Sunday, May 31, 2009

last day in America...

I can't believe this is finally happening...I will be in Africa this time Tuesday! Tomorrow morning I get on a plane in Cleveland at 10:18am, fly to D.C. and then I have a 6 hour layover there..hopefully I can learn the Zerma language (I think I am supposed to know it before I get there...). I am pretty sure I am meeting my team in D.C. and then we will fly to Paris together, we have a 4 hour layover in Paris then off to Niger. I am so nervous right now, I know God is going to protect me and I am so excited but I just don't know what to expect and that is scary.

I am so grateful for my amazing friends and family! My church had a commissioning service for me today...I had to speak (which was awful, but at least I didn't start laughing this time), then they all gathered and prayed for me. After church we had refreshments and everyone wished me luck and offered their prayers while I am gone. Milan Baptist has really shown me how much they care, providing almost all the money for my trip! Then for my last supper Nana made my favorite (baked spaghetti, salad, bread sticks, fried pies, and carrot cake)! The family plus Tori and Ann went to her house and we had a great time! Daddy and Kimberly and Tabitha called to tell me bye! Then Amy came over and I got to spend some time with her and Maggie! Plus Jessica has been with me since yesterday (helping me pack and reassuring me that everything is going to be fine Philippians 4:7) and she is going to the airport with mom to drop me off tomorrow! It has been a crazy few months getting ready for my trip...I am so blessed to have the mother I do. Putting up with everything to get me ready for this trip. I am so excited and I will miss everyone so much!

PLEASE pray for me!!!

5 comments:

  1. READ NIGER NEWS ON WWW.NIGER1.COM

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  2. Lauren,

    As always I will continue to pray for you. I knew when I asked you yesterday if you were sure you still wanted to go that there was hesitation in your voice. I know you feel that you have to do this trip and now that it is here there is no turning back, so I hope you get all you expect to get out of going to Africa. I know we do not see each other everyday but I am going to miss you even more than I always do just because I won't be able to pick up my phone and call you or text you whenever I want. Please be careful and really think before you do anything while you are out of the country. Remember the things daddy told you about. I am proud of you for doing something you feel so strong about. Please call and email when you can so I can hear your voice and read about how things are going.

    Always remember how much I love you and miss you.

    Love, Kimberly

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  3. OK I just got off of the phone with you b/c you were getting ready to board the plane in DC to go to Paris. Now I WAIT to hear from you when you land. Hopefully since you are flying at night you will be able to sleep during the flight to Paris.

    Always remember how much I love you and miss you,
    Kimberly

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  4. I was so glad to hear your voice at 2 something this morning, but now I sit here and wait for you to call when you arrive in Africa. You sounded so much better when you called from Paris than when I talked to you in DC and I was so thankful for that. I am still worried about you though. I was also glad to hear that you met up with some of the people going on the trip with you.

    Well when you get a minute please call and email so I know you are OK.

    Always remember how much I love you and miss you,
    Kimberly

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  5. I was waiting all day for your phone call and finally you got a chance to call and it was the best voice I have ever heard. Yo sounded tired but other than that you sounded happy to finally be there. When you get your phone call us or email us your phone number so we can call you. I know you have training for a week so I hope you get your phone soon. I also hope you get some real sleep tonight. Take care and may God be with you while you are away.

    Always remember how much I love you and miss you.

    Love,
    Kimberly

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