The High Point of Interstate 80

    Despite what the signs might of said, the highest point of interstate 80 East of the Mississippi was not on one random hill in beautiful Pennsylvania, but instead was what my dad and I encountered after we exited.  Our six hour drive down to Lancaster County was well worth the cramped legs and tired bums.  Saturday, around 4:00pm my dad and I arrived in Litiz PA. where we went to a beautiful town park to meet the family I will be a part of next year.  The kids and I played on the playground structure, watched the baby ducks, and did a few rounds of hide and go seek.  It was very nice to be outside playing after the car ride and it was great to get to know this wonderful family just a little bit.  After a few hours in the park it was time for dinner with my dad's UBAC classmate, her husband, and her mother.  Dinner was absolutely delicious and we were able to spend the evening catching up on each other's lives and I got to hear a few stories from the past.  Seeing the love that these mission friends have for each other despite the years and distance is simply amazing. Sunday I had the wonderful opportunity to attend church with my new family.  It was their last Sunday at their home church due to their departure date of Aug. 4th.  Thus I got to be a part of the send off service where people of the church prayed for this family and for me and all the adventures we might have together in Chad.  It is quite wonderful to see how God works across distance and denomination to serve his people.  Then the afternoon was spent with my new family, eating lunch, eating a delicious dessert, discussing Visa applications and other packing details, and simply getting to know one another.  I know, after this visit, that I will be loved and cared for by this family.  I pray that the children will look forward to my coming and the teaching I will be doing.

Chasing the sunset home

    My adventure for this week is obtaining shots.  Really exciting, I know!  Today will be the day for Hep A., Polio, and Meningitis.....Thursday brings the big day of typhoid and yellow fever.  Wish me luck!  It is also commitment time for me because I want to wrap up all my details before our next visitors arrive.  Bank applications, Visa application, insurance application, support letter thank-yous, and of course trying to relearn some French.  A full week of work ahead and a welcoming home to my mother.  Time to get to work!