Bientôt (Soon)....

September 7th is fast approaching! Yesterday I spent four hours traveling home by train from Truman State, where I finished my summer job and and helped welcome the incoming freshmen. As one does best when left to stare out a window at the passing landscape, I had a lot of time to think, to reflect, to anticipate. Especially during these days, my journal seems to capture best the thoughts I have as I prepare for a semester abroad:

A great adventure is awaiting. This morning, I closed the 'Kirksville chapter' of my life (for now) and can look with full intent on what lies before me. France has never felt so close, and with all the talking I've done about it, I've only enforced what I'm feeling-- that this experience is really happening and it is happening soon!

My expectations for the semester are few, and they are simple. I want to know and experience the Lord while I am living in Grenoble, and I want to love others in His name.

I truly have no idea how things will turn out--but I'm confident in my Lord. Over and over again this week, He has reminded me of the importance of 'ruthless trust.' Father, I want to trust you.

These past 10 days in Kirksville were beautiful days. It would be hard to recount all the specific beautiful moments of the week, and even more difficult to recount all the beautiful people I was surrounded by. In His loving grace, I have felt so filled up--spiritually, emotionally--by being in Kirksville. It was an exhausting 10 days--I saw and spent time with more people than ever, and got as little sleep as I've ever gotten as a result. :)

It was hard, and sad, to leave the people that I love. This train ride home has been more emotional than I expected. Mostly, I'm simply overwhelmed by the community I have in Kirksville; I'm even overwhelmed by the number of people who want to stay in touch. There are so many lives at Truman that have touched my own and shown me aspects of who You are, Lord. You are simply so good, all the time, and You can be trusted with what is good, and what is unknown. Your faithfulness will never fail me. Your love can never fail me. You have never failed me, ever.

Father, thank you for times of preparation. As I enter my last week here in the States, continue to prepare me for all that is ahead! I am so excited.

Keep me in your prayers, friends! More than anything, I covet your intercession.