of money, more encouraging than a strong sermon, more effective than a compliment, more reassuring than a physical embrace.
-Chuck Swindoll

This quote really sums it up- your thoughts for me are so crucial and important! Really, there is no better gift you could give. So thank you in advance for uplifting me. Here are a few specific requests for you:

• Please ask that I will be consistent with my walk, and that I would learn how to best share the hope that I have. Ask that doors will open to talk with students.
• Uplift this transition... that I would "leave" well and express appropriate goodbyes, and that I would "enter" well and be a learner in a new culture.
• I am asking our Father for new friendships and positive team dynamics.
• Pr. that my allergies will not be an issue in my new living environment in Da Lat. This is major concern I am trusting Him for.

only SIX more weeks . . .

It is really starting to sink in that I will be leaving everything I know in about six weeks.  I have recently trained the gal who has taken my position at work, and it is a bit odd to be done with my job.  It feels a little bit like vacation right now, but I made a master "to-do" list before I leave for Vietnam- so I'm sure that 'vacation feeling' will wear off soon :)  I have also moved back in with my parents to save a bit of rent money, and to enjoy some extra time with them before I take off. What a gift and support they have been through this whole process!

Every day this week has brought some encouraging news and confirmation again of this calling. I am overwhelmed with the support I am receiving from all sides.  When those moments of doubt creep in, our Father graciously and clearly reminds me of Truth and how He has already brought me this far!  How appropriate that our fellowship leader at North Springs is speaking this summer on warfare- and the armor we need to intentionally equip ourselves with.  The timing for this challenge could not be more perfect.

I have been realizing how much I am going to miss life in Colorado and have begun to grieve some of the loss that will come with this transition.  I have loved my job, my cute house and roommates, my great community of friends, my parents who live nearby, my 'fellowship' at North Springs, Charlie my car, Pikes Peak and the beautiful mountains, my gym, and the other casual comforts of my Colorado lifestyle.  I know, it is a bit ridiculous to think of missing Charlie my car... but I have thought about it!

However, I know that there will be so many exciting new aspects of life in Vietnam. I am honestly looking forward to riding a bike and saving money by not buying ridiculously expensive gas- plus getting some extra exercise. The goodbyes in Colorado will be followed by some hellos... and I can't wait to meet my other VTF (Vietnam Teaching Fellowship) team members, team leader(s), and future Vietnamese university students. I will be privileged to experience and learn a new country and culture with so much fascinating history. And most importantly, I am anxious for new and unique opportunities to share the Hope that I have.

Thanks for your interest in the journey!  As I close my first blog post ever (still trying to discipline myself to start following 'communication guidelines'), I want to share a quote that has been inspiring to me this week:

A life incapable of significant sacrifice is also incapable of courageous action.

-Urban T. Holmes III