Greetings Friends,

Everywhere I looked today was beautiful. I love Oregon and I love my friends and family. All the more reason to acknowledge why leaving is such a hard thing to do. Some times I wish I could see my future then I'd be more at ease with what's to come and the decisions I have to make. Unfortunately, I'm blinded! I know not what lies beyond the distant shawdows of my future. It's at times like these that I lean oh so heavily upon my Savior and Father. Everyone keeps on telling me what a great experience I'll have and I'm sure they're right. However, the more I think about it, the more I feel God in my life. I feel Him close to me knowing that no matter what decision I make, to go or to stay, He is with me. I think this is good for me to notice because it puts life in perspective. It's not about how many places I can travel to in my life or how many friends I acquire whereever I choose to settle, but acknowledging the presence of God in my life no matter where I'm at, appreciating the things He has given me and praising Him with my talents. Pray for me my friends, I beseech you! Help this time abroad to be a good experience, but more importantly a continuation in faith, in love and in God.