On the cusp of leaving...

Thinking this morning as we are getting ready to leave tomorrow. We are leaving a day early and getting a hotel with my parents in Charlotte as there is a snow storm predicted for the area. This way we will be able to be close and make our plane (if the flight is not cancelled).

Just found out that Ruth has some tightness in her chest and was recommended by our Uncle Doug, who is a doctor, to go to a urgent care center to get checked out (we really are pressed on time, but of course, Ruth needs to be seen). So she is there right now and I am watching the boys (the final packing is on hold for the meantime)

I was starting to feel a sense of fear and dread (for the first time) about going to Africa. Not about contracting some serious disease, war, or any other fear. It was more like, "Is this really a good idea taking this kids away from their families? Do I really want to miss the birth of my only brother's first baby? I really have no experience in living in Africa, I am really incompetent in so many ways as far as life in this place. Man it really is hot there."

Started playing on the computer one of my favorite songs by a guy named Matthew Smith (it is really a redone John Newton hymn) that was introduced to me at our ordination service at our sending church, New Covenant Christian Fellowship called "The Lord Will Provide"

The second verse says,

We may, like the ships, by tempest be tossed
On perilous deeps, but cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide
The promise engages, the Lord will provide.

His call we obey like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers we have a good Guide,
And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide.

These words were very encouraging to me and the Lord used them to scatter all fear and doubt away. He certainly is with us wherever we go.

After the song ended....my heavenly rapture was interrupted by our little chatterbox two year old, John. He came up to me and said matter-of-factly in his particular style of speaking that loves to pile on the adjectives,

"Oooh Papa....I have a big, heavy, and amazing poopy diaper."

And I must say excepting the word 'amazing' (depending on how one might interpret it) he was spot on in his description.

Such is the life of all who are born again.....we have the hope of eternal life in the midst of our daily work. The unsearchable riches of Christ while changing diapers.